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Global Exchange Programme – GEXP (outbound exchange)

Why embark on GEXP?

To better the world, first see and experience the world!

GEXP provides SUTD undergraduates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience an international education and cultural immersion. To live and study in another country is an exciting opportunity that promises a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

• Develop global perspectives
• Cultural immersion
• Networking opportunities
• Personal and professional growth
• Ambassador of SUTD and Singapore
• Value add to your resume

What is GEXP?

• Spend a term at an overseas host university in Fall Term (after Term 5) or Spring Term (Term 6). ASD students are only eligible for exchange in Fall Term as you need to undergo Spring Term (Term 6) in SUTD.
• Transfer up to 48 SUTD credits for passed courses towards fulfilling SUTD graduating requirements.
• Grades will not be transferred and counted towards CGPA.
• Continue to pay Term 6 tuition fees (including Compulsory Miscellaneous Fees) to SUTD while tuition fees at the host university is waived. All other exchange-related expenses are payable by students.

Eligibility

• Enrolled as full-time SUTD student. Students currently on leave of absence or gap year are not eligible.
• Minimum CGPA of 3.0 at the point of application. Students should maintain minimum CGPA of 3.0 every term up till the exchange term without failing any subjects before embarking on exchange.
• Pass all subjects. Students should ensure that any outstanding boot camps or re-tests should not happen during their exchange term.
• A clean disciplinary record.
• Satisfy host university’s minimum CGPA, nationality and/or other requirements. It is compulsory to meet the host university’s minimum CGPA and nationality requirement to be eligible for consideration. Otherwise, host university will not be considered for exchange placement.
• ​Outstanding Fifth Row records​
• Curious, adaptable, independent, resilient and responsible.
• ​Motivated to be a strong ambassador for SUTD and Singapore.
• Ensure no restrictions involving overseas study, if holding any existing scholarship.
• Ensure sufficient financial means to self-pay for all necessary exchange expenses.
• Satisfy the host country’s entry requirements for nationality.

Process and timeline

The above timeline is for reference only and is subjected to changes without prior notice.

Application

• GEXP first application cycle (for Fall and Spring term) is open to all Term 3 students in October/November annually, while the second application cycle (for Spring term) is open in March/April the following year. Students will be informed via email.
• Only Spring Term remaining slots are available during the second application cycle. ASD students are not eligible for the second application cycle as you need to undergo Spring Term (Term 6) in SUTD.
• Students will choose up to 4 host universities in order of preference and corresponding exchange term during application.
• Students must complete SUTD official internship of 16 weeks and ensure their GEXP does not clash with the internship period and/or other commitments.
  • ​GEXP Fall (after Term 5): Students would go on internship after GEXP.
  • GEXP Spring (Term 6): Students must complete internship before GEXP. Students may choose to do a summer local or overseas internship after GEXP only if their GEXP ends before commencement of the official internship period.
    Note: Refer to the list of partner universities below for summer overseas internship opportunities.
• Students should do thorough research on partner universities and course planning before application.
• Students are responsible for all exchange-related expenses such as airfare, meals, accommodation, transport insurance, visa, books and supplies and other personal expenses, including any additional costs for quarantine and tests as required by host country and Singapore upon return.
• Students should consider their personality, resilience and adaptability. One must desire to interact, stay open and take things in their stride when the situation gets tough.

Selection and interview

• Exchange spots are LIMITED. Students are considered HOLISTICALLY based on host university choices, academic merit, leadership in Fifth Row, application essay, selection interview, suitability of proposed study plan, host university’s minimum CGPA, nationality and other requirements, subject to availability of host university exchange spots and suitability to go on GEXP.
• ​Balance your university choices. Avoid selecting only popular universities with limited spots. Choose wisely and include a mix of popular and less competitive choices. The order of university choices also affects the chances of securing an exchange spot.
• Students should plan the courses and prepare the study plan thoroughly before applying. Incomplete or unsuitable study plans may limit the chances of securing an exchange spot. Only host universities and study plans recommended by Pillars will be considered for exchange placement.
• Shortlisted students will be notified of their interview date and time via email.
• SUTD decision on the application outcome is final and cannot be disputed. Appeal to change the offered host university will not be entertained. SUTD is not required to justify the decision on the application outcome. No appeal, discussion and/or correspondence will be entertained.
• SUTD exchange offer does not constitute a guaranteed enrollment into the host university. The host university reserves the right to accept or decline a student’s application.

Resources

• For SUTD students: For more information, please refer to  (login with SUTD email)

Financial aid

• Regardless of any exchange award or scholarship or PSEA, students must ensure they have sufficient financial means to self-pay for all necessary exchange expenses. All financial aid application outcome will only be released after exchange offer acceptance.
• Administration of exchange awards is overseen by Office of Student Administration (OSA). Look out for OSA’s Financial Aid Call for Application in January each year, and submit the application accordingly to be considered for exchange awards. Exchange awards will be allocated based on demonstrated financial need, and only students who have formally accepted an offer for GEXP will be considered. Only successful students will be notified via email.
• Administration of other exchange awards and scholarships (ASEM DUO – Singapore Exchange Fellowship Award, SUTD – ZJU Exchange Travel Grant, and Canada – ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development) are overseen by Office of International Relations (OIR). Eligible SUTD students will be invited by email to apply. Application is subject to review. Only successful students will be notified via email.

• Students who are on any scholarship(s) that directly funds their overseas exchange expenses are not eligible for exchange award or scholarship. Students who are on any other scholarship(s) must ensure that they are allowed to receive concurrent exchange award or scholarships. This includes scholarship(s) by SUTD, host universities and/or external agencies/companies etc. Please check the scholarship(s) terms and conditions.
• Singapore Citizens with Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) can apply for reimbursement of exchange expenses (such as airfare, accommodation, visa, insurance and transport, excluding personal expenses), subject to approval by Office of Student Administration (OSA) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) with official receipts for verification. Students who are on any scholarship(s) that directly funds their overseas exchange expenses are not eligible for PSEA reimbursement.
• GEXP is eligible for GES/GEA, GDS/GDA, GMS/GMA Travel Grant utilisation. Submit request to scholarships_financialaid@sutd.edu.sg at least to 2 months before departure.

Partner universities

¹ Recommended for EPD Specialisation Track – Beyond Industry 4.0
² Available to ASD students only
³ Internship opportunities are available after GEXP
⁴ Available to CSD students only