Embark on a transformative journey to discover your potential in the heart of Singapore and Asia.
BROADEN HORIZONS AND GAIN NEW PERSPECTIVES
ENHANCE INTERCULTURAL UNDERSTANDING AND SKILLS
MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND GROW GLOBAL NETWORKS
Spend up to two academic terms studying at Singapore’s only City Campus university
Experience SMU's interactive pedagogy and experiential learning in small, seminar-style classes
Tackle real-world challenges through interdisciplinary SMU-X courses
Grow a diverse network of friends and contacts in Singapore, your gateway to Asia
As a global city university, SMU provides you with the unique opportunity to learn in the very heart of Singapore. Come experience our technology-enhanced, interactive and experiential pedagogy and exchange perspectives with our international community of faculty and students. Spend one or two academic terms in Singapore on exchange if you are a student of one of our partner universities.
SMU had resumed in-person semester exchange since AY 2021/22 Term 2 and welcomes international students to join us on campus for face-to-face classes. Singapore has transitioned to living with COVID-19, and students and partners are advised to refer to this Ministry of Health webpage for the latest update, and to the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority webpage for the latest border requirements.
Established in 2000, the Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally recognised for its teaching excellence and world-class research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. Our distinctive pedagogy of small class sizes and seminar-style teaching in our lush city campus, set within the heart of Singapore's cosmopolitan cityscape, offer a transformative education to help you discover your fullest potential.
Why choose Singapore?
SELECT
SMU as your choice destination through your home university
SUBMIT
an online application to SMU
RECEIVE
SMU's letter of acceptance
APPLY
for your Student's Pass (visa)
FIND
accommodation in Singapore
BID
for your courses at SMU
ATTEND
Orientation at SMU
IMMERSE
yourself in the SMU student experience
PARTICIPATE
in end of term celebrations
Dates and Duration
The International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP) is applicable for a duration of one term or two study terms. Each term lasts 16 weeks, including a week-long mid-term break and two weeks of revision and examinations.
Please refer to the SMU Academic Calendar here.
Eligibility
English Language Proficiency
The language of instruction at SMU is English. Students from non-English-speaking countries or from institutions whereby the language of instruction is not English, must fulfil SMU’s English language proficiency requirement. Please consult your home university for further advice.
Application Procedure
Students may choose from a list of selected undergraduate courses. The final course list will be sent to students approximately two weeks before course enrolment. Only undergraduate courses are offered to exchange/visiting students (Course Codes 001-499, 1200-4038).
For more information on course description and outlines, please visit the SMU Course Catalogue. Please note that the catalogue is for reference only, as not all courses are offered.
Course enrolment is done via a bidding process. Course enrolments are not guaranteed and are subjected to SMU’s academic policies and the following conditions:
Students are encouraged to be proactive and flexible in their study plans. To optimise the bidding opportunities, students should:
The SMU campus is situated in the heart of the city, with many private housing options within walking distance. It is conveniently accessible to amenities and transportation networks. Students have the flexibility to source and arrange their own accommodation based on individual budget and needs. All arrangements are at the responsibility and discretion of the student.
Important:
In accordance with the student exchange agreement with our partner universities, exchange students are not required to pay tuition fee to SMU. However, other administrative fees are applicable i.e. Student’s Pass (Visa), Miscellaneous Fee etc.
Student’s Pass (Student Visa) Fee
There will be a non-refundable processing fee of S$45 for each application, a S$60 issuance fee for the Student's Pass and a S$30 fee for a Multiple Journey Visa (if applicable). Approval is subject to terms and conditions.
A one-time miscellaneous fee of approximately S$250 per term or S$400 per year is applicable. The fee includes the cost for the SMU Medical Insurance, IT services, registration and matriculation as well as student activities. The miscellaneous fee is mandatory and non-refundable.
Estimated Monthly Expenses
The estimated monthly living expenses for an exchange / visiting student in Singapore is approximately S$2,000–S$3,500. Listed below are some expected monthly expense items.
| Accommodation (subject to type of accommodation) | S$1,000 - S$2,000 |
|---|---|
| Food | S$700 - S$900 |
| Transportation | S$150 - S$200 |
| Telecommunications | S$30 - S$50 |
| Books and Stationery | S$20 - S$50 |
| Miscellaneous (entertainment etc.) | S$100 - S$300 |
Singapore is a multicultural and cosmopolitan country, consistently lauded for our excellence in quality of living and safety. Learn more about living in Singapore here.
The laws in Singapore may differ from those in your home country. Understand the types of items that are prohibited (such as drugs and electronic cigarettes), controlled or dutiable in Singapore at this Immigration and Checkpoints Authority Singapore webpage.
All international students are required to hold a valid Student’s Pass during their term of studies in Singapore. The Student’s Pass enables the student to live and study in Singapore, as well as serves as a multiple-entry visa into Singapore (subject to terms & conditions).
The SMU Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO) will facilitate the application of the Student's Pass. Nevertheless, students shall bear the responsibility to complete and fulfil the application requirements for the Student’s Pass before their arrival in Singapore. More information on the Student’s Pass application will be provided two months before the start of the academic term.
For information on immigration matters that may affect your stay in Singapore, please visit Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website.
Important:
By regulation, Student’s Pass holders (exchange & visiting students) are strictly not permitted to undertake any form of internship or work (regardless paid or unpaid) during their term of studies in Singapore. Offenders are subjected to punishment in accordance with Singapore laws.
Medical Insurance
It is mandatory for all students to purchase the SMU Medical Insurance. The cost for this insurance is included in the SMU Miscellaneous Fee. Find out more about the SMU Medical Insurance here.
If you wish to purchase additional medical, accident and travel insurance coverage, please consult your local insurance provider.
International SOS (ISOS)
SMU has engaged the services of International SOS to offer 24/7 assistance to our students in case of an emergency locally or while overseas. Students are strongly encouraged to download the ISOS mobile app. In case of an emergency, students may seek assistance via the app or contact the ISOS 24-hour hotline at +65 6337 6517, or the SMU Campus Security at +65 6828 0343.
For more information on the International Student Exchange Programme, please see our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ).
Administrative Will I require a student visa for the International Student Exchange Programme?Yes, it is mandatory for international students enrolled to study in Singapore to apply for, and hold a valid Student’s Pass (student visa).
Am I able to extend my Student’s Pass after the term to continue to work or pursue an internship in Singapore?
No. Student’s Pass holders (exchange & visiting students) are strictly not permitted to undertake any form of internship or work (regardless paid or unpaid) during their term in Singapore. Furthermore, the Student’s Pass cannot be extended for work-related or internship purposes. Offenders are subjected to punishment in accordance with Singapore laws.
Does SMU provide on-campus housing for international students?Campus housing is limited. SMU’s unique location in the heart of the city offers plenty of accommodation options within walking distance to SMU, and conveniently accessible to amenities and transportation networks. Students have the flexibility to source and arrange for their own housing based on their budget and needs. All arrangements are at the responsibility and discretion of the student.
Is it mandatory to purchase the SMU Medical Insurance?Yes. Students are required to purchase the SMU Medical Insurance, even though they are covered by their own personal insurance plans or plans from their home university.
When can I expect to know the results of my application?A Letter of Acceptance will be emailed to successful applicants approximately four weeks after the end of each term’s application deadline.
Are there any scholarship opportunities or financial assistance schemes for exchange students?There are limited schemes available. Students who are applicable to apply will be notified through their home university.
Are all courses offered by SMU open to exchange students?No, not all courses are offered to exchange students. Only undergraduate courses from a prescribed list are offered.
How do I enrol for courses?Students enrol for courses via course bidding through BOSS (Bidding Online System). Students will be given e-dollars (e$) to bid for the courses they wish to enrol in.
Exchange students will go through one round of BOSS bidding approximately four weeks before the term starts (Round 1C), and two more rounds during the first two weeks of the study term (Round 2 and 2A). Each round has a few bidding windows. BOSS Round 1C is exclusive to exchange/visiting students only, while BOSS Round 2 and 2A are open to all SMU students.
When will the study term’s final course list be available?The final list will be available approximately four to six weeks before course bidding. In the meantime, the course lists from the past academic year/term are available for reference in the application portal when you complete your application.
What is the difference between course description and course outline?Course description is a summary of what the course is about, while a course outline contains the detailed description, reading list and grading of the course.
What should I do if the course outline for next term is still unavailable?You may check the course outline from the previous year for the corresponding term in the SMU Course Catalogue. You may use the course outline as a benchmark and reference.
Do I have to fulfil the listed pre-requisites of certain courses?Exchange students are responsible to ensure that they fulfil the necessary pre-requisites of the SMU courses they wish to enrol in. Should the pre-requisites not be fulfilled, the student will not be allowed to enrol for the course.
The pre-requisites, if any, will be clearly stated in the course list or the detailed course outlines in the SMU Course Catalogue. Students are required to consult the SMU teaching instructors on the pre-requisites of the courses they wish to enrol in. The emails of the teaching instructors are available in the course outlines.
How do I transfer credits back to my home university and how will this be computed?Credit transferability is determined by, and at the discretion of your home university. A 1.0 SMU credit consists of 39 contact hours per term and a 0.5 SMU credit consists of 18 contact hours per term. Please consult your home university on credit transferability and the credit transfer rate before applying for the International Student Exchange Student Programme at SMU.
Will I receive an academic transcript after the study term?Yes. The digital transcript will be emailed to your SMU campus email, within two months after the release of the final examination results, i.e. mid-March (Term 1) and mid-July (Term 2). The transcript will include the course title, course code and grade of the respective courses enrolled. Charges apply for re-issuance of digital transcript. For more information, please refer to this webpage.
Will the credits and grades obtained during my International Student Exchange Programme be reflected on my SMU transcript?
The SMU transcript will reflect the titles of courses enrolled in, as well as the grades and credits earned for those courses.
