UMD Exchange: National University of Singapore (Singapore)

 

 

All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.

Host Institution
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore’s flagship university and is widely respected as a leading institution of higher learning. NUS puts emphasize high impact practices in its approach to education, research, and service. Founded in 1905, it is the oldest university in Singapore, as well as the largest university in the country in terms of student enrollment and curriculum offered.  It was ranked as the best university in Asia by QS University Rankings in 2014.

Host City
Singapore is a small, city-state that is made up of a main island and 63 surrounding islets. With one of the busiest ports in the world, this small, but cosmopolitan country, has grown into a thriving center of commerce and industry in just 150 years.  English is the official working language of the country, but people also speak Chinese, Malay, and Tamil.

The National University of Singapore and the University of Maryland are both members in Universitas 21 (U21). U21 is the leading global network of research-intensive universities; working together to foster global citizenship and institutional innovation through research inspired teaching and learning, student mobility, connecting our students and staff, and wider advocacy for internationalization. 

Learn more about Universitas 21 and it's programs and mission on the U21 website: https://universitas21.com/

---

Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:

• 3.0 GPA
• Completion of 2 semesters at UMD

Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.

Student Visa Information
A student visa is required for participation on this exchange. For more information, please visit our study abroad visa guide to view instructions for the country you will be visiting. Please note that visa information is subject to change and you are responsible for checking the embassy website for updates.

---

1. Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
2. Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program. 
3. After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
4. If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
5. Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.

---

Academic Planning

Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:

• Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
• Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
• Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record

Coursework

NUS offers a variety of course options which include Architecture, Arts and Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, Industrial Design, Law, Music, and Science. As part of your application you will be asked to indicate which modules (classes) you would like to enroll in.  International exchange students must enroll in 3 modules. 

Restrictions: Exchange students are not allowed to enroll in modules in the Faculty of Dentistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, the Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Institute of Systems Science, and the Singapore-MIT Alliance.

 

There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD).  If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.

Credit

All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree.  Most courses at The National University of Singapore will be converted as follows:

NUS Credit	UMD Credit
1 NUS credit	1 UMD credit
3 NUS credits	3 UMD credits

The chart above was last approved by the UMD Transfer Credit Committee on December 15, 2016.

Grading

Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.

NUS Grade	UMDGrade
C	C -

 

---

NUS has a limited number of on-campus accommodation but does not guarantee on-campus accommodation for exchange students. Students can apply for on-campus housing after acceptance to the program. You can learn more about on-campus housing options here: http://nus.edu.sg/osa/has/non-graduating/hostel-options.

For students who choose not to apply for on-campus housing or who are unsuccessful in their on-campus housing applications, the Hostel Admissions Services at NUS provides resources and off-campus housing contacts: http://nus.edu.sg/osa/has/other-accommodation.

---

Exchange Program Cost of Attendance
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
 

Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.

You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.

Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

• Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
• Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)

Additional Financial Resources

• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Financial Policies

---

Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!

Student Clubs and Organizations
There are over 200 student clubs and organizations that host over 800 events throughout the year. Participating in some of these events is a great way to get involved and meet other students!

International Welcome/Orientation
National University of Singapore offers a variety of orientation activities designed to assist incoming exchange students in settling into life at NUS.

Counseling & Health Services
NUS offers both an on-campus health services and an on-campus counseling center for students.

Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities*
Resource Guide for LGBTQ+ Identities*

*These resource guides provide general information about services at UMD’s partner institution. For more information, consult your EA advisor.

---