Student Exchange

Our students have the opportunity to attend exchange programmes with partner universities in many countries, including Australia, Canada, East Asia, Europe, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These exchanges enrich the university learning experience by allowing students to better understand different cultures and lifestyles, and gain new friends.
Courses read during the exchange can count toward your degree (but see below for restrictions). Students in the Chemistry and Biological Chemistry programme are allowed to do their Final Year Project overseas, subject to the availability and agreement of a research supervisor at the host university (you will have to arrange this for yourself or with the assistance of an NTU faculty member).

I did an exchange at the Institute Curie in Paris, France. It was a fantastic experience. I expanded my knowledge of synthetic chemistry and gained hands-on experience with purification and analytical equipment — while also not forgetting to travel around and enjoy the beautiful places in France!
Derrick Tan Jing Yang
BSc (Hons) in Chemistry & Biological Chemistry (Class of 2016)
Visit the GEM Explorer page for information about full-semester exchange programmes, the available partner universities, and application procedures. Note that overseas FYPs must be taken as full-semester courses.
Visit the Gem Discoverer page for information about shorter exchange programmes. These include exchange programmes during the Special Terms (summer vacation).
For inquiries, please contact our student exchange coordinators for advice. In particular, we can give you advice regarding your eligibility, your study plan during the exchange, and financial assistance.- Core modules may not be read on exchange, with the exception of CM3061 (Chemistry & Biological Chemistry Laboratory 3) and CM3062 (Chemistry & Biological Chemistry Laboratory 4) [Core not allowed to be cleared during Summer Exchanges]
- Overseas Final Year Projects are allowed, but must be arranged in advance by the student. In particular, there must be a suitable advisor at the host institution.
- You may only read up to 4 Major Prescribed Electives on exchange.
- No course prerequisite waivers will be granted.
- Only courses currently offered in NTU can be matched. We will not match courses we do not currently offer.
- Students are not allowed to go on exchange during their final semester.
- NTU will not administer exams on behalf of the host university.
- Coursework overloading/underloading is subject to approval by NTU. Underloading is also subject to approval by the host university.
Please note that students who are in their final year of studies are not allowed to participate in overseas semester exchange programme.
Global Programmes
NTU offers enriching student mobility programmes with more than 100 leading companies and 150 partner universities in more than 30 countries through its Global Education and Mobility (GEM) initiatives such as GEM Explorer and GEM Discoverer.
Do look out for communique sent by OGEM office for application details.
Exchanges
1. Ensure that you meet your graduation requirements with your exchange. Students who are transferring credits from another university must comply with the following requirements for graduation:
- Curriculum requirements for your degree programme
- Minimum candidature period
- Minimum AU of graded courses
- Credits that are transferred to NTU are NOT counted towards the minimum AU of graded courses
- The total AU from graded courses that a student has earned to-date is shown in his degree audit
- Minimum years of study spent at NTU
- Minimum CGPA for graduation
For more details, please click here.
2. Most courses in CCEB are offered in one semester only. Students need to plan carefully to ensure that they would be able to complete their remaining courses after the exchange programme, so that it is within their degree candidature in NTU.
3. Student planning should also factor in the pre-requisites of the CCEB courses, and the semester in which these courses are offered. This is to prevent timetable clashes and the progress of their study for course in the senior year, which require these pre-requisites.
4. NTU will not administer exams on behalf of the host university.
Course Planning and Matching
1. Do your research and choose overseas universities offering up to 15 - 20 courses that:
- are available to you for the exchange semester you intend
- match those in your School at NTU for credit transfer*
2. Make use of ‘Coursefinder’ on Studentlink. It provides a list of approved courses taken by your seniors for their exchange. It does not provide the exact list of courses that they eventually take during their exchange.
3. If you plan to go to an overseas school which your seniors have never visited, you will need to find out what is offered/available at the school (from their website), and the suitable courses that can be matched to your NTU course.
4. Course Matching is done by comparing the content and total contact hours of the overseas course and the corresponding NTU course. The courses match when they are deemed comparable in these 2 areas. CBE and BIE syllabus can be found on the school’s website.
5. Exchange coordinators are Asst Prof Song Juha for BIE programme and Assoc Prof Lee Jong-Min for CBE programme. You may approach them for advice on
- Course matching (pls have on hand details such as course content, duration, and contact hours)
- Suitable exchange universities, based on past student’s experience
6. Exchange coordinators cannot provide advice on
- Application procedure
- Exchange universities never visited by CCEB students
- Financial aid
- Post-application matters
Visit the exchange administrator website (e.g. OGEM) for details or contact them if you need assistance.
Restricted Courses
Students are not allowed to clear these courses on overseas exchange:
- EG0001/EG1001 – Engineers and/in Society
- HW0288 – Engineering Communication
Students are not allowed to clear these courses on any exchange i.e. must be read in NTU:
- BG4801 – Final Year Project
- CH4801 – Final Year Design Project
- CH4702/CH4703 – Independent Research Project
- All ICC Common Core
*Credit Transfer
1. Cap on the number of AUs that can be transferred back to NTU:
- GEM Explorer – 24 AUs
- SUSEP – 24 AUs
- GEM Discover – 8 AUs
2. All categories of courses (e.g. Core, MPE, GER-UE, BDE etc) can be read and have credit transferred, as long as the course match was approved [Note: Core will not be allowed to be cleared Summer exchanges]
3. You can transfer credit for one overseas course to ONLY 1 NTU course. Note: It is possible to match 1 overseas course to many NTU courses, but ultimately you can transfer credit to ONLY ONE NTU course.
4. In some cases, you may need to take 2 or more overseas courses, to transfer credit to 1 NTU course.
You may write to CCEB Acad (Undergraduate) office (CCEB_UGMatters@ntu.edu.sg) if you need clarifications on credit transfer matters.
Core Courses
Unless otherwise stated, undergraduates at the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences are required to read the following General Education Requirement (GER) Core Courses (AY2014/15 to AY2020/21) or Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core (ICC) Courses (AY2021/22 or later).
As an exception, the BSc (Hons) in Mathematical Sciences and Economics (Double Major) programme and the BSc (Hons) in Mathematical and Computer Sciences (Double Major) programme have different GER Core requirements. Students in those programmes should consult the curriculum for details.
Common Core
Course Code/Title | AU | Year/Semester |
---|---|---|
CC0001 - Inquiry and Communication in an Interdisciplinary World | 2 AU | Year 1 Sem 1 Year 1 Sem 2 |
CC0002 - Navigating the Digital World | 2 AU | Year 1 Sem 1 |
CC0003 - Ethics & Civics in a Multicultural World | 2 AU | Year 1 Sem 1 Year 1 Sem 2 |
ML0004 - Career & Entrepreneurial Development for the Future World | 2 AU | Year 1 Sem 2 Year 2 Sem 1 Year 2 Sem 2 |
CC0005 - Healthy Living and Wellbeing | 3 AU | Year 1 Sem 1 Year 1 Sem 2 Year 2 Sem 1 |
CC0006 - Sustainability: Society, Economy & Environment | 3 AU | Year 2 Sem 1 Year 2 Sem 2 |
CC0007 - Science & Technology for Humanity | 3 AU | Year 2 Sem 1 Year 2 Sem 2 |
Foundational Core
Course Code/Title | AU | Year/Semester |
---|---|---|
HW0218 - Communication Across the Sciences | 2 AU | Year 3 Sem 1 Year 3 Sem 2 |
PS0002 - Introduction to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 3 AU | Year 1 Sem 2 Year 2 Sem 2 Year 3 Sem 2 |
Professional Attachment / Professional Internship | 5 AU / 10 AU |
Common Core
Course Code/Title | AU | Year/Semester |
---|---|---|
CC0001 - Inquiry and Communication in an Interdisciplinary World | 2 AU | Year 1 Sem 1 Year 1 Sem 2 |
CC0002 - Navigating the Digital World | 2 AU | Year 1 Sem 1 |
CC0003 - Ethics & Civics in a Multicultural World | 2 AU | Year 1 Sem 1 Year 1 Sem 2 |
ML0004 - Career & Entrepreneurial Development for the Future World | 2 AU | Year 1 Sem 2 Year 2 Sem 1 Year 2 Sem 2 |
CC0005 - Healthy Living and Wellbeing | 3 AU | Year 1 Sem 1 Year 1 Sem 2 Year 2 Sem 1 |
CC0006 - Sustainability: Society, Economy & Environment | 3 AU | Year 2 Sem 1 Year 2 Sem 2 |
CC0007 - Science & Technology for Humanity | 3 AU | Year 2 Sem 1 Year 2 Sem 2 |
Foundational Core
Course Code/Title | AU | Year/Semester |
---|---|---|
HW0218 - Communication Across the Sciences | 2 AU | Year 3 Sem 1 Year 3 Sem 2 |
PS0002 - Introduction to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 3 AU | Year 1 Sem 2 Year 2 Sem 2 Year 3 Sem 2 |
Professional Attachment / Professional Internship | 5 AU / 10 AU |
Course Code & Title | AU | Year | Sem |
---|---|---|---|
PS0001 - Introduction to Computational Thinking | 3 | 1 | 1 |
HW0128 - Scientific Communication I (except for CHFS, CHES, PHME, MAEO, PHMSi) | 2 | 1 | 2 |
GC0001 - Sustainability: Seeing Through the Haze | 1 | 1 | 2 |
PS8001 - Defence Science | 3 | 2ii | 1 |
ML0003 - Kickstart your Career Success | 1 | 2 | 1 |
PS0002 - Introduction to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 3 | 2iii | 2 |
PS0003 - Plan your Career Path | 1 | 2 | 1 or 2* |
HY0001 - Ethics & Moral Reasoning | 1 | 2 | 2 |
HW0228 - Scientific Communication II | 2 | 3 | 2 |
ET0001 - Enterprise & Innovation | 1 | 3iv | 2 |
i CHFS, CHES, PHME, PHMS students are required to read HW0111 (Communication: A Journey of Inquiry through Writing and Speech) in Year 1 Sem 2; MAEO students are required to read CC0001 in Year 2 Sem 2
ii PHMS students are required to read PS8001 in Year 3 Sem 1
iii CHES students are required to read PS0002 in Year 1 Sem 2
iv CHES students are required to read ET0001 in Year 2 Sem 1
* CHEM/CHFS/PHME/PHMS students are required to read PS0003 in Year 2 Sem 2
Course Code & Title | AU | Year | Sem |
---|---|---|---|
PS0001 - Introduction to Computational Thinking | 3 | 1 | 1 |
HW0128 - Scientific Communication I | 2 | 1 | 2 |
GC0001 - Sustainability: Seeing Through the Haze | 1 | 1 | 2 |
PS8001 - Defence Science | 3 | 2 | 1 |
ML0003 - Kickstart your Career Success | 1 | 2 | 1 |
PS0002 - Introduction to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 3 | 2 | 2 |
PS0003 - Plan your Career Path | 1 | 2 | 1 or 2* |
HY0001 - Ethics & Moral Reasoning | 1 | 2 | 2 |
HW0228 - Scientific Communication II | 2 | 3 | 2 |
ET0001 - Enterprise & Innovation | 1 | 3 | 2 |
* CHEM/CHFS students are required to read PS0003 in Year 2 Sem 2
Course Code & Title | AU | Year | Sem |
---|---|---|---|
PS0001 - Introduction to Computational Thinking | 3 | 1 | 1 |
HW0128 - Scientific Communication I | 2 | 1 | 2 |
GC0001 - Sustainability: Seeing Through the Haze | 1 | 1 | 2 |
PS0002 - Introduction to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 3 | 2 | 1 |
ML0003 - Kickstart your Career Success | 1 | 2 | 1 |
PS8001 - Defence Science | 3 | 2 | 2 |
HY0001 - Ethics & Moral Reasoning | 1 | 2 | 2 |
HW0228 - Scientific Communication II | 2 | 3 | 2 |
ET0001 - Enterprise & Innovation | 1 | 3 | 2 |
Course Code & Title | AU | Year | Sem |
---|---|---|---|
ML0001 - Absolute Basics for Career | 1 | 1 | 1 |
HW0128 - Scientific Communication I Offered from AY16/17 onwards | 2 | 1 | 2 |
GC0001 - Introduction to Sustainability: Multidisciplinary Approaches and Solutions | 1 | 1 | 2 |
PS8001 - Defence Science | 3 | 2 | 2 |
HY0001 - Ethics & Moral Reasoning | 1 | 2 | 2 |
HW0228 - Scientific Communication II | 2 | 3 | 2 |
ML0002 - Career Power Up | 1 | 3 | 2 |
ET0001 - Enterprise & Innovation | 1 | 3 | 2 |
Work-Study Degree Programme
The SPMS Work-Study Degree Programme (WSDeg)* offers on-the-job training experiences during your studies at NTU, in partnership with one of our industry-leading company partners. These experiences will enhance your readiness for the workplace, giving you an advantage in landing your dream job after graduation.
The programme consists of a sequence of credit-earning internships, culminating in an industry-sponsored WSDeg Final Year Project (FYP).
The WSDeg programme is offered to students in any of the following undergraduate degree programmes:
- BSc in Mathematical Sciences
- BSc in Physics / Applied Physics
- BSc in Chemistry and Biological Chemistry
* The SPMS WSDeg Programme replaces the SPMS Co-Operative Education Programme, which was offered prior to 2022.
Benefits
- Early Access To An Established Industry Partner—The multiple on-the-job trainings, hosted by established industry partners, provide a unique opportunity for students to supplement their classroom-based education with practical work experiences, and to learn about their host company's work culture and domain expertise.
- Deepen Relevant Industry Skillsets and Knowledge—Students benefit from greater exposure to a professional work environment, allowing them to their deepen technical skills, develop soft skills, and improve their understanding of real-world practices.
- Industry-sponsored Final Year Project—Students have the opportunity to embark on a final year project supervised by company and faculty supervisors.
- Enhance Career Readiness—The continuous engagement with a company throughout the course of study enhances students' job readiness and transition into the workplace after graduation.
Participating Companies
DBS Bank • DSTA • Dyson • Eva Group • Evoqua Water Technologies • GlobalFoundries
Hyperganic • Makino • Manulife • Nordic Group Limited • REC Solar Group • SAP
ST Electronic Engineering • Schlumberger • Standard Chartered Bank • Swift Solutions
Vertex Holdings • Visa • Yara International
... and more!
How to Apply
Students will be invited to apply in Year 2 Semester 1 via email.
The following materials are needed for the application (please note that these materials will be forwarded to the participating companies):
- Cover Letter and Resume (as a single file, in PDF format)
- A brief explanation of interest in the programme
To be admitted to the programme, students must be first shortlisted by School to participate in the placement with a participating company. CAO will then facilitate the placement process. However, final placement is decided by companies on a competitive basis.
For all enquiries, please email SPMS_WSDP@ntu.edu.sg.
Programme Structure
The WSDeg consists of 4 Work Terms and a WSDeg FYP.
- Work Term 1: 10 weeks (during Year 2 Special Semesters I & II)
- Work Term 2: 20 weeks (during Year 3 Semester 1 OR Year 3 Semester 2)
- Work Term 3: 11 weeks (during Year 3 Special Semesters I & II)
- Work Term 4: 5 weeks (during Year 4 Winter Break - Dec to Jan)
Commitment for Students:
- Maximum up to 2 companies in Block 1 and Block 2, i.e. students may change to a different company in Block 2 subject to agreement by the company.
- In Block 3, students must commit to one of the companies they have engaged in earlier work terms.
- Work Term 4 is for immersion and continuity.
- Students must spend minimum 1 day at the office during the course of the WSDeg FYP in Year 4.
1. I am doing a double major programme in SPMS. Can I apply for WSDeg?
The WSDeg is open to Year 2 students in the BSc Mathematical Sciences, BSc Physics and Applied Physics, and BSc Chemistry and Biological Chemistry programmes. It is not open to students in Second Major, Double Major, and Accelerated Programmes, due to the high existing time commitments of those programmes which make it impossible to fulfill the WSDeg requirements.
For the same reason, students in the CN Yang Scholars Programme and the University Scholars Programme are also not eligible for WSDeg.
2. What do I have to prepare for joining WSDeg?
You need a comprehensive CV and personal statement to apply for the WSDeg programme. Please contact our Career Coach if you need assistance in preparing these documents.
3. Can students choose the company for each Work Term?
The companies for Work Term 1 and 2 may be different, subject to successful placement and selection by the companies. For Work Term 3, students are expected to commit to one of the companies they have previously work in during Work Term 1 or 2.
4. Can students withdraw from WSDeg after they registered?
Yes, but students on the WSDeg are strongly encouraged to stay committed to the programme. Withdrawal deprives other students of the opportunity to take part in the programme, so it must not be done lightly. Please consult the SPMS WSDeg Office to discuss this matter.
5. Who can I contact for WSDeg related matters?
You may contact any of the following:
Office | Email contact |
---|---|
Consultation of study plan | spmsundgrad@ntu.edu.sg |
Career Attachment Office | wsdp@ntu.edu.sg |
SPMS Career Coach | Mr. Benn Goh, benn_goh@ntu.edu.sg |
SPMS WSDeg Office | spms_wsdp@ntu.edu.sg |
Programme Curriculum
For students admitted in AY2021/2022
Chemistry and Biological Chemistry
Core | 63 AU |
Major PE (WSDeg) | 10 AU |
Major PE (Non WSDeg) | 12 AU |
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core: Common Core | 17 AU |
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core: Foundational Core | 10 AU |
Broadening and Deepening Electives (WSDeg) | 18 AU |
Broadening and Deepening Electives (Non WSDeg) | 9 AU |
Total | 139 AU |
Mathematical Sciences
For students majoring in Mathematical Sciences, the SPMS-CEP is considered a distinct programme track. Any students who later decide to opt out of the SPMS-CEP must convert to a standard track, and comply with the respective AU requirements.
[PMAS, AMAS] | [STAT] | [BA] | |
Core | 52 AU | 53 AU | 50 AU |
Major PE (WSDeg) | 8 AU | 8 AU | 8 AU |
Major PE (Non WSDeg) | 16 AU | 15 AU | 18 AU |
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core: Common Core | 17 AU | 17 AU | 17 AU |
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core: Foundational Core | 10 AU | 10 AU | 10 AU |
Broadening and Deepening Electives (WSDeg) | 18 AU | 18 AU | 18 AU |
Broadening and Deepening Electives (Non WSDeg) | 8 AU | 8 AU | 8 AU |
Total | 129 AU | 129 AU | 129 AU |
Physics and Applied Physics
Core | 61 AU |
Major PE (WSDeg) | 10 AU |
Major PE (Non WSDeg) | 3 AU |
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core: Common Core | 17 AU |
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core: Foundational Core | 10 AU |
Broadening and Deepening Electives (WSDeg) | 18 AU |
Broadening and Deepening Electives (Non WSDeg) | 12 AU |
Total | 131 AU |
For students admitted in AY2020/2021
Chemistry and Biological Chemistry
Core | 60 AU |
Major PE (WSDeg) | 18 AU |
Major PE (Non WSDeg) | 10 AU |
GER Core | 18 AU |
GER PE | 9 AU |
UE (WSDeg) | 15 AU |
UE (Non WSDeg) | 3 AU |
Total | 133 AU |
Mathematical Sciences
For students majoring in Mathematical Sciences, the SPMS-CEP is considered a distinct programme track. Any students who later decide to opt out of the SPMS-CEP must convert to a standard track, and comply with the respective AU requirements.
Core | 56 AU |
Major PE (WSDeg) | 16 AU |
Major PE (Non WSDeg) | 14 AU |
GER Core | 18 AU |
GER PE | 9 AU |
UE (WSDeg) | 15 AU |
UE (Non WSDeg) | 6 AU |
Total | 134 AU |
Physics and Applied Physics
Pure Physics (PPHY) | Applied Physics (APHY) | |
Core | 63 AU | 64 AU |
Major PE (WSDeg) | 18 AU | 18 AU |
Major PE (Non WSDeg) | 12 AU | 11 AU |
GER Core | 18 AU | 18 AU |
GER PE | 9 AU | 9 AU |
UE (WSDeg) | 15 AU | 15 AU |
UE (Non WSDeg) | 0 AU | 0 AU |
Total | 135 AU | 135 AU |
Students in the SPMS WSDeg are required to complete three Professional Attachments, one Professional Internship and a WSDeg FYP to fulfil the requirement under the NTU Work-Study Degree Programme. The course codes and titles are shown below (for all programmes):
Block | Work Term | Course Code & Title | AU | Duration | Course Type | Grading | |
U21 & later | U20 | ||||||
1 | WT1 | PS2001 Professional Attachment I (Work Term 1) | 5 | 10 weeks | ICC Foundational Core | UE | Pass/Fail |
2 | WT2 | PS5001 Professional Internship (Work Term 2) | 10 | 20 weeks | BDE | UE | Pass/Fail |
3 | WT3 | PS5002 Professional Attachment II (Work Term 3) | 5 | 11 weeks (10+1*) | BDE | MPE | Pass/Fail |
3 | WT4 | PS5003 Professional Attachment III (Work Term 4) | 3 | 5 weeks* | BDE | MPE | Pass/Fail |
3 | WSDeg FYP | CM4901 | 10 | 2 Semesters (Year 4) | MPE | Letter-Graded | |
MH4914 | 8 | ||||||
PH4902 | 10 |
* Assessment for PA II (Work Term 3) will be assessed as a whole for 11 weeks. The 1 week in excess of 10 weeks during PA II in Summer will account to PA III (Work Term 4) to earn 3AUs.