The Visiting Student Programme (VSP) offers the opportunity to all undergraduate students to study in SMU on a fee-paying basis.
FALL 2025 TERM: 18 AUG - 07 DEC 2025
APPLICATION PERIOD
15 APR - 25 APR 2025
FALL 2025 Term: 18 Aug to 07 Dec 2025, inclusive of exam period
SPRING 2026 Term: 12 Jan to 03 May 2026, inclusive of exam period
Spend up to two academic terms studying at Singapore’s only City Campus university
Experience SMU's interactive pedagogy and experiential learning in small, seminar-style classes
Tackle real-world challenges through interdisciplinary SMU-X courses
Grow a diverse network of friends and contacts in Singapore, your gateway to Asia
WHY SMU?
Established in 2000, the Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally recognised for its teaching excellence and world-class research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. Our distinctive pedagogy of small class sizes and seminar-style teaching in our lush city campus, set within the heart of Singapore's cosmopolitan cityscape, offer a transformative education to help you discover your fullest potential.
Why choose SMU?
Why choose Singapore?
VSP for Special Scholarship Programmes
Students in the following scholarship programmes will be granted direct admission into VSP.
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is a flagship initiative of the Australian Government designed to enhance understanding of the Indo-Pacific region among Australian undergraduates by supporting their studies, language training, and internships in the region. SMU proudly hosts NCP scholars annually through our Visiting Student Programme (VSP), offering them a unique learning experience across our six diverse faculties: Accountancy, Business, Economics, Computing and Information Systems, Law, and Social Sciences.
Acknowledging the rigorous selection process of the NCP, SMU now offers direct admission to the VSP for scholars from the NCP Scholarship Programme. To further support their academic pursuits at SMU, students can explore the Australian government-funded OS-HELP Loan for additional financial assistance.
Additionally, NCP scholars receive priority access to our esteemed Exchange Student Ambassador training. This programme equips students with essential skills in public speaking, networking, creative production, and more.
To support the language learning component of the scholarship, several renowned language learning centres in Singapore have offered exclusive benefits to NCP scholars through SMU. These centres provide flexible learning formats and schedules, focusing on a variety of Asian languages, making it easier for NCP scholars to pursue language studies while at SMU.
Hear more from Nathan Notley, Deakin University, 2023 NCP Fellow (Singapore):
“I really enjoyed my time at SMU – it’s a compelling option for NCP Scholars looking for a study option in the heart of Singapore. Given my interest in AI and law, SMU was a perfect choice. SMU has housed the Government AI Research Institute for several years, the expertise of which certainly filters down into its undergraduate subjects. The location is fantastic; I was fortunate enough to be able to walk to and from school, and always looked forward to lunch in Fort Canning Park. Also, I recommend taking an SMU-X subject; they’re a great way to meet professionals.”
If you are a prospective NCP scholar seeking a host institution in Singapore, please contact us at isep.inbound@smu.edu.sg for more details.
Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) is an Indonesian government-funded scholarship programme, to fund Indonesian undergraduate students for mobility programmes at top universities overseas. SMU welcomes IISMA awardees annually through our Visiting Student Programme (VSP), allowing them to engage with SMU's distinctive educational approach. Awardees can choose from a specially curated course list across all SMU faculties. In recognition of the rigorous and comprehensive selection process for IISMA, SMU is pleased to offer direct admission to the VSP for all IISMA awardees.
Furthermore, IISMA awardees are given priority access to our prestigious Exchange Student Ambassador training. This programme provides students with vital skills in public speaking, networking, creative production, and more.
Hear more from IISMA awardees, class of 2023:
Chindra Evandy, Bina Nusantara University: "As an engineering student, SMU has given me numerous opportunities to learn about the world of entrepreneurship. SMU encouraged us not only to develop our existing skills but also to learn new ones by exploring entirely different fields."
Aldo Arnold, Universitas Pendidikan Nasional: “My IISMA programme at SMU was a life-changing event. Seeing the eagerness of the other students there motivated me to maintain a learning mindset. SMU’s programme, which emphasises soft skills, has better prepared me to pursue a successful career and future."
If you are a prospective IISMA scholar seeking a host institution in Singapore, please contact us at isep.inbound@smu.edu.sg for more details.
Plan Your Journey
1 DURING APPLICATION
SELECT
SMU as your choice destination
SUBMIT
an online application to SMU
RECEIVE
SMU's letter of acceptance
2 BEFORE ARRIVAL
APPLY
for your Student's Pass (visa)
FIND
accommodation in Singapore
BID
for your courses at SMU
3 AFTER ARRIVAL
ATTEND
Orientation at SMU
IMMERSE
yourself in the student life at SMU
PARTICIPATE
in end of term celebrations
The Visiting Student Programme (VSP) is applicable for a duration of one regular term or a full academic year. Each term lasts 16 weeks, including a week-long mid-term break and two weeks of revision and examinations.
Please refer to the SMU Academic Calendar here.
Eligibility
- Applicants must have completed at least one academic year of undergraduate studies.
- Applicants must continue to be a registered undergraduate in their home university throughout the period of study at SMU.
- Applicants must have obtained a cGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, or equivalent.
- Applicants must fulfil the English language proficiency requirement by SMU.
English Language Proficiency
The language of instruction at SMU is English. Students from non-English-speaking countries or from institutions whereby the language of instruction is not English, must fulfil at least one of SMU’s English language proficiency requirement listed below. IELTS/ TOEFL/ C1 Advanced scores are valid for 2 years. Scores from tests taken must be within the validity period of two years at the point of application.
English Proficiency Test Minimum Score
Paper-based TOEFL
Min. of 5.5 (Test of Written) & 50 (Reading)583
Internet-based TOEFL*
Min. of 22 (Reading) & 22 (Writing)93
International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS)*
Min. of 7.0 (Reading) & 6.5 (Writing)7.0
C1 Advanced
Min. score of 185, with at least 185 (Reading) and 176 (Writing)185
*Due to COVID-19 testing restrictions, scores from the TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition and IELTS Indicator will also be accepted.
Application Procedure
- Applicants are required to complete and submit an e-application. The online application process will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Please refer to the step-by-step application guide here.
- Applicants are required to provide the following supporting documents together with the application. Only documents in English will be accepted.
- Photo identification page of passport (Passport MUST have a validity of no less than six months from the end date of the intended academic term). Expired passports, or passports with less than the required validity period WILL NOT be accepted.
- Latest academic transcript bearing the official letterhead or seal of the home university.
- English Language Proficiency Certificate (Applicable to students whereby the language of instruction of the home university is not English).
- Passport-sized colour photograph (taken within the last three months).
- Successful applicants will receive an Official Letter of Acceptance and further instructions for the application of the Student's Pass (student visa).
| Class Format and Size | Interactive seminar-style comprising 35 to 45 students |
|---|---|
| Course Load | Minimum: 2.0 SMU credits; Maximum: 4.0 SMU credits |
| Credit Weightage |
|
| Course Assessment | Including but not limited to class attendance, class participation, individual and group projects, presentations, mid-term tests and final examinations |
| Class Attendance & Participation | Mandatory for all classes; absence must be supported by medical certification or valid reasons, and are subjected to the approval of the teaching instructor |
Course Information
Students may choose from a list of selected undergraduate courses. The final course list will be sent to students approximately two weeks before course enrolment. Only undergraduate courses are offered to exchange/visiting students (Course Codes 001-499, 1200-4038).
For more information on course description and outlines, please visit the SMU Course Catalogue. Please note that the catalogue is for reference only, as not all courses are offered.
- Select the corresponding Academic Year and Term
- Select the desired course
- Select ‘View Class Section’
- Click on the Course Outline icon
Course enrolment is done via a bidding process. Course enrolments are not guaranteed and are subjected to SMU’s academic policies and the following conditions:
- Availability of vacancies
- Fulfilment of course pre-requisites, if applicable
- Course demand and bidding outcome
Students are encouraged to be proactive and flexible in their study plans. To optimise the bidding opportunities, students should:
- Obtain pre-approval for more courses than needed from the home university.
- Ensure that they have fulfilled the pre-requisites for the necessary courses, if applicable, before bidding.
The SMU campus is situated in the heart of the city, with many private housing options within walking distance. It is conveniently accessible to amenities and transportation networks. Students have the flexibility to source and arrange their own accommodation based on individual budget and needs. All arrangements are at the responsibility and discretion of the student.
Important:
- Students are required to read and understand all terms and conditions of the housing rental agreement before committing to the lease. The SMU Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO) does not seek to represent either party in any disputes arising from the rental / lease agreement.
- For rental of private apartments /condominiums, it is important that students read and understand Singapore’s governing policies on short-term rental. Find out more from the Singapore Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) website.
VSP Programme Fee
The VSP is a fee-paying programme. The tuition fee applicable is based on the:
- School offering the course
- Number of courses enrolled
The fee per course listed below, is inclusive of the prevailing government and service taxes.
| School | Fee (per course) |
|---|---|
Accountancy Business Integrative Studies Economics Computing and Information Systems Social Sciences | S$4,770.00 |
| Law | S$5,280.00 |
In addition, other administrative fees are applicable i.e. Student’s Pass (Student Visa), SMU Miscellaneous Fee etc.
Student’s Pass (Student Visa) Fee
The cost for the Student's Pass ranges between S$105 to S$135 and includes the application fee, issuance fee and multiple-entry visa fee (if applicable). Approval is subjected to terms and conditions.
SMU Miscellaneous Fee
A one-time miscellaneous fee of approximately S$280 per term or S$400 per year is applicable. The fee includes the cost for the SMU Medical Insurance, IT services, registration and matriculation as well as student activities. The miscellaneous fee is mandatory and non-refundable.
Living Expenses
The estimated monthly living expenses for an exchange/visiting student in Singapore is approximately S$2,000–S$3,500. Listed below are some expected monthly expense items. Actual expenses will differ depending on the choice of accommodation and lifestyle of each individual.
| Accommodation (subject to type of accommodation) | S$1,000 - S$2,000 |
|---|---|
| Food | S$700 - S$900 |
| Transportation | S$150 - S$200 |
| Telecommunications | S$30 - S$50 |
| Books and Stationery | S$20 - S$50 |
| Personal expenses (entertainment etc.) | S$100 - S$300 |
Singapore is a multicultural and cosmopolitan country, consistently lauded for our excellence in quality of living and safety. Learn more about living in Singapore here.
The laws in Singapore may differ from those in your home country. Understand the types of items that are prohibited (such as drugs and electronic cigarettes), controlled or dutiable in Singapore at this Immigration and Checkpoints Authority Singapore webpage.
All international students are required to hold a valid Student’s Pass during their term of studies in Singapore. The Student’s Pass enables the student to live and study in Singapore, as well as serves as a multiple-entry visa into Singapore (subject to terms & conditions).
The SMU Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO) will facilitate the application of the Student's Pass. Nevertheless, students shall bear the responsibility to complete and fulfil the application requirements for the Student’s Pass before their arrival in Singapore. More information on the Student’s Pass application will be provided two months before the start of the academic term.
For information on immigration matters that may affect your stay in Singapore, please visit the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website.
Important:
By regulation, Student’s Pass holders (exchange & visiting students) are strictly not permitted to undertake any form of internship or work (regardless paid or unpaid) during their study term in Singapore. Offenders will be prosecuted in accordance to Singapore's immigration laws.
Medical Insurance
It is mandatory for all students to purchase the SMU Medical Insurance. The cost for this insurance is included in the SMU Miscellaneous Fee. Find out more about the SMU Medical Insurance here.
- SMU Medical Insurance coverage is applicable within Singapore only.
- The SMU Medical Insurance does not cover personal travel/leisure trips out of Singapore. Students are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance at their own cost and discretion.
If you wish to purchase additional medical, accident and travel insurance coverage, please consult your local insurance provider.
International SOS (ISOS)
SMU has engaged the services of International SOS to offer 24/7 assistance to our students in case of an emergency locally or while overseas. Students are strongly encouraged to download the ISOS mobile app. In case of an emergency, students may seek assistance via the app or contact the ISOS 24-hour hotline at +65 6337 6517, or the SMU Campus Security at +65 6828 0343.
For more information on the Visiting Student Programme, please see our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
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We are committed to furthering your learning journey towards global citizenship.
If you have any questions regarding the Visiting Student Programme (VSP) in SMU, reach out to us at isep.inbound@smu.edu.sg.
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