Onboarding Process for Fall Exchange Students

Once your home university has officially nominated you for the exchange programme at SMU, you will receive application instructions from us via email.

Documents to submit (in English)​ 

1. Photo identification page of passport with at least 6 months validity from the end of the academic term. Expired passports or passports with less than the required validity will not be accepted
2. Academic transcript ​ 
3. English Proficiency Certificate with at least 2 years’ validity​ 
4. Passport-sized colour photograph taken within the last 3 months (JPEG, < 100kb)

Application Deadline: 25 Apr 2025

If your application is successful, you will receive an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from SMU, along with further instructions on how to apply for the Student's Pass (STP) - the student visa issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore.

SMU does not provide on-campus accommodation for exchange students. However, our city-centre location is easily accessible by public transport and surrounded by numerous private housing options, such as apartments, condominiums and private student hostels.

To assist with your housing search:

• SMU will email you a list of alternative housing options.
• A Telegram group will be created to help you connect with other exchange students to explore shared housing.

Please note:

• You are responsible for arranging your own accommodation.
• SMU does not act as a representative in any disputes relating to rental agreements.
• Short-term rentals (e.g., under 3 months) are not permitted under Singapore’s residential housing laws. For more information, refer to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) website.

We advise you to:

• Begin researching early
• Commit financially only after receiving your IPA letter
• Read and understand all terms and conditions of your rental agreement before signing

A valid Student’s Pass (STP) is required for the duration of your studies in Singapore. Please be aware that STP holders are not allowed to engage in any form of work - whether paid, unpaid, in-person, or virtual - during this period.

Student’s Pass Application Process​ 

1. SMU will register your personal details with Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

2. Following this, you will need to submit eForm 16 and the required supporting documents through ICA’s e-services portal, SOLAR. SMU will email you the login credentials and step-by-step instructions.

Please take note of the following when submitting eForm 16:​

For more details and support on the STP, visit the ICA website or contact ICA via ICA_STP1@ica.gov.sg or +65 6391 6100 with your application details.

Visiting Student Programme (VSP) represented by CIEE, TEAN and CUNEF

If you are participating in the Visiting Student Programme (VSP) through organisations such as CIEE, TEAN, CUNEF, you are not required to pay miscellaneous fees directly to SMU. These charges will be billed to the respective organisations.

ALL OTHER EXCHANGE AND VISITING STUDENTS

You are required to pay a miscellaneous fee, which covers registration, matriculation, medical insurance* (excluding travel insurance), IT services, and student activities.

This fee is mandatory and non-refundable under all circumstances, including unsuccessful Student’s Pass or border entry applications.

You will only be able to matriculate at SMU after the miscellaneous fee has been paid. Please note that payment processing takes approximately 2 working days.

*Medical insurance is provided for the duration of your stay in Singapore and does not replace travel insurance for personal purpose.

​

It is mandatory for you to purchase the SMU Medical Insurance. The cost for this insurance is included in the SMU Miscellaneous Fee.​​ ​

​All eligible students are covered under the following plans (only within Singapore):​​ ​​ ​

• Group Outpatient Primary Care (GP)​​ 
• Group Outpatient Specialist Care (SP)​​ 
• Group Hospital & Surgical Insurance (GHS)​​ 
• Group Personal Accident Insurance (GPA)​​ ​​ 

The SMU Medical Insurance does not cover personal travel/leisure trips out of Singapore. You are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance at your own cost and discretion. ​​More details about the SMU Medical Insurance can be found here​.

You are required to verify your personal data and complete the online matriculation to be able to access the Bidding Online System (BOSS) for course enrolment.

SMU Computer account

You are required to activate your SMU Computer Account two days after completing your Online Matriculation. This account will be used to access SMU's network resources such as your SMU Campus Email and the OASIS Student Portal.

SMU CAMPUS EMAIL

After matriculating at SMU and activating your SMU Computer Account, you must use your SMU email address for all correspondences with SMU schools and offices, for authentication purposes.

Oasis Portal

OASIS is SMU’s online student portal for academic and financial related matters. After completing online matriculation and activating your SMU Computer account and email, you may access OASIS to familiarise yourself with the portal. ​

BOSS Bidding System

The Bidding Online SyStem (BOSS) is where students place bids to enrol for courses.​ After completing your online matriculation and activating your SMU Computer account and email, you may access SMU’s Student Portal – OASIS and familiarise yourself with the BOSS portal.

Integrated Information Technology Services (IITS)

For more details and support on IT matters, please visit SMU's Integrated Information Technology Services (IITS) webpage https://iits.smu.edu.sg/ or email helpdesk@smu.edu.sg.

GEO will conduct a virtual onboarding briefing to cover important administrative matters and to address any questions you may have. 

SMU course enrolment is done through the online bidding system, BOSS.

Before the BOSS bidding exercise, you must identify your preferred courses and obtain pre-approval from your home university.

Given the competitive nature of the bidding process, it is highly recommended that you seek pre-approval for as many courses as possible (at least 16) to provide greater flexibility during the bidding.

Some courses at SMU have pre-requisites, which you must have successfully completed at your home university before enrolling in the course. Please follow the steps below to obtain approval for any pre-requisites.

It is your responsibility to seek early approval from the respective instructors. Failure to do so may result in the need to drop the course and re-bid in subsequent rounds or windows if your waiver request for the pre-requisite is rejected.

Course enrolment at SMU is done through a bidding system called BOSS. It is essential that you familiarise yourself with BOSS before the start of the bidding exercise.

Please note that only matriculated students are eligible to participate in the BOSS bidding exercise.

GEO will host a virtual BOSS bidding workshop to guide you through the system. Led by SMU student coaches, the interactive session will include a live demo and real-time check-ins, where coaches will teach you how to optimise your bids.

SMU is situated at the heart of Singapore, surrounded by multiple MRT stations and bus routes, ensuring convenient accessibility via public transport. For detailed instructions on accessing various SMU buildings, visit this link.

All new exchange/visiting students are required to attend a mandatory in-person orientation session, which will take place approximately one week before the academic term begins. This is an excellent opportunity to familiarise yourself with SMU’s key features, understand important dos and don’ts, explore Singapore, and meet new friends.

SMU will host the Completion of Formalities (COF) for Student's Pass on campus. This is a mandatory in-person session for you to register your personal data - including fingerprints and iris scan - with Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

GEO will organise a 1-1 consultation session during the first week of your academic term to answer any administrative or academic questions you may have. No appointment is required - feel free to walk in.

Once you receive your digital STP, you are required to have your identity verified and collect your SMU Student Card from SMU. This is a mandatory in-person event. Collection by proxy (e.g., a friend, representative, or family member) is not permitted.

Once you have changed your address in Singapore, you are required to update ICA and SMU by following the below steps:​

• SMU: Login to OASIS and update the local address
• ICA: Go to a Singpass counter (click here for counter locations) with your passport and Student's Pass (STP).

If you wish to open a local bank account, you can do so after obtaining your Student’s Pass (STP). The Proof of Residency required for this can be obtained by following the below steps:​​ 

1. Update your local residential address on OASIS​
2. Reach out to Student Services Hub for a Proof of Residency via SSHelps@smu.edu.sg

If you require endorsements for documents such as Arrival Certificates, Confirmation of Stay, or Learning Agreements, please visit the Student Services Hub during their office hours: Contact Us | Student Services Hub or email SSHelps@smu.edu.sg.

Academic Information

Examinations

You are required to sit for all the final exams. Changing of exam dates are strictly NOT allowed. All grades will be reflected on the SMU’s official transcript.

Grading System

“W”, “I” and “F” Grade:​​ 

• Dropping of courses between Week 3 and 7 of the term will result in a “W” or Withdrawal grade
• Dropping of courses from Week 8 onwards will result in an “F” or Fail grade​
• If you are unable to fulfil certain course requirements due to medical reasons, you can file for “I” or Incomplete grade

The SMU Student Success Centre (SSC), together with SMU International Connections (ICON), curates the below programmes to help you accomplish a smooth transition into university life in Singapore.

​SMU Buddy Programme​

​The SMU Buddy programme will pair you with a senior student from Year 2-4. This unique initiative will allow you to gain firsthand insights into the life of a SMU student and help navigate university life in SMU more effectively.

SMU Host Programme​

The SMU Host programme will connect you with SMU Alumni who have generously volunteered to serve as hosts to provide valuable guidance and support to help you settle into life in Singapore. This programme will help you expand your network of friends while gaining a deeper understanding of Singapore through eyes of experienced SMU graduates. ​ 

Registration details of both programmes will be shared via email.

You are encouraged to immerse yourself in SMU’s vibrant student life and Singapore’s diverse cultural landscape for an enriching exchange experience.​

More details about SMU’s vibrant student life activities can be found here.

You are welcome to join SMU’s Exchange Student Ambassador (ESA) training to expand your SMU experience.

Curated and sponsored by Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO), this training includes a series of workshops designed to equip students with key skills to become effective leaders and ambassadors for both SMU and Singapore upon their return home. ​

The workshops cover topics such as networking in multicultural settings, public speaking, using AI tools in creative projects, sustainability, and more. 

Currently offered free of charge, the training has limited capacity each term. Students who complete the full programme will receive a certificate. Beyond skill development, the training offers opportunities to build lasting friendships and networks that will extend well beyond their time at SMU. All students are welcome to register, but only selected individuals will be invited to attend.

You are welcome to join the SMU EdVenture programme to expand your SMU experience beyond Singapore.

Organised by the Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO), the SMU EdVenture is an 8-day, fee-paying, non-credit bearing programme that takes place during recess week.

Participants will have the chance to spend a week in one of the ASEAN cities, with the programme delivered by one of SMU's esteemed ASEAN partner universities. The programme offers an in-depth exploration of the history, culture, economic development, and ecosystem of the selected country; and includes visits to iconic attractions and activities around the city.

All exchange and visiting students are welcome to register, but only selected individuals will be invited to attend.

At the end of the programme, you are required to complete an end-of-term survey as part of the exit process. Your feedback is valuable in helping SMU improve the experience for future students.

Your Student’s Pass (STP) will expire 7 days after the term end date; which means you need to depart Singapore before 14 December 2025.​

If you wish to extend your stay in Singapore, you are required to cancel your STP within seven days of the expiry date. This is to be done using your Singpass account via ICA’s SOLAR system. ICA will then issue a Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) upon cancellation of the Student’s Pass for you to continue to remain in Singapore legally.​​ ​ 

Overstaying in Singapore is a serious legal offence.​​

The official digital transcript will be sent to your SMU campus email. The transcript will include the course title, course code and grade of the respective courses enrolled. No hardcopy of the transcript will be issued. 

SMU does not send the digital transcript to any third party including the student’s home university. Therefore, you are responsible for providing the transcript to your home university for credit transfer and other related matters.