Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or Above
Location: Asia, Singapore
GPA: 3.25

Program Overview

Directly enroll in classes at the top university in Asia. With all classes taught in English, the National University of Singapore offers top-notch coursework in many majors in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. NUS has a large, centrally located campus with very modern facilities. The diverse NUS student body includes 4,000 international students from 60 countries, out of a total student population of more than 35,000.

Singapore is situated at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and is at the center of Southeast Asia. Three major cultures co-exist in Singapore namely Chinese, Malay, and Indian. A multicultural and multilingual society, Singapore is an ideal entry point into Asia for students without previous experience in the region. Singapore’s central location allows for convenient and affordable travel to surrounding countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and more.

Honors Exchange

In addition to the regular exchange program, this program also accepts two to four Clark Honors College students per year. As a CHC student, you will enroll in classes in your major as well as in the NUS honors college, called the NUS College (NUSC). NUSC offers interdisciplinary courses on a wide range of topics such as regenerative and precision medicine entrepreneurship, smart cities, concepts of gender, and more. CHC students may substitute up to two Making Connections NUSC modules for two CHC colloquia classes per semester. Please speak with your GEO study abroad advisor and CHC advisor for more information.

Note: some NUS websites require that you use Firefox as your browser

Dates and Deadlines

 
Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Fall Semester 2025 02/01/2025 Early August Early December
Academic Year 2025-26 02/01/2025 Early August Mid-May
Calendar Year 2026 02/01/2025 Early January Early December
Spring Semester 2026 02/01/2025 Early January Mid-May

The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements. 

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

Note: UO credits listed below are estimates and are subject to change. Please refer to the NUS links for the updated credit information on their classes. One credit at NUS is equal to 1.5 UO quarter credits.

You will choose from a wide range of classes in the Faculties/ Schools of: Arts and Social Sciences, Public Policy, Computing, Design & Environment, and Science. Students usually take 3-4 courses per semester at NUS, which are typically each worth 6 UO credits. The final list of which courses are open to exchange students is published around five months before the start of the semester. All classes at NUS are taught in English. You will be studying alongside some of the brightest students in the world, and you should be prepared for academically rigorous coursework. For more information about courses, please visit this page, click on Incoming Exchangers on the left sidebar > Before Applying > Step 3: Courses for Exchange Students.

Please note that classes in economics, computer science, psychology, and political science are difficult to get into. Priority will be given to students who have declared majors in those subjects.

Business courses and Law courses are not open to UO students. Business students should consider the Singapore Management University exchange program instead.

In this exchange program, you will earn:

  • Around 18-24 UO credits per semester

Honors Exchange

CHC students who participate in the Honors Exchange will enroll in 2 courses per semester in the NUS College, and you will take the rest of your classes from the various other faculties and schools at NUS. This will allow you to earn credit toward both your honors college requirements and your major or minor requirements. Please see the honors college website for more information about substituting NUSC credits for CHC colloquia credits. Consult academic departments and GEO for substitution of other NUS classes for major and/or minor requirements.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

Note: in addition to meeting the overall GPA requirement, applicants need to have at least a B average within their major, and not have below a C for any of the classes in their major. Please speak with a GEO advisor if you do not meet this requirement.
 

Housing Description

NUS offers three types of on-campus accommodation: (1) Residential Colleges, (2) Residences, and (3) Halls of Residence. Students will be able to indicate their top three accommodation preferences during application, but please note that you may not be offered your preferred housing, and housing is not guaranteed. On-campus housing is especially competitive to get into for fall semester. NUS provides some information about off-campus housing options for students who are not able to secure on-campus housing.

The Colleges are learning communities where students – enrolled in a particular academic program – learn from and live alongside their peers and professors. The Residences offer independent living with opportunities for cross-cultural interaction with the international community of students. As Residences offer more privacy, they tend to be quieter than Halls. Students staying in the Residences participate in activities organized by their campus-wide clubs, societies and interest groups. Prince George Park Residences offer single rooms and kitchen areas for residents to cook, since a meal plan is not included.

The Halls are known for their vibrant co-curricular activities, rich history and culture. Living in the halls is akin to having another family in school altogether. Each hall has its own distinct culture and is led by a hall master and an elected hall committee. Residents are expected to participate actively in hall activities. There is a mandatory meal plan that caters to a variety of dietary needs.

For more information about housing choices (called “hostels”), please visit this page, click on 'Incoming Exchangers' on the left sidebar > Before Applying > Step 5: Options.

Honors exchange

Honors exchange students are guaranteed housing in the residential Cinnamon College, which is similar to the Global Scholars Hall and Chapman Hall all rolled into one.