Care, Serve, Learn (CSL) @ NTU
NTU Care, Serve, Learn Philosophy
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has launched the Care, Serve, Learn (CSL) initiative - a compulsory, 3-AU credit bearing course series for all undergraduates admitted from AY2025/2026 onwards.
To champion Service-Learning as a transformative NTU experience that is integral to academic excellence and nurture civic-minded graduates who learn with empathy, serve with purpose, and lead responsibly in addressing real societal challenges.The CSL Philosophy embodies the University’s commitment to nurturing students as compassionate, responsible, and engaged members of society. It emphasises the development of active citizenship, empathetic leadership, and lifelong learning through meaningful service experiences. By participating in purposeful community engagement, students cultivate empathy and a strong sense of social responsibility. Through these transformative experiences, they are empowered to become changemakers who lead with heart, drive positive societal impact, and contribute to the common good.
Overview of CSL Courses
CSL uses a reflection-guided pedagogy to conduct its courses. The CSL course offers students up to 1 year (across 2 semesters) to complete at least 40 hours of service.
Service-Learning is a course that is competency-based and offers a credit-bearing educational experience within NTU.
The NTU Academic Service-Learning Model
The NTU Academic Service-Learning Model integrates academic learning with meaningful community engagement through three interconnected components: Academic Learning Specialisation, Service to Community, and Community Understanding & Mutual Growth.
Students acquire disciplinary knowledge through academic inquiry, apply their skills to address community needs through sustained service, and learn collaboratively with community partners through shared understanding and mutual growth. At the centre of the model is Reflection, which connects students’ academic learning, service experiences, and community engagement, enabling them to transform their experiences into insights and contribute to a wider positive impact.Who is required to take CSL?
CSL is mandatory for all undergraduates admitted from AY2025/2026 onwards, excluding those affiliated with the NTU Honours College, the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), and the National Institute of Education (NIE).
Students under LKCMedicine and NIE will be offered Service-Learning courses through their respective schools. Service-Learning related courses will be offered through Tech-for-Good for students affiliated with the NTU Honours College (NHC).
Direct Year 2 Entry students admitted in Aug 2025 (i.e. Year 3 in Aug 2026 semester) do not need to take the CSL course if it is not in your degree audit report.
Strategic Thrust and Pillars
Children
Youths
Seniors
Persons with Disabilities
(PwDs)
Ex-offenders
Migrant Workers
Homeless Community
*Ex-offenders, Migrant Workers, and Homeless Community pillars will be offered from AY26/27 Semester 2 (Jan) onwards.
Course Information & Grading
The CSL course series is a 3-AU credit-bearing course, graded Pass/Fail.
Course Requirements
| Assessment Component & Criteria | Weightage | Submission Deadline |
| Online Quiz | 20% | Week 5-7 |
| Group Project Proposal | 20% | Week 10 |
| Photo Essay Reflection Journal | 60% | Week 13 (2nd Semester) |
| Minimum 40 hours of direct service | Week 13 (2nd Semester) |
To fulfill course requirements:
- Students have UP TO 1 year to complete the minimum of 40 hours of direct service
- Attend 3 out of 4 classes from Weeks 1-4
- Complete all required assignments
Students must complete all required assessments and course requirements to pass the course.
Semester 1
For the AY26/27 Semester 1 (August), students can choose from one of these courses offered. A variety of service placements can be found on InPlace.
1. CL0103 - Learning with Children through Service-Learning
2. CL0104 - Engaging with Youths through Service-Learning
3. CL0105 - Connecting with Seniors through Service-Learning
4. CL0106 - Learning in Inclusive Communities through Service-Learning
Semester 2
For AY26/27 Semester 2 (January), students can choose from one of these courses offered.
1. CL0103 - Learning with Children through Service-Learning
2. CL0104 - Engaging with Youths through Service-Learning
3. CL0105 - Connecting with Seniors through Service-Learning
4. CL0106 - Learning in Inclusive Communities through Service-Learning
5. CL0107 - Supporting Reintegration through Service-Learning
6. CL0108 - Partnering Migrant Workers through Service-Learning
7. CL0109 - Caring for Shelter-Based Communities through Service-Learning
More information will be released soon.
Academic Specialisations
All courses follow the same structure but differ by the communities served. Through training conducted by our collaborators, students will be equipped with skills relevant to their chosen academic specialisation, which will be applied during their Service-Learning projects.
Career Exploration
STEM Literacy
Technology Literacy
Self Awareness & Mastery
Financial Literacy
Project Management
Healthcare, Community, and Population Health
Please refer to the FAQ document here for commonly asked questions.
If you have any further enquiries, please reach out to us at AskCSLOffice@ntu.edu.sg.
At the Care, Serve, Learn (CSL) Office, we partner with a diverse range of community organisations to create meaningful and sustainable impact.
Whether you have an ongoing community programme or a specific project initiative in mind, we welcome the opportunity to explore how we can collaborate.
If you wish to explore partnership opportunities, please reach out to us at AskCSLOffice@ntu.edu.sg and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please refer to the guide here on how to register for CSL courses.
The CSL office works closely with various departments to create an inclusive learning environment where all students have equal opportunities to learn, engage, and thrive. We understand that some students may require additional learning support.
If you need any assistance, please contact your CSL tutor as soon as you can, or email us at AskCSLOffice@ntu.edu.sg. We will work with you to explore reasonable adjustments, alternative arrangements, or connect you with other university support services.
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ntucsl
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ntu.csl/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ntu-csl
For any further questions, feedback, or partnership opportunities, please contact us via AskCSLOffice@ntu.edu.sg.
Quick Links
Please click here for frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Contact Us
CSL Office
Address: 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798
For inquiries, please email AskCSLOffice@ntu.edu.sg