Is the degree obtained through MDIS of equivalent standards to one obtained by students studying on-campus?
Students are assessed on the same standards as internal students. Therefore, the degree awarded is exactly the same as the on-campus degree. The only exception is the University of Wales degree, which is a validated degree because this university is a federal university.

Are the programmes conducted by MDIS registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE)?
All programmes conducted by MDIS are registered with the MOE.

Are the degrees recognised by the Singapore government?
The Public Service Commission (PSC) in Singapore will accept any degree awarded by the universities as a criteria for employment in the Civil Service so long as they are accepted by their home government. A criterion to determine this recognition is to verify whether the university is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) for both UK and Australian programmes.

As for American programmes, as long as the US government or the North Central Association (NCA) accredits the university , the programme is recognised.

Will I be able to gain admission into the local universities after completing my Advanced Diploma with MDIS?
No. As the current requirement by local universities only recognises local polytechnic and good GCE "A" level results. However, you can apply for the master degree programmes with the local universities with a bachelor degree from MDIS.

What are the differences between a fully taught, distance learning and correspondence course?
Fully taught - students must attend weekly lectures and tutorials. Contacts with the lecturers are on a more frequent basis.

Distance learning - students are in contact with their tutors through intensive bloc sessions over a limited period of time. In a distance learning mode, students are required to read their course materials at their own time. During the session with the tutors, students will seek clarifications on issues that need further understanding.

Correspondence - there is no contact with the tutors. Students are very much on their own. They probably correspond with tutors over emails or faxes. MDIS does not offer correspondence courses.

Is there an attendance requirement?
Yes. You need to fulfil 90% attendance as a full- time student and 80% attendance as a part-time student.
To meet SIR requirement, a 90% attendance is compulsory for the student pass holder.
Students who are company-sponsored and are on SDF sponsorship must also fulfil a minimum attendance of 75%.

However, if you have to be away for business trip, reservist training, medical reasons with a valid medical certificate, you can be excused from the requirement (except for foreign students). All documentary proof must be submitted to MDIS with the leave of absence form.

Are there any hidden costs?
Besides the membership fee that you have to pay, all materials (e.g. lecture notes and lab fees), and examination fee are included in the course fee. There is no hidden cost.

What are the qualifications / credentials of the lecturers? How qualified are they?
Respective universities must approve all lecturers before they are allowed to teach in the programme. Usually, they are academics from local tertiary institutions or practitioners from the industry.

They must hold a recognised master's degree and above in order to undertake any bachelor programme; and at least a bachelor's degree to teach in the certificate and diploma programmes.

Why should students pay for membership fee?
MDIS is a 'Not-For-Profit' organisation and a membership-based institute. As such, MDIS membership is a prerequisite for students attending MDIS academic courses.

Full Progression Path towards Achievement of a Degree Qualification
MDIS provides a full Progression Path for international students, who can expect to progress from a Foundation English Programme to a Post Graduate Degree Programme within MDIS. The Degree qualification are awarded directly by the respective universities.

Internationally Recognised Qualification
The Diploma qualifications awarded by MDIS and its respective university partners are recognised in several countries namely in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia and in other countries for further progression into their Degree Programmes.

Affiliated with Acclaimed University Partners
MDIS works with renowned university partners in the UK, USA and Australia. Students who wish to do part of their degree programmes on campus in these countries can apply through MDIS.

A Pool of Experienced and Well-qualified Lecturers
All MDIS's lecturers are recruited based on the merits of their qualifications, teaching experience and related working experience and have to be approved by the respective universities.

5. State-of art Training Facilities
The training facilities of MDIS are strategically located in various parts of Singapore. These locations are easily accessible by MRT and public transportation.