1. INTRODUCTION TO THE OVERSEAS STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME (SEP)
ECE Dept Coordinators:
Assoc. Prof Mohan Gurusamy (Applications)
Prof. Wang Qing-Guo
(Study Plan/Module Mapping)

2. What is SEP?
Study 1-2 semesters (generally 1 semester) at another university
ECE students go on overseas SEP during their 3rd year (Semester 5 and/or 6)
Pay NUS tuition fees only! (+ your own travel and living expenses)
Awarded equivalent MCs for all modules passed while on SEP (up to 25 MCs for 1-semester SEP*)
Graded S/U basis; appear in transcript; do not count towards CAP
Typically MCs at the partner university
*Read for MCs and policy rules

3. What are the Popular Destinations?
English Speaking Countries:
University of Birmingham
University of Glasgow
University of Leeds
University of Melbourne
University of Nottingham
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
University of Sheffield
University of California, Berkeley
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Pennsylvania State University
Continental Europe:
Technische Universitat Munich
Technical University of Denmark
Linkoping University
University of Oulu
Ecole Supa Rieure D'Electricita (Supa Lec)

4. Why Overseas SEP? STRENGTHEN YOUR RESUME
CREATE A NEW AND IMPROVED YOU
STRENGTHEN YOUR RESUME
DEVELOP VALUABLE LANGUAGE SKILLS
Study modules which are not offered in NUS
Gain international perspectives in your area of study
Improve foreign language skills or learn new languages
Learn about new cultures
Gain greater independence
Make new friends from all over the world

5. ECE Student Participation in SEP
Cohort
SEP Yr
% cohort
2011/2012
2013/2014
85 students (31%)
2010/2011
2012/2013
92 students (32%)
2009/2010
80 students (25%)

6. Who is Eligible for SEP?
Full-time undergrads who have completed at least 2 semesters of Year 2 core specialization upon commencement of SEP
CAP≥3.0; no grade below 'C' (grade point of 2.0) in any module
Students of any nationality
Scholarship holders, subject to approval by sponsor
Have minimum financial resources of S$6000 -S$15,000 per semester
*See ECE SEP web for more info:

7. SEP – Early preparation
Check on financial resources and obligations (e.g. to scholarship org/sponsor)
Plan overall B.Eng programme early, esp. S/U & MC budgeting, SEP+overseas IA, EE3 projects, co/pre-requisites for technical electives, etc.
Students planning for SEP at non-English destinations – start German, French language preparations (e.g. IRO LPP) as early as Yr 1
*See ECE SEP web for more info:

8. SEP – Financial Support
SEP Awards:
SEP Loans:
*See ECE SEP web General Info and FAQ for more info: (

9. SEP Application Procedure
Call for application to EE2 students around Sep-Oct (semester 3 of B.Eng programme)
Register on-line during application period at IRO’s OPAS website
Based on CAP and interview performance, each student is assigned a place from his/her list of choices
*See ECE SEP web for more info: (

10. SEP Application Procedure (contd.)
Prepare study plan and get approval by Prof. QG Wang
(Refer Study Plan guide at ECE SEP website)
Submit relevant documents (transcript, , scholarship award endorsement, reference letters etc) (Jan-March)
Receive official confirmation from the partner university
Plan and finalize travel, accommodation etc (before 3-4 months of your SEP departure)

11. SEP Selection Procedure
Selection is based on academic performance and interview
Interview: Assessment criteria
Knowledge about partner university, country
Leadership qualities
Passion, Motivation
Ambassadorial Qualities

12. Guidelines from Faculty of Engineering
Things to think about…

13. Before indicating your choice of up to FIVE (5) universities via OPAS, please ensure the following:
you have gone through our SEP website at for more information on SEP.
the partner University has an identical/similar course/discipline as yours e.g. Mechanical Engineering (ME) students should avoid universities without ME-related disciplines. However,  please note that faculties/departments at some universities may not have identical names as those here in NUS. (Eg. Technical University of Eindhoven does not offer courses in Bioengineering)
the partner University's academic calendar is suitable for you.
you will have no problems related to the language of instruction at the partner University.
you have sufficient funds to support your SEP at the partner University. Students will pay NUS tuition fees for the regular semesters while on exchange and will be fully responsible for their own airfare, visa, accommodation, living and other expenses. (e.g. estimated costs of at least S$10,000 for students going on exchange to North America, Europe, Australia, & UK.)

14. Things to think about…
You are advised to make at least four choices of partner universities of interest to you from at least two different continents. Many in the past who made few choices, had difficulties obtaining a suitable placement.
Most partner Universities have 1 or 2 places and the actual number of places may change anytime from now to early 2012 based on decisions by the partner University or IRO.
Links to information on our partners can be found at:

15. Things to think about…
Students will be assessed holistically during the allocation process; not just based on academic standing i.e., CAP alone.
Students will be assessed on the following in addition to their academic standing:
motivations for pursuing the SEP.
ability to be good “ambassadors” of NUS & Singapore.
ability to communicate & articulate ideas effectively.
exhibit interests & abilities beyond academics
evident through active involvement in various special programs in the last 1 to 2 years (e.g. FoE Enhancement Programs / clubs / societies / sports: in the University and/or general community.)
In the ‘Personal Statement’ section, accurately highlight the above qualities and be prepared to attend interviews. Be prepared to substantiate any factual information provide in the application.

16. International Relations Office (IRO)
Information on Financial Aid

17. Financial Aid Awards, Scholarships and Loans17

18. Financial Aids for SEP
NASA (Exchange Awards) awards valued at S$2,500
each
NUS Alumni Student Exchange Awards - 18 awards of S$2,500
TF Leadership Enrichment and Regional Networking (LEaRN) Award
- 130 awards of S$ 4,250 for SEP to ASEAN, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan,
India & Taiwan
Overseas Student Programme (OSP) Loan – Between S$3,000 to
S$10,000, subject to family’s monthly per capital income

19. Financial Aids for SEP (cont’d)
Country-specified scholarships
Additional top up from IE Singapore on NASA awards for China (excluding Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen)
JASSO Scholarship for Japan
¥80,000 per month and one time settling expense of ¥15,000
DUO-Singapore Exchange Fellowship Awards for Europe
€4,000 per semester
DSTA ACE Scholarships for Czech Rep, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Sweden or Netherlands
Up to 1 year SEP plus final year scholarship at NUS
Open to undergraduates from FOS, FOE & SOC with a passion for science and technology with a short bond period
University-specified scholarships

20. Overseas Trip Safety Guidelines
Refer

21. Thanks. Q and A