National University of Singapore (NUS)
National University of Singapore (NUS)
National University of Singapore (NUS) overview
Founded in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore's oldest and most prestigious institution of higher education. In 1912, the institution was renamed King Edward VII College of Medicine, and in 1949 it merged with Raffles College to form the University of Malaya. Following Singapore's separation from Malaysia in 1962, the university was split, with the Singapore branch becoming the University of Singapore. In 1980, the University of Singapore merged with Nanyang University to form what is today's National University of Singapore. NUS is now recognized as a global leader in education and research, and is consistently ranked among the top universities in Asia and the world. Having made significant contributions to academic research and Singapore's development since its founding, the institution is home to 17 faculties and schools across three campuses and offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Known for its work in engineering, life sciences, social sciences, and computing, the National University of Singapore is home to leading research institutes such as the NUS Centre for Quantum Technologies and the Energy Studies Institute. Notable alumni of the university include Singapore's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, President Halimah Yacob, and numerous influential business leaders and politicians.
About National University of Singapore (NUS)
Founded in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore's oldest and most prestigious institution of higher education. In 1912, the institution was renamed King Edward VII College of Medicine, and in 1949 it merged with Raffles College to form the University of Malaya. Following Singapore's separation from Malaysia in 1962, the university was split, with the Singapore branch becoming the University of Singapore. In 1980, the University of Singapore merged with Nanyang University to form what is today's National University of Singapore. NUS is now recognized as a global leader in education and research, and is consistently ranked among the top universities in Asia and the world. Having made significant contributions to academic research and Singapore's development since its founding, the institution is home to 17 faculties and schools across three campuses and offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Known for its work in engineering, life sciences, social sciences, and computing, the National University of Singapore is home to leading research institutes such as the NUS Centre for Quantum Technologies and the Energy Studies Institute. Notable alumni of the university include Singapore's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, President Halimah Yacob, and numerous influential business leaders and politicians.
National University of Singapore (NUS) faculties and programs
National University of Singapore (NUS) scholarships and financial aid
The National University of Singapore provides various scholarship opportunities for prospective international students. That said, it is important to note that scholarship programs have limited funding slots, that scholarships are awarded based on need and merit, and that admission standards are high. Prospective international students who wish to apply for scholarship programs can access the relevant programs through the link below.
National University of Singapore (NUS) Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into National University of Singapore (NUS)
Prospective students who wish to apply to undergraduate programs offered by the National University of Singapore must meet the following requirements:
- 4-Year High School Diploma
- High GPA
or - Have been accepted by a university recognized by the National University of Singapore that offers a 4-year bachelor's degree program in Turkey, and have completed the first year of the undergraduate program
or - International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
or - SAT/ACT Exam Score + 3–5 Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
or - IGCSE or A-Level Diploma
- English Proficiency Certificate
- English proficiency certificate obtained through scores on English proficiency exams such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT
- Official transcripts listing the courses taken and grades received by the applicant throughout high school
Admission results for international students are generally published on the university's official website between May and July.
Prospective students who wish to apply to graduate programs offered by the National University of Singapore must meet the following requirements.
- 4-Year Bachelor's Degree Diploma
- High GPA
- English Proficiency Certificate
- English proficiency certificate obtained through scores on English proficiency exams such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT
- Official transcripts listing the courses taken and grades received by the applicant throughout their university studies
- GRE/GMAT exam scores may be required depending on the department-specific admission requirements.
Take a closer look at National University of Singapore (NUS)
The National University of Singapore operates across three campuses: Kent Ridge, Bukit Timah, and the Duke-NUS Medical Campus. Located in the southwestern part of Singapore, the Kent Ridge Campus serves as the university's main and largest campus. Home to the majority of the university's faculties and schools — including the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and the School of Computing — the Kent Ridge Campus also houses research centers such as the National University Hospital (NUH) and the Centre for Quantum Technologies. Kent Ridge Campus is known for its modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art laboratories, green spaces, and student facilities including residential colleges, libraries, and sports complexes. The Bukit Timah Campus, located near Singapore's central area, is home to the Faculty of Law and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Additionally, the Duke-NUS Medical School — a collaboration between NUS and Duke University in the United States — is situated within the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) campus in Outram. This campus focuses on graduate medical education and cutting-edge biomedical research.
More than 200 student organizations are active within the university, including academic societies, cultural associations, performing arts groups, and community service clubs. Students join groups such as the NUSSU Student Union (NUSSU), which organizes large-scale events including the annual NUSSU Rag and Flag Day — a long-standing tradition in which students serve as student representatives, raise funds for charity, and perform elaborate themed dances and shows in a friendly inter-faculty competition. Sports and recreational activities are also an integral part of campus life. The Kent Ridge campus has extensive sports facilities, including swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, and a multi-purpose sports hall. NUS offers a wide range of sports clubs under the University Sports Centre and participates in the annual Inter-Faculty Games (IFG) as well as the Singapore University Games (SUniG), in which NUS teams compete against other local universities. Residential colleges such as Tembusu and Ridge View regularly organize a variety of extracurricular events and foster a tight-knit student community.
The National University of Singapore has a large alumni network made up of individuals who have excelled in a variety of fields. Notable alumni of the university include:
- Lee Kuan Yew
- Goh Chok Tong
- Tony Tan
- S. R. Nathan
- Mahathir Mohamad
- Margaret Chan
- Kishore Mahbubani
- Halimah Yacob
- Ng Eng Hen
- Sha'ari Tadin
- Wang Gungwu
- Vivian Balakrishnan
- K Shanmugam
among others.
National University of Singapore (NUS) cost of living
National University of Singapore (NUS) Location
Singapore
National University of Singapore (NUS) Contact
National University of Singapore (NUS)
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