National University of Singapore

From a modest medical school founded in 1905, the National University of Singapore (NUS) has evolved into a global university with distinctive strengths in education and research, with an entrepreneurial dimension. As Singapore’s foremost and most prestigious institution of higher learning, NUS aims to advance knowledge and educate students, foster innovation and nurture talent, all in the service of country and society.

The University’s 150-hectare Kent Ridge campus is a hub of activity, with over 42,000 students from 80 countries. The addition of the new Bukit Timah campus in August 2006, surrounded by the Botanic Gardens, offers the space and tranquillity for discourse and intellectual stimulation.

Students are enrolled in 17 faculties and schools offering courses ranging from architecture to medicine to music. A broad-based curriculum underscored by multi-disciplinary courses and cross-faculty offerings aim to produce well-rounded students. Creativity and innovation are nurtured through challenging project work, participative learning and an environment conducive to sparking ideas and imagination.

A special feature of an NUS education is the global dimension of its courses – both graduate and undergraduate – in partnership with some of the world’s best institutions including Harvard, MIT, Karolinska Institutet, Peking and Australian National University. Initiatives that provide students with the competitive edge and adeptness to thrive in any environment include the University Scholars Programme, Overseas College Programme and Student Exchange Programme. The NUS experience is complemented by a rich residential life and numerous avenues for artistic, cultural and sporting pursuits.

A research-intensive university, NUS has 4 Research Centres of Excellence, 5 Corporate Laboratories, 17 Schools and Faculties and 30 University - Level Research Institutes and Centres. Research activities are strategic and robust, and a ‘no walls’ collaborative culture forms the bedrock of NUS’ research-intensive vibrancy. A spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation promotes creative enterprise university-wide. This is aided by a venture support eco-system that helps students, staff and alumni nurture the development of start-ups into regional and global companies.

NUS plays an active role in international academic networks such as Universitas 21, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) and the Asia Pacific Association of International Educators (APAIE).

Through student and faculty involvement in various U21 programmes like summer schools, undergraduate research conferences, deans’ meetings, research symposiums and conferences, NUS contributes actively to the international collaboration and cooperation activities among the members of the Universitas 21.