The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is a young, national research-intensive university located in the western part of Singapore. Established in 1981, it is the second oldest autonomous university in the country and is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the world by various international metrics. NTU is ranked 19th in the world according to the 2023 QS World University Rankings and has also been ranked 1st globally amongst young universities by the QS World University Rankings since 2015. NTU is embracing digital technologies for better learning and living as part of its Smart Campus vision. It has partnerships with the world’s leading technology companies such as Alibaba, Rolls-Royce, BMW, Volvo, Delta Electronics, and Singtel in many areas of societal importance and impact that include artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, smart transportation, computing, personalized medicine, healthcare, and clean energy.
Campuses:
NTU has two campuses: the primary campus, which is located along 50 Nanyang Avenue and a medical campus, located in Novena – Singapore’s healthcare district.
Yunnan Garden Campus: This is the primary campus and is also known as the Smart Campus. It has been listed as one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. The world’s first full-size electric autonomous bus and HEY! – NTU’s Augmented Reality magazine – are among the many technological innovations found on this campus. It is the largest university campus on the island of Singapore, housing Singapore’s largest on-campus residence infrastructure including 24 halls of residence for undergraduates and two graduate halls.
Novena Campus: Novena Campus is situated close to Tan Tock Seng Hospital in downtown Novena. This campus primarily serves the purpose of medical teaching and research at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) – a collaboration between NTU and Imperial College London. The 20-storey Clinical Sciences Building is home to LKCMedicine researchers, with the laboratories interconnected through collaborative spaces.
Colleges and Schools:
NTU is organized into several colleges and schools, each corresponding to different fields of study:
Nanyang Business School
College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
College of Engineering
College of Science
Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine
Graduate College
National Institute of Education
S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
International students targeting NTU need to have an excellent academic profile as a prerequisite to apply to most of the programs offered here. When assessing applicants, the admissions committee considers grades as the primary criterion. Students with a holistic profile can also benefit from the activities they have participated in. Let us take a look at some key application requirements.
Academic Requirements
NTU has specific requirements for international students applying to different programs offered there:
Course/Degree | Minimum Subject Requirements |
Aerospace Engineering |
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Business and Computer Engineering (Double Degree) |
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Maritime Studies |
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Art, Design and Media |
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Economics |
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Psychology |
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Biological Sciences |
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Environmental Earth Systems Science |
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Medicine |
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Business |
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Accountancy and Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (Double Degree) |
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Essays
Students applying to NTU’s undergraduate programs are generally not required to submit essays. However, for the medicine program offered at LKCMedicine, applicants must write an effective personal statement (300 words) to secure admission. This section of the medicine application is followed by a “Referee Report” section where applicants must provide references from two people who have observed their academic growth from close quarters. One of them must be a teacher. If the applicants opt for the ABA scheme (read below), they will have to write a 500-word essay on one of the following topics:
Share an event or incident you have encountered personally and why and/or how it has affected you or is especially meaningful to you.
Describe a person who has had an influence on you, and share with us why and/or how the person has influenced you.
Why are you interested in the degree program(s) that you have chosen on your application?
Extra-curricular Activities
The students applying to NTU have an opportunity to take advantage of the Aptitude-Based Admissions (ABA) scheme. This takes into account students’ passions, interests, and strengths. Applicants with exceptional talents and/or outstanding achievements beyond their schools’ co-curricular activities can be considered, subject to a minimum level of academic competence. Applicants are encouraged to provide details of extraordinary achievements under the ABA section of the application form. These may include:
Winner at the International Olympiads or in the National Science & Talent Search.
Significant awards/achievements in the area relevant to the program applied for.
Carded athlete*
Active involvement/participation in community services and/or volunteering work.
Demonstrated excellence in areas such as leadership, entrepreneurship, arts & culture, sports, etc.
Demonstration of aptitude/passion through a portfolio relevant to the first choice program applied for. This can include competition, project(s), and activity/program undertaken in the related field of study. The key emphasis is relevance to the field of program study applied in addition to the relevant subject(s) taken.
Made significant contributions or attained outstanding achievements in the area of work or internship relevant to the program applied for.
*Carded Athletes are athletes who have been nominated for the High-Performance Sports (HPS) based on their profile of the past 12 months (1st January to 31st December) performance/potential to achieve at the major games. The Singapore Sports Institute (SSI) evaluates and categorizes nominated athletes based on their achievements in local and international competitions.
Following are the key skills that are taken into consideration:
Leadership: Demonstrates managerial skills and is able to inspire confidence and respect from peers. Has assumed key leadership roles and is a good role model for the team.
Positive Influence: Possesses the ability to exert positive morale or let peers follow or react by his or her actions.
Creativity: Thinks out of the box. Initiates new ideas in projects, works, or other activities – e.g. entrepreneurial activities in which he/she actively seeks out new and better ways of performing an action or activity.
Integrity: Holds respect for oneself and others and is able to uphold certain moral principles and standards despite trying circumstances.
Intellectual Undertakings: Represents school or state etc., in academic competitions, exhibitions or seminars, or winners at Olympiads, etc. Special consideration would be given to those who have won prizes or recognitions at such events.
Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates stability in thoughts and ability to handle feelings and emotions in a responsible and calm manner.
Perseverance: Possesses the ability to complete a task or endeavor despite difficulties. Is committed to the completion of his/her job to the best of his/her ability under varying circumstances.
Responsibility: Has the commitment to see tasks through and assume ownership of the tasks and roles assigned.
Initiative/Motivation: Shows interest and enthusiasm. Able to take effective action without being told. Actively seeks to acquire further knowledge and skills.
Care for Community: Is active in community/social work. Genuine concern for the community such as the underprivileged. Above-average ratings are applicable for those who have assumed more than average required community hours of an average student.
Self-confidence: Believes in one’s ideas and abilities, is sure of himself/herself, and is able to work responsibly and independently.
Academic: Demonstrates aptitude in studies.
Applicants are encouraged to provide details of their achievements in an essay of not more than 500 words under the ABA section of the application form and submit at least 1 (maximum 2) appraisal(s) online to support their applications. Shortlisted candidates may be required to attend an interview and present relevant supporting documents for verification upon request.
Required Tests:
Most prospective students are exempt from taking aptitude tests like SAT/ACT or even English proficiency tests like IELTS/TOEFL. However, if the applicants have studied from an Indian State Board, then taking these exams (in addition to the AP Tests) would become a prerequisite. To understand these requirements better, we highly encourage students to read this article.
Sessions and Deadlines
International students can apply for the August intake at NTU. Generally, students can apply for this intake from October/November of the previous year to mid-February of the year of the intended start date. Keeping in mind the demands of the application process, it is recommended that applicants submit their applications at least 15 days before the deadline. Students must also remember that if they wish to apply for any scholarships, they have to first apply to a relevant course at NTU. The deadlines for the application of scholarships are usually one week after the deadlines for the courses.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
For students planning to study at NTU, it is important to understand the financial aspects involved in the process. NTU has a helpful Viability Calculator that lets students determine their overall cost of study per year, based on the choice of programs. For example, an international student opting for the Renaissance Engineering Program under subsidized tuition fees would end up spending around S$45,000* annually as the cost of study and accommodation. In addition, they would spend approximately S$10,000 on miscellaneous expenses throughout the year. The overall cost can range from S$12,000 to S$80,000 depending on the course and type of accommodation.
*Conversion Rate as of 7th February 2023 → S$1 = INR 62.37 = USD 0.75
Scholarships
NTU offers deserving international students many opportunities to avail scholarships. The table below lists some prominent ones.
Scholarship | Eligibility Requirements | Coverage |
Nanyang Scholarship |
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School Scholarship |
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Nanyang Scholarship (CN Yang Scholars Program) |
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(Applicable to scholarship holders who reside in NTU hostels only.)
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College Scholarship |
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Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Scholarship |
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NTU Science and Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship |
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NTU-University Scholars Program (NTU-USP) Scholarship |
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Conversion Rate as of 7th February 2023 → S$1 = INR 62.37 = USD 0.75
How To Apply?
All prospective students must apply to NTU through its website. Students need to sign up on this portal to initiate the application. They are then required to fill in personal and academic information, post which they can choose the faculty and course they wish to apply to.
All things considered, NTU offers a great college experience for international students. Being among the top young universities in the world, NTU offers excellent academic opportunities in its state-of-the-art facilities for students to discover their true potential.
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