National University of Singapore
Singapore, Singapore • Founded 1905 • World Rank #24
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1905, the National University of Singapore is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Singapore (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).
This institution also has a branch campus in Bukit Timah and Outram. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education - Higher Education Division of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS) is a very large-sized coeducational Singapore higher education institution.
National University of Singapore (NUS) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 119-year-old Singapore higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
NUS also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
National University of Singapore's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.
Academic Details
The numbers behind National University of Singapore: student body, academic staff, and the recognising bodies validating its work. A baseline read for assessing institutional capacity and rigour.
Academic Structures
National University of Singapore's academic backbone. Endowed schools (named after donors) may differ from general units in funding levels, scholarships available, and curriculum focus.
Unit 13 items
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Science
- Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering
- NUS School of Business
- School of Computing
- School of Design and Environment
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
- Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Degrees
Also Global Undergraduate Programmes in Engineering, Science; Double Major/Degree Undergraduate Porgrammes; Concurrent Bachelor and Master's Degree Programmes; Joint Degree Programmes; Graduate Diplomas: in Social Work, Dentistry, Maritime Law, Epidemiology, Medicine, Dermatology, Gerontology Medicine, Mental Health, Occupational Health, Computer Engineering; Executive MBA in English or Chinese Language); Double Master Programme in Transport Management with GeorgiaTech; Master of Science in Transport Management jointly offered by the Engineering Department of ISE and The Logistics Institute – Asia Pacific. Double MBA Programmes with Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, HEC Paris, Peking University; S3 Asia MBA. Joint Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering with: CentraleSupelec, France; Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Netherlands; Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India; Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore; Joint Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Sciences with either IITB/IITM/IITK, King’s College, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Bachelor's 58 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Applied Mathematics
- Architecture
- Asian Studies
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Processing
- Dentistry
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Engineering
- English
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- European Studies
- Finance
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Geography (Human)
- History
- Industrial Design
- Industrial Engineering
- Industrial Management
- International Studies
- Japanese
- Law
- Literature
- Malay
- Mass Communication
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Medicine
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Real Estate
- Social Work
- Sociology
- South Asian Studies
- Southeast Asian Studies
- Statistics
- Theatre
Master's 99 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Applied Chemistry
- Applied Physics
- Architectural and Environmental Design
- Architecture
- Asian Studies
- Biochemistry
- Bioengineering
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
- Building Technologies
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Civil Engineering
- Clinical Psychology
- Commercial Law
- Comparative Law
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Conducting
- Dentistry
- Design
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Engineering
- Engineering Drawing and Design
- Engineering Management
- English
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Geography (Human)
- Geological Engineering
- Health Sciences
- History
- Hydraulic Engineering
- Immunology
- Industrial Design
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- International Law
- Japanese
- Law
- Leadership
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Malay
- Management
- Marine Engineering
- Maritime Law
- Mass Communication
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Media Studies
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Music Theory and Composition
- Musical Instruments
- Nursing
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Paediatrics
- Pathology
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Political Sciences
- Private Law
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Radiology
- Real Estate
- Safety Engineering
- Social Work
- Social and Preventive Medicine
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- South Asian Studies
- Southeast Asian Studies
- Speech Therapy and Audiology
- Statistics
- Surgery
- Surveying and Mapping
- Town Planning
- Transport Management
- Water Management
Doctoral 56 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Accountancy
- Architecture
- Asian Studies
- Bioengineering
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Building Technologies
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chinese
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Dental Technology
- Dentistry
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Engineering
- Engineering Management
- English
- Environmental Engineering
- Finance
- Geography (Human)
- History
- Industrial Design
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- Japanese
- Law
- Literature
- Malay
- Management
- Marketing
- Mass Communication
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Media Studies
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Oncology
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Real Estate
- Social Work
- Sociology
- South Asian Studies
- Southeast Asian Studies
- Statistics
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education - Higher Education Division of Singapore.
Music (Conservatory) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Music
- Music Theory and Composition
- Opera
Arts and Social Sciences (Faculty) 21 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Chinese
- Communication Studies
- Economics
- English
- European Studies
- Geography (Human)
- History
- Japanese
- Literature
- Malay
- Media Studies
- Multimedia
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
- South Asian Studies
- Southeast Asian Studies
- Theatre
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dental Technology
- Dentistry
- Oral Pathology
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics
- Radiology
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Commercial Law
- Criminal Law
- Ethics
- Justice Administration
- Law
- Public Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anaesthesiology
- Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Paediatrics
- Pharmacy
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Public Health
- Radiology
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
NUS College (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
Science (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Applied Mathematics
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Integrative Sciences and Engineering (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Public Health (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Public Health Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Health Policy Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Public Policy (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Administration
- Public Administration
Business (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computing (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Computing
- Communication Studies
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- E-Business/Commerce
- Information Technology
- Media Studies
Design and Environment (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architectural and Environmental Design
- Architecture
- Industrial Design
- Real Estate
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Duke-NUS Medical School (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (School) 19 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Community Health
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Nursing
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Occupational Health
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Paediatrics
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Radiology
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
National University of Singapore's degree-level programme breakdown, with search. Industry-sponsored programmes often have bonded service or employment commitments — read the terms before accepting any sponsored place.
137 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Singapore
Honours Degree 47 programmes
Showing 10 of 47.
Master's Degree 69 programmes
Showing 10 of 69.
Doctorate 13 programmes
Showing 10 of 13.
Postgraduate Certificate 7 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 1 programme
How to apply to National University of Singapore
Step-by-step guidance for applying to National University of Singapore, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
-
1
Research programmes at National University of Singapore
Use the programme finder to browse National University of Singapore's 137 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
-
2
Review admissions criteria
Programme-level requirements at National University of Singapore typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
-
3
Gather supporting documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
-
4
Lodge your application
National University of Singapore processes applications through www.nus.edu.sg. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
-
5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +65 6516 1081. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about National University of Singapore
Frequently asked questions about National University of Singapore, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
How old is National University of Singapore?
The institution opened in 1905 (approximately 121 years ago).
Where is National University of Singapore located?
National University of Singapore is located in Singapore, Singapore.
Is National University of Singapore public or private?
National University of Singapore operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at National University of Singapore?
Student enrolment at National University of Singapore is around 30,000-34,999.
Where does National University of Singapore stand in university rankings?
National University of Singapore is ranked #24 globally and #1 in Singapore.
What programmes are available at National University of Singapore?
Programmes at National University of Singapore cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is National University of Singapore's academic structure?
The institution comprises 13 academic units.
Is National University of Singapore officially recognised?
Yes, National University of Singapore is recognised by Singapore Ministry of Education.
What is National University of Singapore's official website?
You can find National University of Singapore online at www.nus.edu.sg.
Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Beyond National University of Singapore, these universities also belong to Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) — useful for students who weight inter-institutional partnerships, exchange programmes, or shared accreditation frameworks. Membership networks often translate into practical student benefits.
Faculties at nearby universities
Healthcare and student insurance rules often apply at the regional level around National University of Singapore. Nearby universities typically follow the same health-coverage requirements for enrolled students.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Business & Management is taught at multiple universities across Singapore — these alternatives to National University of Singapore are worth weighing. Each programme reflects different academic traditions, industry connections, and research priorities.
Universities Compared with National University of Singapore
The institutions below sit at a comparable academic standing to National University of Singapore, often shortlisted together. Same-tier comparison helps when you have a target level but want to weigh non-ranking factors like culture or specialism.
Studying in Singapore: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.
