Singapore Management University
Programme Details
Minimum mark 60%
Level Undergraduate
Language/s English
Agreement Scope Law & SBS - Management
Exchange Places 5 full year places for 2024/25
Singapore Management University Information for Exchange students
Overview
About:
As a premier university in Asia, the Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000, SMU’s mission is to generate leading-edge research with global impact and produce broad-based, creative and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy.
SMU has an emphasis on generating rigorous, high-impact, and relevant multi-disciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance, SMU faculty collaborate with leading international researchers and universities from USA, Europe, China and India as well as with partners in the business community and public sector, through its research institutes, centres and labs.
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.
Contact at SMU:
Mr Julian Chong julianchong@smu.edu.sg or isep.inbound@smu.edu.sg
SMU International Office, Singapore Management University, Administration Building, 81 Victoria Street, Singapore
Highlights:
With the city at your doorstep, there will never be a dull moment. A state-of-the-art School of Law building with purpose-built seminar rooms will enhance your learning experience and stimulate class interaction. As a student here, you will be immersed in an interactive and interconnected environment that will help you to grow beyond the classroom context.
In addition to convenient access to the gymnasium, swimming pool and the dance studio, you can enjoy amenities like food and beverage outlets, and banking and healthcare services within the vicinity.
As an integral part of Singapore's Central Business District, SMU is a stone's throw away from museums, theatres, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Take a 5 to 10-minute bus or MRT ride to the shopping belt of Orchard Road, the cultural establishments of Chinatown and Little India, or the centre of nightlife, Clarke Quay.
Location:
The island of Singapore’s total land area is just 718.3 square km!, And at just one degree above the equator, the city-state enjoys year-long temperatures that range from 24.0°C to 34.0°C and an average daily relative humidity of 61-65%. Most Singaporeans are descendants of immigrants from the Malay Peninsula, China or the Indian sub-continent. While they have gradually acquired a distinct identity as Singaporeans, many still retain their customs, practices and festivals in an interesting mix of the modern and traditional ways.
From its botanic gardens, rainforests and wetlands to its exceptional shopping and eclectic food scene, Singapore is one of Asia’s top destinations. It’s also a world leader in research and innovation, with a number of highly ranking universities and an excellent student life. Singapore is an easy jump of point for the charms of Malaysia and Indonesia, including beaches, rainforests and orangutans. Singapore is where foodies, explorers, collectors, action seekers, culture shapers, and socialisers meet!
Academic information
Courses / Modules:
A list of courses available for exchange students will be sent to applicants about two weeks before course registration. Students can look at courses previously available when making a preliminary course list.
College of Integrative Studies for Management students
Yong Phung How School of Law for Law students
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
All one-credit courses at SMU last for an entire term (13 weeks), with the rest (0.5-credit courses) being held over a period of half a term or for the full term.
Classes run intensively from Week 1 onwards.
Contact hours per undergraduate course: 1 credit course = 39 contact hours per semester. 0.5 credit course = 18 contact hours per semester (6 to 12 hours per week of self-study or preparation time).
4 SMU credits = 60 York credits
Teaching Periods:
Semester 1: August - December
Semester 2: January - April
Access SMU calendar.
Language:
Classes at SMU are taught in English.
You may be required to provide evidence of your English language ability if English is not your first language.
Student life
Accommodation:
SMU does not arrange accommodation for international exchange students. SMU international exchange students are advised to rent an apartment with other international exchange students. Usually, exchange students would put up at a hostel upon their arrival in Singapore while they call up the local housing agents and search for private apartment. Here are some information on off-campus housing on SMU website.
Orientation / Welcome week:
A number of significant student events are celebrated throughout the academic year. Jointly organised by the student groups, project committees as well as alumni, they provide SMU students with rich and fulfilling experiences outside the classroom.
Support Services:
A range of support services are available to students at SMU, including Disability Services and Student Wellness. The SMU International Office is the key point of contact for exchange students.
Visas:
Information from the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in London.
Health insurance:
It is compulsory for all incoming exchange students to purchase the Student Personal Accident Policy and Medical Insurance as recommended by SMU. Cost for this insurance is included as part of the miscellaneous fees. Insurance details can be found here.
Travel insurance:
If you are approved by the University of York to participate in this program, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.
Living Expenses: (provided by SMU 11.09.23 in Singapore dollars)
The estimated monthly living expenses for an exchange/visiting student in Singapore is approximately S$1,800–S$3,000.
Listed below are some expected monthly expense items.
Accommodation (subjected to type of accommodation) S$900 – S$1,500
Food S$600 – S$800 Transportation S$100 – S$200
Telecommunications S$30 – S$50
Book and Stationery S$50 – S$100
Personal Expenses (entertainment etc.) S$100 – S$300
Actual expenses will differ depending on the choice of accommodation and lifestyle of each individual.
Miscellaneous fees:
All students are required to pay a one-time miscellaneous fee of approximately SGD 250. The fee includes the cost for the SMU Medical Insurance, Library & IT services, registration and matriculation as well as student activities. The miscellaneous fee is mandatory and non-refundable.
Student experiences
Jordan, Law, Year Abroad 2017/18
“I have established a strong friendship group who will remain for next semester too. I have got an extended group of friends that include many locals through a friend from York who lives in Singapore and that has helped me find good places to eat, go out and enjoy. I have definitely become more independent as well as courageous and brave, especially when I came to Singapore only knowing Henry, but choosing to live with 5 strangers in our own apartment.
Singapore is a diverse and beautiful country. There are so many places to go, things to do and experiences to have. It is also incredibly well connected to close-by countries which means that trips abroad are easy to organise and not too expensive to do. There are so many different cuisines to try and a mall on every corner should you need to shop! The university is modern and fun, the resources are great and it's only a short walk from where I am staying which is handy."
Flo, Law, Year Abroad 2019/20
"Having travelled and experienced different cultures, I feel more enlightened to the traditions and customs of others, which in turn has made me more open-minded and accepting of things outside of my own knowledge and comfort zone. I am extremely grateful to have experienced the renowned teachings of SMU, and enjoyed the larger classes and methods that differed from my own experiences at YLS. The opportunity to study abroad is one that I will carry with me in a positive light, despite the challenges that accompanied it. "
Top Tips for Studying in Singapore
Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied abroad in Singapore - Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.
Money and Banking:
Monzo
At first, I was going to get a bank account with HSBC, however, most British students that I talked to used a Monzo card, which I ended up using as well. It is a British bank which is great for students who are abroad. I would definitely recommend at least searching Monzo online because it saved me quite a bit of money. However, getting a bank account abroad is also a good choice.
Staying Connected:
I got two 6 month long temporary sim cards and just topped them up as and when
If possible, I would recommend getting a sim abroad and putting it into your phone. This is especially useful if your phone can take multiple sim cards. However, my phone had only one sim port so I chose to get a cheap phone in the UK and then put the sim that I purchased abroad in that phone. However, having one phone which can take the sim is much easier so if possible, that is what I would recommend.
Food:
Canteens on campus are super cheap, like £2 or £3 per meal. Restaurants are very expensive, so is alcohol.
Hawker’s centres are very good and a good alternative to the expensive restaurants there.
Paperwork and bureaucracy:
I regularly checked my email as any essential information was likely to be there.
Bureaucracy is very different in Singapore. If you're expecting a document or waiting for something, just email and ask them about it, otherwise you'll be waiting forever. I got sent all over the city trying to sort out my student visa.
What I wished I'd known...:
Using whatsapp to make friends and talk to everyone, this is key. Nobody uses Facebook or texts.
I wish I’d known more about the accommodation before getting there - such as no wifi in the rooms, which was quite daunting to realise on the first day.
Useful links
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Videos and resources from SMU
