Talk on SEP
EE2 Briefing, 3 Aug 2015, LT6
By Dr. Sahoo SK
Student Exchange Programme (SEP)
• NUS students go to an overseas university (Partner University)
• Reflects NUS' commitment to global education
• experience student life in a foreign country and learn to be a
global citizen.
• pick up a new language, absorb new cultures and make new
friends.
• Study modules which are not offered in NUS
• Gain international perspectives in your area of study
• Gain greater independence
• Stint overseas will also enhance career options
Some Partner Universities
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
 University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign
 Pennsylvania State University
Continental Europe:
 Technical University of Munich
 Technical University of Denmark
 Linkoping University
 University of Oulu
 Ecole Superieure D' Electricite
[SUPELEC]
What is SEP?
• Go for SEP during 3rd year (Semester 5 and/or 6)
• Pay NUS tuition fees only! (+ your own travel and
living expenses)
• Typically 15-20 MCs* at the partner university
• Awarded equivalent MCs for all modules passed
while on SEP
• Graded S/U basis; appear in transcript; do not
count towards CAP
*Read http://www.eng.nus.edu.sg/sep/Policy.htm for MCs
and policy rules
SEP Student Testimonial
• “My overall SEP was pretty enjoyable as it was really fun
enjoying academic life and working together with people
not just from the local country but also various other
countries. It was a fantastic opportunity to widen my
horizons and enrich my personal perspective, building on
great friendships that left many fond memories behind.
Although there are many differences in culture all over the
world, coming from Singapore really helped me be more
receptive and open to other nationalities and cultures. If
there was a chance to go on exchange again, I would
definitely jump at the opportunity once more.”
ECE Student Participation in SEP
Cohort
SEP Yr
% cohort
2013/2014
2015/2016
47 students (24%)
2012/2013
2014/2015
70 students (23%)
2011/2012
2013/2014
85 students (31%)
2010/2011
2012/2013
92 students (32%)
Information on SEP
• Who is eligible?
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How to choose partner university?
How does one apply?
What are the selection criteria?
How much will it cost – Scholarships/Awards?
Whom to contact for help/info?
Who is eligible?
• 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 Faculty SEP web for more info:
http://www.eng.nus.edu.sg/sep
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, academic calendar in partner
Universities including exam schedule, etc.
• Students planning for SEP at non-English destinations –
start German, French language preparations (e.g. IRO LPP)
as early as Yr 1
Choosing Partner University
• Make at least four choices of partner universities of
interest to you from at least two different continents.
• Most partner Universities have 1 or 2 places and the
actual number of places may change anytime based on
decisions by the partner University or IRO.
• Links to information on our partners can be found at:
• http://www.eng.nus.edu.sg/sep/universities.htm
• http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/sep/partners/pu/index.ht
ml
Choosing Partner University..
• Check to see if the partner University has an identical/similar
course/discipline as yours e.g. Electrical Engineering (EE)
students should avoid universities without EE-related
disciplines.
• However, please note that faculties/departments at some
universities may not have identical names as those here in NUS.
• If the partner University's academic calendar is suitable for you.
• You may have to return before the exam period in partner
university and take exam in NUS
• Exam paper set by the prof in partner University
• you will have no problems related to the language of
instruction at the partner University.
Choosing 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.)
SEP Application Procedure
1. Call for application to EE2 students around Sep-Oct (semester
3 of B.Eng programme)
2. Register on-line during application period at IRO’s OPAS
website
3. Attend Interview scheduled during reading week in November
4. Based on CAP and interview performance, each student is
assigned a place from his/her list of choices
5. Prepare study plan and get approval SEP Coordinator
6. Submit relevant documents (transcript, , scholarship award
endorsement, reference letters etc) (Jan-March)
7. Receive official confirmation from the partner university
8. Plan and finalize travel, accommodation etc (before 3-4 months
of your SEP departure)
SEP Selection Procedure
• Students will be assessed holistically based on academic
performance and interview
• Interview: Assessment criteria
• Passion, Motivation
• Leadership qualities
• ability to be good “ambassadors” of NUS & Singapore.
• ability to communicate & articulate ideas effectively.
• exhibit interests & abilities beyond academics
• Knowledge about partner university, country
• 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.
Financial Aid
Awards, Scholarships and
Loans
Financial Support
• Students in need of financial aid should first approach the
University’s Office of Financial Aid, which offers a
comprehensive package of financial aid combining study
loans and bursaries.
• Students who are interested in scholarships and bursaries
for study abroad programmes can visit the following
websites for more information.
NUS Awards for Study Abroad (NASA Exchange
Bursary/Scholarship)
Other awards & scholarships for overseas exchange students
Overseas Student Exchange Programme (SEP) Loan
Financial Aids for SEP
• NASA (NUS Awards for Study Abroad) - valued at S$2,500
each
• NUS Alumni Student Exchange Awards - 18 awards of
S$2,500
• Jacob Phang Memorial Scholarship – 2 awards of S$2,500
for two ECE students, one in each semester
• TF Leadership Enrichment and Regional Networking
(LEaRN) Award - 130 awards of S$ 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
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
Overseas Trip Safety Guidelines
• Refer http://www.ece.nus.edu.sg/sep
SEP relarted Contacts
ECE Department SEP Coordinator: Dr. Sahoo Sanjib Kumar
elesahoo@nus.edu.sg
ECE Admin Staff: Ms. Marsita Sairan
marsita@nus.edu.sg
ECE department SEP website for General Info and FAQ :
(http://www.ece.nus.edu.sg/sep)
Faculty of Engineering SEP site:
http://www.eng.nus.edu.sg/sep/
NUS International Relations Office:
http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/sep/out/index.html
STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME (SEP)
Participate in the SEP and experience the world ! !
Thanks. Q and A