As an exchange student, there are a few things you need to know about going to the Singapore Management University. Learn more about the location, the courses and student life!
Visit their website for more information about studying abroad at the Singapore Management University!
Established in 2000, the Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally recognised for its teaching excellence and world-class research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance.
SMU’s city campus is a state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of downtown Singapore, fostering strategic linkages with business, government and the wider community.
Singapore is a vibrantly cosmopolitan and culturally diverse city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula in South East Asia. Singapore is a truly multicultural kaleidoscope with four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil, adopted from each of the four major ethnic or 'racial' groups: Eurasian, Chinese, Malay and Indian.
Singapore's strategic location, excellent facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist attractions contribute to its success as a leading destination for both business and pleasure.
Read more about Singapore from the following websites:
www.yoursingapore.com
www.lonelyplanet.com/singapore
www.timeoutsingapore.com/
Competitive **
The level of competitiveness (Less competitive * / Competitive ** / Very competitive ***) refers to one's chances of being allocated an exchange space at this partner. This is an approximation determined by the number of applications received for this destination during the last academic year versus the total number of exchange spaces available to Queen Mary students.
Semester 1: August – December
Semester 2: January – April
Course enrolments are conducted via a bidding exercise in July (Term 1) and December (Term 2) each year. Only undergraduate courses from a prescribed list will be offered to exchange and visiting students(Course Codes 001-499, 1200-4038).
Students will be allocated 100 e-dollars (e$100) each term (one-time only), for bidding of all their required courses. This empowers them to draw up their own timetable based on their recommended study plan (subject to constraints of curriculum requirements and the supply and demand of classes). Details and instructions related to course bidding together with the list of courses offered, shall be made available to students two to four weeks before the course bidding exercise. It is important that students understand the information, policies and procedures to ensure a smooth bidding process.
Demand could be high for some courses, e.g. fundamental freshmen courses. Students are encouraged to be pro-active and flexible in their study plans to optimise their bidding opportunities.In preparation for the course bidding and enrolment, students are responsible for ensuring that they have:
Course Catalogue:For planning purposes, students may refer to the Course Catalogue for undergraduate course offerings from previous terms (Course Codes 001-499, 1200-4038). This catalogue serves as a reference only as not all courses listed will be offered to exchange and visiting students
Students need to take 4 SMU credits per semester.
Find out more about credit transfer and grade conversions.
Blog posts on Queen Mary Global Bloggers:
Instagram takeovers:
Students are responsible for sourcing and arranging for their own accommodation. The SMU campus is situated in the heart of the city with many private housing options that are within walking distance to SMU and conveniently accessible to amenities and transportation networks.
Queen Mary students securing private accommodation in Singapore are advised to follow the partner’s guidance to complete their accommodation search safely. General guidance about searching for private accommodation safely is also available on the QMplus resource page, “Pre-departure” tab from early spring.
Students have the flexibility and choice to source and arrange for their own accommodation based on their needs. Arrangements are at the sole responsibility and discretion of the student. For rental of private apartments/condominiums, it is important that students read and understand Singapore’s governing policies on rental/leasing of accommodation, from the Singapore Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) website. Students are also strongly advised to read and understand all terms and conditions of the leasing agreement before committing to a lease. Once a lease has been accepted and signed, the signatories have a legal obligation to fulfil all the terms stated in the agreement. SMU does not represent either party in any disputes arising from the rental/lease of the property.
You can find general, up-to-date information about the cost of living in Singapore here.
Living expenses can vary depending on individual lifestyle, especially in Singapore where renting private accommodation can be as (if not more) expensive than renting privately in London. Please consult the estimated minimum and maximum cost of living figures for this destination country available in our “Estimated Costs of Living” document available on our Finance page.
Important: Students considering to live and study in Singapore must be realistic about financial matters, this being one of the most expensive cities in the world. In the decision-making process, Queen Mary students must calculate their forecasted budget with confirmed funding to which they will have access against the rising cost of living.
SMU provides facilities, care and services for students with special needs/disabilities to support their well-being while studying at SMU. Visit SMU’s website on our Diversity, Inclusion & Integration Unit and Student Wellness Centre, to find out more.
SMU has a vibrant campus life with many activities to complement your formal studies as well as to help build lasting friendships and global networks. SMU is also equipped with the following on-campus facilities:
Find out more about SMU’s campus life and facilities.
Singapore Management University:
SMU International Office:
SMU - International Student Exchange Programme Fact Sheet 2021-2022 [PDF 1,555KB]