General Information
About NUS
The roots of NUS can be traced to the founding of The Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School in 1905. The School was renamed King Edward VII Medical School in 1913 and was the first institution of higher learning in Singapore. It gained recognition and rose in status to become the King Edward VII College of Medicine in 1921.
In 1928, Raffles College was established to offer tertiary-level courses in Arts and Science. In 1949, it merged with the King Edward VII College of Medicine to form a full-fledged University, the University of Malaya. With full degree-granting powers, the University was a beacon of knowledge for both sides of the Causeway.
With the decision of the Governments of Singapore and the Federation of Malaya that the Singapore Division and the Kuala Lumpur Division of the University of Malaya should become autonomous national universities in their respective countries, the University of Singapore, with its campus in Bukit Timah, was established on 1 January 1962.
In 1955, Nanyang University was established from contributions and resources pooled from the Chinese community in Singapore. To the Chinese community, Nanyang University was more affectionately known as ‘Nantah’.
On 8 August 1980, the National University of Singapore was formed through a merger between the University of Singapore and Nanyang University. The sprawling 150-hectare Kent Ridge site became the new home for the University. The then President of the Republic of Singapore, Dr Benjamin Sheares, become NUS’ first Chancellor. The Kent Ridge site was developed over the years and the transfer of all the Faculties and Departments to the new campus was completed in 1986.
Chancellery
The President of the Republic of Singapore is the Chancellor of the University. The Chancellor holds the authority to confer degrees and presides at Commencement when present. The Chancellor may appoint such persons to be Pro-Chancellors as he/she may consider proper. If for any reason the Chancellor is unable to exercise any of his/her functions, he/she may authorise any of the Pro-Chancellors to exercise those functions on his/her behalf. There are currently six Pro-Chancellors appointed by the Chancellor. An up-to-date listing of the University Chancellery is available here.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees, appointed by the Minister for Education, is responsible for ensuring that the University acts in furtherance of its objectives in education and research and that the funds and assets of the University are properly accounted for and safeguarded. The Trustees are eminent persons of good repute and sound judgment, with considerable experience in public service, the private sector or academia. The Trustees are dedicated to the furtherance of the interests and good governance of the University. An up-to-date listing of the Trustees is available here.
Management
The NUS President, appointed by the Board of Trustees, is the principal executive and academic officer of the University. The Board of Trustees, in consultation with the President, also appoints the Management team of the University. Together, this team develops and implements the strategic objectives of the University. An up-to-date listing of the members of the NUS Management team is available here.
Senate
The Senate is the highest academic body of the University. Chaired by the President of the University, the Senate meets regularly to deliberate on educational policy and other academic issues.
Some of the available resources and services at NUS are as follows:
Office of Admissions
The Office of Admissions oversees matters pertaining to full-time undergraduate admissions including recruitment and transfer of undergraduate degree programmes, student financial aid and NUS scholarships.
Campus Services
The Campus Services ( CS ), a unit under the umbrella of Campus Life Division, oversees the Retail and Dining Services, Mobility Services, Sports and UTown Management and Venue Bookings (SFAH, YIH and YNC) in NUS with the aim of delivering quality service and excellence to the stakeholders in Campus.
NUS Information Technology
NUS Information Technology (NUS IT) is the cornerstone of the university’s digital transformation, delivering innovative, reliable, and secure IT solutions that empower teaching, learning, research, and administration. Our mission is to create a borderless, technology-driven community where knowledge is always within reach, achieved through the effective implementation of advanced applications and services. This is only possible through close partnerships with faculties and departments, enabling us to co-create ground-breaking IT solutions that address the diverse needs of the NUS community.
Our comprehensive portfolio encompasses central IT governance and management, strategic planning, disaster recovery, and enterprise IT security. We lead initiatives in modernisation, digital transformation, cloud adoption, system integration, and campus networking, as well as support research computing, business warehousing, grid computing, data management, green computing, and enterprise architecture.
Through our commitment to excellence, NUS IT ensures the university stays at the forefront of technological innovation and digital advancement.
NUS Co-op
The NUS Multi-purpose Co-operative Society Limited (NUS Co-op) offers a wide range of products including books, course packs, stationery and sundry items, and computer hardware, software and accessories. It has a wide membership in the community. Among the various services it provides are a book assistance scheme and several community service schemes.
Office of Finance
The Office of Finance plays a pivotal role in managing the University’s financial resources, to meet the strategic and operational needs of the University. In addition, we provide comprehensive financial and accounting services across NUS. Apart from financial resource management, our key responsibilities include controllership, financial reporting, finance business partnering, treasury and finance shared services.
University Health Centre
The University Health Centre (UHC) consists of two Units, each handling different aspects of health and wellness for the NUS community:
- Health Service provides comprehensive medical care
- Wellness Outreach promotes a healthy and balanced lifestyle
Global Relations Office
NUS Global Relations Office engages with institutions around the world to foster meaningful collaborations that benefit students, staff and stakeholders. Through NUS' extensive global network, close partnerships, scholarships, and financial aid, students have opportunities to participate in global programmes such as the Student Exchange Programme, International Summer and Winter Programmes, International Research Attachments, Study Trips for Engagement and EnRichment (STEER), and the SEA Friendship Initiative.
NUS Libraries
Headquartered in NUS Central Library, at the heart of the Kent Ridge Campus, NUS Libraries plays a pivotal role in partnering the NUS community to advance scholarship and research, by providing information resources, knowledge networks and interactive platforms.
Notably, NUS Libraries is the steward and repository of national and regional heritage, hosting collections that include rare books dating back to the 14th century, irreplacable material salvaged from the Japanese Occupation of Singapore in World War 2, and the world-renowned Singapore/Malaysia Collection which offers broad and in-depth coverage of the economic, geographical, historical, political and social development of Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as an entity.
Office of the University Registrar
The Office of the University Registrar oversees the administration of academic matters including freshmen registration, course enrolment, curriculum, examinations, award of degrees, and commencement. The Office is committed to service excellence and makes use of the latest technology to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in its administrative operations.
NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates
The NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG) is the National University of Singapore’s dedicated career centre.
Our mission is to equip students with critical life and career skills, developing highly employable graduates who thrive in an evolving world of work and are resilient amidst volatility. Our partnership continues with alumni even as they journey beyond the university. In addition, we collaborate closely with employers to support their talent strategy and build talent pipelines that provide them a competitive advantage.
What We Do
Signature career programmes to equip participants for career success
- Build foundational career skills with Career Catalyst
- Explore emerging and global trends across industries with Industry Insights
- Learn advanced interview and workplace skills with Career Booster
- Establish early career success with Career Advancement
- Learn to speak with impact and confidence with Commslab Public Speaking
- Master your finances and invest in your future with Financial Wellbeing
- Develop crucial life skills with Roots and Wings 2.0
- Explore leadership through mentorship from accomplished female leaders with Women's Professional Development
Personalised Career Advisory
- Receive personalised career advice and coaching from dedicated Career Advisors
Access to Jobs and Internships
- Easy access for students and alumni to full-time roles and internships
- Career fairs, recruitment talks and networking sessions to network with potential employers.
- Build effective recruitment strategies with employer partners
Digital Career Resource Library
- Learn valuable career tips anytime, anywhere with CFG’s digital how-to guides
AI and Technological Tools
- Continuous development and deployment of specialised digital platforms to empower the delivery of career services
Mentorship Programmes
- Gain valuable career advice and build a strong professional network through mentorship opportunities
Office of Student Affairs
The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) is committed to provide a rich and memorable student experience in NUS. OSA considers students’ perspectives and creates opportunities to enrich their campus life. OSA endeavours to develop a student-centric environment and administration through a wide range of support services, educational, cultural, social programming, and resources.
The type of services, programmes and activities OSA offers include:
- Arts
Embrace interdisciplinary learning, and explore new frontiers through art; create opportunities for innovative collaborations with faculty members and established arts practitioners through various platforms;
- Community Engagement
Promote and support student engagement with the community within the university, and with society beyond the university;
- Student Wellness
Support students’ wellbeing and strengthen mental health services in a safe and inclusive space as they navigate their journey in NUS;
- Student Leadership and Development
Provide a framework of governance for NUS student organisations to thrive and contribute to student life and campus vibrancy;
- Student Accessibility Unit
Provide an inclusive and nurturing academic environment to students with disabilities and special education needs to achieve their fullest potential;
- Sports
Promote a healthy lifestyle through sports and recreation, and sports excellence;
- Student Service Centre
A convenient contact point for students to obtain information and services related to academic/administrative student records, tuition fees and financial matters;
- Hostel Admission Services
Manage student housing, application eligibility and procedures;
- Residential Life
Assist students to settle in and experience a positive and vibrant residential life through social, cultural and sports activities, and enrichment programmes.