SMU Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally renowned for its world-class study and distinguished teaching. SMU uses cutting-edge science, generates a global impact, and develops visionary and creative leaders for a knowledge-based economy.

Through its research institutes, centres, and laboratories, SMU faculty collaborate with leading foreign researchers and universities from the United States, Europe, China, and India. They also collaborate with people in the business community and the public sector, generating robust, high-impact, multi-disciplinary research that addresses issues of global interest.

SMU's city campus is a state-of-the-art facility in the centre of downtown Singapore, cultivating collaborative partnerships with industry, government, and the broader community.

The mission of Singapore Management University is to construct and disseminate knowledge. SMU aspires to deliver leading-edge research with a global influence and innovative and visionary leaders for a knowledge-based economy. SMU is devoted to delivering a learning environment that is engaging, participatory, and technologically activated. It aims to create a fulfilling and stimulating atmosphere for teachers, staff, and students to ignite and cultivate a passion for excellence.

Courses Offered

 

What all courses are available to international students?

 

Singapore Management University has six distinguished schools that offer various courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Here is a list of courses international students can opt from:

SMU integrates courses across disciplines to offer a full range of multi-disciplinary educational programmes.

 

Eligibility & Documents Required

 

What are the eligibility requirements?

 

Singapore Management University has international students from over 100 countries. All foreign students must submit GRE or GMAT scores in order to apply for admission to Singapore Management University. For certain classes, students must also register for IELTS or TOEFL. If their transcripts are not in English, students must get these accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Admission Requirements – International Students

• Academic Qualification: Higher Secondary School Certificates awarded – Class 12 with grades of A, B, or C are accepted from undergraduate applicants. Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognised institution is accepted from postgraduate applicants.
• Standardised Exams: An SAT score of 1350 or an ACT score of 29 is accepted from undergraduate applicants. GRE and GMAT accepted from postgraduate applicants.
• English Proficiency: Refer to the score requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate courses below:

Tests Accepted	Minimum Marks Required
Undergraduate Courses
TOEFL (PBT)	583
TOEFL (IBT)	93
IELTS Academic	7
C1 Advanced	185
Postgraduate Courses
TOEFL (IBT)	90
IELTS Academic	6.5

Note: Minimum requirements may vary with different programs. To check the exact limit on each course, please refer to the intended course page on the university website.

 

What are the documents needed for the application?

 

All applications must be submitted via the online mode only. Applicants who choose to apply for scholarships can do so via the online application program. There is no separate scholarship application.

During the admissions process, the university requires students to submit the following academic documents:

• Official transcripts from high school
• Certificate of completion of secondary school
• Examination results of high school
• University examination results, if required, SAT/ACT test scores
• School testimonials/awards received/extracurricular activity records/special accomplishments, etc.
• Personal identification document
• GMAT/GRE or SMU Admission Test Score Report
• Current resume
• Personal Statement
• Two referee reports
• Medical history indicating disabilities or severe disease, if any
• Records pertaining to any illegal offence
• A copy of your passport is required as evidence of your English proficiency
• Interview Writing test for Law/Computing Program candidates

Note: Document requirements may vary with different programs. To check the exact requirements, please refer to the intended course page on the university website.

 

Application & Tuition Fees

 

Is there any application fees?

 

The application fees for undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Singapore Management University are SGD 15 and SGD 100, respectively.

 

What is the fee structure of courses offered by the university?

 

The annual fee structure for the various international courses offered by Singapore Management University is given below:

Source: Singapore Management University

Note: Tuition fees might be different for different courses and majors. The overall cost of the study is likely to include additional charges. University reserves all rights to revise the tuition fee before a new academic session. To learn about the latest course fees, it is recommended to check the university website.

 

Scholarships & Financial Aid

 

Is there any scholarship or financial aid available for international students?

 

Singapore Management University offers its students various scholarships. There is a 16,000 Singapore dollars grant, which can be used for purposes such as Summer Exchange Program for Overseas Students, Overseas Community Support Initiative, Overseas Case Competitions, and presentations at conferences. Other scholarships include an annual housing allowance of SGD 5,000, a one-time computer allowance of SGD 1,800, etc.

Some scholarships also cover four years of annual tuition payments, along with an SGD 5,800 annual housing allowance.

Given here are some points students should keep in mind:

• Having graduated from SMU, the scholarship holder is expected to fulfil a 6-year bond with a Singapore-registered corporation
• Scholars should not possess more than one scholarship, fellowship, bursary, grant, reward, or allowance at the same time without prior permission from SMU
• The scholarship will be renewed each semester based on academic achievement and positive behaviour
• SMU does not promise or offer jobs to scholars following graduation
• If the scholar chooses to leave the University and/or end the scholarship early, the university retains the right to claim a refund of all scholarship funds disbursed to the scholar

Note: For more details on the scholarship application process and deadlines, please visit the university’s scholarship webpage.

 

Admission Process

 

When do the admissions start?

 

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible for Academic Year 2021-2022. The Singapore Management University opens one intake a year, which happens in August.

Refer to the tentative deadlines below:

Particulars	Application Opening Date	Application Closing Date
Singapore- Cambridge GCE A-Levels	Mid-October	Mid-March
Polytechnic Institutions from Singapore (NP,NYP,RP,SP,TP)	Mid-October	Mid-March
NUS High School Diploma	Mid-October	Mid-March
IB Diploma (Group 1)	Mid-October	Mid-March
IB Diploma (Group 2)	Mid-October	Mid-March
International and Others	Mid-October	Mid-March

*Deadlines are subject to change with progressive years. To receive the latest information on the exact starting dates and deadlines, please visit the university’s admission deadlines webpage.

 

How do I start my application?

 

There is no centralised enrolment portal in Singapore, so admission to universities must be completed via the websites of respective universities. The majority of Singapore's public colleges have two intakes, one in August and one in January. On the other hand, private colleges have a large number of admission rounds during the year.

Start the application phase by identifying courses that are accessible in Singapore. Choose the course you want to learn and start by filling out the application form.

Candidates must first determine which course and institution they want to apply to and then look for the relevant details on the university's website. Undergraduate candidates in Singapore universities are graded into six classes, depending on their past educational qualifications:

• Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘A’ Level’
• Polytechnic Diploma from Singapore
• NUS High School Diploma
• Polytechnic Diploma from Singapore
• Singapore Citizens
• International Qualifications

After finalising the requirements related to you, submit an online application (or, in some situations, a postal application) to the university. You must complete the foreign student form, which is accessible on the university's website.

Pay the registration cost, which varies depending on the university, and upload/send the required documents before the deadline.

Most colleges have an application checklist that you can link and use to apply.

When students receive an acceptance invitation, they will be notified in advance, giving them plenty of flexibility to make further plans until the semester starts.

Using the university's application site, foreign students may apply digitally. To start a foreign application, new users need to first register with their personal information. Applicants will be able to review and track all their SMU applications online at any time.

 

What are the steps to the application procedure? Is there an interview round?

 

International students may apply online as follows:

Step 1: To start the application, visit the SMU application portal at admissions.smu.edu.sg/apply-now and start a new application.

Step 2: Register as a new user.

Step 3: Choose the intended programme and subject specialisation.

Step 4: Fill up the application form with personal details, contact information, demographic details, etc.

Step 5: Upload supporting documents.

Step 6: Pay the application fee.

Step 7: Submit the application form.

Next, wait for the results and the interview call. Meanwhile, refer to the common college interview questions.

 

When will I hear from the university after I submit my application?

 

The university will contact applicants shortlisted for a scholarship or admissions interview. Notifications for interviews and application reports are submitted in batches. All applicants will be informed of the results of their application status by email. Applicant Self-Service may also be used to verify the status of an application.

 

*Timelines vary depending on the course and can change frequently. We encourage you to check the school/department’s website for exact deadlines.

 

Student Diversity & Preferred Profile

 

What are the chances of getting into this university?

 

To increase the chances of admission at Singapore Management University, candidates must:

• Score a decent grade in A-Levels or relevant qualifications
• Take part in the interview

The interview is one of several elements used by the admissions office to decide whether an individual is a prospective student.

 

How many Indian/international students are studying at the university?

 

A total of 9,144 undergraduate students and 22,800 postgraduate students were enrolled in the Singapore Management University in 2020.

SMU International Students

The total number of students at the university is 31,944, which constitutes 13,954 international students.

Source: Singapore Management University

This share of international students comes from over 60 countries, which further divides into 58% international postgraduates and 8% international undergraduate students.

 

Part-Time Work While Studying

 

Can I work while studying here?

 

You can work in Singapore during your vacation as an SMU full-time matriculated foreign student with a valid student pass. Students are excluded from applying for a work permit, as specified in the Work Permit Exemptions Notification.

However, after term time, a student with a legitimate student pass is only eligible to work part-time, that is, for fewer than 16 hours per week. A letter of consent from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore or the university is not needed.

Note: For more details, students can check the on and off-campus opportunities on the university website. Also, refer to:

• Singapore Study Visa Guide
• Student Guide to Singapore

 

Campuses & Accommodation

 

How many campuses does the university have?

 

Sprawling across 4.5 hectares or 11.12 acres of prime Singapore land, the university has a single purpose-built campus to suit the needs of global students. Also called as a green campus, the SMU campus boasts a beautiful location that is surrounded by a range of tourist spots. These include theatres, art galleries, museums, cafés and restaurants, educational institutions, and retail outlets to making living easy.

 

Is on-campus housing available? How much does it cost?

 

First-year international students have a preferential position in SMU Residences@Prinsep, a 10-minute walk from campus. This hostel is famous among international students because it is near Little India, Bugis Junction, and the National Library.

If you prefer to rent a private apartment, you can use the services of real estate brokers to make the necessary arrangements. Please keep in mind that if you use their facilities, you will be charged an agent fee. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Rent: This covers the rental price for the unit, the rental deposit, the security deposit, administration costs, agent fees for service rendered, etc.
• Location: Determine whether the apartment or hostel is centrally situated and whether public transportation, grocery stores, food chains, or banks are located nearby.
• Term of Lease: A unit is usually leased for a year. Private apartment landlords usually need a deposit of up to three months' rent. However, short-term rentals are available but at a higher rental cost.
• Others: The cost of lodging is determined by several factors, including the location, type of premises, capacity, furnishings offered, leisure facilities available, and lease duration. In general, housing in Singapore is costly, especially within the city-state.

Accommodation Cost

Please refer to the tentative cost of accommodations below:

Room Type	Annual Rate* (in SGD)
Small single room	8,098.50
Large single room	8,863.00
Twin-sharing room	7,059.00

Source: Singapore Management University

Please note that the academic year refers to 11 months here.

Cost of Living

Your living costs can change based on your activities and work location. On the other hand, the typical foreign student should be able to stay under a monthly budget of SGD 2000 with change to spare. Here's an estimation of simple living expenses:

Item	Monthly Cost* (in SGD)
Accommodation	250-800
Utilities	40-100
Transportation	200
Telecommunications	50
Books and Stationery	200 per term
Personal Expenses (mobile phone, meals, etc.)	100-300
Food	300-450

Source: Singapore Management University

*Living costs vary depending on students’ lifestyle choices. Additionally, housing rates might change every year. To know the exact costs of on or off-campus accommodation, please check the university’s accommodations webpage.

 

University Contact Information

 

Whom should I contact in case of doubts?

 

Students may contact the university if they have any questions:

Address: Singapore Management University, 81 Victoria Street, Singapore 188065

Website: www.smu.edu.sg

Email: enquiry@smu.edu.sg

Contact: +65 6828 0100