Nanyang Technological University
Explore the cutting edge metropolis of Singapore while studying at the #1 University in the world under 50, not to mention UCalgary's top ranked partner worldwide (11th, QS 2020).
NTU is renowned for its engineering and communications programs as well as having one of the top 15 most beautiful campuses in the world. Study in English, while experiencing life in a culture that blends East and West harmoniously, in a forward thinking research institution that specializes in sustainability, technology energy and water. NTU is home to over 30,000 students, including over 7,000 international students, and several cutting edge research institutes. Singapore is ideally located to explore the rest of Asia as well!
Key information
Application information
Student experience
NTU was named one of the world's top 15 beautiful campuses. Experience it all in a minute with this snapshot tour of 50 popular spots on campus!
Program details
Areas of Study: Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Chinese, Communication, Computer Science, Digital Animation, Earth Science, Economics, Engineering (Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Information, Materials, Mechanical), English, Environmental & Resource Sustainability, Fine Arts, Food Science, History, Journalism, Linguistics, Math, Maritime Studies, Media Studies, Philosophy, Photography, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Sports Science, Visual Communication.
NTU also has information on courses or programs that are restricted to exchange students.
Haskayne Students: A Haskayne Specific Exchange is available at Nanyang. Students can take two senior commerce and/or non-commerce options, and/or a maximum of 2 concentration courses (not ACCT/PLMA). Review your course selection with a Haskayne exchange advisor before your exchange commences to confirm transfer credit. Find your Haskayne exchange advisor online.
Students at NTU must take at least 3 to a maximum of 6 courses (20 AUs) per semester. 3 AUs (1 NTU Course) = 3 UCalgary units (1 half-course).
At NTU, you must take at least 50% of your courses from one NTU school and should note the preferred main school in your course list as a part of your RAISA application. Detailed information on choosing courses can be found online. The "Content of Courses" section of their Academic Information page lists course by faculty & year of study and provides a brief course description. More detailed course outlines are usually available on each department's website.
Student Tip: "I really want to endorse a class that I feel was incredibly beneficial and very interesting in its teaching format.The class was called "Leadership in the 21st Century" and is taught by a professor called Stewart Arnold. It was really an amazing learning experience that focused on personal development, career building, goals, and leadership. If other students are going to NTU, I would highly recommend that they take the course as it offers many practical insights into all of these aspects that are important in our lives."
The academic year is divided into two semesters:
- Fall Semester runs from early August to early December
- Spring Semester runs from early January to early May.
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
NTU recommends that exchange students budget about 5000 SGD per semester for living expenses. Most UCalgary exchange alums have said that the cost of living at NTU and in Singapore is cheaper than in Calgary. A monthly cost breakdown might look like this:
Monthly Expenses Cost (low - high)
On-Campus Accommodation 260 SGD - 590 SGD
Off-Campus Accommodation 500 SGD - 1200 SGD
Meals/Food 300 SGD - 400 SGD
Personal Expenses 200 SGD - 400 SGD
Singapore Transit 100 SGD
Textbooks & course materials 25 SGD - 65 SGD
Other admin/misc. fees (per semester) 150 SGD - 380 SGDTotal Monthly Estimate for on-campus living: 915 SGD - 1631 SGD
Total Monthly Estimate for off-campus living: 1155 SGD - 2241 SGDNTU provides more clarity and updated information on the cost of living online. Also, remember to include things like visas, insurance, vaccinations, etc. in your budget planning.
Singapore cost comparison vs. Calgary: Click Here
Student Tip: "The campus is cashless, and so is most of Singapore. It's best to open a local bank account so that you aren't paying extra fees using your Canadian cards all the time. NTU gave instructions on how to do it and it was pretty easy."
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange? Since you remain a degree seeking student at UCalgary while on exchange you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award (students apply after being accepted to a global learnng program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
Exchange students can apply to live on one of NTU's 18 Halls of Residence. Housing is allocated on an availability basis, and is done through random computer balloting from students who applied by the deadline.
- Students with medical condition(s) which require them to have a particular room type/facilities must submit a doctor’s letter certifying their condition, which shall subsequently be verified by NTU’s Medical Centre
Off-campus housing options are generally more expensive, but the Student Affairs Office provides an online Off-Campus Accommodation System to help students search for private housing or student hostels.
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at UCalgary, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B).
Haskayne Students: There are additional eligibility requirements – see the Haskayne Outgoing Exchange Students page for details. When applying in the online application portal, be sure to select the Haskayne version of this exchange. If you do not meet the eligibility requirements, contact your Haskayne exchange advisor to discuss.
If you plan to travel on a passport from an Assessment Level 1 or 2 country according to the Singapore visa assessment, we recommend to look at programs outside of Singapore. If you are a citizen of Singapore, you will not be eligible for Singapore exchange programs. Please speak with an advisor for more information.
What's special about Singapore and NTU?
Singapore is made up of 63 surrounding islets with a total land area of more than 719 square kilometers and a total population of 5.61 million people. Although its compact size belies its economic growth. Within a 150 years, Singapore has grown from a fishing village into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Singapore is home to one of the busiest ports in the world with over 600 global shipping lines sharing Singapore’s waters with coastal fishing vessels and wooden ships. Read what locals have to say about Singapore here!
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has topped the rankings for young universities for the fourth straight year. In Quacquarelli Symonds' (QS) latest rankings of the world's top 50 universities under 50 years old, NTU retained the No. 1 spot. The rankings shows the performance of universities focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The University’s main campus has also been named one of the Top 15 Most Beautiful in the World. The NTU community comprises more than 33,000 students and over 4,000 researchers and faculty staff, all hailing from over 100 different nationalities - a testament to Singapore’s values of multiculturalism and openness.
Student Tips: "Go to the MacRitchie reservoir on a hike and see the monkeys, go to Sentosa island on a nice day and sun-bathe, or stay on campus and explore because it is massive, beautiful, and has fantastic running/walking paths."
What supports or services are available at NTU?
Students with disabilities who wish to study at NTU can consult the Accessible Education Unit website to see if their support services meet your needs.
What resources are available for new students?
NTU offers a great orientation program for incoming exchange students, and excellent facilities for students ranging from a variety of eatery options to great sports facilities.
Student Tips: "There was an arrival orientation the first week of classes, and I learned a lot about the culture of Singapore (laws, languages, etc.). The facilities at NTU were amazing. There was an outdoor pool with sun loungers right next to my residence hall, they had a massive track, fields, 2 gyms, etc. There were multiple libraries, many computer labs, probably over 200 food vendors (including western food like Subway, McDonalds, etc.), and any student club you could think of. There were 2 grocery stores, multiple 7-11s and other amenities on campus as well."
Have questions?
The exchange advisor for this program is: Veronica V. Cardoso
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.