Singapore Management University Direct Enroll

More Information on the SMU Direct Enroll Program

Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally recognised for its highly interactive, collaborative and project-based approach to learning. This unique pedagogy creates the opportunity for students to immerse themselves in an array of multi-disciplinary courses that address Asian issues of global relevance.

Home to some 13,000 students, SMU comprises six schools specialising in Accountancy, Business, Computing and Information Systems, Economics, Law and Social Sciences, offering a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degree programmes. SMU has added two colleges – College of Integrative Studies and College of Graduate Research Studies to its academic suite in 2022.

SMU’s city campus enjoys strategic linkages with business, government and the wider community through its institutes, centres and labs.

Read more about the SMU Visiting Student Programme (VSP) here.

MIT students on the exchange can study at SMU for the Fall, Spring, or Academic Year.

Fall Semester Dates: Mid-August to mid-December

Spring Semester Dates: early January to mid-May

We recommend verifying program start and end dates directly with SMU's Academic Calendar.

You must meet the admissions standards outlined by Singapore Management University. For details check here.

Applicants for Singapore Management University need to be:

Have a GPA of 4.0 or above
In good academic standing
In good judicial standing
Up to date with the Communication Requirement
Up to date with HASS courses

Contact MISTI if you have questions about your particular situation.

Application to the study abroad (VSP) program at Singapore Management University is a two-part process:

Apply through MISTI for approval to study abroad. Apply before the SMU deadline for the term in which you plan to study abroad. The deadline for SMU can be mid-April for Fall and as early as mid-September for Spring.
Apply directly to the SMU Visiting Student Programme (VSP) by the deadline stated on the SMU website.

Note that a crucial part of the SMU application is verifying the confirmation of your study abroad by your home institution (MIT). Be sure to be in contact with MISTI well ahead of the SMU application deadline to discuss this.

Course Options

Classes at SMU are interactive seminar-style courses comprised of 35-45 students.

Students may choose from a list of selected undergraduate courses. The final course list will be sent to students approximately two weeks before course enrolment. Only undergraduate courses are offered to exchange/visiting students (Course Codes 001-499, 1200-4038).

For more information on course description and outlines, please visit the SMU Course Catalogue*. Please note that the catalogue is for reference only, as not all courses are offered.

Select the corresponding Academic Year and Term
Select the desired course
Select ‘View Class Section’
Click on the Course Outline icon

You will take a minimum of 2.0 SMU credits, up to 4.0 SMU credits. A full-credit course is equivalent to 1.0 SMU credit.

Attendance and participation form part of the course assessment, hence attendance is mandatory for all classes. Absence from classes due to health/medical reasons must be validated by medical certification. Absence due to other reasons require prior approval by the course instructor.

The language of instruction at SMU is English.

Transfer Credit

Information on the transfer credit process at MIT can be found here.

Grades for the fall semester will be released in March, and grades for the spring will be released in July.

For this program, you will pay for tuition, accommodation, and other living expenses directly to Singapore Management University or in country (depending on the category of expense) and not to MIT.

Financial aid is portable for this program. A few months before departure, SFS and MISTI will share with the students the most up-to-date budget for the participation on the program based on an agreement with Singapore Management University.

Admitted students who receive financial aid should make an appointment with the financial aid representative to whom they are assigned to discuss the particulars.

The SMU campus is situated in the heart of the city, with many private housing options within walking distance. It is conveniently accessible to amenities and transportation networks. Students have the flexibility to source and arrange their own accommodation based on individual budget and needs. All arrangements are at the responsibility and discretion of the student.

All international students are required to hold a valid Student’s Pass during their term of studies in Singapore. The Student’s Pass enables the student to live and study in Singapore, as well as serves as a multiple-entry visa into Singapore (subject to terms & conditions).

The SMU Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO) will facilitate the application of the Student's Pass. Nevertheless, students shall bear the responsibility to complete and fulfill the application requirements for the Student’s Pass before their arrival in Singapore. More information on the Student’s Pass application will be provided two months before the start of the academic term.

For information on immigration matters that may affect your stay in Singapore, please visit Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website.

Important:

By regulation, Student’s Pass holders (exchange & visiting students) are strictly not permitted to undertake any form of internship or work (regardless paid or unpaid) during their term of studies in Singapore. Offenders are subjected to punishment in accordance with Singapore laws.