Few experiences challenge and reward you like living and studying in another country. Through the International Relations Office (IRO), you can learn about the excitement of living and studying in another country. The knowledge that the experiences you acquired during your overseas studies will be valuable to your future employers makes it all the more rewarding. With more than 1,000 placements being arranged for students yearly, IRO is dedicated to transforming students' lives through international exchanges.
Students who have gone on exchange programmes have unparalleled opportunities for personal development, personal growth and travel. The various Student Exchange Programmes (SEP) initiated by the IRO provide the knowledge and support students need for success.
Am I Eligibile?
For undergraduate students, to be eligible to participate in the NUS Student Exchange Programme (SEP), you must:
be enrolled at the National University of Singapore (NUS) as a full-time student;
have completed at least two semesters of study before embarking on the exchange programme;
have a sound academic record, i.e. minimum CAP of 3.0, and should not have any grade below grade ‘C’ (grade point of 2.0) in any module;
have sufficient financial means to cover the necessary expenses for the duration of the SEP (ranging from S$5,000 to S$15,000 per semester, subject to the country and local conditions at the overseas Partner University during the period of exchange). When applying for your student visa, a number of countries may demand documentary proof of your financial status;
obtain Faculty’s approval for the SEP; and
satisfy host institution and host country entry requirements.
The following categories of students are not eligible for overseas SEP:
students in their final semester of degree or are scheduled for their final year projects/internship/industrial attachment
international students receiving a scholarship that is financed or administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (e.g. Singapore Scholarships)
Our exchange agreements with partner institutions usually specify a certain number of places which will be available to NUS students. These numbers vary for each institution. If there are too many applicants for one institution, students are selected according to academic merit. When approving a student’s application for exchange, consideration is also given to his or her ability to be a good ambassador for NUS.
How much does it cost to go on SEP?
Students will only need to pay the normal NUS tuition fees during their SEP overseas. They are not required to pay any tuition fees at the host university.
However, students are responsible to ensure that they have the financial means to support their living cost during their SEP overseas. The cost of living varies from country to country and different cities in the same country. An estimated guide is provided in the IRO website.
How to apply?
Start to plan for your exchange programme before the start of the application, such as:
confirm your eligibility
check out the Partner University you would like to go and the required application materials
think about how you can finance your exchange
Submit your SEP application through OPAS (Overseas Programme Application System)
You will undergo a selection process firstly at NUS (by your Faculty/School) and then at the host university.
SEP applications open around: (These are estimated timeline. You should check with your SEP Administrator in the Dean's Office for actual application dates.)
AY0809 SEP Application
Oct 2007 till Mar 2008
Submit an application to your Host University.
Once you are selected to go on SEP, you will be informed by your respective Faculty/School to submit a formal application with the necessary documents to the Host University.
Finalise your Exchange
Once your SEP application has been officially approved by both NUS and the host university, you can proceed to:
arrange for accomodation at the host university
apply for any financial assistance available in NUS (All AY0809 NASA(Exchange Awards) applications should be submitted online through OPAS. You will be prompted to apply after accepting the SEP Internal Offer)
Make your own visa and travel arrangements.
Obtain suitable medical/health insurance from the host university or in the country
Attend pre-departure briefings conducted by IRO
Upon arrival at the country of the host university, contact and register your personal particulars at the relevant Diplomatic Mission. For Singaporean student, please contact the Singapore's Embassy/High Commission or alternatively please register online via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
After you have registered at the host university, please update your mailing addresses directly at the NUS Registrar's Office website.
What happen after SEP?
Registrar Office will inform (via email) you to collect a copy of your original transcript received from the SEP Partner University. Click here for more details.
Please approach your Faculty/School Dean's Office directly for issues pertaining to credit transfer.
To help the University in reviewing and improving its exchange programme, you will also be asked to complete a SEP Student Feedback Questionnaire.
