

National University of Singapore
- Last Updated on: May 30, 2025 by
- Sridhar Kongara
The National University of Singapore (NUS) was formed in 1905; for the first 75 years of its history, NUS was part of a co-operative university system; it was an affiliated college of the University of Malaya during the years before the Federation of Malaysia was formed. NUS offers a wide range of courses, with a 370-acre campus covering three campuses and 17 faculties. NUS With over 38,000 students, NUS welcomes students coming from more than 100 countries to form a melting pot of students from all over the world. The university has an admission rate of approximately 5 percent and is consistently listed as one of the top 10 universities in the world for a wide variety of subjects.
Courses Offered
** Fees mentioned here are approximate and are per year, Unless specified otherwise
Why choose this National University of Singapore
Global-Leading Future-Focused university in Asia
- It is one of the world’s top 10 institutions for Engineering, Computer Science and Law.
- It was ranked 8th in the world QS World Rankings 2024, and the best in Asia.
- It has also established cooperative relations with a number of world top academic network organizations such as Universitas 21, APRU, and IARU.
- NUS program are globally recognized and highly valued by the world’s top employers.
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Extensive Academic Choice
- NUS has 17 faculties and schools across three campuses offering over 4,000 courses each semester.
- Students can choose from more than 60 majors, 50-plus second majors and 80-plus minors.
- This was the case as the university allows for course choice and inter-faculty transfer.
- It provides cross-faculty-varied and interdisciplinary education.
- Programs are periodically revised to ensure that they reflect industry and future directions.
Wide and international perspective
- Over 80% of undergraduates participate in global programming.
- To study, all students can apply to one of 11 NUS Overseas Colleges, in locations including Silicon Valley and Stockholm.
- Singapore is a multinational country and very safe for study.
Industry-Ready Graduates
- NUS has a working relationship with both local and international industry and its faculty even take part in joint collaboration research with industry partners.
- A number of courses have been paired with internships to help students gain experience in the workforce.
- In terms of support, the NUS Career Centre offers support through job fairs, career workshops and coaching, among other means.
- QS Graduate Employability Rankings often place it in the top ten worldwide institutes.
- NUS Enterprise and its incubator spaces also actively advocate for entrepreneurship.
Professional education and future-proofing
- Graduates are welcomed back to access upskilling programs without facing a re-application process to the university.
- Many institutions have incorporated digital and ICT skills to equip their students for future careers.
- For further professional development, find executive short courses across the faculties.
- Expand your vision as the university has the profound and extensive academic roots to meet the world’s varied needs.
Campus Facilities
Academic and Study Spaces
- The study spaces are lavishly equipped with audio-visual facilities, tutorial rooms and seminar halls.
- Central Library and Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library – both 24/7 during exam weeks.
- The office helps connect the living areas and classrooms to wireless internet service on campus as well.
Classroom and Residential Life
- NUS has over 11 residential halls and colleges within the campus, with dormitories in the U Town community and Ridge View Residential College.
- Rooms are fully-furnished and come with air-conditioning, laundry and Wi-Fi.
- Campus Security Guards are in all hall entryways to ensure student safety around the clock.
- For residents, living on campus includes organized events, peer support and cultural programs.
Sports and Recreation
- Also sporting facilities including Olympic size pools, basketball and tennis courts, and exercise gyms.
- University Sports Centre Badminton courts, squash courts, table tennis, martial arts
- Yoga, pilates, and dance workouts are also offered for fun on the university campus.
- Cycle paths and fitness-corners surrounding Kent Ridge campus for daily activities and recreation.
Malls, Restaurants and Services for Every Day: Campus food courts, cafe and canteens are also serving a variety of local and international food at low cost for students.
- The campus has also supermarkets, convenience stores, banks, an ATM and postal services.
- From popular retail chains to quirky student-run outlets, there are a lot in University Town (UTown).
- Most of the common areas were equipped with vending machines, water coolers and microwave stations.
Technology and Infrastructure for Transport
- NUS IT and NUS Computer Centre offer fast internet and support for IT users.
- Computer labs and printing stations exist in all faculties and residence buildings.
- Free internal shuttle buses are available between all campus locations (including stations on the MRT).
- Providing designated cycling lanes and parking facilities on campus also encourage sustainable transport.
- App-based services run by NUS help students book rooms, track shuttle-bus services and navigate campus maps.
Take first step towards your Study Abroad Journey
Campus Facilities at National University of Singapore
Academic and Study Spaces
- The study spaces are lavishly equipped with audio-visual facilities, tutorial rooms and seminar halls.
- Central Library and Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library – both 24/7 during exam weeks.
- The office helps connect the living areas and classrooms to wireless internet service on campus as well.
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Classroom and Residential Life: NUS has over 11 residential halls and colleges within the campus, with dormitories in the UTown community and Ridge View Residential College.
- Rooms are fully-furnished and come with air-conditioning, laundry and Wi-Fi.
- Campus Security Guards are in all hall entryways to ensure student safety around the clock.
- For residents, living on campus includes organized events, peer support and cultural programs.
Sports and Recreation: Also sporting facilities including Olympic size pools, basketball and tennis courts, and exercise gyms.
- University Sports Centre Badminton courts, squash courts, table tennis, martial arts
- Yoga, pilates, and dance workouts are also offered for fun on the university campus.
- Cycle paths and fitness-corners surrounding Kent Ridge campus for daily activities and recreation.
Malls, Restaurants and Services for Every Day: Campus food courts, cafe and canteens are also serving a variety of local and international food at low cost for students.
- The campus has also supermarkets, convenience stores, banks, a sauna,an ATM and postal services.
- From popular retail chains to quirky student-run outlets, there are a lot in University Town (UTown).
- Most of the common areas were equipped with vending machines, water coolers and microwave stations.
Technology and Infrastructure for Transport
- NUS IT and NUS Computer Centre offer fast internet and support for IT users.
- Computer labs and printing stations exist in all faculties and residence buildings.
- Free internal shuttle buses are available between all campus locations (including stations on the MRT).
- Providing designated cycling lanes and parking facilities on campus also encourage sustainable transport.
- App-based services run by NUS help students book rooms, track shuttle-bus services and navigate campus maps.
Student Services Offered By National University of Singapore
Academic and Learning Support
- More difficult subject matter and course loads can be managed with peer tutoring programs.
- They run workshops all year in time management, exam techniques and academic writing.
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Health and Wellness Services
- The University Health Centre provides cost-concessionary medical, dental, and vaccination services.
- They offer free counselling and mental health care with trained therapists right on campus.
- Messaging from Mind Science Centre and Wellness Ambassadors to promote student wellbeing.
- It also provides wellness rooms and mental relaxation stations accessible in different locations.
Financial and Administrative Support
- Students with financial need may be eligible for emergency bursaries and emergency financial assistance as well.
- Only one appeal, exemption or academic progress request for each student may be submitted through faculty offices.
- Websites help with payment of fees, academic records, and registration.
- The faculty office assists international students to renew their passes and visas.
Support for Inclusion and Accessibility
- Special housing accommodations and academic modifications for students with physical, sensory or learning disabilities
- An Accessibility Support Unit, which operates out of the Office of Student Affairs, the latter managing resources and accommodation.
- Organizers who are trained in these values of accessibility can also facilitate discussions with prospective applicants on their personal accommodations.
- Students also have access to inclusionary learning technologies, such as text-to-speech and electronic note-taking.
Career and Life Guidance
- The NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG) has details on career counselling, CV writing and mock interviews conducted.
- Intern and graduate jobseeker links are provided on job boards and employer websites.
- Workshops regarding career exploration, state of the industry and leadership are open to all students.
- Support and mentoring is given from NUS Enterprise and the BLOCK71 network offers support to start-ups.
- Lifelong learning routes offer graduates routes back for further study and employment.
Student Life at National University of Singapore
Vibrant Campus Community
- NUS students across all of its undergraduate and postgraduate level, exceed 38,000 in number.
- More than 200 student groups exist, ranging from academic, cultural, and recreational organizations.
- Community events include the annual NUSSU Rag & Flag, the Kent Ridge Alumni Family Day and Inter-Faculty Games, to bring students and members of the community together.
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- More than 60 interest groups cater to various interests such as sports, technology, music, volunteering and culture.
- There are other interesting clubs like the Entrepreneurship Society, the Dance Ensemble and the Debating Union.
- NUSSU is recognized as the voice of the student body and pioneers key campus-wide projects.
- Participating in clubs at leadership level allows students to build soft skills and organizational experience.
Development of the Living and Learning Community
- Student residents of halls and colleges compete against one another in sports, talent shows and community dinners.
- The Themed residential colleges such as Ridge View and Cinnamon College have specific thematic programs and academic modules.
- U Town is designed to promote a living-learning environment, with its cafes, study pods and cultural spaces.
- The office of student affairs is also active in community and service-learning projects is the Office of Student Affairs.
- Orientation leaders and support networks help new students adjust to campus life.
Scholarships Offered By National University of Singapore
NUS Global Merit Scholarship
- Award: Full course fees, housing per annum and an annual living allowance of S$6,000.
- Eligibility: You should be a high-achieving international students with an impressive academic and co-curricular record.
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NUS Merit Scholarship
- Award: Full coverage of tuition and living expenses of S$5,800 annually.
- Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students who are good academically and show leadership potential.
ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarships
- Value and duration: Full tuition fee waiver for the whole duration of the course.
- Eligibility: All international countries except Singapore.
Undergraduate Scholarship in Science & Technology.
- Value: Tuition, S$6,000/year for living expenses and airfare.
- Eligible: Science, Computing and Engineering students.
NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship
- Scholarship coverage: Full tuition fee waiver and annual S$6,000 living allowance.
- You could be eligible if you are a high performing international student showing academic excellence.
Internships and Placements at National University of Singapore
- NUS offers structured internship placement with its Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG).
- It included 10-week summer vacation placements for students called the Vacation Internship Programme (VIP).
- As a participant of NUS Global Internship Program (NGIP), enjoy an overseas internship experience in more than 40 countries.
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Partnership Between Industry and Government
- Internships and placements NUS has links with over 4,000 companies globally.
- Prominent partners are Google, Microsoft, DBS Bank, GIC, McKinsey as well as various Singapore government agencies.
- There are co-op models based on institutional partnership, such as those between the university and Temasek Holdings and that between the university and Singapore EDB.
- The Industry Liaison Office also links students to companies.
- The NUS Enterprise assists in facilitating student start-up internships and other start-up entrepreneurial positions across Asia.
Career Readiness Support
- The support team helps all the students with Resume building, Interview preparation, and career guidance sessions.
- Besides, online job portals and career fairs have now made it possible for students to connect with employers throughout the year.
- Stations cover career exposure, personal branding and leadership opportunity.
- They’re taught how to network and job hunt for gigs through LinkedIn.
- Offering bespoke 1-2-1 guidance and employer tailored sessions for the graduating students.
Benefits for International Students
- Sponsored students (local, international) including pass holders, and those sponsored by their employers for internship.
- NUS assists with support letters for your internship and liaises with host organizations.
- Participants receive language support and cross-cultural training before going abroad for their internships.
- The confirmation of visa and intern regulation compliance is done by the Global Relations Office.
Entry Requirements for National University of Singapore
Undergraduate Requirements.
- Applicants need to have passed 10+2 or must be appearing for the same by July of the year of first year of the course.
- 10+2 : Indian Standard 12 (CBSE/ISC), IB Diploma, GCE A-levels (or equivalent to the Indian 12th) with a minimum of 16 years of education.
- In general, students will have to qualify Class 12 with a good percentage in a related subject according to the chosen course by students.
- Some undergraduate courses of study such as engineering or science will require you to have specific subjects such as mathematics.
Academic Requirements for Postgraduate
- The majority of master’s program ask for a good bachelor’s degree with honors or equivalent in an appropriate subject.
- PhD or research-based programs do not accept applicants unless they have demonstrated sufficient academic and research potential.
- The package for application is: academic transcripts, reference letters and statement of purpose.
- Those who have studied in English-medium schools may be given a waiver.
- If you’ve completed your English in IB, you don’t need IELTS/TOEFL for NUS.
English Language Requirements for Postgraduate
- minimum score of 6.5-7.0 depending on program.
- TOEFL iBT score of 94 for coursework program.
- Some departments need higher scores such as Law, Business, and Engineering.
- Foreign students need to submit test scores unless they are specifically excused.
- If you have studied in an undergraduate degree in a program that has been taught in English, you may be accepted on a case by case basis.
International Applicants Application Procedure
- Applications are done online through the NUS application portal together with the required materials.
- The application file consists of grade reports, test results, proof of identity, and desired schedule of study.
- Several program may require interviews, written test, portfolios etc.
Rankings and Awards of National University of Singapore
QS World University Ranking
- QS World University Rankings 2025
- It is known for its impact in research, its longstanding commitment to excellence in teaching, and its stakeholders.
Rankings by Subject (2025)
- THE subject ratings have us as the 9th best in the world for our engineering courses.
- There’s Computer Science at 11th, Law at 12th, and Business, also at 12th — worldwide.
- Arts & Humanities is ranked 25th, Life Sciences & Medicine, 21st.
- In 16 subjects, including Architecture, Environment/Ecology and Sociology, NUS ranks among the global top 10.
Reputation & Regional Rank
- Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2024
- 6 NUS Business School’s Executive MBA placed 1st in Asia-Pacific in the QS Executive MBA Rankings 2024.
- THE is short for Times Higher Education, the publication that ranks universities globally.
- It is frequently considered for its innovation, leadership and impact in international academic circles.
- NUS remains the most powerful university in Singapore, consistently overshadowing its local competition.
Awards and Recognition
- To ensure a high standard of academics, NUS received the ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Award for Institutional Quality Assurance in November 2018.
- It has been honored with the Harry J. Benda Prize for research on Southeast Asia through its faculty.
- NUS Enterprise and its incubators have won numerous awards for the creation of university-based start-up ecosystems in Asia.
- Many of the academics and faculties are accredited internationally by AACSB, EQUIS and ABET.
Acceptance Rate
General Admission
- NUS is known for one of the toughest admission rates globally, particularly at the undergraduate level.
- They have acceptance rates as low as 5 percent and as high as 10 percent and tend to hover around 7 percent.
- Acceptance rates into postgraduate programs are typically much lower than that, most of them under 15% or so, fields like research rather more competitive.
- It’s an academically selective with a high cut-off as well as a strong demand for co-curriculars and leadership potential.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICANTS
- That acceptance rate is similar to the acceptance rate for domestic students, 5-7%.
- Applicants must have an outstanding academic record and fulfill all the academic requirements for the program.
- The Indian students with CBSE/ISC results often top the international applicants.
- Foreign applicants are scrutinized heavily, partly due to strict visa rules in Singapore.
Course-Specific Variations
- Opportunities for Law, Medicine and Architecture courses that are usually limited in number.
- Most sought after program (like NUS BBA, NUS Computing or the Engineering courses) would have admitted only top percentile students.
Graduate School and MBA Admission
- Acceptance into the NUS MBA program runs at 20%, and it looks to continue to emphasize the importance of international exposure, as well as academic quality.
- It’s even more difficult to get into a PhD in a faculty like Science and Public Policy, which can have an acceptance rate well below 10%.
- The candidate(s) selected should be academically well founded with solid research experience.
- The applicant is reviewed in terms of GMAT/GRE, years of work experience and letters of reference.
Application Tips for Success
- It is advised to apply early in the admission cycle, which increases your chances.
- Applications are evaluated heavily based on leadership, research and international exposure.
- Don’t forget to ensure consistency of motivation and fit for the NUS in your essays, personal statement and interviews.
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