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How does it work?
SMU signs collaborative agreements with selected overseas universities to exchange a set number of students each year. Over the term of the exchange agreement, the numbers of students exchange d must be equal.
As an exchange student you remain enrolled full-time at SMU while you are away on exchange . Therefore, you pay full tuition fees, miscellaneous fees and exchange application fee to SMU. At your exchange university, a local student there also enrolls full-time and pays any relevant tuition and student fees that apply at his/her university. This equal exchange of enrolled students who have already paid for their home university's fees, thus allows the waiver of tuition fees.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility for an exchange is restricted to SMU students who:
- are registered for full-time undergraduate course work at SMU;
- have completed 1 year of studies at SMU before embarking on the exchange programme (exception: SIS students can only go on exchange programme after Year 3, term 1 - policy as of 12 Jan 2007)
- are of any nationality;
- have good health, or of manageable condition;
- have the financial resources for personal and living expenses (subject to the country and local conditions at the host university during the period of exchange ;
- must not be on academic probation (i.e. GPA must not be below 2.0)
- have an expectation that applicants will follow through their application process and show a willingness to live in another culture ;
- are aware of the ambassadorial role required of an exchange student
When to start planning?
The application for the exchange programmes for SMU students is conducted twice a year for Term 1 and Term 2.
You should start planning for your exchange programme at least 6-8 months before the start of the exchange term. It is therefore important that you attend the relevant briefing session which is held twice a year:
For enrolment in Term 1: Early January
For enrolment in Term 2: Early June
Please refer to the Partner Universities section and for the available programmes in the current academic year, kindly refer to Oasis .
How long is the programme?
The Student Exchange Programme at a Partner University will only be for a term (unless otherwise stated in agreement). It may be extended to one year according to suitability of the exchange and the application to the specific programme. Extension of the exchange will be decided at least two months prior to end of the first exchange .
How much does it cost?
While you are not required to pay tuition fees, you are responsible for most other expenses while you are away. The estimated cost is between S$4,000 to S$12,000 for one semester to cover living expenses, accommodation, cost of air tickets, travel and health insurance, etc. Prices will vary depending on the exchange rate, cost of living in each country and the lifestyle you adopt while overseas.
Materials regarding estimated cost of living in various countries are available in Oasis and at the Office of International Relations for your reference.
What is expected of the participant?
A SMU student participating in an exchange programme will remain subject to the rules and regulations of SMU.
- You are required to undertake the following:
- accept financial responsibility for all of your personal expenses, including accommodation during the exchange period;
- arrange suitable travel, personal and medical insurance by yourself;
- fulfill the immigration requirements in the country of the partner university;
- make your own visa and travel arrangements for your journey to and from the country of the partner university;
- advise Office of International Relations (OIR) of changes to your academic programme while overseas;
- arrange for SMU tuition fees to be paid on your behalf each term whilst you are participating in the exchange programme;
- abide by the laws of the host country;
- abide by the regulations of the host university;
- conduct yourself personally and professionally in a manner befitting a representative of SMU;
- provide OIR with your postal and email addresses upon registration at the Partner University ;
- consult OIR should any problem arise in relation to your studies or otherwise during the exchange programme and
- assist other outgoing students in their decision-making and planning to go overseas on exchange .
- Any failure to abide by these conditions may result in disciplinary action by SMU and / or the host institution.
What are the stages?
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