SoC Global Opportunities
Through NUS and School of Computing collaborations with top universities globally, our students have access to a wide range of options for their overseas experience. With over 100 partner universities to choose from, students can explore diverse cultures, academic programmes, and international opportunities.
Studying abroad can be a transformative experience, enabling students to develop a global perspective, enhance their adaptability, and foster lifelong friendships.
Whether you’re interested in immersing yourself in the bustling city life of a metropolis, exploring the rich history and traditions of an ancient city, or being surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, the various partner universities offer something for every adventurous spirit. We invite all students to seize this incredible opportunity and embark on a journey of discovery and self-development through our extensive network of partner universities.
Student Exchange Programme (SEP)
The NUS Student Exchange Programme (SEP) offers students a unique and invaluable opportunity to enhance their learning experience through studying at one of our overseas partner universities, typically for a semester, subject to the School’s approval. This programme opens doors to new experiences that can truly be considered once-in-a-lifetime, leaving a lasting impact on the student’s life.
Duration
One NUS regular semester.
Application Eligibility
To register for the Student Exchange Programme (SEP), you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a registered NUS full-time undergraduate student.
- Have completed at least two semesters of studies at NUS.
- Ensure that the SEP period does not fall in your final semester of study.
- Have a GPA of at least 3.00 and no grade below ‘C’ (grade point of 2.00) in any course.
- Have a clean disciplinary record.
- Meet the entry requirements set by the host institution and the host country.
Application Period
The School of Computing has two rounds of Student Exchange Programme (SEP) applications. Round 1 takes place around August/September (for Semester 1 or 2 exchange for the following academic year) and in April/May (for Semester 2 exchange for the following academic year). Eligible students will be notified of the SEP places via email before the application window. You can refer to the schedule for each round below:
AY2025/2026 SEP Application Round 1: 26 August – 29 September 2024 (For AY2025-2026, Semester 1 or 2 exchange)
AY2025/2026 SEP Application Round 2: 25 April – 25 May 2025 (For AY2025-2026, Semester 2 exchange only)
How to Apply
To apply for the Student Exchange Programme (SEP), follow these steps:
- Access the online application platform through EduRec: Go to EduRec and navigate to “Self Service > Global Education > External Study Application.”
- Submit your study plan as a supporting document: Ensure you upload your study plan as a supporting document through EduRec. Failing to do so will result in an incomplete application, and your submission will be voided. Please note that there won’t be any reminders for missing documents, so make sure to include the study plan. Email submissions for supporting documents are not accepted. Refer to here for the study plan template. Kindly note that this stage pertains solely to study planning, and modifications are permissible once you’ve secured the exchange offer. Students will gain access to the course mapping worksheet upon accepting the internal SEP offer.
- Complete all questions in the application form: It is mandatory to fill out all the questions in the application form. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
What You Need to Consider For Your SEP Application
When selecting up to 5 choices of partner universities for the Student Exchange Programme (SEP), it is essential to consider the following factors before making your choices (in no particular order):
- Suitable partner university courses for mapping: Ensure that the courses offered by the partner universities align well with your academic requirements and contribute towards the fulfillment of your degree requirements. Thoroughly explore the course offerings of each partner university to make informed decisions.
- Academic calendar compatibility: Check if the academic calendar of the partner university is suitable for your exchange period. Ensure that it fits well with your NUS academic schedule and allows for a smooth transition between semesters.
- Language of instruction: Assess whether there might be potential language barriers with the instruction medium used at the partner university. If the courses are not taught in your native language or a language you are proficient in, consider your language skills and whether you will be comfortable studying in that language.
- Financial considerations: Evaluate your financial situation and determine if you can comfortably finance your SEP stint. Take into account the cost of living, accommodation, travel, and other expenses associated with the exchange programme.
- Thorough research: Take the time to thoroughly explore the SEP information provided by Global Relations Office (GRO) or School of Computing. Familiarize yourself with the details and requirements of the programme to ensure a smooth application process.
- Read SEP-FAQs: Review the SEP-FAQs tab to gain a better understanding of the SEP application and selection process in the School of Computing. This will help you prepare a well-informed application.
Selection Criteria
The School of Computing follows a holistic approach in the selection process for SEP applicants. This means that your application will be evaluated based on various factors, including your preferred order of partner universities, responses to the SEP questions, academic achievements, and co-curricular activities (CCA) accomplishments, among other relevant criteria.
By considering a wide range of factors, the School aims to assess applicants comprehensively and fairly. This approach allows the selection committee to gain a deeper understanding of each applicant’s suitability and preparedness for the exchange programme.
To increase your chances of being selected for the SEP, it is crucial to present a well-rounded application that showcases not only your academic achievements but also your motivation, interests, and readiness for an international exchange experience.
Remember to provide thoughtful and accurate responses to the SEP questions, highlight your academic achievements, and demonstrate your involvement in co-curricular activities. Emphasizing how your preferred partner universities align with your academic and personal goals can also strengthen your application.
Overall, putting forth a strong and complete application will help you stand out in the selection process and enhance your prospects of participating in a rewarding SEP opportunity.
What You Need to Know
- For More Details about NUS SEP
- SoC Faculty Level Partners
- Insurance Coverage
- Please click here for NUS student travel insurance matters.
- At the same time, it is strongly encouraged for all SEP students to purchase their own personal insurance for comprehensive coverage while on exchange overseas. Having personal insurance during your exchange period provides added security and protection in case of unexpected events or emergencies. It can cover various aspects such as medical expenses, accidents, trip cancellations, baggage loss, and other unforeseen situations.Therefore, obtaining additional personal insurance can provide peace of mind and ensure that you are adequately protected throughout your exchange journey.
- Tuition Fees
- NUS students continue to pay tuition fees to NUS while the tuition fees at the host university is waived. Note that you are expected to pay for any additional charges (e.g: health insurance, other campus fees, course materials fees and etc) set out by the partner university.
- Course Mappings
- Previously approved course mappings granted in prior semesters do not automatically carry over to subsequent semesters/years. NUS course hosts will conduct periodic reviews of course mappings in response to NUS curriculum updates, the training goals of our undergraduates, and changes in course contents (inclusive of contact hours) offered by our partner universities. This means that while past approvals may provide context, they do not guarantee future outcomes. Therefore, it is essential to submit your course mappings via EduRec for review and approval first before incurring premature financial expenses ahead of such programme applications. Please refer to Course Mappings tab for more information.
- Credit Transfer
- Credits are transferred only for courses read and pass at partner universities, and have been earlier approved for mapping to NUS courses. Please refer to Credit Transfer tab for more information.
- SEP Withdrawals
- All requests for withdrawal from the Student Exchange Programme (SEP) must be sought for approval and accompanied by supporting reasons. It is important to provide a valid explanation for the withdrawal to be considered. Furthermore, applicants should be aware that there is a withdrawal fee of $300 if they choose to withdraw from the SEP after accepting the internal offer.
Summer & Winter Programmes
Students have the opportunity to gain global exposure through participating in summer and winter programmes. The NUS Global Relations Office (GRO) curates a selection of reputable summer and winter programmes offered by universities worldwide.
These summer and winter programmes are carefully chosen to ensure their academic quality and alignment with NUS degree requirements. As a result, students can earn credits that count towards their degree while taking part in these short-term study experiences.
Moreover, for the summer and winter programmes recommended by GRO, students have the chance to apply for financial support. GRO administers various financial aid options to assist eligible students in funding their participation in these global programmes.
By participating in these carefully curated summer and winter programmes, students can broaden their horizons, engage in cross-cultural learning, and enhance their academic journey. These experiences offer valuable insights, foster personal growth, and enrich students’ overall university experience.
Duration
Summer programmes usually commence in early June and run until early August, providing students with at least five weeks of study and cultural immersion in the host country. On the other hand, winter programmes typically start in early December and conclude in early January, lasting for around one month. The specific dates and duration of summer and winter programmes may vary depending on the host universities and regions. Therefore, students interested in participating in these programmes should refer to the details provided by the NUS Global Relations Office (GRO) for accurate and up-to-date information on available options.
Credit Transfer Policy for Summer/Winter Programmes
It is important to note that only approved summer/winter programmes completed with partner universities that are endorsed either by the NUS Global Relations Office (GRO) or the faculty level will be considered for credit transfer. Therefore, when selecting your preferred international study programme (i-SP), you should choose from the list of host universities recommended by the NUS Global Relations Office (GRO).
NUS will not impose Special Term fees on students who participate in up to two summer or winter programmes during their three/four years of study at NUS, as long as the total credit transfer does not exceed 12 units. This means that you can take advantage of these short-term study opportunities without incurring additional fees during your regular academic years at NUS.
From AY2018/2019 onwards, students may map up to a maximum of 10 units for each Summer Programme (in Person) and up to a maximum of 5 units for each Winter Programme (in person).
Students who have exceeded the 12 units and still wish to transfer credit may do so by paying Special Term fees. Please refer to the NUS Registrar’s Office for the fees.
Below are some examples where special term fees are applicable or not:
- Student attempted 2 Summer/winter Programmes and wish to map 12 units, no fees are required.
- Student attempted 2 Summer/winter Programmes and wish to map 18 units, fees are required for 6 units.
- Student attempted 3 Summer/winter Programmes and wish to map 12 units, fees are required for the course that is transferred under the 3rd Summer Programme.
How to Apply
Please refer to GRO’s i-SP Application Guide for details.
What You Need to Know
- Please note that the School of Computing does not support summer/winter programmes that extend into the new semester at NUS. This means that if you plan to participate in a summer or winter programme that overlaps with the start of the new semester at NUS, you will not be eligible for a Leave of Absence (LOA) to accommodate the extension.
It is essential to consider the timing of your chosen summer/winter programme to ensure that it does not conflict with the academic calendar at NUS. If the programme extends into the new semester, you will be expected to resume your studies at NUS as scheduled, and any request for a Leave of Absence will not be supported by the School of Computing. - Previously approved course mappings granted in prior semesters do not automatically carry over to subsequent semesters/years. NUS course hosts will conduct periodic reviews of course mappings in response to NUS curriculum updates, the training goals of our undergraduates, and changes in course contents (inclusive of contact hours) offered by our partner universities. This means that while past approvals may provide context, they do not guarantee future outcomes. Therefore, it is essential to submit your course mappings via EduRec for review and approval first before incurring premature financial expenses ahead of such programme applications. Please refer to Course Mappings tab for more information.
Singapore Universities Student Exchange Programme (SUSEP)
The Singapore Universities Student Exchange Programme (SUSEP) offers students the opportunity to study at either Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), or Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD).
During SUSEP, students can choose between two options:
Full SUSEP exchange: This option allows students to spend an entire semester studying all courses at the host university. In this case, students will be fully immersed in the academic environment of the chosen host university.
Partial SUSEP exchange: Under this option, students have the flexibility to take up courses at both their home university (NUS) and the host university (NTU, SMU, SUSS, or SUTD). While studying at the host university, students must also complete at least one course at NUS.
Please refer to this link for more information on SUSEP.
Application Period
Students interested in participating in the Singapore Universities Student Exchange Programme (SUSEP) are required to apply one semester before the start of their intended exchange period. As the number of available slots for SUSEP is limited, the School of Computing will invite Degree Level 3 students to apply in each application round.
How to Apply
Email invitations to apply for SUSEP are typically sent to eligible students by School of Computing. Students who receive such invitations should take advantage of the opportunity and submit their applications within the specified timeframe.
NUS Overseas Colleges
The NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) programme offers more than 15 leading entrepreneurial hotspots worldwide, providing students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant startup culture.
Selected students will have the chance to intern at innovative start-ups located in some of the world’s most renowned entrepreneurial hubs. This practical experience allows participants to gain invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, innovation, and cutting-edge technologies.
While interning at start-ups, students will also have the opportunity to attend classes at reputable and prestigious universities that partner with NOC. This combination of real-world experience and academic learning fosters a well-rounded entrepreneurial education that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the fast-paced startup ecosystem.
The NOC programme offers a transformative journey, where students can build a global network, collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset. It provides a unique chance for students to challenge themselves, discover their potential, and make a meaningful impact in the entrepreneurial world.
Duration
Students have the flexibility to choose between two options within the NOC programme:
- Year-long programme: This option spans over a 12-month period, equivalent to 2 regular semesters. Depending on the location, the year-long programme awards up to 40 academic units.
- Short programme: The short programme runs for a 6-month period, equivalent to 1 regular semester. Depending on the location, the short programme awards up to 22 academic units. However, for the NOC programme in Singapore specifically, it awards up to 26 academic units.
Application Period
NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) conducts two application rounds per year. Students interested in the NOC programme can anticipate the application periods to open in January and August of the year.
How to Apply
Applications are to be submitted to NOC directly. You can refer to this link to find out more how to apply for NOC programmes.
What You Need to Know
You can refer to this link to find out more on the curriculum mappings for the NOC programmes.
If you need to inquire further about the exchange programmes, please email Ms. Diana Wong at comwpd@nus.edu.sg
