National University of Singapore
- Study humanities and social sciences at one of the best universities in Asia
- Experience life in the multicultural metropolis of Singapore
- No foreign language proficiency required
- NUS Scholarship available. See Further Reading below for more information.
Established in 1905, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is the most prestigious research university in Singapore. The university has 30,000 undergraduates and 10,000 graduate students with students from 100 countries. About 9,000 international students study at NUS each year. The university consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. According to the 2019 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, NUS was ranked 23rd in the world.
NUS has a vibrant and thriving campus life with many clubs and student activities. The on- campus Stephen Riady Center in University Town was built in 2012 and hosts sports and educational facilities, performing arts spaces and offices. The sports facilities include a gym, sports halls, a rock climbing wall and an outdoor infinity recreational swimming pool.
Check out this NUS Student Life Video to get a glimpse of the exciting and vibrant life that NUS students enjoy!
Singapore is a modern, island city-state in Southeast Asia, which lies off the southern tip of Malaysia. It enjoys a tropical rainforest climate due to its proximity just 85 miles north of the equator. With four official languages; English, Chinese, Tamil, and Malay, Singapore’s 5 million people are very diverse which provides an interesting cultural mix between Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western cultures. English is the common language of the nation and is the language of business, government, and the medium of instruction in schools.
Credits taken at NUS will transfer to KU according to a 1:1 ratio. For example, 4 NUS credits will transfer as KU credits. Students should enroll in three or four courses for the semester.
All courses are taught in English. Students are able to take a wide variety of classes from the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS). The following academic disciplines are offered in NUS FAAS: Psychology,Communication Studies, East Asian Languages & Culture,Economics, English Literature, Geography, Global & International Studies, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, and Theatre.
KU students should enroll in a minimum of four courses and a maximum of five courses while at NUS.
For course descriptions, visit the NUS Course Catalog.
To view possible psychology courses at NUS and their KU course equivalencies, consult the course database.
On-campus accommodations are available but competitive to receive. Study Abroad students can live in Residence Halls and Residential Colleges (Tembusu, Cinnamon Colleges & College of Alice & Peter Tan). The accommodations are on or near campus and are within walking distance to most departments, offices, libraries, sports facilities, post office, and ATM machines. You may also use the free NUS shuttle bus to get around campus.
The Residence Halls have single and double rooms and are known for their rich hall history and culture. Residents are expected to participate actively in hall activities. The Residential Colleges are located in University Town which is a new extension to the main NUS campus at Kent Ridge. All rooms at the Residential Colleges are single and grouped into suites of six with shared living room and bathroom. All residents in the halls and colleges are required to have a meal plan (2 meals daily, six days a week). Off-campus rooms in private student dormitories/hostels and apartments are available if a student does not receive university accommodations. For more information, visit the NUS Accommodation website.
National University of Singapore
NUS University Accommodations
NUS Study Abroad Guide for incoming exchange students
NUS Office of International Student Services
Singapore Tourism
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Open to KU students with sophomore standing by the beginning of the program that have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. There is no language requirement.
National University of Singapore Study Abroad Scholarship
The National University of Singapore Study Abroad Scholarship is a fund provided with generous support of Richard Paegelow, KU study abroad alumnus. This $5,000 scholarship is designed to provide funding to deserving, degree-seeking undergraduate psychology students to study at the National University of Singapore. Recipients must meet the eligibility requirements of the National University of Singapore.
Other Resources
National University of Singapore
NUS University Accommodations
NUS Study Abroad Guide for Incoming Exchange Students
NUS Registrar’s Office
NUS Office of International Student Services
Singapore Tourism