Engineering in National University of Singapore for Indian Students

Joining the National University of Singapore (NUS) for an engineering program as an Indian student involves several steps, including understanding the admission process, fees, accommodation options, scholarships, and visa procedures. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you:

1. Programs Offered

The NUS Faculty of Engineering offers a broad range of programs, including:

Bachelor's Programs:

• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical Engineering)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial and Systems Engineering)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Science and Engineering)

Master's Programs:

• Master of Science (Electrical Engineering)
• Master of Science (Mechanical Engineering)
• Master of Science (Civil Engineering)
• Master of Science (Environmental Engineering)
• Master of Science (Computer Science)
• Master of Science (Materials Science and Engineering)

Ph.D. Programs:

NUS offers Ph.D. programs in all major fields of engineering, with a focus on research.

2. Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Admissions:

• Academic Qualifications:

  • Indian students typically need a strong academic record from high school (Class 12), especially in Mathematics and Science subjects.
  • A good score in standardized tests like SAT or ACT can strengthen your application, although it may not always be mandatory.
  • The CBSE/ICSE Board or equivalent high school diploma with an overall grade of around 90% or above is usually required for admission.

• Language Proficiency:

  • If your high school education was in English, no additional English proficiency test is needed.
  • Otherwise, you may be required to provide proof of proficiency through tests such as IELTS (minimum score of 6.5) or TOEFL iBT (minimum score of 92).

Postgraduate Admissions:

• Bachelor's Degree: A relevant undergraduate degree in engineering or a related field with a good GPA (typically minimum 2:1 or equivalent from a recognized university).
• Language Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency through IELTS (minimum 6.5) or TOEFL iBT (minimum 92) if your prior education was not in English.

3. Application Process

Undergraduate Programs:

• Application Portal: Applications are submitted through the NUS Online Application Portal.
• Application Period: The application period for Indian students typically falls between October to March each year for the following August intake.
• Documents Required:
  • High school transcripts
  • SAT/ACT scores (optional)
  • Language proficiency (if needed)
  • Statement of Purpose or essays
  • Letters of recommendation (optional)

Postgraduate Programs:

• Application Portal: Postgraduate applications are submitted through the NUS Graduate Admission System.
• Application Period: Most graduate programs have two intakes, in August and January, with deadlines in November (for August intake) and May (for January intake).
• Documents Required:
  • Undergraduate degree certificates
  • Academic transcripts
  • GRE (may be required for some programs)
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Language proficiency test results (if required)

4. Fees

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate Fees:

  • For international students, undergraduate tuition fees for engineering programs typically range from SGD 17,500 to SGD 64,650 per year, depending on whether they accept the Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS).
  • The TGS provides a subsidy for tuition fees, but students are required to work for a Singapore-based company for three years after graduation.

• Postgraduate Fees:

  • Master’s programs tuition fees range from SGD 25,000 to SGD 40,000 per year, depending on the course.
  • Ph.D. programs are typically SGD 17,000 to SGD 40,000 per year, depending on the specific program.

Living Costs:

• Students should budget around SGD 1,000 to SGD 2,000 per month for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.

5. Accommodation

NUS offers several on-campus accommodation options for international students, as well as options for private housing.

On-Campus Housing:

• Halls of Residence and Residential Colleges offer shared accommodation with meal plans and are popular among undergraduate students.
  • Rent for on-campus accommodation ranges from SGD 300 to SGD 700 per month, depending on the room type and hall.
  • There are also options for self-catered residences, such as UTown and PGP Residences, where rent is typically SGD 500 to SGD 1,000 per month.

Off-Campus Housing:

• Off-campus housing options, including private apartments or shared flats, can cost between SGD 800 to SGD 2,000 per month, depending on location and amenities.

Finding Accommodation:

• It is advisable to apply for on-campus housing as soon as you receive an admission offer due to high demand.
• Websites like PropertyGuru and 99.co can be helpful for off-campus accommodation searches.

6. Scholarships

NUS provides several scholarships and financial aid options for international students:

Undergraduate Scholarships:

• NUS Global Merit Scholarship: Covers full tuition fees and a living allowance, as well as possible accommodation and airfare.
• ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship (AUS): For students from ASEAN countries (including India) and covers full or partial tuition fees.

Postgraduate Scholarships:

• NUS Research Scholarship: Available for full-time graduate research students, covering tuition fees and providing a monthly stipend.
• Commonwealth Scholarship: Available for outstanding students from Commonwealth countries and covers full tuition fees and living expenses.
• President’s Graduate Fellowship (PGF): For exceptional Ph.D. candidates and includes full tuition fees and a monthly stipend.

External Scholarships:

• DAAD Scholarships: Available for students pursuing specific graduate programs.
• Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship: For graduate students with a focus on public leadership and policy.

7. Student Visa (Student Pass)

Once you receive an offer from NUS, you will need to apply for a Student Pass (visa). Here are the steps:

• Admission Confirmation: After accepting the admission offer, NUS will provide guidance on applying for the Student Pass through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
• Documents Required:
  • Offer letter from NUS
  • Passport-sized photos
  • Proof of financial ability (bank statements)
  • Passport copy
• Processing Time: The application process typically takes around 2-4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
• Visa Validity: The Student Pass is generally valid for the duration of your program and must be renewed if required.

8. Work Opportunities

International students in Singapore can work part-time while studying:

• During Semester: You are allowed to work up to 16 hours per week during the semester without a separate work permit.
• During Vacation: Full-time work is allowed during the summer and winter breaks.

9. Application Timeline

• Research Programs: Start researching programs and scholarships at least one year before the intended start of the program.
• Prepare Documents: Collect all necessary documents such as academic transcripts, test scores, and essays.
• Submit Applications: Adhere to the application deadlines for both NUS and scholarship programs.
• Apply for Visa: Once you get the admission offer, start the visa application process as soon as possible.

10. Other Considerations

• Location: Singapore is known for its modern infrastructure, high standard of living, and multicultural environment. It is an attractive location for students due to its global connections and high academic standards.
• Language: Although English is the primary language of instruction, learning some basic Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil can enhance your experience in Singapore.

If you need more detailed information or assistance on specific aspects like visa application or housing, feel free to ask!