Yale-NUS College, a residential college located in Singapore, aims to redefine liberal arts and science education for a complex, interconnected world. We are a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and supporters, dedicated to building a community in which living and learning are intertwined and habits of creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking are encouraged. Our innovative curriculum integrates knowledge from across the disciplines and around the world.
An intimate liberal arts college, dedicated to undergraduate education, Yale-NUS draws on the resources and traditions of two great universities. We pursue excellence through innovative teaching and research, and we provide global opportunities for our students.
Our location at the crossroads of Asia informs our pedagogy. Drawing on active modes of learning associated with American liberal arts education, we introduce our students to the diverse intellectual traditions and cultures of Asia and the world. We educate citizens of the world and uphold the principles of free exchange of ideas, pluralism, and respect for diversity. Our extra-curricular and residential programs support student learning and encourage an ethic of service. By our example, we seek to spur innovation in higher education across the globe.
Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign city-state and island country in Southeast Asia at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Singapore is one of the world's major commercial hubs, with the fourth largest financial center and one of the five busiest ports. This globalized and diversified city-state has the third-highest per capita income in the world. The city features wide cultural and linguistic diversity, with influences from Malay, Chinese, and Indian culture, as well as the British colonial period.
Curriculum
Exchange students will take 20 modular credits (MCs) per semester at Yale-NUS, which is considered a full load. This usually means four courses per semester, each worth 5 MCs. In principle, all Yale-NUS courses are open to exchange students, as long as the student has taken any required pre-requisites for a given course. Common curriculum courses and courses offered at NUS may be possible on a case-by-case basis. Note that it can be difficult to get spots in NUS courses, and each NUS course is worth 4 MCs (versus 5 MCs for Yale-NUS courses). Exchange students can take a maximum of 1-2 courses at NUS faculties outside of Yale-NUS. Course offerings differ by semester. Students are advised to be flexible and have multiple course options in mind. Review the course listings from previous years on the Incoming Exchange Students page under the heading "Academics at Yale-NUS."
Terms
Semester 1: August - early December
Semester 2: mid-January - mid May
One of Yale-NUS’ distinct qualities is its close-knit residential community. Exchange students will be placed in one of three residential colleges. This residential model creates ‘nested communities’ in the Yale-NUS tradition of supporting lifelong learning in liberal arts and the sciences by combining academic, intellectual, social, cultural, athletic and artistic life. As you and your peers pursue a rich student-directed co-curricular life of student government, clubs, organisations, arts and athletics, you will build your independence and leadership skills, while achieving mental agility and strength of mind. On campus, you will have frequent opportunities to interact with your professors and staff, as well as visiting speakers, artists, and international leaders. These living-and-learning experiences between classroom and community, perhaps even more than those in a formal classroom, will define your experience at Yale-NUS College.
Each student will have a single room within a four- or six-room suite (including shared living room and bathroom). Students will also have a meal plan. On our campus, there are comfortable personal living spaces, common areas designed to facilitate bonding and a modern dining hall with outdoor seating. You will also have easy access to administrative and faculty offices, and a vibrant community of neighbours and classmates. More information about housing and student life can be found on Yale-NUS' Student Life page.
UVA students will pay their regular tuition rate and fees to UVA for the term they are on a UVA Exchange Program. Students are additionally responsible for room and board, transportation, and personal expenses. Students will pay the host institution or make their own arrangements for accommodations. Check the host institution web site for accommodation choices, cost, and application procedures.
Students are responsible for booking and paying for their own international airfare as well as researching and obtaining the necessary visa.
UVA students are required to purchase CISI emergency medical and accident insurance.
The University of Virginia believes in providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities on an individual and flexible basis. If you believe that you would require adjustments in order to fully participate in this program, please contact the Student Disability Access Center at 434-243-5180 as early as possible in order to begin this dialogue.
All participants will need a valid passport in order to participate in the program. Students must ensure that their passport is valid at least six months past the program return date. US passport holders will need a visa to participate in this program. International students should meet with their International Student Advisor and Education Abroad Advisor in the International Studies Office as part of the application process.
All students considering Education Abroad should consult the Students Abroad section of the U.S. Department of State’s web-based travel resources and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Traveler’s Health web resources to research health, safety, and security conditions; visa requirements; immunization requirements; and recommendations on staying healthy and safe in their target destination(s). Students should also carefully review the UVA Education Abroad Health & Safety Abroad web page. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to review all of these resources, as well. UVA students and visiting students enrolled in UVA Education Abroad programs are subject to the University of Virginia’s Policy on Student International Travel.