Frequently asked questions (FAQ).
Will I require a student visa for the International Student Exchange Programme?
Yes, it is mandatory for international students enrolled to study in Singapore to apply for, and hold a valid Student’s Pass (student visa).
Am I able to extend my Student’s Pass after the term to continue to work or pursue an internship in Singapore?
No. 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 term in Singapore. Furthermore, the Student’s Pass cannot be extended for work-related or internship purposes.
Offenders are subjected to punishment in accordance with Singapore laws.
Does SMU provide on-campus housing for international students?
No. SMU’s unique location in the heart of the city offers plenty of accommodation options within walking distance to SMU, and conveniently accessible to amenities and transportation networks. Students have the flexibility to source and arrange for their own housing based on their budget and needs. All arrangements are at the responsibility and discretion of the student.
Is it mandatory to purchase the SMU Medical Insurance?
Yes. Students are required to purchase the SMU Medical Insurance, even though they are covered by their own personal insurance plans or plans from their home university.
When can I expect to know the results of my application?
A Letter of Acceptance will be emailed to successful applicants approximately four weeks after the end of each term’s application deadline.
Are there any scholarship opportunities or financial assistance schemes for exchange students?
There are limited schemes available. Students who are applicable to apply will be notified through their home university.
Are all courses offered by SMU open to exchange students?
No, not all courses are offered to exchange / visiting students. Only undergraduate courses from a prescribed list are offered.
How do I enrol for courses?
Students enrol for courses via course bidding through BOSS (Bidding Online System). Students will be given e-dollars (e$) to bid for the courses they wish to enrol in.
Exchange / Visiting students will go through one round of BOSS bidding approximately four weeks before the term starts (Round 1C), and two more rounds during the first two weeks of the study term (Round 2 and 2A). Each round has a few bidding windows. BOSS Round 1C is exclusive to exchange / visiting students only, while BOSS Round 2 and 2A are open to all SMU students.
When will the study term’s final course list be available?
The final list will be available approximately four to six weeks before course bidding. In the meantime, the course lists from the past academic year / term are available for reference in the application portal when you complete your application.
What is the difference between course description and course outline?
Course description is a summary of what the course is about, while a course outline contains the detailed description, reading list and grading of the course.
What should I do if the course outline for next term is still unavailable?
You may check the course outline from the previous year for the corresponding term in the SMU Course Catalogue. You may use the course outline as a benchmark and reference.
What do the numbers ‘0’, ‘1’, ‘7’ mean in the course catalogue?
- ‘0’ - course will not be offered during that term.
- ‘1’ - 1 session (class) will be offered during the term.
- ‘7’ - 7 sessions (classes) will be offered during the term.
During course bidding, students are required to indicate the desired session for enrolment. Different sessions have different timeslots and/or teaching instructors.
What does it mean if a course has G1 (1) and G1 (2) in the class timetable?
These groups are given numbers to represent the different time slots in which they will be held. For instance, G1 means Group 1, and G1 (1) and G1 (2) are two halves of the G1 course whereby both sessions must be attended.
Do I have to fulfil the listed pre-requisites of certain courses?
Exchange / Visiting students are responsible to ensure that they fulfil the necessary pre-requisites of the SMU courses they wish to enrol in. Should the pre-requisites not be fulfilled, the student will not be allowed to enrol for the course.
The pre-requisites, if any, will be clearly stated in the course list or the detailed course outlines in the SMU Course Catalogue. Students are required to consult the SMU teaching instructors on the pre-requisites of the courses they wish to enrol in. The emails of the teaching instructors are available in the course outlines.
How do I transfer credits back to my home university and how will this be computed?
Credit transferability is determined by, and at the discretion of your home university. Please consult your home university on credit transferability before applying for the International Student Exchange Programme at SMU.
Will I receive an academic transcript after the study term?
Yes. The digital transcript will be emailed to your SMU campus email, within two months after the release of the final examination results, i.e. February (Term 1) and July (Term 2). The transcript will include the course title, course code and grade of the respective courses enrolled. Charges apply for re-issuance of digital transcript. For more information, please refer to this webpage.
Will the credits and grades obtained during my International Student Exchange Programme be reflected on my SMU transcript?
The SMU transcript will reflect the titles of courses enrolled in, as well as the grades and credits earned for those courses.
