GLOBAL SUMMER PROGRAMME
NURTURING FUTURE PROFESSIONALS AND LEADERS
GLOBAL SUMMER PROGRAMME
SESSION 1: 28 JUNE - 23 JULY 2027
SESSION 2: 12 JULY - 6 AUGUST 2027
APPLICATION PERIOD: 8 JANUARY - 15 APRIL 2027 2359 hours (GMT +8)
Early Bird Special: Complete your application and make all the necessary payments before 28 February 2027, 2359 hours (GMT +8), to enjoy a complimentary ticket to Universal Studios Singapore!
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.
(Please note that the course list is subject to change.)
SESSION 1
28 JUNE - 23 JULY 2027
Please note that the course outlines are subject to change.
MORNING COURSES : 0815 - 1130HRS (GMT+8)
ASIAN INSIGHTS (A.M.)
About the Course
- Explore how everyday experiences in Asian cities are shaped by culture, technology, and design
- Engage with real-world sites in Singapore to study how spaces—from malls to heritage districts—create meaning
- Gain interdisciplinary insights from anthropology, sociology, and media studies on life in Global Asia
Joshua Babcock
Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Brown University;
Visiting Scholar
College of Integrative Studies
About the Course
- Discover the global megatrends transforming Asia, from demographic shifts and AI to sustainability, supply chains, and geopolitics
- Evaluate how these forces create unique opportunities and challenges across Asian markets, industries, and organisation
- Develop practical strategies and decision-making skills to navigate business uncertainty and drive growth in a rapidly changing region
About the Course
- Explore Asia’s history, societies, and politics through films produced by Asian and non-Asian filmmakers
- Examine how films portray historical events and contemporary issues, from nation-building and the Cold War to migration and sustainability
- Analyse how film shapes and reflects Asian identities, including perspectives on race, religion, gender, and culture
Darlene Machell de Leon ESPENA
Associate Professor of Southeast Asian Studies (Education)
College of Integrative Studies
Digital Intelligence (A.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
- 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*
- Build a strong foundation in statistical modelling and regression while gaining hands-on practice with Python
- Learn to apply statistical techniques to real-world data, tackling challenges commonly faced in business environments
- Develop problem-solving skills through labs, projects, and applications that prepare you for data-driven decision-making
*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
- 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
AFTERNOON COURSES : 1300 - 1615HRS (GMT+8)
ASIAN INSIGHTS (P.M.)
About the Course
- Explore how Asian brands, pop culture, and consumer experiences are shaping preferences, identities, and markets worldwide
- Examine the “joy economy” and how emotion, play, identity, collectability, and belonging create consumer and brand value
- Analyse how Asian brands and cultural products use storytelling, fandom, digital platforms, and localisation to engage consumers across global markets
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
Digital Intelligence (P.M.)
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 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 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
SESSION 2
12 JULY - 6 AUGUST 2027
Please note that the course outlines are subject to change.
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
- Explore how purpose-driven ventures can create meaningful social and environmental impact while remaining financially sustainable
- Learn to design and test business models, develop viable revenue strategies, and measure impact through real-world cases and field studies in Singapore and Thailand
- Work with entrepreneurs and real stakeholders on a live sustainability project, building practical skills in business model innovation, financial reasoning, field research and pitching
Digital Intelligence (A.M.)
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
- 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
About the Course
- Examine how Asia’s rapidly growing cities balance urbanisation with sustainability and inclusivity
- Learn how Singapore leads the region in green finance, carbon markets, and sustainable development
- Analyse real-world cases to design practical strategies for greener urban futures
AFTERNOON COURSES : 1300 - 1615HRS (GMT+8)
ASIAN INSIGHTS (P.M.)
About the Course
- Explore how start-ups secure funding and grow through various financing stages, from seed capital to IPOs and buyouts
- Gain practical knowledge of venture capital, private equity, and valuation techniques used in entrepreneurial finance
- Analyse real-world cases to understand deal structures, risks, and returns from both investor and entrepreneur perspectives
About the Course
- Explore Asia’s history, societies, and politics through films produced by Asian and non-Asian filmmakers
- Examine how films portray historical events and contemporary issues, from nation-building and the Cold War to migration and sustainability
- Analyse how film shapes and reflects Asian identities, including perspectives on race, religion, gender, and culture
Darlene Machell de Leon ESPENA
Associate Professor of Southeast Asian Studies (Education)
College of Integrative Studies
Digital Intelligence (P.M.)
About the Course
- Explore how major AI technologies, from generative and predictive AI to automation and AI agents, can address real-world business challenges
- Examine how culture, regulation, customer behaviour, digital ecosystems, and market conditions shape AI adoption across Asia
- Apply AI and business strategy to a real industry challenge, developing solutions that create value while considering implementation, human-AI collaboration, and responsible AI
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
- 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
- Explore key sustainability challenges, including climate change, renewable energy, biodiversity loss, food and water security, and pollution
- Examine how communication strategies such as framing, narratives, visual communication, and stakeholder engagement can influence attitudes and behaviours
- Apply audience research and communication theories to develop persuasive media and strategies that promote more sustainable behaviours
Sonny Rosenthal
Associate Professor of Sustainability Communication
College of Integrative Studies
Please view the GSP 2027 Course 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 2027 Programme Fees | |
|---|---|
| Application | S$150 |
| Tuition | S$3,270 for one course S$5,450 for two courses |
| Miscellaneous | S$256.50 (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 three 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 for GSP 2027 open 8 January 2027.
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 / 28 June 2027, 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.
ibis budget Singapore
ibis budget Singapore features practical rooms and essential amenities in strategic locations, catering to travellers seeking convenience while embracing a sense of adventure.
For more information, please contact houman@gphl.com.sg and booking@gphl.com.sg.
Kinn Capsules/Kinn Habitat
KINN Habitat is a premium capsule experience offering restful retreats and thoughtfully designed spaces to recharge. It caters to travellers who value privacy, comfort, and smart, minimalist design.
For more information, please contact Ms Cheryl Xu at cheryl.xu@staywithkinn.com.
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 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).
GSP Orientation and Panel with Industry Experts
Gain Real-World Industry Insights
Discover Emerging Opportunities
Connect Beyond the Classroom
Campus Tour and Cultural Tour
Build Cross-Cultural Understanding
Create Shared Cultural Memories
Experience Local Culture
Learn Through Social Impact
Explore Social Entrepreneurship
Connect with Nature
See Smart Farming in Action
Explore the Future of Mobility
Set Sail Together
Explore Singapore on Foot
Build Friendships Along the Way
Workshops - Strengthen Your Personal Brand
Workshops - Find Your Groove Together
Workshops - Get Your Resume Ready
Observe Real-World Operations
Turn Knowledge into Insight
Industry Engagements
Connect Classrooms to Careers
Explore Diverse Career Environments
Understand Industry Work Cultures
Experience Workplaces in Action
Grow Through Shared Learning
An Amazing Farewell Party!
Strike Up Some Fun
Global Connections, Lasting Memories
Let the Games Begin
Share Laughter Across Cultures
Enjoy the Moment Together
Celebrate the Summer Journey!
HEAR NEW PERSPECTIVES
"I came to Singapore to learn about business in Asia, but I’m leaving with a much broader perspective on people, cultures, and the kind of impact I want to create."
Natasha Rikke Jensen
Copenhagen Business School
2026 Participant
"I can do nothing but highly recommend participating in the Global Summer Programme at SMU. You will experience countless new things and tremendously grow as a person by exploring new cultures, meeting people from around the world, and gaining a deeper understanding of how Singapore works and why it has become the remarkable place it is today. GSP made me see life from a new perspective, and I am incredibly grateful for that.”
Sven Hrdina
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
2026 Participant
"I learned, had fun, and met new people from all over—would love to return. Singapore and SMU are wonderful places.”
Aleksandar Aleksic
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
2026 Participant
"What you put in is truly what you get out, so you should spend your time experiencing, learning, and enjoying while you can. Put yourself out there and make memories you won’t regret.”
Alexis Nguyen
University of Washington
2026 Participant
"One month. Countless experiences. World-famous attractions, incredible people from around the world, new cultures, unforgettable food, and adventures across neighboring countries, all while studying a subject I genuinely enjoy. An experience I’ll never forget.”
Iver Jakobsen
BI Norwegian Business School
2026 Participant
"GSP showed me that learning is most impactful when it extends beyond the classroom. The practical nature of the course gave me the confidence to apply what I learnt in real-world settings. Beyond the academics, one of the most rewarding aspects of GSP was learning alongside people from all over the world, whose diverse perspectives made every class both engaging and enjoyable.”
Ariel Loiter Xiang Ying
Singapore Management University
2026 Participant
"GSP 2025 was very insightful and allowed me to make friends from other countries. The programme also allowed me to learn from professional lecturers and from a different perspective. GSP also incorporated many different activities outside of class which allowed me learn more about the Singapore culture as well as make new friends."
Ivalyn Lim Yun Shan
The Australian National University
2025 Participant
"GSP 2025 was a journey of growth, connection, and challenge; an experience that expanded my horizons and left me inspired for what's next."
Mun Kristina Aleksandrovna
Vienna University of Business and Economics
2025 Participant
"From fun adventures like archery and Ang Ku Kueh making, to warm-hearted professors and international teamwork, GSP 2025 gave me memories and friendships I'll always treasure."
ChengEn Yeh
National Taiwan University
2025 Participant
"A truly well-spent summer, where I gained both valuable academic knowledge and lasting international connections."
Siriprapa Sriprasert
Chulalongkorn University
2025 Participant
"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
"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
"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
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If you have any questions about our summer programme, please reach out to us at smusummer@smu.edu.sg.
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