collageThe National University of Singapore is Asia’s topmost and a world-leading comprehensive research university, offering a global approach to its education and research programmes with a focus on Asian contexts. The university offers a wide range of disciplines from sciences to music in both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. NUS currently has 17 faculties and schools across three main campuses – Kent Ridge, Outram, and Bukit Timah. Notable schools of NUS include the Duke-NUS Medical School in collaboration with Duke University USA, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and its liberal arts college Yale-NUS College, in collaboration with Yale University USA.
NUS offers a deep rigorous broad-based curriculum, multi-disciplinary courses, and cross-faculty modules. The university has a semester-based modular system, a combination of British systems such as small group teaching (modules) and the American system (course credits). Its transformative education allows students to transfer between courses, take up electives from different faculties, study abroad exchange programs, entrepreneurial internships, double degree, and joint degree programs with other world’s top universities. At the same time, students also have extensive scope to pursue their artistic, sports and cultural interests. The university is home to more than 38,000 students coming from over 100 countries.
The National University of Singapore is well-known for its high impact research activities in life sciences and biomedicine, engineering, social sciences, and natural sciences. NUS has 29 university-level research institutes and centers, home to three of Singapore’s five Research Centres of Excellence (RCE)- which specializes in mechanobiology, quantum technologies, cancer, water and is also a partner in a fourth RCE on environmental life sciences and engineering. NUS is actively involved in international academic and research networks such as the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) and the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU).
University at a glance
| Size of Campus in acres | 370 |
| UG/PG Course Ratio | 1 : 0.69 |
| Endowments Value | SGD 3 million |
| No.of Campuses | 3 |
| Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense | INR 2.8 Lakh |
| International Students Website | https://nus.edu.sg/osa/student-life/in… |
RankingUniversity Rankings#80Universities Rankings
– ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) 2020#11World University Ranking
– QS 2021#25University Ranking
– THE (Times Higher Education) 2021#32Global Universities
– US News & World Report 2021Course RankingsBusiness Courses#15GMBA Ranking
– FT (Financial Times) 2020#28Global MBA
– QS 2021#13Accounting & Finance
– QS 2020#14PG Business and Economics
– THE (Times Higher Education) 2021Engineering Courses#10Engineering and Technology
– QS 2020#12PG Engineering and Technology
– THE (Times Higher Education) 2021Computers Courses#8PG Computers
– THE (Times Higher Education) 2021
FeesINRSGD
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MArch(1 Course) | 1 – 2 Years | INR 22.3L |
| MBA(2 Courses) | 17 Months | INR 41.4L |
| BBA(3 Courses) | 3 – 4 Years | INR 17.6L – 18.6L |
| MBBS(1 Course) | 5 Years | INR 88.2L |
| BE/Btech(8 Courses) | 3 – 4 Years | INR 20.8L – 21.3L |
| MS(4 Courses) | 12 – 24 Months | INR 20.2L – 22.1L |
| MIM(3 Courses) | 1 Year | INR 21.1L – 31.6L |
| BSc(2 Courses) | 4 Years | INR 18.6L – 20.8L |
| MEng(1 Course) | 2 Years | INR 19.9L |
| Other Courses(1 Course) | 4 Years | INR 18.6L |
Entry Criteria
| Courses | Exams |
|---|---|
| MArch(1 Course) | IELTS: 6 & AboveTOEFL: 85 & Above |
| MBA(2 Courses) | GMAT: AcceptedGRE: AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above |
| BBA(3 Courses) | SAT: 1250 & AboveIELTS: AcceptedTOEFL: Accepted |
| MBBS(1 Course) | IELTS: AcceptedTOEFL: AcceptedSAT: 1250 & Above |
| BE/Btech(8 Courses) | SAT: 1250 & AboveIELTS: AcceptedTOEFL: Accepted |
| MS(4 Courses) | GRE: 320 & AboveIELTS: 6 & AboveTOEFL: 85-90 |
| MIM(3 Courses) | GRE: AcceptedIELTS: 6-7TOEFL: 85-100 |
| BSc(2 Courses) | SAT: 1250 & AboveIELTS: AcceptedTOEFL: Accepted |
| MEng(1 Course) | GRE: 320 & AboveIELTS: 6 & AboveTOEFL: 85 & Above |
| Other Courses(1 Course) | IELTS: AcceptedTOEFL: AcceptedSAT: 1250 & Above |
Singapore has been one of the most popular destinations for students who want to study abroad and was ranked 20th in the QS Rankings for Best Student Cities 2019. Its rich culture and prosperous surroundings and environment attract students from various countries to enjoy studying here. Once Singapore has been selected as the destination for studies, another unique confusion arises for students when they have to decide which university to choose for admission. So we have decided to help you out in choosing out of NTU VS NUS. Here is a curated comparison list for two of the best universities in Singapore – (NTU) Nanyang Technological University and (NUS) National University Singapore.
NTU
The NTU or Nanyang Technological University is situated adjacent to the town of Jurong West in the west region of Singapore and covers about 200 hectares of land making it the largest university campus in the city. It is hailed as one of the best universities in the field of engineering and technology ranking at the #4 in the QS World subject-wise ranking 2021 for its top-notch faculty and research centers and #13 in the QS World University Rankings 2021. So if you are interested in engineering and related courses then this university would be a very good option for you.
NUS
Located in the southwest region of the city, NUS or the National University of Singapore lays adjacent to Kent Ridge on a campus of about 150 hectares. Both these universities have made a name of their own in the world, ranking in the top 20 Best Universities. NUS has however maintained its position above the NTU in almost every criterion except the engineering field. Being the #1 University in Asia and #11 in the World is no easy feat for any university but this reputed university made its name among the giants with its dedication towards the future of its students.
NTU VS NUS: Rankings
For your benefit we have made a list of all the possible features you might want to know to be able to choose between the two universities. Below is the curated information in the form of tables for your convenience –
| Rankings | NTU | NUS |
| QS World University ranking 2021 | 13 | 11 |
| Social sciences and management | 17 | 9 |
| Natural sciences | 14 | 12 |
| Life sciences and medicine | 119 | 27 |
| Engineering and technology | 4 | 9 |
| Arts and Humanities | 41 | 15 |
| QS Asia University Ranking 2021 | 3 | 1 |
| QS Global MBA Ranking 2021 | 30 | 28 |
| QS Graduate Employability Ranking 2020 | – | 24 |
NTU VS NUS: Student Profile
NTU and NUS are both public universities in Singapore with 2 and 3 campuses respectively. NTU’s main campus is sprawled over 200 hectares whereas NUS’s main campus is about 150 hectares.
The average student-faculty ratio in both the universities is about the same at 6:1 but NTU has about 5,738 international students whereas NUS has about 7,273 international students.
NTU VS NUS: Acceptance Rate
One could say that the acceptance rate of NTU and NUS differs a lot. NUS being a very sought-after university with quite high standards has an acceptance rate of only about 5 – 7% whereas NTU also being another university being hailed as one of the best universities has a slightly higher acceptance rate which is about 25 – 35%.
NTU VS NUS: Eligibility Criteria
NTU being a very prestigious university asks for about 90% in all subjects along with a score of 6+ in IELTS, 90+ in TOEFL, 1250+ in SAT, and about 55+ in PTE. Any of these English proficiency tests would do.
In NSU along with good grades in all subjects demands about a 90+ score in TOEFL, 6.5+ in IELTS, 600+ in SAT, and about 62+ in PTE at an average. The Indian students do not have to give the entrance exam for the NTU.
NTU VS NUS: Student Life
Since both the universities are in Singapore one thing that can be said for sure is that it provides a rich student life and the experience of the mixture of both Eastern and Western lives. The average tuition fees for NTU are about S$17,550 – S$38,300 whereas the average tuition fees for NUS are also around the same range with the upper limit a little higher than the other university with an average of S$17,550 – S$58,650.
The on-campus housing rates have also been provided so that it gets easier for the students to choose from. The undergraduate housing rates of NTU are around S$265 – S$605 per month and the graduate rate are about S$400 – S$2,350 per month. NSU provides on-campus housing for undergraduate students at about s$83 – s$144 weekly and for graduate students at about S$315 – S$408 weekly.
Is NUS or NTU bigger?
NTU is probably bigger since it’s in 200 hectares whereas NUS is sprawled in 150 hectares of land. Although NUS is closer to the city than NTU which is to the west of Singapore.Is NUS better than IIT?
Yes NUS definitely better than IIT and is ranked #1 in Asia in the QS Asia Rankings 2021. So if you desire to study in Singapore and can afford it then you should definitely go for NUS since it is the #11th in the world too.Is it difficult to get into NTU?
Well, like any of the other top notch universities NTU is also a little hard to get into but nothing is hard for someone dedicated to get into the college and course one wants. So if you try a little hard and take help from our experts at Leverage Edu then you will be able to make your dream of studying in NTU come true. Is NTU Ivy League?
The engineering courses in NTU are definitely in the Ivy League and are ranked in top 10 in the world. In the QS Subject wise Rankings 2021 the Engineering and technology of NTU is ranked #4th in the world among the other Ivy League colleges.
What you need to know before applying to National University
Please take a few minutes to review these graduate admissions requirements before submitting your application:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university where an overall grade point average of 2.5 or better was achieved, or where a grade point average of 2.75 or higher was achieved in the last 90 quarter units.
- Students with a grade point average of 2.0 to 2.49 may be admitted to the University if they have a satisfactory score on one of the following tests: GMAT, GRE, Miller Analogies Test, or an approved, standardized program-specific exam. These tests are NOT required for those with a GPA over 2.5.
- Students with an undergraduate grade point average of 2.0 to 2.49 may be accepted to National University on a probationary status (instead of taking the above tests). Students are ineligible for official admission and will not be processed for degree evaluation or financial aid until students have completed a minimum of 4.5 or a maximum of 13.5 quarter units of graduate study with a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Preliminary documentation of prior education must be presented at required interview with an admissions advisor. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Complete an application for admission and enrollment agreement.
What you need to know before applying to National University
Please take a few minutes to review these graduate admissions requirements before submitting your application:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university where an overall grade point average of 2.5 or better was achieved, or where a grade point average of 2.75 or higher was achieved in the last 90 quarter units.
- Students with a grade point average of 2.0 to 2.49 may be admitted to the University if they have a satisfactory score on one of the following tests: GMAT, GRE, Miller Analogies Test, or an approved, standardized program-specific exam. These tests are NOT required for those with a GPA over 2.5.
- Students with an undergraduate grade point average of 2.0 to 2.49 may be accepted to National University on a probationary status (instead of taking the above tests). Students are ineligible for official admission and will not be processed for degree evaluation or financial aid until students have completed a minimum of 4.5 or a maximum of 13.5 quarter units of graduate study with a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Preliminary documentation of prior education must be presented at required interview with an admissions advisor. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Complete an application for admission and enrollment agreement.
Special Education
- Master of Education in Special Education with a Preliminary Ed Specialist Credential: Mild/Moderate with Internship Option (California)
- Master of Education in Special Education with a Preliminary Ed Specialist Credential: Moderate/Severe with Internship Option (California)
- Preliminary Education Specialist Credential: Mild/Moderate with Internship Option (CA)
- Preliminary Education Specialist Credential: Moderate/Severe with Internship Option (CA)
Teacher Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development with an Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (California)
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)
- Bachelor of Arts in English with an Inspired Teaching and Learning and a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential (California)
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies With an Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (California)
- Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with an Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Single Subject Credential (California)
- Master of Arts in Education
- Master of Arts in Social Emotional Learning
- Master of Early Childhood Education
- Master of Education in Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple and Single Subject Teaching Credential and Intern Option (CA)
- Master of Science in Educational and Instructional Technology
- Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
- Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option (California)
- Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential
- Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option (California)
Applied Behavior Analysis, School Psychology, & Educational Counseling
- Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis
- Master of Science in Educational Counseling with PPSC Credential Option
- Master of Science in School Psychology with PPSP Credential
- Pupil Personnel Services Credential School Counseling (PPSC)
- Pupil Personnel Services Credential School Psychology (PPSP) Program
- University Internship Credential Program for Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling (California Only)
Educational Leadership
- Master of Science in Applied School Leadership (In Partnership with participating California County Offices of Education)
- Master of Science in Educational Administration with Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Option (CA Option)
- Master of Science in Higher Education Administration
- Clear Administrative Services Credential Induction Program
- Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (CA Option)
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE
Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering
At the National University of Singapore, you can take engaging classes in your major with local and international students. As a global university, courses are taught in English by faculty from all over the world. Particular fields of note include engineering and computer sciences, biological sciences, environmental studies, social sciences, and South and Southeast Asian studies.
UNIQUE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
- Pursue your artistic, athletic, and cultural interests.
- Access experiential learning programs that take you beyond the classroom.
- Undertake unique interdisciplinary studies or conduct in-depth research with a local staff member.
- Learn the art of adventurous inquiry, reflective writing, and critical thinking.
LANGUAGE
Language of Instruction: English
Language Study: Optional
All coursework is taught in English. If you’re interested in learning a new language, the Center for Language Studies offers courses in 13 languages. These include Southeast Asian languages such as Malay, Tamil, and Bahasa.
COURSES AND CREDIT
REQUIREMENTS WHILE ABROAD
To successfully complete this program:
- Take a full-time course of study: Four courses for a total of 24 quarter/16 semester UC units.
- With four courses, you may take one course per semester for pass/no pass credit. With five courses, you can take two pass/no pass courses per per semester.
CURRENT PROGRAM COURSES
NUS courses are called modules. NUS offers undergraduate modules in many disciplines through various faculties or schools including Arts and Social Sciences, Computing, Design and Environment, Engineering, and Science. You will select modules from the non-graduating student module list.
In addition to university courses, you can access the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programs (UROP) offered by the School of Computing, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Science. Predeparture preparation is usually required. You can research the NUS Staff Research Directory System to identify a research supervisor then gain approval from that supervisor to conduct research.
COURSE RESTRICTIONS
Certain NUS courses or departments have restrictions for exchange students. For a full list of restrictions, visit the module restrictions document on the NUS website.
- Business courses are not open to undergraduate UCEAP students.
- Economics, Computer Science, Psychology, Architecture, and Civil Engineering courses are impacted.
- Due to high demand, NUS will only allow Economics, Computer Science, and Psychology majors to enroll in these courses. You may only be able to enroll in one Economics/Computer Science course, if any.
Note: Some courses will require you to have the necessary prerequisites before enrolling.
Due to the Singapore student visa restrictions, internships are not possible on this program.
CATALOGS AND RESOURCES
- NUS Global Relations Office: Review module information and course restrictions for UCEAP non-graduating exchange students.
- Faculties and departments: Explore NUS offerings by its faculties and programs.
- Module (course) search: Look up courses by semester and faculty.
- Syllabus search: Access information for courses when the instructor uses the NUS LumiNUS platform.
- University Scholars Programme: Explore courses in a special program that builds professional skills.
- Center for Language Studies: Review available language study at NUS.
- UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses UC students have taken on this program.
- Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.
ACADEMIC CULTURE
The National University of Singapore emphasizes group projects, field research, and class presentations. In this academic environment, you’ll readily be able to meet other students and embark on a deeper exploration of your academic interests.
Teachers in Singapore are highly respected, and relationships between students and teachers are different from those at UC. Students are expected to be polite, never confrontational or demanding. At the same time, many professors in Singapore have been trained in US and European universities. If you approach professors after class, you’ll likely find them friendly and interested in helping. If you have a difference of opinion or want to make suggestions, speak respectfully with the professor privately, out of class.
You must take all exams at the host university. The exam schedule is not flexible.
GRADES
You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Final course grades depend heavily on the final exam. Most exams at NUS are two-hour essay exams administered in large halls with up to 2,000 students. Be prepared to write many essays quickly and cogently. Multiple-choice exams are rare. Exams can be either open or closed book. NUS students typically rely on memorization and support their topics with many facts, charts, and graphs. Instructors are not just looking for broad concepts; they want specifics. You can look up past exams on file at the library, study the questions, and request feedback from the teaching staff early in the semester. Exams are graded by examiners, not necessarily the course instructor.
Final assessments may also be based on group projects, presentations, reports, laboratory assignments, research, participation, attendance, and any other criteria relevant to the course. Instructors generally do not give the feedback, evaluation, and explanation of grading that is common at UC.
The Pros and Cons of Studying in Singapore
Pros of Studying in Singapore
English is the Medium of Instruction
Singapore is in Asia, but you do not need to worry about learning a brand new language to get into a university. English is the language used for teaching inside the classroom and it is also common to speak English outside of a university setting.
However, you had better check if the university you like requires a certificate that proves your fluency in English or provides an English proficiency examination before admission.
Less Expensive University Fees Compared to US and UK
Singapore is indeed expensive if you compare it to its Asian neighbours, but if you compare it with the other popular destinations for studying abroad like the US, UK, or Australia, you will see how Singapore is far more affordable than these destinations.
Remember that total fees for undergraduate and postgraduate studies may differ depending on the course you take and the university you choose.
High-Quality Education
Singapore has some of the highest ranking universities in the world including the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. There are also foreign universities with branches in Singapore like the Chicago Business School and Technische Universität München that can provide the same quality of education as their main institutions.
Multicultural
Singapore may be a small country but it is rich in different cultures that you likely will be curious to experience. See diverse ethnicities, religions, food, architecture, and cultures blend together in one place. You can get to know about other cultures right away inside the classroom.
Safe and Comfortable Environment
Singapore is known to be a country with strict laws. However, you can guarantee yourself that these laws helped create a safe space for locals and foreigners.
Moreover, the country’s well-developed infrastructure and convenient transport system make it easier for foreign students to roam around the country with ease.
A Wide Range of Business Programmes
Singapore is often a considerable option for studying business because of its popularity as an innovative and competitive country in the field. Big companies and even startups are common there.
In Singapore where business, investments, and entrepreneurship are everyday keywords, you will not have a hard time finding the best MBA specialisation for you.
Cons of Studying in Singapore
Understanding Singlish
Although English is the language for teaching, the diversity of cultures in Singapore has made way for locals to have their own unique language: Singlish.
Singlish is a mix of Malay, Tamil, Hindi, Hokkien, Mandarin, and English that you will surely hear when you stay in the residential areas of Singapore. You can even just go to a nearby hawker centre or market and you will probably encounter the language.
The language itself is not a big disadvantage to studying in Singapore, but it would be helpful to have a grasp of it while staying in the country.
Maintaining a Budget
It can still be pretty expensive to live in Singapore especially when you like to hang out in bars and restaurants. The country is small so rental spaces are expensive, and so are utility bills. Do not get shocked when food and drinks are far more expensive than what you pay in your hometown.
If you want to eat out on a budget, there are many hawker stalls available which can be the best places to see the local culture and have a taste of local food. There are around 13,800 hawker stalls around the country.
Realistically, it is best to get cooking if you want to save more without starving yourself. You can get to cook your favourites too as Singapore’s markets will have the ingredients you will need.
International Student Limits
Although the country welcomes foreigners, the government has capped the number of international students in universities since 2011. It brought down the number of foreign students from 18% to about 15%.
The cap may not affect you depending on the field of study you want to pursue, but do not expect to see as many foreign students compared to the US and Europe.
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