National University of Singapore

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is the oldest institution of higher learning in Singapore, as well as the largest university in the country in terms of student numbers and curriculum offered. It is among the very top handful of universities in Asia and ranks among the top 50 globally.

Academic Highlights

The university has a wide range of areas of study for students to choose from, particularly within the engineering and physical sciences fields. Its 17 schools across three campuses provide a broad-based curriculum underscored by a multi-disciplinary approach. NUS follows a tutorial and seminar teaching system but with small class sizes providing a more inclusive and collaborative environment for students.

Location

Located just outside of central Singapore, NUS is on the doorstep of the world's fourth leading financial centre, and one of the five busiest ports in the world. Singapore is a very liveable but thriving modern “city in a garden” – both high-tech and environmentally aware.

Did you know?

Notable alumni include Margaret Chan, former Director-General of the World Health Organisation, and Mahathir Mohamad, former Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Handbook/Catalogue

NUS's course catalogue is available here. Please read the first page carefully, as it links to course outlines.

Restrictions for exchange students can be found here. Note that National University of Singapore cannot accept Singaporean citizens as exchange students.

Monash Exchange students may only enrol in units, known as "courses" offered by the following faculties at NUS:

• Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
• College of Design and Engineering
• Faculty of Science
• School of Computing

Language requirements

• The language of instruction at NUS is English.

Academic considerations

• If you are a Business and Economics student, please apply to the separate application here. A separate balance for Business and Economics students exists there.
• Due to a high level of demand, note that units from the Faculty of Law at National University of Singapore are not currently available to incoming exchange students.
• NUS requires exchange students to have an average mark of at least a B, and to have no fail grades.

Full-time Credit Load Equivalents

"Units" were previously known as "modular credits"

Amended on 7 November 2019.

Academic Calendar

NUS Second Semester (Monash Semester 1): mid-January - early May
NUS First Semester (Monash Semester 2): early August - early December

NUS's Academic Calendar

Note

• The listed disciplines are not necessarily exhaustive and other fields of study might also be available at the institution.
• Approval to study particular subjects at any institution is always at the discretion of the departmental/discipline and faculty advisers in your managing faculty(ies) and subject to available places at the host.

Important notes

This exchange agreement is not available to postgraduate students.

If you are applying solely as a Business and Economics student, please apply using this separate application.

Due to a high level of demand, note that units from the Faculty of Law at National University of Singapore are not currently available to incoming exchange students.

Please note that National University of Singapore is not currently available to students from the Monash University Malaysia campus. National University of Singapore also cannot accept Singaporean citizens or permanent residents as exchange students.

To begin your application and study plan, click the button below.

Apply here

Have you been to the National University of Singapore and want to share your experience? 
Let us know about your exchange via this survey form and your testimonial could be shown here!

Irene Hung
Bachelor of Commerce/Science
Semester 2, 2016
Studied: Business units

Study Experience

The Business Faculty has an excellent program for exchange students and facilitated multiple events allow for networking. The classes were less like lectures and more like seminars, with class participation playing an important role in the learning outcomes. Overall, the atmosphere and delivery of the content was quite unique and different compared to the Australian system which I found to be challenging and interactive.

Culture

Singapore is a hub when it comes to travelling around Asia, it was a lot easier to explore surrounding countries and expand my travel experiences.
Food is both cheap and delicious and the transport options are fantastic - the MRT is quick and efficient, taxis are relatively cheap for late night or early morning travel. Overall, the culture is diverse and the country is clean and peaceful - also most people can speak English!

Benefits of going on exchange

Exchange was the best part of my four years at Monash. It enabled me to gain a broader perspective of where my studies can take me and allowed me to learn more about other Asian cultures. Given that Asia is a close neighbour to Australia, it is important to understand and maintain productive ties with these countries for future progress. I had the time of my life travelling and meeting new people, some of who have become lifelong friends. I now feel comfortable working overseas, particularly with people of different cultures and backgrounds.

Career Benefits

Given that the world is becoming more global, employers are drawn towards those who have had international experiences as they have been equipped with the skills to work with diverse individuals including communication, adaptability and problem solving. Exchange has been a huge benefit to me in that regard, as many firms in Melbourne have offices internationally or have international employees where these skills can be utilised.

Money and Budgeting

Research scholarships and grants that may be available, for example, the Westpac Asian Exchange scholarship which is available to those studying at select schools in the Asia region. I would also suggest borrowing textbooks instead of buying them, or finding online versions which are often discounted. Set a budget for yourself and plan your spending around that - perhaps cook meals instead of buying. Lastly, for travel give hostels a try as they are often cheap, helpful and have great vibes.

Top tips

• Travel as much as you can when you are abroad.
• Talk to everyone! You never know who you may end up befriending.
• Immerse yourself in the culture as much as possible and get involved!