Student Exchange Programme (SEP)

NUS Economics students have the opportunity to study abroad in over 180 universities around the world through the Student Exchange Programme.
Pictured here is Mihika Ashutosh Joshi (left) who studied for a semester at the University of Virginia. She is pictured here with her friends in front of the Washington Monument.

 

WHAT IS SEP?

NUS SEP is a global study programme where NUS students can choose from over 300 Partner Universities all around the world, and spend up to one year studying there. This programme is highly competitive here in NUS because students are very keen in being able to travel somewhere else and take up the opportunity to experience a glimpse of life and education in another country, where everything from culture, climate and infrastructure is all different compared to here in Singapore. 

Why participate in SEP?

As a student, you should strongly consider participating in SEP because it can be a life-changing experience that not only enriches a student's education but also broadens their horizons, enhances personal development, and prepares them for an increasingly interconnected and diverse world.

  • Cultural Immersion: Exchange programs offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture. This firsthand experience will help you gain a deeper understanding of other cultures, traditions, and ways of life.

  • Personal Growth: Exchange programs often take students out of their comfort zones. This can lead to personal growth and development as they learn to adapt to new environments, handle challenges, and become more independent. Here in Singapore, most of us live with our parents and they take make sure many things are settled for us like meals and laundry. When you actually get to live on your own in a another country, you will definitely feel the weight of these responsibilities you did not have to bear before, but it will allow you to take ownership of your personal well-being, leading you to the pinnacle of personal growth.

  • Educational Enrichment: The partner universities offer a myriad of courses for every faculty, lot of which are not offered here in NUS.This means you may get to study interesting courses that, access different teaching methods, or gain insights from professors and students in another country, which will help you gain more knowledge in whatever field of study of your interest. You could also choose to study subjects that are not related to your major and are not offered in NUS, which is a great opportunity.

  • Networking and Relationships: Exchange programs provide opportunities to make international friends, build global networks, and develop lifelong relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. These connections can be extremely valuable. Professionally speaking, if you were to ever venture for opportunities overseas, these friends that you make during exchange could be of a really big help to you.

  • Travel Opportunities: Being in a different country often makes travel to nearby regions more accessible. Students can explore new places and have unique travel experiences during their exchange. There is nothing more memorable than having the chance to travel with your friends in your youth.

FAQ

  • For a student to be eligible to participate in SEP, they must be:

    1. enrolled at the National University of Singapore (NUS) as a full-time student;

    2. have completed at least two semesters of study before embarking on the exchange programme;

    3. have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and should not have any grade below grade ‘C’ in any course;

    4. have sufficient financial means to cover the necessary expenses for the duration of the SEP;

    5. obtain your faculty’s approval for the SEP;

    6. satisfy partner institution and host country entry requirements;

    7. ensure that there are no restrictions involving overseas study if you are holding a scholarship; and

    8. have a clean disciplinary record and be a strong ambassador for NUS and Singapore.

    9. Must take a minimum of 12 MCs worth of courses at the host university.

    1. Note that the credit transfer has to be initiated by you, it is NOT automatic.

    2. You are required to submit a Unit Transfer Form (link is found in this webpage)

    3. Only courses that are graded as pass or better at the partner university are eligible for transfer.

    4. Note that grades from the exchange do not affect your NUS GPA. Only the credits are transferred.

    • We have compiled a list of financial aids and scholarships here

    • Generally, NUS does not explicitly prohibit students from working abroad while on SEP.

      Read more here

    • However, you need to ensure that you do not violate the visa policies in your PU (Partner university) country.