NUS Students attending a class at the Center for Applied Policy Research, University of Munich

NUS' education is defined by its rigour and differentiated by its distinctive global programmes which aim to develop students into global citizens with an understanding of the multiplicities and complexities of the world, who appreciate and have empathy for others and their lives, and realize and celebrate the benefits of diversity and difference. This global citizenship is currently developed in two ways. First, using the curriculum and co-curriculum as a means of "internationalization-at-home", students' international, intercultural and comparative perspectives and understanding of the world can be enhanced through what they learn in-situ. Second, by creating opportunities for students to gain global experience through both formal and informal learning opportunities such as overseas attachments and educational programmes, NUS can contribute to the cultivation of global citizens.

Through enhancing the curriculum with international, intercultural and comparative content, and developing summer programmes and joint- and double-degree programmes in collaboration with selected partner universities, NUS strives to increase students' familiarity with and enhance their understanding of the world, especially Asia. NUS collaborates with renowned partner universities to set up schools & programmes here, thereby creating opportunities for global experience and exposure right here “at home”. Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School was established in 2005 to complement NUS’ existing undergraduate medical school. Yale University collaborated with NUS to establish the Yale-NUS College, which offers a unique, leading edge, and paradigm-changing model in liberal arts education for the 21st century contextualized to Asia. The College, when it opens its doors in 2013, places NUS among the early movers, and reinforces its role as the centre of educational excellence and educational innovation in Asia. It is the first campus outside New Haven, Connecticut, that Yale University has developed.

The NUS University Town (UTown) welcomed its first batch of students in 2011. First of its kind in Singapore and the region, UTown is adapted from leading residential colleges in the world and combines the vibrancy of campus living with an exciting learning experience in a global setting – one that fosters a spirit of adventure, inquiry and enterprise. This will enhance the transformative educational experience that will prepare NUS graduates for a fast changing, globalizing world.