National University of Singapore History and Affiliations
The National University of Singapore is located in the southwestern part of Singapore and is the oldest higher education institution in Singapore. It is known to be among one of the top universities of Asia offering world-class education to students from across the globe.
NUS History
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is the oldest and largest university in Singapore. Its history can be traced back to 1905 when the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School was established. It was later named the King Edward VII College of Medicine in 1913. Further in 1949, King Edward VII College of Medicine merged with Raffles College to establish the University of Malaya in Malaysia and Singapore. With this merger, science, arts, and medical faculties were brought together. Furthermore, in 1962 the University of Malaya was divided into two institutions: the University of Singapore in Singapore and the University of Malaya in Malaysia. Finally, in 1980, the University of Singapore was established by merging the University of Singapore and Nanyang University.
NUS Affiliations
The National University of Singapore is certified by the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Infrastructure and Campuses
NUS has three campuses at Kent Ridge, Outram, and Bukit Timah. NUS's main campus, which spans 170 acres and is next to the Kent Ridge subzone of Queenstown, is located in the southwestern section of Singapore (420 acres). Currently, NUS has 16 colleges, faculties and schools. Some of the most renowned schools of NUS include - Duke-NUS Medical School in collaboration with Duke University USA, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and its liberal arts college Yale-NUS College, in collaboration with Yale University USA. Moreover, the National University of Singapore has 35 varsity-level research centres and institutes. In addition, this esteemed university has 5 research centres of excellence.
Accomplishments of National University of Singapore
The National Institution of Singapore (NUS) is the country's oldest independent university. NUS has produced several notable graduates from Singapore and Malaysia, including four Singaporean prime ministers and presidents, two Malaysian prime ministers, legislators, judges, corporate leaders, educators, and local celebrities since its founding in 1905. Heads of state Abdul Razak Hussein, Benjamin Sheares, Goh Chok Tong, Mahathir Mohamad, and S. R. Nathan are among its alumni. Rais Yatim, Malaysia's former minister of information, communications and culture, Ng Eng Hen, Singapore's minister of defence, and S Jayakumar, Singapore's former deputy prime minister, United Nations representative, and minister for law, home affairs, labour, and foreign affairs, are among the university's graduates.
National University of Singapore Student Diversity
At the National University of Singapore, the diversity of personnel and students from all over the world, as well as the applicants and students, is astounding. Aspiring candidates from all over the globe come to NUS to learn not just about academics but also about the traditions, cultures, and ways of thinking that exist in different parts of the world. As a result, they will graduate from an internationally known institution and program with the knowledge to confront difficulties and opportunities that they will encounter in various regions of the world.
National University of Singapore Rankings
NUS is ranked among the top universities in the world. Here are the rankings of this university, as per the most accredited agencies:
Ranking Agencies | 2023 | 2022 |
QS World University Rankings | 11 | 11 |
US News and World Report | 26 | 29 |
THE Rankings | 19 | 21 |
Shanghai Rankings | - | 71 |
Notable Alumni with Field of Work (5 Names)
Some of the notable alumni of the National University of Singapore are as follows:
Names | Jobs |
Kishore Mahbubani | Ex- Ambassador of Singapore to the UNO; Former Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS; Author |
Hsieh Fu Hua | Ex-CEO of the Singapore Exchange (SGX) |
Tony Tan Keng Yam | 7th President of Singapore (2011-2017) |
Ho Ching | CEO of Temasek Holdings |
Tharman Shanmugaratnam | Ex-Deputy PM of Singapore; Ex-Minister of Finance of Singapore |
NUS Admission Dates 2024-25
Admission dates for the National University of Singapore 2024-25 are as follows
Intakes | Opening Date | Closing Date |
January Intake | 1st July 2023 | 31st August 2023 |
August Intake | 1st January 2024 | 28th February 2024 |
Application Fees
The NUS application fee is SGD 20 to SGD 150, depending on the course. The fee is non-refundable.
National University of Singapore Scholarships
NUS offers the following scholarships to overseas students:
Scholarships | Description | Value |
NUS College Sunburst Scholarship | Administered by Temasek Foundation; For students of ASEAN countries. | SGD 9,000 Yearly Subsistence Allowance; SGD 5,000 per semester for Student Exchange Programmes; SGD 2,000 one-time Computer Allowance; Subsidised Tuition Fees |
NUS College International Scholarship | Administered to NUS College students | SGD 3,000 Annual Accommodation; SGD 5,800 Annual Living Allowance; SGD 1,750 one-time Computer Allowance; Subsidised Tuition Fees |
Jixun & Serene Scholarship | Administered to Current or Incoming NUS College students | SGD 10,000 Annual Aid |
Dr Goh Keng Swee Scholarship of Singapore | Administered by the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS); For students of India, China, Japan, Korea, The Philippines, Brunei, Taiwan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia | INR 3,99,691 Annual Maintenance Allowance; INR 12,300 one-time Settling-in Allowance |
GIC Scholarship | For students of all nationalities | All Tuition Fees; All Compulsory Fees; Return Economy Airfare; Monthly Living Allowance; One-time pre-studies allowance |
Part-Time Job Opportunities in Singapore
Here are some of the part-time job opportunities for international students in Singapore
Jobs | PPH |
Tutor | USD 30 to USD 60 |
Fitness Trainer | USD 50 to USD 70 |
Cab Driver | USD 30 |
Freelance Writer | USD 20 to USD 60 |
Music Teacher | USD 30 to USD 60 |
Post-Study Work Permit in Singapore
Two types of post-study work permit in Singapore- PGWP and PEP. Key details of both permits are as follows:
Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
Under the PGWP scheme, eligible international students who have completed a full-time degree program at an approved institution in Singapore can apply for a work permit. The duration of the work permit depends on the level of qualification obtained:
- Bachelor's degree holders: Up to one year of work permit
- Master's or PhD degree holders: Up to two years of work permit
Singapore Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)
The PEP is an employment pass that allows international graduates from Singaporean institutions to work in any sector or industry in Singapore. It offers flexibility in changing jobs without having to reapply for a new employment pass. The PEP is valid for three years and is open to graduates from recognised universities.
Student VISA for Singapore
The Singapore government offers two types of student visas to international students, which are tabulated below:
Type | Duration |
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa | 6 months and above |
Short-term Study Visa | 6 months |