Singapore Management University (SMU)

A premier university in Asia, Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Its unique pedagogy creates the opportunity for students to immerse themselves in an array of multi-disciplinary courses that address Asian issues of global relevance. 

Established in 2000 and home to some 10,000 students, SMU comprises six schools specialising in Accountancy, Business, Computing and Information Systems, Economics, Law and Social Sciences, offering a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degree programmes. SMU has newly added two colleges – the College of Integrative Studies and the College of Graduate Research Studies - to its academic suite in 2022. 

SMU’s city campus enjoys strategic linkages with business, government and the wider community through its institutes, centres and labs. 

Available exchanges

SMU hosts the University-wide exchange. 

Restricted subject areas

Enrolment in specific courses cannot be guaranteed and is subject to SMU’s academic policies and the following conditions:   

  1. Availability of vacancies   
  1. Fulfilment of course prerequisites, if applicable   
  1. Course demand and bidding outcome   

The School of Accountancy and the School of Social Sciences offer very limited courses to exchange students. Please be aware that it could be difficult to access a sufficient number of appropriate courses for degree programmes situated in these Schools. 

SMU is not suitable for Economics or Psychology students. 

Your responsibilities

  • The information provided here serves as a guide.
  • It is your responsibility to research whether the partner provides appropriate courses for your degree programme. 
  • Even if there are no restrictions on your degree subject, this does not mean that there are appropriate courses for you.  

Course enrolment is 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. 

Students will be allocated 100 e-dollars (e$100) each term to bid for their courses. Two to four weeks before the course bidding exercise, details and instructions related to course bidding, together with the list of courses offered, will be made available to students.  

For planning purposes, students may refer to the SMU Course Catalogue for undergraduate course offerings from previous terms. This catalogue should serve as a reference only as not all courses listed will be offered to exchange and visiting students. 

 


Guaranteed accommodation

No 

University accommodation

SMU does not have university accommodation.  

Private accommodation

The SMU campus is situated in the heart of the city with many private housing options that are within walking distance to classes and conveniently accessible to amenities and transportation networks. Students have the flexibility and choice to source and arrange for their own accommodation based on their needs. 

It is important that students read and understand Singapore’s governing policies before renting private apartments or condominiums. 

Airbnb is strongly discouraged - it is against the law for residential properties in Singapore to be used for short-term accommodation. 

  


Immigration requirements

All international exchange and visiting students are required to hold a valid Student’s Pass (STP) during their study term in Singapore. The STP is a legal document that enables the student to live and study in Singapore. It also serves as a multiple-entry visa into Singapore (subject to terms and conditions). The cost for the STP ranges between S$90 and S$120 and includes the application fee, issuance fee and multiple-entry visa fee (if applicable). 

SMU will initiate the STP application. Nevertheless, students are responsible for completing and fulfilling the application requirements before their arrival in Singapore. Two months before the start of the study term, more information on the STP application process will be provided. 

IMPORTANT: By regulation, STP holders are strictly prohibited from undertaking any form of internship or work - paid or unpaid, virtual or in-person - during their study term in Singapore. 

How much it will cost to go on exchange to SMU

The estimated monthly living expenses for an exchange student in Singapore are approximately S$2,000–S$3,500. These amounts are provided as guidelines, and the total does not include additional travel or discretionary expenses. 

Health insurance 

It is mandatory for all students to purchase the designated SMU medical insurance policy for coverage during their stay in Singapore. Payment is included as part of the "miscellaneous fee," which applies to all students. Students are strongly advised to purchase additional travel insurance at their own cost and discretion for personal overseas travel.  

 


  • Semester 1 (Fall): August to December   
  • Semester 2 (Spring): January to April   

  

 


SMU has provided the following document for prospective exchange students.


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