Undergraduate Study FAQs
View FAQs by Category:

Admissions
1. Can full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) or NSmen who have been offered a place at another local university (NUS/NTU/SMU/SIT) apply to SUTD? What happens to the place that was reserved for them?
Yes, NSFs and NSmen who had been offered a place at another university can apply to SUTD for admission.
 
Once you accept the SUTD offer, SUTD will inform the university that you had a place reserved for you to withdraw you from the course in the other local university. .
2. I would like to have my SAT scores sent directly to SUTD. What is SUTD Institution Code?
SUTD Institution Code is 6532 and applicants should indicate SUTD Institution Code on their SAT registration forms, so that the scores will be sent directly to SUTD by the US College Board.   Please visit the US College Board website at http://www.collegeboard.org for details on SAT and registration.
3. Will all applicants have the opportunity to be interviewed for admission?
Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.
4. Who can apply for admission?
We welcome applicants with any of the following educational qualifications:
  • Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘A’ Level
  • Local Polytechnic Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
  • NUSHS Diploma
  • Others - You possess an International qualification (e.g. Malaysia STPM/UEC, India Standard XII, Indonesia SMA UAN, PRC GaoKao, Vietnam High Graduation Certificate, etc) or other qualifications not specified in the preceding groups above.
Please apply via the SUTD online system on our website – www.sutd.edu.sg. Before you make the application, please select your application category. The application category you apply should correspond to the educational qualification that you possess.

Note:
Former or current students of National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU) or Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) seeking admission may apply under one of the corresponding groups.
5. How many intakes are there for each academic year?
There will only be one intake in April/May each year.
6. Is there an early intake for NSFs who have completed their National Service?
No. SUTD will have a common intake in April/May of each year. However, students awaiting matriculation into SUTD can engage themselves in the Campus Builder Programme.
7. Will students need to submit a portfolio for admission to the architecture programme?
All portfolios are welcome.
8. What are SUTD's admission requirements? How is one selected for admission to SUTD?
SUTD aims to nurture bright and well-rounded students. Applicants will be evaluated through a holistic approach that includes academic results, co-curricular activities, a 500-word essay, referee's feedback, and any other supplementary information included in the application (e.g., your portfolio, video, blog, etc).  Your 500-word essay and supplementary information should provide more information on your leadership qualities, research experience, extraordinary/unusual accomplishments and other personal qualities and relevant experience.
 
Students are also encouraged to have a Mathematics and a Science subject at the H2, Higher Level, Senior High or equivalent level. 

Shortlisted candidates will also have to undergo an interview.

This holistic approach is designed to help us get to know you - what inspires you, what fires your passion, and what values you hold.  Be genuine, be yourself - this is your opportunity to connect with us.
9. How much does it cost to apply to the SUTD?
There is no application fee for applying to SUTD.
10. Is there a topic/theme for the video? What is it?
Applicants may submit a video of up to 1.5 minutes that showcases his/her leadership qualities, hands-on experience, research experiences, unusual or extraordinary accomplishment, and any other personal qualities and relevant experience.

The video provides the applicant with the opportunity to provide the admissions committee with information that is useful to assess his/her potential for success.
11. Can I make amendments to my application form after submitting it online?
You can only amend the following fields after submission: Address, Country, Phone and Email. For other amendments to your application, please send an email to us at admissions@sutd.edu.sg indicating your NRIC/FIN and full name.
12. Will SUTD grant credit transfer/waiver and/or exemption of modules for students transferring from other universities?
No. Due to the unique structure of the SUTD curriculum, all students will enroll in the same programme in the freshman year and first term of the sophomore year (Freshmore).
13. What are the pre-requisites for admission to the courses? Do students need to have taken Mathematics or Physics at A-Levels or O-Levels for admission to the engineering courses?
Students are encouraged to have a Mathematics and a Science subject at the H2, Higher Level, Senior High or equivalent level.
14. I have not been successful in my application for admission. Can I appeal to be reconsidered?
If your application has not been successful, you may submit an appeal for reconsideration. You are advised to submit your appeal by email to admissions@sutd.edu.sg indicating your application ID, NRIC/FIN/passport number and full name.
15. Will applicants be required to present additional tests such as TOEFL, IELTS or SAT?
TOEFL, IELTS, SAT or other recognised English proficiency tests (for example, Malaysian University English Test - MUET) are compulsory for all international qualifications except UK ‘A’ Levels and International Baccalaureate Diploma. 
16. Will SUTD grant credit transfer/waiver and/or exemption of modules for polytechnic students?
No. Due to the unique structure of the SUTD curriculum, all students will enroll in the same programme in the freshman year and first term of the sophomore year (Freshmore).
17. I failed my Mother Tongue Language at the A-Levels. Can I qualify for admission?
If you meet the other admissions requirements, you will be given a conditional admission into SUTD.  You must then fulfill the mother tongue requirements before graduating from SUTD.
 
You must meet one of the following Mother Tongue Language (MTL) requirements for admission:
 
  • Minimum of D7 for the higher MTL paper taken at the 'O' Level examination.
  • Minimum of 'S' grade for H1 MTL paper or General Studies in Chinese.
  • Minimum of ‘S’ grade for the H2 MTL paper taken at the ‘A’ Level examination.
  • Pass in the MTL ‘B’ Syllabus paper at the ‘A’ Level examination

If you failed your MTL, you have to re-take MTL at the ‘A’ Levels examinations during your course of study in SUTD and attain any one of the above minimum requirements before being allowed to graduate.
 
If you are a candidate who has been exempted from MTL as approved by MOE, the MOE-approved subject-in-lieu will be considered as your MTL subject.
18. Is there a topic for the essay? What is it?
The 500-word essay should describe your personal statement and portfolio for the past 3 years.  It should provide information on your leadership qualities, extraordinary/unusual accomplishments and any other personal qualities and relevant experience.  The essay offers each applicant an opportunity to provide the admissions committee with information that is useful for assessing his/her fit with SUTD. 
Curriculum
19. Are SUTD’s degrees direct honours degrees?
Students who obtain a high achievement are eligible to graduate with honours. This is similar to the American Higher education system where honours are directly awarded.
20. Are all the 7 HASS courses electives or non-electives?
All students are required to take 7 Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) subjects out of the 8 terms in the undergraduate program. In the first two terms, HASS is a core subject where students will study World Civilizations of the West and East. 
From Term 4 onwards, students are required to take a HASS subject in every term. They can choose from a common pool of HASS courses or from the pool of prescribed HASS courses related to the pillar.
21. What are the module titles (subject names) for the advance electives found in each of the pillars?
The advanced technical electives are designed to focus on 4 key areas and the corresponding subjects are shown below. 
  1. Global Issues
    • Global Health Technologies
    • Energy Systems in the Developing World
  2. Transportation
    • Transportation Technology
    • Transportation Systems
  3. Manufacturing Systems
    • Operations Management
    • Design and Manufacturing
  4. Enterprise Systems
    • Engineering Management
    • Enterprise Systems

Students will able to take a pair of technical electives in one of the 4 focused areas.
22. What degree do I graduate with when I complete my education in SUTD? Will the degree be from MIT and SUTD since it is a collaboration between the two universities?
You will graduate with one of the following degrees:
  • Bachelor of Science with a major in Architecture and Sustainable Design (8 terms) - with an option to pursue two more terms to obtain Master of Architecture with a major in Architecture and Sustainable Design (i.e., total 10 terms)
  • Bachelor of Engineering with a major in Engineering Product Development (8 terms)
  • Bachelor of Engineering with a major in Engineering Systems and Design (8 terms)
  • Bachelor of Engineering with a major in Information Systems Technology and Design (8 terms)
 
All degrees will be awarded by SUTD.
23. Does SUTD offer any part-time programmes?
We do not offer any part-time programmes for our initial intakes.
24. What is the academic calendar like?
SUTD will have a full 8-term academic calendar for the undergraduate program. The novel design and innovative approach allows all students to complete a comprehensive syllabus within a compact time frame of 3.5 years.

You may refer to the academic calendar for Cohort 2012 as a reference.
25. How much emphasis will be placed on exams or course work at SUTD?
A well-balanced curriculum of exams and course work will be provided. Each faculty member will determine how his/her course is graded. Over the course of the full curriculum, students will be expected to complete problem sets, participate in classroom discussions, participate in hands-on experiences and take quizzes and examinations.
26. Do I require any subjects as pre-requisites to select any pillars?
Students will embark on a common foundational curriculum in the first three terms, after which they select a specialization (pillar).
27. What is the expectation of SUTD on the time that students should spend on learning and preparation of course work?

Students are expected to spend an average of 12 hours per week on each subject.


For example, for the first term:


Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics are in the format of 5+0+7 = 12 hours per week (5 hours are for lectures and cohort classes while the other 7 hours are for self-study, readings and assignments). HASS is in the format of 3+0+9 = 12 hours per week.


In total, the students are expected to spend 48 hours each week (18 hours in classrooms and 30 hours outside classes for reading and assignments).


Note: The above is an example on the average time that students are expected to spend on learning and preparation of course work during the first term of the Freshmore terms. The breakdown and allocation of hours required for classes and self-studying may vary slightly across subjects and in subsequent Pillar terms. Time spent by individual students may also vary due to personal study styles and preferences.
28. How different is SUTD’s Architecture and Sustainable Design (ASD) programme compared to Bachelor of Architecture offered in NUS?
Students in SUTD have to go through a common curriculum in their first three terms, in which they will study subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Humanities and Engineering. The purpose of studying these subjects is to give our students a solid foundation to support their specialization study in their pillar years. In their senior year (i.e., Capstone year), students from different pillars come together to do a Capstone project to address critical societal needs, which is unique to SUTD.
 
SUTD’s curriculum is designed with input from the industry. For example, the computation and simulation subjects and the material and structure sustainability subjects in ASD were included in the curriculum at the advice of the architectural industry. This concept of bringing the industry into our curriculum development will allow us to equip our students with the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of tomorrow's industry. While internship in the Architecture course in NUS is optional, in SUTD, about 16 weeks are set aside for students to have their internships either in between the third and fourth terms and/or in between the fifth and sixth terms. Students can opt for 2 internships as well.
29. How different is SUTD’s engineering and information science programme compared to those provided by other autonomous universities in Singapore?
SUTD courses are modeled after MIT’s engineering courses. Students are expected to have the opportunity for daily interactions with faculty through classroom discussions, recitation sessions, laboratory work, faculty office hours, curriculum based contests, and informal gatherings. Students are given the opportunity to select between Engineering Product Development (mechanical devices i.e., EPDM) and Engineering Product Development (electronic devices, i.e., EPDE). Students who choose to study EDPM will also learn certain important components of EPDE. Similarly, students who choose to study EPDE will also learn some key components of EPDM.
 
Students who choose the Information Systems Technology and Design (ISTD) pillar will learn both computer science and computer engineering related subjects.
 
SUTD’s curriculum is technically-grounded, providing a solid foundation with a lot of possible educational and career opportunities for the students. It is interdisciplinary. Not only will students take engineering subjects, they will also be exposed to arts, humanities and social sciences and business and management. More importantly, design will be a key feature in all the courses offered.
 
There will be an emphasis on industry needs. Students will be exposed to the latest technology and system developments within industry and have early exposure to entrepreneurship.
30. How does EPD or ESD compare with Chemical Engineering if I want to go to energy industry?
The energy industry seeks engineers from the different engineering specialisations including graduates from both Engineering Product Development (EPD) and Engineering Systems and Design (ESD). Our curriculum will equip our students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and creative experiences to be competent in a variety of industries including the energy industry.While EPD does not have a specific, equivalent track to Chemical Engineering, a number of courses and projects in the EPD pillar specifically focus on the modeling and design of energy systems, energy production, and alternative energy processes. Fundamentals in chemistry support these courses.The ESD undergraduate curriculum is concerned with the design, optimisation, and management of large scale complex engineering and engineered systems which include energy production and distribution systems.

Degrees from EPD or ESD will provide sought after skill sets and pathways for pursuing graduate level degrees in energy systems and in Chemical Engineering related specialties. In addition, we are working with Energy Market Authority and various energy companies to support our students with internships and scholarships.
31. I want to get into Aerospace industry. Does SUTD have Aerospace Engineering or equivalent?
SUTD does not have a specific pillar on aerospace. However, the Engineering Product Development (EPD) pillar does include faculty with Aerospace expertise, as well as course work and projects with novel Aerospace applications.Students with technical engineering and design interests in the Aerospace industry can enroll into the EPD pillar.

Aerospace industries will have clear interests in the skill sets of EPD pillar graduates, in addition to the skill sets of graduates from Engineering Systems and Design (ESD) and Information Systems Technology and Design (ISTD).Various aerospace companies as well as Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Changi Airport Group (CAG) have already indicated their confidence by supporting SUTD students with internships and scholarships.
32. Am I guaranteed a place in the pillar of my interest since I do not select the pillar upon application for admissions?
We will attempt to accommodate everyone’s choice of pillar. The reason for deciding on the pillar only after the 3 freshmore terms (2 terms in freshmen year and first term of sophomore year) is so that students will be better able to assess their interest and suitability for the various specialisations.
33. Can a student receive a Bachelor of Architecture in 4 years in SUTD? Are Architecture students required to do an extra year?
You will get a Bachelor of Science in 8 terms and a Master of Architecture in 10 terms. You may graduate with a Bachelor’s degree after 8 terms.
34. What is the proportion of humanities subjects compared to science and engineering subjects in a typical course of study?
SUTD expects students to have a good understanding and appreciation of the arts, humanities and social sciences. Approximately twenty percent of the courses taken by a student will be in these areas.
35. Is SUTD’s engineering degree accredited or recognised by the Engineering Accreditation Board (EAB) of Singapore?
SUTD has established very good working relationships with accreditation bodies for both the Engineering and Architecture programmes in Singapore. On-going processes and site visits by the accreditation bodies have led to a confidence by these bodies in SUTD's curriculum, teaching & learning strategies, facilities, students, and faculty. A number of SUTD faculty are highly experienced in accreditation requirements and processes.We have also recruited pillar-level External Advisory Board members from top universities like Carnegie Mellon University and UT Austin, and from NMCs like Rolls Royce, 3M and Panasonic.

Our processes are on-target for achieving provisional accreditation from EAB (Engineering Accreditation Board) for EPD, ESD, and ISTD before March 2014, and full accreditation by early 2017. These accreditations will apply to all graduating classes from these pillars.
36. Is SUTD’s architecture degree accredited or recognised by the Board of Architects of Singapore?
Our Master of Architecture degree will be accredited by the Board of Architects of Singapore.

SUTD has established very good working relationships with accreditation bodies for both the Architecture programmes in Singapore. On-going processes and site visits by the accreditation bodies have led to a confidence by these bodies in SUTD's curriculum, teaching & learning strategies, facilities, students, and faculty.

"The Board of Architects (BOA) Singapore has always been very keen to see a second distinctive architectural degree programme being offered by our publicly funded universities in Singapore. BOA is happy to note that the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), the second autonomous university offering Master Degree in architectural programme, is collaborating with renowned MIT to offer very innovative programme to serve the critical emerging needs of a world in transition and a profession evermore engaged with the evolution of business, technology, and socioeconomic institutions worldwide. BOA is working closely with SUTD to establish a good architectural programme and will officially recognise the programme after the first batch of graduates has successfully gone through the programme." - Registar, BOA
37. What proportion of the courses will be based on hard sciences?
All students will be required to take courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology as well as core courses in technology in the first three terms.
38. What humanities subjects will SUTD offer?
In the first two terms, Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) is a core subject where students will study World Civilisations of the West and East. From Term 4, students can choose from courses in the topical areas of the arts, humanities and social sciences, e.g., philosophy, sociology, history, economics, management and business.
Tuition Fees
39. What are the tuition fees for SUTD?
The subsidised tuition fee for SUTD’s 2013 intake is S$5,600 per academic term for Singapore citizens. For Permanent Residents, the subsidised tuition fee is S$7,275 per academic term. The subsidised tuition fee for International Students is S$10,075 per academic term.
40. Are the tuition fees cohort based?
The tuition fees for SUTD’s first academic year will be S$11,200 per academic year (2 terms) for Singapore Citizens. SUTD will review this figure subsequently to decide whether there is a need to adjust the amount.
41. Will tuition fees increase over the next few years?
Tuition fees are reviewed annually. Modest tuition fee increases may be necessary to maintain a high quality of teaching and to allow SUTD to cope with a higher cost of operations arising from higher prices of supplies and services.
42. Why are SUTD’s fees higher than the other local autonomous universities?
Although SUTD’s fees are higher, the tuition fee is highly subsidised by the Singapore Government.
 
The higher tuition fee is necessary as we are providing a curriculum of high academic quality that is designed by MIT. As such, you will be getting a MIT-like education at one-fifth of MIT’s tuition fees. SUTD will also have a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1. This ensures a high level of interaction between students and faculty.
43. How do I pay my tuition fees? Can I pay in installments?
SUTD does not provide installment plans and students with financial difficulties are advised to apply for financial aid schemes.
44. Will there be any fee increase for AY2013/14?
Yes, there will be a 2% increase in the tuition fees for the incoming AY2013/14 undergraduate intake.

Financial assistance is available to students and no deserving student will be denied a university education due to financial difficulties. Students who need assistance can approach our financial aid office.
45. Is the University moving away from the fixed fee model?
No.The University is continuing with the fixed fee model in setting its undergraduate programme fees. Under this system, the tuition fee for a cohort of students admitted in the particular year will be fixed throughout their candidature.
46. What are the reasons for the fee adjustments?
A revision of tuition fees is necessary to help SUTD better meet the needs and expectations of the students for a vibrant, hands-on and holistic educational experience.
47. Is there a cap on fee increase for SUTD?
In setting the fees, SUTD has sought to strike a balance between ensuring the affordability of tuition fees, and setting them at a realistic and sustainable level. Where increases are necessary and impact students from lower-income families, SUTD is committed to help these students through various financial assistance schemes.
48. Have cost cutting measures been considered?
Keeping costs under control is always a key priority for SUTD. Through streamlining administrative processes, and competitive tendering for goods and services, cost increases have been kept low.
49. With the tuition fee increase, will there be any enhancements made to the programmes/curriculum?
As we improve the student experience of our design courses, the cost of running the programmes increases correspondingly.The University will continue to attract the best faculty, staff and students to further propel SUTD to the forefront of education. Cost control measures are in place to ensure that such cost increases are kept low.
50. Will more financial assistance, scholarships or awards be provided to assist students with the tuition fee increase? What about more subsidies and bursaries?
Tuition fees at SUTD are highly subsidised by the Singapore Government. At the same time, SUTD remains committed to a merit-based, needs-blind admission policy, and ensures that no deserving student is denied the opportunity of an SUTD education due to financial difficulties.

To help students better cope with the tuition fee increase, the University will continue its efforts to assist students in need of financial assistance. Students can apply for a comprehensive range of financial assistance from the University and the Ministry of Education (MOE), which will provide them with the financial resources to help them complete their studies. These options include Government bursaries, Tuition Fee Loan, SUTD Study Loan and more. For the list of financial aid, please refer to the Financial Aid page.
51. I am currently serving my National Service and have a reserved place in SUTD (enrolment in AY2013 or AY2014). How does this fee revision affect me?
National Servicemen who have gained admission to SUTD during AY2011 and AY2012 Admissions Exercises and will be matriculating in AY2013 or later will pay the prevailing tuition fees at the time they accepted the offer of admission.They will not be affected by this revision.
52. Why is there a need to differentiate the fees for Singapore Citizen (SC), Permanent Resident (PR) and International student (IS) in SUTD?
The higher fee increases for PR and IS are aimed at further sharpening the differentiation between SC, PR and foreigners to reflect the privileges of citizenship.
53. Does Government provide funding for International Students?
The Government provides subsidies for International Students, in the form of a tuition grant, at the universities. IS who pay subsidised fees for their degree courses are required to fulfill a three-year service obligation by working in Singapore-based companies after graduation.
54. Most financial assistance schemes are currently limited to Singapore Citizen students. Will help be given to Permanent Resident and International Student who are unable to afford the new charges? If so, what help will be provided?
Needy PR and IS students who are admitted to SUTD can take up loans to better manage their financial commitments during their studies. SUTD remains committed to a merit-based, needs-blind admission policy, and ensures that no deserving student is denied the opportunity of an SUTD education due to financial difficulties. For the list of financial aid, please refer to the Financial Aid page.
Financial Aid
55. When can I start applying for financial aid at SUTD?
Application details and application forms for all the financial aid schemes are published on the SUTD website. Prospective students, who have been offered admission to SUTD, can apply for financial aid by early 2013.

For more information, please refer to the Financial Aid page.
56. Can I submit a hard copy of the financial aid application form?
Yes. Application for such aid must be done on hard copy application form which can be downloaded from SUTD Financial Aid pages.

Please mail or submit your application form and supporting documents to the following address:
Singapore University of Technology and Design
Office of Student Administration (OSA)
20 Dover Drive, Singapore 138682
Contact number: +65 6499 4643/4641
Email address : studentadmin@sutd.edu.sg
57. When will I know the results of my financial aid application?
You will receive an email from the Office of Student Administration (OSA) on the outcome of your application within 2 weeks upon receipt of the completed documents.
58. If I am not successful in my application for financial aid this year, may I apply again next year?
Yes, you can apply again next year because each application received will be processed based on the applicant’s latest financial situation and the prevailing financial aid approval guidelines.
59. How can I check my financial aid application status?
You will receive an email from the Office of Student Administration (OSA) on the outcome of your application within 2 weeks upon receipt of the completed documents.
60. I am in financial difficulty but the financial aid application deadline is over. How can I get help?
Please adhere to the application deadline for submission of financial aid. Late application is discouraged as this will delay the financial aid application process.

Financial aid will be offered first to eligible applicants who have applied based on the stipulated application period.

If you have valid reasons for missing the application and/or document submission deadlines, you may send an appeal via email to studentadmin@sutd.edu.sg stating the following:
  1. Your full name
  2. Your student ID number
  3. The reason(s) for late application/submission of documents
  4. A summary of your family background and income status.

You will be advised on the outcome of your appeal within 1 week.

Alternatively, you should proceed to apply for any of the following schemes to finance your tuition fee payable, if you have not done so:
  • Tuition Fee Loan (Apply through DBS bank)
  • CPF Education Scheme (Submit application to CPF Board)
61. What are the different types of loans administered by the University?
The types of loans administered on university-wide basis to all eligible undergraduates are as follows:
  1. Tuition Fee Loan (TFL)
  2. CPF Education Scheme (CES)
  3. Study Loan (SL)

For more information, please refer to the Financial Aid page.
62. What are the different types of Study Awards and Bursaries administered by SUTD?
The types of Study Awards and Bursaries administered by the University to all eligible undergraduates are as follows:

Bursaries
  1. MOE Bursary Scheme (MBS)
  2. CDC/CCC-University Bursary Scheme (CUBS)

Study Awards
  1. Deustche Bank Study Award
  2. Hokkien Foundation Study Award

For more information on the application procedures for the Study Awards and Bursaries, please refer to the Financial Aid page.
Financial Aid - Post-Secondary Education Account
63. How do I withdraw funds from my Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA)?
You need to submit a Standing Order if you wish to withdraw your PSEA funds to pay for your tuition fees. Download the form from our PSEA financial aid page.
64. If I have submitted the Standing Order to withdraw my PSEA funds this year, do I need to submit the Standing Order again next year?
No, the Standing Order (SO) is a one-time application and will apply to all future withdrawals for tuition fees.
65. If I missed the deadline for the Standing Order submission, is there any other way that I can withdraw my PSEA funds?
You can submit an Ad Hoc Withdrawal Form which is meant for one-time withdrawal. You will have to submit either the Standing Order or another Ad Hoc Withdrawal Form if you wish to withdraw your PSEA funds in the following term.

Please indicate clearly under which category you wish to withdraw the PSEA funds for and the exact amount you wish to withdraw. The Ad Hoc Withdrawal Form can be downloaded from our PSEA financial aid page and must be submitted to studentadmin@sutd.edu.sg or mailed to Office of Administration (OSA) within the stipulated application period.
66. If I have applied for and have been awarded the Tuition Fee Loan and/or the SUTD Study Loan, can I still use my PSEA funds for my tuition fees?
Yes, the PSEA funds will be used first to clear your tuition fees and compulsory miscellaneous fees. The Tuition Fee Loan (TFL) and SUTD Study Loan will be used to clear any outstanding tuition fees after deducting your PSEA funds.
67. Should I submit the Standing Order if I want to withdraw my PSEA funds to pay for my compulsory miscellaneous fees only?
No, you should use the Ad Hoc Withdrawal Form as the Standing Order is a request to use the PSEA funds for both your tuition fees and compulsory miscellaneous fees.

Please note that the Ad Hoc Withdrawal Form is meant for one-time withdrawal.

You need to submit another Ad Hoc Withdrawal Form if you want to withdraw the funds to pay only for your compulsory miscellaneous fees in the following term.
68. Can I use my PSEA funds to pay for other programmes or courses besides paying for my tuition fees?
Yes, your PSEA funds can be used for enrichment programmes such as :
  • Overseas Student Programmes
  • Local and overseas conferences/competitions approved and endorsed by the University.

Please note that PSEA funds cannot be used for payment of Hostel Fees.

The Ad Hoc Withdrawal Form can be downloaded from our PSEA financial aid page. and must be submitted to studentadmin@sutd.edu.sg or mailed to Office of Student Administration within the stipulated application period.
69. How do I check the balance in my Post-Secondary Education Account?
You can check your PSEA balance by contacting MOE at 6260 0777 or contact@moe.gov.sg.
Financial Aid - CPF Education Scheme
70. If I have applied for a Tuition Fee Loan under the CPF Education Scheme, do I have to re-apply for the same funding every year?
No, It’s a one-time application. Do ensure that there are sufficient funds in the CPF member’s account to pay for your tuition fee.
71. I have obtained a loan under the CPF Education Scheme to finance my tuition fee payable but I have yet to receive a bill for my tuition fee. Why?
This could be due to insufficient funds in the CPF member’s account to pay for your tuition fee payable.

Alternatively you can explore other financial arrangements:
  • Include another CPF member who can pay for your tuition fee payable.
    Visit the CPF website for more details.
  • Apply for a Tuition fee loan from DBS bank.
72. When do I start repaying my Tuition Fee Loan under the CPF Education Scheme?
Repayment starts one year after graduation or on leaving the course, whichever is earlier. The maximum repayment period is 12 years.
Financial Aid - Mendaki TTFS
73. Does SUTD administer the Mendaki Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS)?
No, this subsidy is administered by Yayasan Mendaki. SUTD assists in the collection and submission of application forms.

Please visit our Mendaki Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS) page or Yayasan Mendaki's website for more information.
Financial Aid - Tuition Fee Loan Scheme
74. I have received the SUTD admission offer letter. When can I apply for the Tuition Fee Loan (TFL)?
Application details and application form for TFL are published on our TFL page by early 2013.
75. How do I apply for the Tuition Fee Loan (TFL)?
You can download the application form from our TFL page and submit the duly completed form to DBS Bank to process the loan application.

Please refer to the TFL application procedures stated in our TFL page.
76. Can a non-Singaporean be my guarantor for the Tuition Fee Loan (TFL)?
Only Singaporean guarantors are acceptable for Singaporean students; Singaporean/SPR guarantors are acceptable for SPR students and Singaporean/SPR/non-Singaporean guarantors are acceptable for international students.
77. What will happen if my non-Singaporean guarantor cannot be present in Singapore to sign the Tuition Fee (TFL) loan agreement?
If your non-Singaporean guarantor is unable to be physically present in Singapore, he/she will have to sign the TFL agreement in the presence of a notary public in the country that he/she is currently residing.

However, as a student borrower, you are still required to sign the TFL agreement in the presence of the Bank officer.
78. If I have already signed the Tuition Fee Loan (TFL) agreement with the bank, do I have to re-apply for this loan again?
No, it’s a one-time application.
Financial Aid - Study Loan Scheme
79. If my application for the Study Loan is successful, do I have to re-apply every year?
No, it’s a one-time application.
80. What do I need to do to be eligible for the Study Loan?
The Study Loan will be offered as one of the components of the financial aid package when you apply for SUTD financial aid and have been assessed to be eligible.

Refer to our Study Loan page for more information on the Study Loan Scheme.
81. Where and when do I execute the Study Loan agreement?
Once your Study Loan application is approved, you will receive an email from Office of Student Administration (OSA) on the outcome of your application within 2 weeks upon receipt of all the relevant documents. Successful applicants will proceed to OSA to collect the SL agreement and approval letter in person before proceeding to DBS bank to sign the Study loan agreement.
82. Can a non-Singaporean be my guarantor for Study Loan?
Only Singaporean guarantors are acceptable for Singaporean students; Singaporean/SPR guarantors are acceptable for SPR students and Singaporean/SPR/non-Singaporean guarantors are acceptable for international students.
83. What do I need to do if my non-Singaporean guarantor cannot be present in Singapore to sign the Study Loan agreement?
If your non-Singaporean guarantor is unable to be physically present in Singapore; you need to advise your guarantor to sign the loan agreement in the presence of a notary public in the country that he/she is residing. As a student borrower, you are still required to sign the loan agreement in the presence of a bank officer.
84. When do I start repaying the Study Loan?
Repayment can be in one lump sum or in fixed equal monthly installments (minimum of $100 per month) commencing not later than 6 months after graduation or on securing employment, whichever is earlier.
Financial Aid - Bursaries
85. How do I apply for a bursary?
The University awards the Bursary as a component of the financial aid package to eligible applicants who have been assessed to be needy. Refer to our Financial Aid page for more information on the bursaries.
86. Do I have to repay the bursary awarded to me?
No repayment is required. However in the event that the student withdraws or terminates his course of study before proceeding to second term of his course of studies in SUTD he will be required to refund or pay back the monies. Student is required to inform the Office of Student Administration via email at studentadmin@sutd.edu.sg with regard to his withdrawal or terminated status.
87. If I have been awarded CDCC Bursary or MOE Bursary for this academic year, do I need to re-apply again next year?
Yes, the bursaries are tenable for one year. You have to file a financial aid application yearly in order to be considered again for the Bursary. Student must not concurrently hold CDCC bursary in the same year of award as MOE Bursary. For more information on the Bursaries application procedures, please refer to the Financial Aid page.
Scholarship
88. Is there a bond attached to the undergraduate scholarships?
The different undergraduate scholarships offered will have different conditions attached. Please refer to the Scholarships page for the list of SUTD and industry scholarships.
89. Will I be guaranteed a scholarship upon admission?
SUTD scholarships are merit-based and will be offered to selected candidates together with the admission decision.
90. What happens if I am admitted but find that I have not been offered a scholarship and am unable to afford the tuition? Does SUTD offer financial aid?
SUTD has a range of financial assistance schemes to help students to pay their tuition fees. For more information, please refer to the Financial Aid page.
91. How and when do I apply for undergraduate scholarships?
SUTD offers scholarships to deserving students. You need not apply separately for these scholarships. Once you apply for admission to SUTD, we will assess your suitability for a scholarship.

For more information, please refer to the Scholarships page.
92. Where can I find information on scholarships?
SUTD will be offering up to 100 full scholarships. For more information on the scholarships, please refer to the Scholarships page.
93. Can I hold more than two bursaries, scholarships or a combination of bursaries and scholarships concurrently?
Students cannot hold two or more bursary/scholarship awards at the same time. At the point of acceptance of the bursary or scholarship award, all awardees are expected to declare their agreement to abide by this condition and if found to be holding two awards concurrently, to forgo one award or refund monies already granted under either award.
Student Hostel
94. Why is the hostel called 6°?
  1. The concept of six degrees of separation (the idea that a chain of, "a friend of a friend" statements can be made, on average, to connect any two people in six steps or fewer) – Here at SUTD, we believe that all students are interconnected and interdependent. We want to create a system where we are able to build on each other’s talents to achieve the best possible outcome. We hope that 6° will be the support system that will give students the strength to succeed here.
  2. The engineering theory, six degrees of freedom, describes the movement of an object in 3D space (up-down/left-right/forward-backward and their rotational movements). At SUTD, students are given the freedom and autonomy to pursue their passion (in a responsible manner).
  3. SUTD provides a well-rounded education through the four pillars (academics), the Fifth Row (co-curricular activities), and 6° (the living-learning environment). In short, our living environment is as important as our academic and non-academic activities in shaping our growth as leaders of a better world in the future.
95. Is it compulsory to stay in the hostel?
Yes, living at 6° is compulsory for the Freshmore terms (first three terms) even for those who live very near the campus. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for medical reasons.
96. Why is it compulsory to stay at the hostel?
  1. Studies have shown that living on campus during the freshmore year results in increased academic success while also easing the transition to the university environment.
  2. A strong community is built when students have the opportunity to live and interact with one another beyond academic hours, thereby fostering a sense of belonging and ownership.
97. Is the hostel suitable for students with disabilities?
Yes, disabled students are given consideration according to their needs. There are two lifts at the hostel that stop at the 6th and 11th floor. The units located closest to the lift landings are reserved for disabled students. There are 2 units located at the 6th floor which are modified for barrier free access.
98. How are students assigned to their rooms?
The Housing Committee has designed a Roommate Matching Questionnaire for all freshmore students to fill up that would help provide a basis for matching students to room together.
99. What if I am not comfortable in my assigned residence?
Although first-year students are assigned to apartments that closely match the specifications they submitted in the Roommate Matching Questionnaire (RMQ), experience tells us that they may sometimes have second thoughts after living there for a while. Students will be able to act on those second thoughts and move to the residence that makes them feel most comfortable.

To facilitate this move, look out for the annual Transfer Application exercise that will be take place a month after check in. Early adjustments will help students become happier and they can then settle down to concentrate on academics and activities.
100. What are the hostel fees?
Monthly hostel fee of S$265 would be billed with effect from May and on every first day of the calendar month (i.e. bill date). Payment is due one week from the bill date. A penalty of S$20 would be imposed for late payment. A one month refundable security deposit will be collected with the first month’s fee.

First payment of hostel fees can be made via cheque (payable to “Singapore University of Technology and Design”), Credit/Debit cards, NETS, or cash at the Finance Cashier located at the Student and Visitor Services Center. Payment for hostel fee in subsequent months would be deducted via GIRO on the due date.
101. How will the utilities bill be settled?
The University will provide a monthly utility subsidy of up to S$15 per student. Any excess utilities consumption per apartment per month, will be divided equally among the students within the apartment. If there is excess utilities consumption for the apartment, an email notification will be sent to each student to view the amount payable via MyPortal > Student Centre > Account Inquiry > Statement of Account.

Excess monthly utility charges for May will be billed in July together with July's hostel fee. All excess utility charges will be billed 2 months after usage.

Below are two examples on how the excess utility charges is computed:

Example 1
For an apartment with 9 students and utility charges of S$135, it is within the monthly utility subsidy of S$135 (S$15 per student per month x 9 students = S$135 per apartment per month). No further payment is required.

Example 2
For an apartment with 9 students and utility charges of S$180, it is above the monthly utility subsidy of S$135. The excess utility amount payable is S$45 per apartment (S$180 less subsidy of S$135). This will be divided equally among the 9 students i.e. each student will be billed S$5 for the excess utilities consumed in the month.

Payment is due within 7 days from the bill date (i.e. the day you receive your email notification). Any excess utility charges would be deducted via GIRO on the due date. You can also make payment via cheque (payable to “Singapore University of Technology and Design”), Credit/Debit cards, NETS or cash at the Student Financial Services Counter located at the Visitors and Student Services Centre before the due date. A late payment fee of S$20 would be imposed for payment made after the due date.

You can contact the Management Office at 6° if you need to verify your excess utility charges.
102. Will there be any financial aid for students who are unable to afford the hostel fees?
Yes, financial aid is available. Student can apply for a study loan allowance with DBS bank. With the study loan allowances, student can use it to pay for the hostel fees.

For more information, please refer to the Financial Aid page.
103. Are students allowed to extend their stay beyond the first three terms?
Senior undergraduates may apply to stay at the hostel after their first three terms subject to availability.
104. What is the living arrangement like at 6°?
There are 3 bedrooms in each apartment, with 3 people sharing each bedroom, for a total of 9 people per apartment.
105. What are the hostel facilities?
Void Deck
  1. The void deck is split into 2 areas: the quiet area and the play area. The quiet area is stocked with many study tables, and the space can be used to host meetings and discussions, or serve as a place conducive for studying.
  2. The play area, with the TV lounge and a pool table serve as the perfect place for students to engage in recreational activities with friends after a long day at University.
  3. There are ample opportunities for students to express their creativity with the blackboards and wall-mounted glass boards (“Doodle Walls”) provided at the void deck.
  4. The management office located between the quiet and play areas, runs a rental system for irons and projectors.
  5. There are 2 lifts that serve the entire block. The lift landings are on 1st, 6th and 11th floors.

Apartment
Each apartment has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a storeroom and 2 toilet cum bathrooms. They are equipped as follows:
  1. Bedroom: 1 single bed and a double decker bed with mattresses, 3 pillows, 3 closets, bookcases, 1 air-conditioner with remote.
  2. Living room: 3 three-seater sofas, 1 full-length mirror, 1 4-tier shoe rack, 6 study tables for group or individual studies, 2 fans, 1 extension cord.
  3. Kitchen: 2 induction cookers, 1 water boiler, 1 microwave oven, 1 refrigerator, 1 washing machine, 2 drying racks for clothes, an overhead drying rack with 4 laundry poles, 1 kitchen sink, 1 kitchen cabinet, 1 dining table with 6 chairs, 1 ironing board.
106. Is there air-conditioning at the hostel?
Yes, there is an air-conditioner in every bedroom. In addition, there are 2 standing fans in the apartment. The void deck will be kept cool with fans.
107. What are the dining options at the hostel?
6° is conveniently located near numerous eating places should students choose to eat out. There is a coffee shop at the next block, and a food court and a coffee shop along Dover Road. Students may also choose to walk to Fusionopolis or cycle to Ghim Moh to eat. Alternatively, the eateries at The Star Vista and Clementi Mall are just a bus ride away.

Groceries can be bought at NTUC Fairprice across the road, or from the supermarket at Fusionopolis, The Star Vista or Clementi Mall. There is also an order and delivery system with the canteen vendors to provide students with dinner.
108. Are there any laundry facilities at the hostel?
There is a 6.5kg load washing machine in each apartment, as well as an overhead drying rack and a foldable standing rack for students to do their laundry. Each apartment is also provided with an ironing board, and students may loan irons from the management office located at the void deck or bring their own.
109. Is there a cleaning service for the apartments?
Students are expected to keep their own rooms and apartments clean. Hence, each unit will be provided with a mop, broom and dustpan. Additional cleaning equipment such as vacuum cleaners may be brought in by students.
110. What are the security measures in place to prevent unauthorised entry into the hostel?
There is a fence built around the hostel compound. Access to the hostel is controlled by the key-cards given to all students living in 6°. There is 24 hours security service and CCTV cameras are installed at the void deck and various locations in the compound.
111. Will parents or friends be allowed to visit students at the hostel?
Yes, parents and friends are allowed to visit. However, all visitors must register at the management office to get a colour-coded lanyard which they must display prominently at all times. Visitors are allowed to visit during visiting hours: 8am to 10pm. No overnight stay is permitted.
112. Is there a curfew?
No.
113. Is there Wi-Fi internet at the hostel?
Yes.
114. What is the smoking policy?
SUTD is a non-smoking campus. Smoking is prohibited at all times within the University and the hostel compound.
115. What is the University’s stance on alcohol?
There will be no sale of alcohol at the University and hostel compound. Students are also strongly discouraged from bringing or consuming alcohol in the premises. Should students wish to host an event with alcohol, they have to apply for a permit.
116. What are the measures in place to ensure fire safety?
All gas-stoves have been removed from the apartments and replaced with non-open flamed stoves. A main cause of house fires is hence eliminated. Each apartment has fire detectors inside the apartment and a fire hose reel along the corridor. The apartment has adhered to the regulations set by the Fire Safety & Shelter Department.
117. What are some events and activities to look out for in 6°?
The hostel has four stairways and each stairway has its own Hall fellow and student helpers who will organise events on a regular basis.
118. Are different genders allowed to stay in the same unit?
9 students of the same gender will be placed in each apartment. Students are free to invite SUTD friends of the opposite gender to visit. However, to respect the privacy of other apartment mates, visitors of a different gender should not stay beyond 10pm.
119. Are pets allowed?
No keeping or feeding of pets is allowed in the hostel compound.
120. Will there be SUTD staff living in the hostel?
Yes, 1 Hall Master and 4 Hall Fellows live in. They are all faculty members of SUTD. They assist in looking into welfare and pastoral issues of students living at the hostel.
121. If I have a medical problem what should I do?
Please contact your respective Hall fellow who will advise you. Students may also visit the nearby clinic which is located opposite ACSI along Dover Road.
122. Who can I contact for more information about the Student Hostel?
Please send your enquiries to housing@sutd.edu.sg.
Counselling Service
123. How do I make an appointment?
You can send an email to counselling@sutd.edu.sg to schedule an appointment.
124. Where is the Counselling Service office located?
The Counselling Service office is located at level three, East Wing.
125. How confidential is the counselling service?
Our counsellors are professionally trained and are bound by professional ethics to maintain confidentiality of matters discussed during the counselling sessions.

Confidentiality is vital to our work so as to provide a safe and trusting environment for clients to speak freely with the counsellors in sessions.

The service is confidential, and we will not reveal information to anyone outside the service without your consent except in circumstances where you are at risk of harm to self or others or when information is required to be disclosed under the law or pursuant to a court order.
126. What should I expect from the first counselling session?
Before you see your counsellor you will be required to fill in the Client Registration form and it will take you about 10 minutes to fill in the form.

You will then meet with your counsellor for about an hour where you discuss your situation and concerns with your counsellor.

At the end of the first session, both of you will decide what course of action might be most helpful for you.

Course of action might involve further counselling sessions, attending a life skills group or referral to external agencies.
Collaboration with MIT
127. Do all students have the opportunity to go to MIT?
Some students will be able to visit MIT for exchange programmes or research collaborations. There will also be opportunities to interact with MIT undergraduates at distance or when MIT students undergo a student exchange at SUTD or through other visits.
128. What is MIT’s involvement in SUTD?
MIT’s involvement is deep and extensive. It includes developing and offering of curriculum, helping with early deployment of courses in Singapore, assisting with faculty and student recruiting, mentoring and career development, collaborating on major joint research projects including a major international new design centre, and student exchanges. Many of the newly hired SUTD faculty will spend up to a year at MIT in a specially tailored programme for collaboration and professional development.
129. What percentage of the lecturers is from MIT? Where are the other lecturers from?
MIT will be assisting in developing all the required subjects for the freshmen year, sophomore cluster, and pillars and in deploying courses in the early years.

SUTD is recruiting and assembling a global team of faculty, consisting of lecturers from MIT and around the world. Many of the newly hired SUTD faculty will spend up to a year in MIT in a specially tailored programme for collaboration and professional development.
130. Are the degrees offered the same as those offered at MIT?
SUTD is established in collaboration with MIT. SUTD’s programme is modeled after the MIT curriculum structure and content to some extent, but offers its own unique brand of education and research. SUTD will award its own undergraduate degrees – SUTD students will graduate with an SUTD degree.
131. Will the curriculum include a period in MIT? If yes, how long will this be and when will this be?
The curriculum will have plans for some students to spend time at MIT. The amount of time spent at MIT will vary from a week to a semester depending upon the purpose of the student’s visit.
132. Are the courses/subjects the same as those offered at MIT?
MIT is developing more than 87 courses for the SUTD’s undergraduate program. The subject materials and assessments are similar to that in MIT. Among all the courses, about half of them will be new courses while the rest will be adopted from the existing MIT’s courses with modification with a focus on design. The SUTD curriculum will be offered through a variety of novel pedagogical approaches including distinctive opportunities for close faculty interactions, cohort-based learning with small group interactions and collaborative learning through learning communities.