GLOBAL SUMMER PROGRAMME (10TH EDITION)
NURTURING FUTURE PROFESSIONALS AND LEADERS
GLOBAL SUMMER PROGRAMME
SESSION 1: 23 JUNE - 18 JULY 2025
SESSION 2: 7 JULY - 1 AUGUST 2025
APPLICATION PERIOD: 6 JANUARY - 30* APRIL 2025 2359 hours (GMT +8)
The World Aquatics Championships will take place from 11 July to 3 August 2025 in Singapore, coinciding with Singapore's 60th celebration. Therefore, students are advised to book their accommodations early.
*The application deadline has been extended to 30 April due to overwhelming response.
Spend four weeks with SMU professors and international students
Read courses focusing on Asia, Digital Intelligence and Sustainability, and earn credits towards your studies
Experience 36 contact hours per course, spread over three interactive seminar style classes per week
Sign up if you are an undergraduate, a postgraduate, or a recent graduate
WHY SMU?
Established in 2000, the Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally recognised for its teaching excellence and world-class research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. Our distinctive pedagogy of small class sizes and seminar-style teaching in our lush city campus, set within the heart of Singapore's cosmopolitan cityscape, offer a transformative education to help you discover your fullest potential.
Why choose SMU?
Why choose Singapore?
GSP COURSES: THREE TRACKS
ASIAN INSIGHTS
Asia is a dynamic region that is home to culturally diverse societies at varying stages of transformation. As a cosmopolitan city state with a thriving entrepreneurship and innovation scene, Singapore offers myriad opportunities for all.
DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE
Digital Intelligence enables individuals and organisations to adeptly navigate the digital landscape, empowering them to harness technology effectively for success, especially in today’s interconnected world.
SUSTAINABLE FUTURES
Sustainability is multifaceted and applicable to social and economic domains such as environmental conservation and business practices. As one of the world’s top financial hubs and greenest cities, Singapore is an ideal platform to explore this topic.
COURSES
Gain new insights and perspectives on Asia, Digital Intelligence and Sustainability from SMU faculty.
You may enrol in a maximum of two courses in the same session (session 1 or 2), with the first from the morning courses and the second from the afternoon courses, to avoid a timetable clash.
You can mix and match courses from different tracks.
Each course confers one SMU Credit Unit, equivalent to 6 - 7.5 ECTS, 10 - 12 CATS, 3 - 4 US credits.
Please consult your university administrators on the transfer of the course credits before sending in your application.
SESSION 1
23 JUNE - 18 JULY 2025
MORNING COURSES : 0815 - 1130HRS (GMT+8)
ASIAN INSIGHTS (A.M.)
About the Course
- Examine geopolitical, economic and socio-cultural systems and trends that impact businesses operating in Asia-Pacific
- Apply international business theories and frameworks to understand the decision-making processes of companies investing in the Asia Pacific region
- Identify motivations for companies investing and operating in the Asia Pacific region
About the Course
- Examine positive and negative aspects of foremost globalisation issues in Asia
- Understand global economic issues in Asia such as trade, finance, factor mobility and exchange rates
- Grasp the major issues in the Asian economy today and understand the economic benefits and problems of globalisation
About the Course
- Analyse films to understand how they reflect important social issues and the impacts of colonialism, globalisation, and identity in Asia
- Develop skills to interpret films as mirrors of social change and how cinema addresses historical and current issues
- Discuss the role of films in social, political, and economic contexts, applying insights to fields like business and public policy
Darlene Machell de Leon ESPENA
Assistant Professor of Southeast Asian Studies (Education)
College of Integrative Studies
Digital Intelligence (A.M.)
About the Course
- Master the essentials of business data management, delving into relational database theory, data modelling, and implementation
- Gain hands-on experience solving real-life business challenges, while designing and managing databases
- Develop skills in Structured Query Language (SQL) and understand the critical role of databases in integrating various business functions
About the Course
- Discover the power of customer relationship management through analytics in the Asian context
- Examine strategies to create customer-centric cultures, to attract, convert, and retain customers using digital tools
- Gain the skills to develop analytic dashboards and understand the value of analytics in optimising customer relations
Rafael Barros
Senior Lecturer of Information Systems
School of Computing and Information Systems
SUSTAINABLE FUTURES (A.M.)
About the Course
- Explore sustainable entrepreneurship and its role in addressing unmet societal needs through commercial initiatives
- Analyse business solutions for societal issues like poverty and inequality, identifying opportunities within existing system constraints
- Implement effective strategies for scaling impact, equipping yourself with skills to foster meaningful social change
About the Course
- Learn key elements for creating memorable and sustainable guest experiences that promote enjoyment and environmental responsibility
- Examine stakeholder management strategies that engage communities and partners to enhance the visitor experience
- Evaluate case studies of successful theme parks, focusing on strategic planning and operational efficiency
AFTERNOON COURSES : 1300 - 1615HRS (GMT+8)
ASIAN INSIGHTS (P.M.)
About the Course
- Understand the psychological principles that impact individual judgment and decision-making to improve communication strategies
- Assess how psychological processes can provide competitive advantages for communication campaigns aimed at influencing cognitive, emotional, and behavioural changes
- Develop effective behavioural strategies that are catchy, convincing, and contagious by applying insights from human judgment and decision-making
Sungjong Roh
Assistant Professor of Communication Management (Education)
Lee Kong Chian School of Business
About the Course
- Develop a critical understanding of East Asian popular culture, considering its content and audience within social, political, economic, and historical contexts
- Analyse how popular culture can reinforce gender and ethnic divisions and act as a form of resistance against norms
- Examine the cross-border influences of popular culture and the rise of fan subcultures, highlighting their effects on audience engagement and media production
Digital Intelligence (P.M.)
About the Course
- Explore the transformative power of AI in shaping today’s society
- Discover the practical applications of AI techniques across various domains, from wildlife conservation to logistics scheduling
- Gain a competitive understanding of AI’s potential and ethics, facilitating collaboration between technical and non-technical teams in the workplace
Jonathan David Chase
Assistant Professor of Computer Science (Practice)
College of Integrative Studies
About the Course
- Discover the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT), where smart objects and trillions of interconnected devices redefine our world
- Learn IoT fundamentals, gain coding skills, and explore the profound potential of IoT technology to address societal challenges
- Envision the boundless potential of IoT technology to impact society and drive innovation
About the Course
- Understand quantum computing fundamentals and how they differ from classical computing
- Explore applications in FinTech and banking, including risk assessment and investment strategies
- Interact with real quantum computers to predict advancements and identify suitable problem types
Paul Griffin
Associate Professor of Information Systems (Practice)
School of Computing and Information Systems
SUSTAINABLE FUTURES (P.M.)
About the Course
- Gain an appreciation of what it takes to plan, design, build and sustain (mega) cities that are innovative and sustainable
- Examine selected mega cities around the globe and understand how the smart city concept can enhance liveability
- Understand the challenges of successfully ‘selling’ new smart city concepts amidst increasing competition
Thomas Menkhoff
Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources (Education)
Lee Kong Chian School of Business
About the Course
- Examine why sustainability information is increasingly important to investors for investment decisions
- Evaluate CSR or impact reports from organisations of varying legal types
- Analyse the sustainability reporting requirements in different regulatory regimes around the world
SESSION 2
7 JULY - 1 AUGUST 2025
MORNING COURSES : 0815 - 1130HRS (GMT+8)
ASIAN INSIGHTS (A.M.)
About the Course
- Trace the entrepreneurial journey from identifying business opportunities to launching a sustainable company
- Learn essential components of a business plan and develop a concise pitch for ideas while recognising the limitations of static documents in a dynamic market
- Gain practical experience in building a venture by analysing real business cases
About the Course*
- Examine the determinants of exchange rate behaviours and how they apply to the currencies of Asian countries
- Understand the contributing factors to countries' balances of payments, and how Asian countries have been managing their surpluses and deficits
- Use an open-economy macroeconomic model to understand the issues that Asian countries face in managing their currencies, in particular in the context of the East Asian crisis
*Postgraduate-Level Course
*Students may be eligible for course exemptions upon successful enrolment in a SMU postgraduate programme. For more details, please refer to the tab Fees and Eligibility > Fees.
Digital Intelligence (A.M.)
About the Course
- Analyse the impact of AI technologies in business, exploring their potential advantages and ethical concerns
- Examine how organisations leverage AI tools like machine learning and deep learning for competitive advantage in various sectors
- Understand the implications of AI on job polarization and organizational dynamics, emphasizing the need for ethical integration in business models
Thomas Menkhoff
Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources (Education)
Lee Kong Chian School of Business
About the Course*
- Use data and analytics to solve accounting and business issues, like predicting revenue or detecting fraud
- Apply statistical programming in accounting and finance to turn data into valuable business insights
- Develop practical skills to communicate analytical insights effectively, fostering an independent approach to learning in the evolving field of business analytics
*Postgraduate-Level Course
*Students may be eligible for course exemptions upon successful enrolment in a SMU postgraduate programme. For more details, please refer to the tab Fees and Eligibility > Fees.
SUSTAINABLE FUTURES (A.M.)
About the Course
- Understand SDG12: Responsible consumption and production and the spectrum of innovative digital technologies
- Apply the concepts of Design Thinking and Business Model Generation to address sustainability related problems
- Design and develop prototypes using digital technologies to address challenges of responsible consumption and production
Kiruthika Ramanathan
Senior Lecturer of Information Systems
School of Computing and Information Systems
About the Course
- Understand the legal role in promoting corporate sustainability and achieving ESG outcomes
- Explore the practical connections between law, sustainability, and business through real-world insights
- Gain insight into current sustainability challenges for businesses, preparing for future career opportunities
AFTERNOON COURSES : 1300 - 1615HRS (GMT+8)
ASIAN INSIGHTS (P.M.)
About the Course
- Examine geopolitical, economic and socio-cultural systems and trends that impact businesses operating in Asia-Pacific
- Apply international business theories and frameworks to understand the decision-making processes of companies investing in the Asia Pacific region
- Identify motivations for companies investing and operating in the Asia Pacific region
About the Course
- Analyse films to understand how they reflect important social issues and the impacts of colonialism, globalisation, and identity in Asia
- Develop skills to interpret films as mirrors of social change and how cinema addresses historical and current issues
- Discuss the role of films in social, political, and economic contexts, applying insights to fields like business and public policy
Darlene Machell de Leon ESPENA
Assistant Professor of Southeast Asian Studies (Education);
College of Integrative Studies
Digital Intelligence (P.M.)
About the Course
- Understand how businesses can adapt their strategies to succeed in a fast-changing digital world
- Examine the challenges of digital transformation, including working with other industry players and new technologies
- Create practical plans for managing change, focusing on how to renew and improve business strategies over time
SUSTAINABLE FUTURES (P.M.)
About the Course
- Learn to implement sustainability concepts in organisations and supply chains, transforming theory into real value for customers
- Engage in a collaborative development process that includes market assessment, product positioning, and business model innovation centred around sustainability
- Use design thinking techniques to identify consumer needs, develop prototypes, and validate solutions, creating strong value propositions for sustainable products
About the Course*
- Understand sustainable investing across various asset classes, including venture capital and private equity, and key frameworks used by companies and investors
- Apply theories of sustainable finance to real-world investment decisions, focusing on green financing and impact investing strategies
- Evaluate the performance and suitability of traditional and alternative investments, making informed decisions on sustainable investment strategies
*Postgraduate-Level Course
View the consolidated GSP 2025 Timetable here.
GSP TIMELINE AT A GLANCE
1 DURING APPLICATION
APPLICATION PERIOD
January to April
APPLICATION OUTCOME
3 - 7 working days after application
FEE (APPLICATION, MISCELLANEOUS, TUITION) PAYMENT
February to May
2 BEFORE GSP STARTS
STUDENT’S PASS (VISA) APPLICATION
Mid April
ONLINE MATRICULATION
End May to Early June
ACTIVITY SURVEY
Early June to Mid June
3 AFTER GSP STARTS
ORIENTATION
June or July
GSP ACTIVITIES
June to July
FAREWELL EVENT
July or August
| GSP 2025 Programme Fees | |
|---|---|
| Application | S$150 |
| Tuition | S$3,270 for one course S$5,450 for two courses |
| Miscellaneous | S$230 (covers IT services, matriculation fee and SMU student's medical insurance) |
- Application fee of S$150 must be paid within 3 days after application submission and is strictly non-refundable.
- Find out more about the SMU Student's medical insurance coverage (paid under miscellaneous fee) here.
- All fees are quoted in Singapore Dollars (S$) and include the prevailing Goods and Services Tax. These fees do not cover other costs, such as accommodation charges and travel visa fees.
- Upon acceptance of SMU’s conditional offer of admission to the programme, fee-paying students are required to make a non-refundable advance payment of S$1,000 (as part of the tuition fee).
- We only accept payment online via Visa or Mastercard.
- Applicants should consult their home university for scholarship or funding opportunities.
Discount on SMU GSP Tuition Fee
For students from non-partner universities, if there are 6 or more fee-paying students applying for GSP from the same university, they are eligible for a 10% discount on their tuition fees.
Students from SMU partner universities are eligible for a 10% discount on their tuition fees. If there are 6 or more fee-paying students from the same partner university, this discount increases to 15%.
You may find a list of our partner universities here.
Discount on SMU Postgraduate Programmes
GSP alumni are eligible for a S$4,000 discount on SMU postgraduate programme tuition fees if they enrol in a SMU postgraduate programme within five years of completing the GSP. Additionally, SMU Master's students may be eligible for up to four course unit exemptions based on their undergraduate transcript, allowing them to receive credit for relevant coursework. Each course unit exemption is valued at S$3,000.
These benefits are subject to change or discontinuation without prior notice.
The Global Summer Programme welcomes university students from around the world.
Applicants will need their latest academic transcript or official acceptance letter from their home university during the application process.
If English is not the main language of instruction in an applicant's home university, one of the following test result, obtained within the last 2 years, is required during application:
- IELTS score of at least 6.5
- TOEFL score of at least 577 points (paper-based) or 90 points (internet-based)
In lieu of the above mentioned test results and certificates, students who are highly proficient in English may email us at smusummer@smu.edu.sg with a letter from your home university coordinator, verifying your proficiency in English, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The letter must contain your home university's official letterhead, and the coordinator's name and email address. The email address must be an official email address of your home university.
Applications open 6 January 2025.
All applicants are required to pay an application fee of S$150 within 3 days after application submission. The application will only be processed after the fee is paid.
The online application process will take approximately 30 minutes.
Please ensure all the documents listed below are ready in soft copy before the application.
- Latest academic transcript or official acceptance letter from home university (in English).
- Photo identification page of a valid passport (minimum 6 months of validity from the date of arrival / 23 June 2025, whichever is earlier).
- Recent passport-sized photograph (taken within 3 months from application date).
- TOEFL/IELTS test results (results obtained within last 2 years) if English is not the main language of instruction in your home university.
Click on Immigration Matters below to read more on the application of Student's Pass.
Student's Pass (Visa)
Students who enrol in two courses or require an entry visa to enter Singapore must obtain a Student’s Pass if they do not hold a Singaporean Identity Card (IC).
The SMU Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO) facilitates the application of the Student's Pass which is under the purview of the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Nevertheless, students are personally responsible for completing and fulfilling the application requirements for the Student’s Pass before their arrival in Singapore.
The Student’s Pass enables students to study at SMU and make exit and entry to and from Singapore. Please note that students are not permitted to undertake any form of internship (paid or unpaid) during their term of study in Singapore.
Please note that the Student’s Pass is subject to approval by ICA. The total fees for the Student’s Pass application and issuance range from S$105 to S$135. Fees are determined by and payable to ICA and are non-refundable.
For extension of stay beyond the Student’s Pass validity, a valid visa may be required, and students are advised to check with ICA directly.
More information on Student’s Pass application will be provided in mid-April.
For more information regarding the courses available, course details, eligibility, fees, and how to sign up, please find more information here.
Please note that participation in GSP does not fulfill the Global Exposure (GE) graduating requirement for SMU students. For more information on GE qualifying programmes, please visit OASIS.
The SMU campus is situated near City Hall, Bras Basah and Bencoolen MRT (subway) stations. There are many housing options that are within walking distance and the university is well-served by Singapore’s public transportation network, eg. Trains and buses.
While students are responsible for sourcing and arranging for their own accommodation, SMU may have arrangements with off-campus accommodation providers to cater to students’ needs. However, rooms are limited and are subject to availability. Please see below.
Students may also wish to explore other housing options in Singapore. However, please note that students should not be renting rooms or houses from private residential properties. According to the Singapore Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA), private residential properties may not be used for short-term rentals and must be rented out for at least three consecutive months.
Students are advised to read and understand all terms and conditions of any housing agreement before committing. SMU does not represent any party if there are any disputes.
Campus by The Assembly Place
Campus by The Assembly Place is a vibrant student community where affordability meets premium living. More details can be found here.
For assistance, contact Mr. Sam or Mr. Wei Chao by completing this form.
lyf @ Funan
Enjoy co living in Singapore with this apartment hotel in Funan. Gain access to well-designed shared spaces and plug into a diverse and dynamic community of like-minded travellers and locals! lyF’s shared spaces range from open working spaces, a fully equipped community kitchen, to a fun but functional gym. More details can be found here.
The Keystone by Homestead
The Keystone by Homestead is a serviced apartment provider that specialises in student accommodation. It offers an all-inclusive package, a central location, and a community-oriented environment. More details can be found here.
The estimated living expenses for an international student in Singapore is approximately S$2,510 – S$3,900 per month. Listed below are some common monthly expenses.
| Accommodation (depending on hostel and room type) | S$1,800 - S$2,400 |
|---|---|
| Food | S$450 - S$900 |
| Local Public Transportation | S$100 - S$150 |
| Telecommunications | S$30 - S$50 |
| Course Materials and Stationery | S$30 - S$100 |
| Entertainment and others | S$100 - S$300 |
Actual expenses will vary depending on the choice of accommodation and spending habits of each individual.
Singapore is a multicultural and cosmopolitan country, consistently lauded for our excellence in quality of living and safety. Learn more about living in Singapore here.
The laws in Singapore may differ from those in your home country. Understand the types of items that are prohibited (such as drugs and electronic cigarettes), controlled or dutiable in Singapore at this Immigration and Checkpoints Authority Singapore webpage.
For more information on the Global Summer Programme, please see our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Watch: Discovering SMU
Mix & Mingle - Forge intercultural friendships from around the world
Course field trip to the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Singapore Innovation Centre – Reinforce classroom learning on the Internet of Things (IoT)
Farewell Party
Company Visit to Google – Gain insights into leading companies with interests in Asia
3D Modelling and Printing Workshop - Acquiring a useful skill to complement classroom learnings
Course field trip to Bettr Barista – Reinforce classroom learning on social entrepreneurship
Company Visit to Fujitsu – Gain insights into leading companies with interests in Asia
Company Visit to Salesforce – Gain insights into leading companies with interests in Asia
Fireside chat with ambassadors to Singapore - Meet Asian diplomats to find out more about Asia and its economic opportunities and challenges
Social activity - Explore one of Singapore’s nature trails at Henderson Walk
Visit to Gardens by the Bay – Learn more about Singapore’s efforts on sustainable development and conservation
Industry dialogues and networking sessions – Engage and learn from industry leaders
Course field trip to Marina Barrage – Reinforce classroom learning on innovations for Asia’s smart cities
GSP Orientation and City Tour – Experience SMU and Singapore first-hand
HEAR NEW PERSPECTIVES
"GSP provided me with the incredible opportunity to connect with people from all over the world, while studying in the vibrant city of Singapore and exploring its dynamic surroundings."
Paulien Greet M. Beeckmans
KU Leuven
2024 Participant
"GSP has given me a sense of what it's like to study at one of the top universities in Singapore and ASEAN, and the programme is organised exceptionally well."
Chirwin Lim
University of Sydney
2024 Participant
"The incredible experience I had at SMU allowed me to meet and make friends from all over the world, which enriched my cultural perspective. The small class sizes, professional lecturers, and company visits made the learning process more interactive and exciting. SMU truly provides an environment that fosters both academic and personal development."
Yassmine Boukhobezaa
University of Glasgow
2024 Participant
"I didn't know what to expect but GSP turned out to be one of the best summers I've had. I made friends with people from so many different countries and learned how big the world is. I'll always cherish my precious memories of GSP!"
Lee Jiwon
Korea University
2024 Participant
"I highly recommend the GSP. Through it, I had the opportunity to study in one of the most important global business hubs and broaden my global mindset."
Kin Ho Cheung
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
2024 Participant
"In just one month with the GSP, I had numerous unforgettable experiences and made friends from all around the world. Academically, I got the chance to learn new concepts from the diverse courses on offer."
Sophie Felice Dreyhsig
Humboldt University of Berlin
2024 Participant
"The incredible learning experiences with people from all around the world on the GSP has made me a more globally minded person."
Charlotte Ormond
University of Canterbury
2023 Participant
"GSP 2023 gave me the opportunity to broaden my horizons through industry ties and the fostering amazing new friendships from around the world. Working alongside fellow students and mentors boosted my skills and opened my eyes to the complexities of our global landscape. This experience fueled my drive, reminding me of the incredible power ambition holds to create positive change. Overall, it was an unforgettable and very fulfilling chapter."
Rebeca Borrego Cavazos
University of Monterrey
2023 Participant
"The SMU GSP has been an experience of a lifetime! I explored new fields of knowledge, gained industry insights, and learnt to appreciate cultural differences through my interactions with the global and diverse participants."
Chih Chi Huang
National Taiwan University (College of Law)
2023 Participant
"GSP offered an exceptional opportunity to delve into the world of global business. The hands-on-experience in Singapore presented a valuable international environment, where you get to meet students from around the world."
Christian Haram
BI Norwegian Business School
2023 Participant
"GSP is a great opportunity for SMU undergraduates. Through the exposure to students from around the world, I learnt how to communicate with diverse individuals. It is amazing to witness how despite our differences, we could come together to solve common pain points for the betterment of society."
Jethro Cheung
Singapore Management University
2023 Participant
"GSP combines unique courses, fun experiential activities, and opportunities to connect with diverse students to provide a unique learning experience in Singapore for the global citizen."
Irene Zhang
University of British Columbia
2022 Participant
"Studying in the heart of Singapore allowed me to explore and experience the robustness of this city-state. With the diverse participants, lecturers with varied expertise, and company visits arranged throughout GSP, I am also able to gain a new perspective on contemporary issues and innovative solutions to adapt to the changes."
NADYA MARSHANDA
Universitas Gadjah Mada
2022 Participant
"GSP gave me the opportunity to discover different cultures and people. Studying subjects from a different point of view has broadened my way of thinking as well as my ambitions and goals for the future. I hope other students will choose GSP for their summer experience as it enriches you in every way possible."
VITTORIA TESSARI
LUISS Guido Carli
2022 Participant
"Thanks to GSP I developed a way to naturally communicate with people from other cultural backgrounds, which is an important skills in this globalised world."
JURAJ SIMKOVIC
Vienna University of Economics and Business
2022 Participant
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We are committed to furthering your learning journey towards global citizenship.
If you have any questions about our summer programme, please reach out to us at smusummer@smu.edu.sg.
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