NTU - Exchange

Thank you for visiting this page. We hope you could take some time to go through the commonly asked questions to answer your enquiry. This will save time for you and us.

Email summerNTU@ntu.edu.sg if your questions are not found here.

Please click below for the area of questions you are seeking for:

A. Application Process
B. Course details
C. Visa Application
D. Accommodation and Facilities
E. Insurance
F. Social Integration activities
G. Contact Information

A. Application Process

A1. Where can I obtain the course syllabus for courses offered under GEM Trailblazer Summer programme?
You can refer to GEM Trailblazer Summer programme website under Coursework section the detailed course information of each course.

A2. What are the course fees payable for GEM Trailblazer Summer programme? Are there other costs?
The estimated breakdown of the programme fees that a non-NTU student will incur can be found under the Financials and Housing section in the GEM Trailblazer Summer programme website.

A3. My home university does not have an Exchange agreement with NTU, can I still join the summer programme?
You will be able to participate in the GEM Trailblazer Summer programme as a full fee-paying student. However, you will still need to be nominated by the coordinator of your International Office. You will need to submit a Letter of Certification signed by your home university before you can apply for the summer programme. Email summerNTU@ntu.edu.sg to request for the Letter of Certification template.

A4. How many courses am I allowed to take? Can I take courses from different tracks?
There are 5 tracks offered under GEM Trailblazer Summer programme. Summer students may take a maximum of 2 courses across all tracks. However, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that the selected courses do not have timetable clash.

A5. What level of English do I need in order to participate in GEM Trailblazer Summer programme?
Please refer to the webpage on eligibility criteria for non-NTU students. All teaching and assessment for the courses are in English, except language courses. Thus, students applying for the summer programme must have a satisfactory level of English language proficiency as stated in the eligibility criteria webpage.

A6. Are the courses from the GEM Trailblazer Summer programme applicable for credit transfer?
All courses offered under GEM Trailblazer Summer programme are credit bearing and letter graded. The academic credits will be awarded to students after successful completion of the course(s). All summer courses in all tracks carry either 3 or 4 Academic Units each and the equivalent of 39 or 52 contact hours respectively. In order to check the number of AUs (Academic Units) for each course, you may refer to the course syllabus information.

However, as credit transfer policies vary among universities, students are advised to check with their home university to ensure that NTU's credits will be accepted by their home university before application. NTU Summer courses are presently offered at the undergraduate level.

A7. Are there exams for the summer courses? How will I be assessed?
Students will be assessed based on class participation, written assignments and quizzes/ exams (if any). Some courses have 100% Continuous Assessment, while some courses have a final written examination. The International Office of your home university may contact us for details regarding the assessment for individual course. NTU uses the Grade Point Average (GPA) system in awarding grades.

A8. Who is eligible to apply for GEM Trailblazer Summer programme?
International undergraduate students and international Direct Master's students from selected universities are eligible to apply. Postgraduate students (Master's and PhD), Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents are ineligible to apply. Please refer to the eligibility criteria webpage.

A9. What is the minimum GPA required for application?
The minimum GPA requirement is 2.5/5.0 (or 2.0/4.0) and proficiency in the English language.

A10. If I am interested, how do I submit my application?
You may inform the International Office (which has to have an existing exchange agreement with NTU) at your home university on your interest in our programme. After they nominate you as an Exchange/ Fee-paying student, you may proceed to submit your online application.

If you are not nominated by your home university, you may still apply as a Fee-paying student. However, you will need to complete a certification form. Email summerNTU@ntu.edu.sg to request for the Letter of Certification template.

A11. How do I get nominated for GEM Trailblazer Summer programme?
You may approach the International Office at your home university and express your interest to get nominated for GEM Trailblazer Summer programme.

A12. Can I apply to GEM Trailblazer Summer programme even if my home university (Exchange partner) is not nominating me?
Non-nominated current undergraduate students from the partner university may apply under the fee-paying scheme by completing a certification form when submitting an online application.

Please refer to the Financials and Housing section in the GEM Trailblazer Summer programme website for fees information.

A13. How do I know if my home university is an Exchange partner?
Approach the International Office at your home university for advice.

A14. Can I apply even if my university is not exchange partner?
We welcome current undergraduate students from a recognised university to apply to GEM Trailblazer Summer programme. If your home university is not an Exchange partner with NTU, you may apply under the fee-paying scheme, where full fees applies. In addition, you will also need to complete a certification form when submitting an online application. Please refer to the Financials and Housing section in the GEM Trailblazer Summer programme website for fees information. Email summerNTU@ntu.edu.sg to request for the Letter of Certification template.

A15. When does application open? What is the submission deadline?
Application starts: Early February
Application deadline: 31 March

Before submitting an online application, do ensure you have been nominated by the International Office at your home university. If you are not nominated by your home university, please email the signed Letter of Certification to summerNTU@ntu.edu.sg before applying.

A16. What documents do I need for the application?
Please refer this webpage to view the documents needed for GEM Trailblazer Summer Application for non-NTU students.

A17. When is the due date to pay the programme fees?
If your application is successful, you will receive an offer of admission via email with instructions to view the Letter of Enrolment via the Study Abroad Portal . Should you accept the offer, you are required to make payment within 5 days of accepting the offer. Click "Make Payment" in the Study Abroad portal to view your bill and make payment. Payment has to be made online via Flywire platform. We currently only accept credit card payment/bank transfer.

Please refer to the Financials and Housing section in the GEM Trailblazer Summer programme website for fees information.

A18. What should I do if I wish to withdraw from the programme?
Please refer to this webpage on the withdrawal guidelines.

A19. When will I be able to know the outcome of my application?
The outcome of your application will be made known to you via your registered email in April/May.

A20. Can I re-apply if my application is not successful?
You can re-apply in the following year.

A21. How can I apply if I wish to study for a longer duration in NTU?
You may apply as an exchange undergraduate or an exchange graduate student in NTU for a semester or two semesters should your home university has an existing exchange agreement with NTU.

For more information on Semester exchange, please email gem-trailblazer@ntu.edu.sg

A22. What should I do if my passport is expiring soon during the point of application?
You need to ensure that at the time of application, your passport has a validity period of at least 6 months from the date you are leaving for Singapore. You may upload a replacement document (Eg. your identity card or driving license) during application while waiting for the new passport to be ready. Thereafter, please follow-up with an email to summerNTU@ntu.edu.sg of your updated passport details.

A23. Are there any scholarships or financial aid which I can apply?
NTU does not offer any scholarships nor financial aid for GEM Trailblazer Summer programme participants.

A24. I am a Singaporean studying in an overseas university, can i apply?
Our summer programme is open to international undergraduate students. One of the objectives is for our summer students to experience Singapore's culture and education while participating the GEM Trailblazer summer. Singapore citizens/Permanent Residents may not apply.

B. Course details

B1. What is the typical class size of a summer course?
Depending on the course structure, generally the class size is between 10 and 50 pax.

B2. Where can I get my course timetable?
Confirmed summer participants will be notified via email/telegram to view the updated summer course timetable information by early June.

B3. What if I miss a class?
We highly encouraged students to attend all the classes as scheduled. However, if you have to miss a class, please inform the course instructor and email to summerNTU@ntu.edu.sg of your absence. The absence should be supported by a medical certificate issued by a registered doctor.

B4. What if the course that I have chosen has a clash in timetable?
It is the student's responsibility to make sure there is no clash in timetable when choosing 2 or more courses. In the event of a class timetable clash, NTU will notify student and offer an alternative course of similar specialisation.

B5. What if the course I have selected is cancelled?
Students will be notified should the chosen course be cancelled. You will be allowed to choose an alternative course, depending on its availability. It is the student's responsibility to make sure there is no clash in timetable when choosing an alternative course.

B6. When will I know the final result of my course? Will there be a transcript?
The release of the examination results would usually be in early-August. You will receive an email notification about the release of the examination results from NTU via your NTU student email account. The original hardcopy copy of the GEM Trailblazer Summer Students' academic transcript will be mailed directly to your Home University after the completion of the summer programme within two (2) months from the date of release of examination results by NTU.

C. Visa Application

C1. Do I need to apply for an entry visa?
Students from certain countries are required to apply for an Entry Visa prior to arrival. You may refer to ICA website for the list of countries that require an Entry Visa. If an Entry Visa is required for your nationality, please make sure that you apply at least 6 weeks before your arrival and follow-up diligently on its approval. NTU will not be responsible for your entry visa application.

C2. Do I need to apply a student visa for Singapore?
You do not need to apply for a Student's Pass. Please check your visa entry requirements at ICA website.

C3. What is a Short Term Social Visit Pass (STVP)?
The STVP is to regulate the stay of foreigners in Singapore. It may be granted at the checkpoint to a foreigner who wishes to enter Singapore for social, business or professional purposes or as a tourist. Students should take note of the last day of stay allowed in Singapore indicated in the Electronic Visit Pass after clearing the Singapore customs, to ensure that they do not overstay in Singapore at the end of the summer programme.

C4. What is the difference between an Entry Visa and an STVP?
An entry visa is not an immigration pass. It is a pre-entry permission for the holder of a valid Singapore visa to travel to, and seek entry into Singapore. The grant of the STVP will be determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry into Singapore. Possession of a valid entry visa does not guarantee entry into Singapore.

C5. How long will I be granted to stay and remain in Singapore?
Generally, an individual is granted up to 30 days validity. However, each individual's validity may varies on a case-to-case basis. It is the individual responsibility to check the last day of stay in Singapore as indicated on the Short Term Social Visit Pass (STVP) via their registered email address and/or their passport before leaving the Singapore immigration.

C6. What should I do if I plan to stay in Singapore longer than my granted stay validity?
You may seek extension of your Short Term Social Visit Pass (STVP) from Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Please visit ICA website on extending STVP for more details. Note that extension of STVP is subject to review and approval by ICA.

C7. Can I extend my stay in Singapore after the course?
You should go in-person to Immigration & Checkpoint Authority of Singapore to get your social visit pass extended. Please visit ICA website on extending STVP for more details. Note that extension of STVP is subject to review and approval by ICA. Do note that you will need to make your own accommodation arrangement after the programme ends.

C8. Am I allowed to work while in Singapore?
You are not allowed to work under social visit pass.

D. Accommodation and Facilities

D1. Is on-campus accommodation provided for GEM Trailblazer Summer programme?
On-campus housing is guaranteed for all incoming summer students in one of 24 Halls of Residence in NTU. For a holistic summer experience, international summer students are required to stay on-campus throughout the duration of the summer programme.

D2. What type of housing is available? What is the cost?
A twin-sharing room is provided throughout the duration of the GEM Trailblazer Summer programme. Halls are co-ed by floor or wing. The total cost of accommodation will depend on the length of your course(s) that you have registered.

Please refer to the Housing section in the GEM Trailblazer Summer programme website for more information.

D3. What can I expect from the hall facilities?
Rooms are furnished with a bed, mattress, study table, chair, wardrobe, bookshelf and soft board (to pin notes on, etc.). Bed-linen, blankets and pillows will NOT be provided. Students will have to purchase their own bed-linen, pillows and blankets when they arrive in NTU.

Please refer to this webpage on housing and recommended packing list for the details.

D4. Are meals provided in the Halls of Residence? Is it included in the summer programme fee?
There are no meal plans available at the Halls of Residence. Students can purchase their own meals at any Hall of Residence canteens, convenience store, supermarkets or food outlets around the NTU campus. Please refer to the Welcome Guide for places to eat around the campus.

D5. When can I move into the Hall of Residence?
Students will be informed of their allocated hall of residence prior arrival in Singapore. Information on the arrival date and check-in timing will be provided nearer the date of programme commencement.

D6. How do I get to NTU Yunnan campus? Is airport reception available?
There is no airport pick-up service.

Students may use the following links for directions to NTU and around campus to locate your allocated Hall of Residence.

Directions to NTU        : https://www.ntu.edu.sg/life-at-ntu/visiting-ntu

Getting around NTU    : https://maps.ntu.edu.sg

Please refer to the Welcome Guide for internal shuttle bus services (eg CL-B, CL-R) to get to your respective halls.

D7. What are the currencies used in Singapore? Can I use my credit card(s) or bank card(s) in Singapore?
Singapore official currency is Singapore Dollars (SGD). Credit cards such as VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro and PLUS can be used in Singapore. You may withdraw cash from most of the Automated Teller Machines (ATM) which can be found within the campus. Alternatively, you can visit the nearest shopping mall, Jurong Point Shopping Centre for individual banking needs. There is also an OCBC Bank located within the campus.

D8. Can I opt for a single room instead of twin-sharing during my study in NTU?
You are required to share a room with a roommate of the same gender, which will be allocated randomly. Exceptions may be granted if you have a valid medical reason which require a single room. It is imperative that you declare any existing medical condition in the online application form, and attach supporting documents. Your needs will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

D9. When will I know which NTU Hall I am allocated to?
You will be notified of the allocation of your on-campus accommodation approximately 3 days before the start of the summer programme.

D10. Can I choose my roommate and the hall during my study in NTU?
All accommodation allocation will be done via the balloting system. You are not allowed to choose roommate or the hall of residences.

D11. When can I check-in? When do I have to check-out?
The information on the check-in and check-out date will be stated in the Letter of Enrolment.

D12. Can I book on-campus accommodation for my guests during my programme in NTU?
On-campus accommodation is strictly for students enrolling in an academic programme. Currently, there is no guest accommodation facility in NTU.

D13. Can I extend my stay?
There will be strictly no extension beyond the programme date. You may refer to the Letter of Enrolment on the check-out date, which usually falls on a Saturday, the week where your programme ends.

D14. Can I choose to live off-campus?
All international summer students are required to stay on-campus throughout the programme.

D15. How do I go about arranging for accommodation if I am arriving earlier/ leaving later than my programme period?
Students arriving earlier than the check-in date and/ or arrive after the Hall of Residence's Office hours will need to look for an alternative accommodation at own expense. You may make reservation at any preferred accommodation off the campus.

E. Insurance

E1. I already have insurance coverage back in my home country. Do I still have to purchase insurance in Singapore?
It is compulsory for all summer students to purchase the NTU Group Hospital & Surgical Insurance (GHSI) even if you have a similar insurance coverage back home. The insurance fee is already included in the Administrative Fee.

Please refer to this website for information on NTU student insurance.

It is important that all incoming summer students highlight any existing/ pre-existing medical conditions or surgeries they have/ had in the online application so that NTU can provide the necessary support to ensure your well-being.

F1. Are the cultural activities compulsory? Do I have to pay?
As the summer programme is designed as an immersion programme for students to experience life in NTU and Singapore, student is highly encouraged to participate in at least one of the social integration and cultural activities. The activities will introduce you to local culture, and increase interaction with other international summer students. There is no additional charge for participating in these activities.

F2. What are the type of activities available?
Examples of activities include: Summer team bonding, Singapore city tour (half day), visits to various attractions (e.g. Maritime Trail) and museums of significant heritage or cultural value (e.g., Peranakan Museum), as well as hands-on interactive activity such as *prata-making.

All activities are dependent on its availability and subject to changes. NTU reserves the right to change the activity to another one of a similar value without prior notice.

*Prata is a local Indian flatbread prepared freshly and typically eaten with curry, enjoyed widely by many Singaporeans.

F3. When do these activities take place?
The Summer team bonding activity and Singapore City Tour are conducted before the teaching week begins. Thereafter, there will be social activities conducted over two Saturdays and certain weekdays after commencement of lessons. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in social activities.

F4. Can I choose the social activities?
The Singapore City Tour is a common activity for all summer students. Apart from the Singapore City Tour, you can select your preferred activities as mentioned above. Details on registration of social activities will be communicated to confirmed summer participants by early June. Registration is subject to availability of vacancies and on a first-come-first serve basis. In the event that you are unable to select the activity that you prefer, be assured that all activities offered are of similar value and duration. Students can take the opportunity to interact with different groups of students during any of the activities conducted.

F5. Is there an orientation? Is it compulsory?
It is mandatory for you to attend the orientation briefing. At the orientation briefing, the summer team will share useful information and advice so that you can get the most out of your time in NTU and Singapore. It is also a good opportunity to make friends with other summer students and get to know staff from the summer team who will provide you with administrative support throughout the programme.

F6. Is there any way which I can get in-touch with other participants from the GEM Trailblazer Summer programme prior to the programme commencement?
There will be a Telegram channel which will be created to connect the participants from GEM Trailblazer Summer programme prior to the programme commencement. Details of the Telegram channel will be known to participants after being successfully enrolled in the GEM Trailblazer Summer programme.

G. Contact Information

G1. Who can I contact at NTU if I have more questions?
Please send us an email at summerNTU@ntu.edu.sg if you need more clarification after going through the FAQ.

G2. Where can I find the campus map of NTU?
You may access NTU's interactive map here.