Buddy Answers: How to Apply for SMU Overseas Exchange Programmes

Posted by OysterWeb on November 15th, 2019

We get many questions on how to apply for exchange programmes and in this series of “Buddy Answers”, we’ll be looking at the different Universities and break down their application process.

In a 2018 article, Singapore Management University (SMU) expressed that it is aiming for a 100% study abroad rate for its students. This is particularly exciting as it allows for compulsory overseas exposure for everyone, regardless of academic performance (which is what most Universities base it on). So, we want to start with answering some important questions that some SMU students may have.

Who can apply for exchange

According to SMU,  you must fulfil all the criteria below to be eligible to apply:

studying for a full-time undergraduate degree

and are not in their final term of study;

have successfully completed their first year of studies (exception: SIS students can only go on exchange programme after Year 2, term 2;  LLB students year 3 onwards & JD students year 2 onwards) and;

are not on academic probation (i.e. GPA must not be below 2.0)

When Is Exchange

Generally, the Student Exchange Programme at the Partner University only lasts for a semester. Depending on the country that you choose, this will then determine the exact months that you will be away. You should look at the list of Partner Universities to decide exactly which months you would like to study abroad for.

Some Exchange Programmes can last up to a year, in this case, extension will only be decided 2 months prior to the end of the first exchange.

When To Apply For Exchange

Now that you know if you’re eligible and when the programme is, you may be wondering when you can apply. It’s simple. The application for the exchange programmes for SMU students is conducted twice a year; once in Term 1 and again in Term 2. Keep a look out in your email for the necessary information related to the Exchange Programme.

You should start planning for your exchange programme at least 6-8 months before the start of the exchange term.  Going for the briefings will help to give a better understanding of the Exchange Programme. These briefings are held twice a year and the email for this usually signals that applications will open soon:

For enrolment in Term 1, briefing is in early January

For enrolment in Term 2, briefing is in early June

application process

Do Your Research

Before you embark on your exchange programme, you should do some research to determine if the university is the right fit. The priority is to make sure that there are courses available for you to match back to your Singapore modules. This means looking at courses previously mapped back by Seniors who have gone before, using the available resources on OASIS.

The second important step is to consider the cost of living. Based on initial research, will housing be guaranteed or do you have to find your own accommodation? How much does rental cost?

This third and most crucial step is to research on how safe the city is. Even if the Partner University meets all your other criteria, if it is not safe, your Exchange Programme may prove to be challenging. Consider how far you are willing to go for your experience and weigh out the pros and cons.

After all the research has been done, it is now important to state your choices and apply for the Universities of your choice. Select your possible Partner Universities and rank them according to preference. Submit the application and wait for the results to come in.

Accept Offer

A few weeks after sending in your application, you will receive an email deciding if you have been accepted or rejected. If you’ve been rejected, you now have another chance to pick from the remaining list of Universities to reapply. If you’ve been accepted, congratulations! You now move on to the rest of the steps.

Paperwork

After accepting your offer, you will now be attached to a programme manager to guide you through the rest of the application stages. Upon accepting this offer, you may proceed to do the following:Create Pre-departure checklist on OASIS and;

Submit online worksheet for course approval on OASIS.

Once all this is done, the application with SMU has been completed and it is now up to your programme manager from SMU to determine the next steps to applying with the Partner University. This will range from matriculation to visa processes.

The application process for SMU’s Exchange Programme is fairly simple. It’s all about keeping an eye open for the emails during the beginning of every SMU term. If all else fails, having Seniors from your school will help to compartmentalise all the information and make processing it easier. For more information of SMU Student Discounts Travel Insurance visit here : https://myoyster.sg/