NUS Enterprise Summer Programme on Entrepreneurship
The 2019 NUS Enterprise Summer Programme on Entrepreneurship will be held from 14 - 27 July 2019.
Applications are now closed.
Learn about entrepreneurship in the bustling city of Singapore: a little red dot that has “started up” and “scaled up” to achieve global impact today.
Singapore has birthed a wide array of home-grown enterprises that leave footprints in the region and beyond. Its success stories include enterprises like Carousell, Shopback, Rotimatic, Patsnap and many more. What is the secret sauce to Singapore’s entrepreneurs? You will find the answers at NUS Enterprise’s annual Summer Programme, which has been running for the past 13 years.
Over two weeks, this residential programme offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for local and international students to have an immersive experience of entrepreneurship by inspiring your entrepreneurial imagination and enhancing your entrepreneurial skills. Through an enriching combination of lectures, conversations with startups, ideation and pitching sessions, as well as visits to business and government organisations, our Summer Programme aims to provide you with a comprehensive educational experience.
The programme is also designed to enrich your cross-cultural learning, and strengthen the development of your social capital through the relationships you form over the two weeks.
Programme Details
The NUS Enterprise Summer Programme on Entrepreneurship is targeted at undergraduate students* currently enrolled in university, majoring in any discipline.
*Priority consideration will be given to students with a basic interest in entrepreneurship.
Our programme broadly covers the following topics:
- Business and cultural context of Singapore and ASEAN
- Singapore’s Economic Development Model and the Changing Role of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- The True Singapore Story (introduction to Singapore’s heritage)
- The Heart of Singapore’s Startup Ecosystem
- Understanding the ASEAN Relationship, Language and Culture
- Experiential introduction to Singapore
- Practical insights and skills for aspiring entrepreneurs
- How to be an Entrepreneur
- Lean Startup and Business Model
- Pitching and Team Project
- Themes in entrepreneurship
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Intrapreneurship
Lectures will be conducted in English by faculty members from the National University of Singapore and industry experts. All students who attain 100% attendance for the programme will be awarded 4 modular credits (MC) and a Certificate of Participation from NUS Enterprise at the end of the programme.
The programme fee is SGD$3,000 (inclusive of 7% GST) and includes accommodation at a student hostel in the NUS campus and some meals. The fee does not cover airfare and airport taxes, travel insurance, visas, some meals, and personal expenses. Payment is via bank draft, and is to be made payable to "National University of Singapore".
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Application Info and Eligibility
The 2019 NUS Enterprise Summer Programme on Entrepreneurship will be held from 14 - 27 July 2019.
Please read the following information before submitting your application.
Application Procedure:
- Please apply via the Online Application Portal. Select the “Non-Graduating Programme” option. Download this application guide to assist you with your application.
- Fill in the compulsory Programme Questionnaire and submit it together with your online application.
- Submit the relevant hardcopy documents (see this checklist) to NUS after completing your online application.
Applications for the 2019 NUS Enterprise Summer Programme are now closed. If you have any enquiries, please e-mail us at necbox13@nus.edu.sg.
Can I Apply?
- be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university
- be proficient in the English language
| Test | Minimum Acceptable Score |
| C1 Advanced / Cambridge English: Advanced | 180 |
| EL1119 | C6 |
| IELTS | 6.5 overall with 6.5 in Reading and Writing components |
| MUET | 200 |
| TOEFL | 580 for paper-based / 92-93 for internet-based |
| TOEIC | 700 |
| College English Test (CET) | CET-4 or CET-6 |
Please note that only C1 Advanced / Cambridge English: Advanced, TOEFL and / or IELTS scores obtained in the two years leading up to 1 March of the year of application will be considered. For instance, for applications closing on 1 March 2019, the validity period for the scores is from 1 March 2017 to 1 March 2019 (both dates inclusive).
Summer Programme Student Policy
Programme
Students will only be considered successfully enrolled as an NUS Enterprise Summer Student after payment has been made. Failure to make payment before the given deadline without any valid reason will be deemed as withdrawal from the programme.
All students who attain 100% attendance for the programme will be awarded 4 modular credits (MC) and a Certificate of Participation from NUS Enterprise at the end of the programme.
Insurance
All students are required to purchase the NUS Group Hospitalisation & Surgical Insurance (GHSI) before arrival in Singapore. The cost of the insurance is inclusive in the compulsory Miscellaneous Students Fee* (MSF) for enrolment in the programme. For details on GHSI, click here.
*The programme fee of SGD 3,000 is inclusive of the MSF.
Accommodation
On-campus accommodation is compulsory for all Summer students. The housing allocation by NUS is final; no changing of rooms and roommates is allowed.
On-campus accommodation is arranged only for the stipulated programme duration as mentioned in the Letter of Enrolment and Acceptance. Students planning to arrive early or stay longer in Singapore will need to source for their own accommodation outside the programme date.
Upon arrival in Singapore, students shall make use of the public transport system in Singapore to navigate to NUS. Students will only be able to check-in at their allocated hall of residence during stipulated office hours. Failure to do so will require students to source for temporary accommodation on/off NUS campus.
Company Visits and Social Activities
Students are required to participate in the company visits and social activities organised as part of the Summer Programme.
In the case that any student is unable to attend the session, he/she shall inform the NUS Enterprise staff(s) at least 3 days in advance.
Withdrawal from programme
Students who wish to withdraw from the programme shall inform in writing to NUS Enterprise at necbox13@nus.edu.sg and home university / agency (if applicable).
Withdrawal Policy
Withdrawal from the NUS Enterprise Summer programme only applies to students who have accepted enrolment into the programme. Actions prior to that, such as rejecting the enrolment offer or cancelling application, are NOT considered a withdrawal and will NOT incur any penalties.
Any students who wish to withdraw from the programme need to inform the NUS Enterprise in writing at necbox13@nus.edu.sg. Students nominated on exchange by their home university or agency will also need to inform their home university or agency coordinator on their withdrawal.
| Timeline | Exchange and Fee-Paying Students Withdrawal Policy |
| Before arrival at NUS | Student has to inform NUS Enterprise and home university / agency (if applicable) in writing 4 weeks prior to arrival about withdrawal from the programme. Any paid Programme Fees shall NOT be refunded. |
| After arrival at NUS | Student has to inform NUS Enterprise and home university / agency (if applicable) at any point in time about his/her withdrawal intentions. The Programme Fees shall NOT be refunded. |
Accommodation and Arrival Information
- It is compulsory for students to be housed in on-campus accommodation allocated to them.
- While there are a few meals provided and no fully equipped kitchen at the hall for students to cook their meals, students can purchase economically-priced meals at any one of the numerous convenience stores or food outlets located around NUS.
- Self-selection and changing of rooms is not allowed.
- It is recommended for Summer students to check-in to their allocated Hall of Residences on the day of allocation check-in. The check-in for the programme will be on 14 July 2019 and check-out on 27 July 2019.
- Check-ins at the Hall of Residences are available on 14 July 2019, from 8am to 5pm only. Students who are arriving earlier or leaving later then the stipulated check-in and check-out timings are required to source for temporary off-campus housing.
- Students who are intending to arrive before the notified check-in date, or stay in Singapore beyond the notified programme end-date will need to source for their own accommodation, as the period of stay in the Halls of Residence in NUS is strictly from 14 to 27 July 2019 as stipulated in the Letter of Enrolment.
FAQs
We have compiled answers to Frequently Asked Questions we receive.
Please look through our answers below for more information on the application process, and programme details.
If your question has not been answered in the FAQ, you may write in to us at necbox13@nus.edu.sg.
- I am a high school student / graduating senior / working adult. Am I eligible for the programme?
The NUS Enterprise Summer Programme is designed for undergraduate and post-graduate students currently enrolled in a university (from any discipline).
You may also apply if you are:
- A high school graduate, starting your first year of university immediately after the Summer Programme
- A final year student graduating in the year the Summer Programme takes place
- A graduate student enrolled in the university
Please note that priority consideration is given to current undergraduates and post-graduates.
Working professionals who are currently not enrolled in the university are unfortunately not eligible for this programme.
- What documents do I need to submit during application?
You will need to submit the following documents:
- A copy of your Passport page which shows your name and nationality.
- A copy of your Academic Transcript with grade legend issued by your Home University (with English translation, if applicable).
- Financial Documentary Proof in English.
- A letter from your Home University certifying that you are a current student registered with the University.
- A copy of your English Language requirement, if your Home University medium is not in English.
- A PDF copy of a fully answered questionnaire.
- What will I get out of the NUS Enterprise Summer Programme on Entrepreneurship?
A write-up of the 2018 Summer Programme can be found in NUS News here.
Additionally, you may read a student testimonial from Habib University student, Aarti Lilaram, here.
- How many students will be in the Summer Programme?
The 2018 NUS Enterprise Summer Programme on Entrepreneurship hosted 100 local and international students. These students come from a diverse range of nationalities and academic backgrounds. - What items should I bring?
A list of recommended items for students to bring during their stay here can be found below:
- Shower toiletries bag or bucket
- Personal toiletries
- Towels, washcloths (recommended 2 sets for changing)
- Shower footwear (e.g. slippers)
- Single-size bed linens, blanket, pillow, pillow cases
- Laundry bag and detergent
- Laptop and charger
- Universal Plug Adapter
- Padlocks (Students are advised not to leave any valuable items in the room or lock their valuables away safely while they are not in the room) - Visa related enquiries
Entry Visa
Entry visa is required for international students from some countries for entry into Singapore.
Visit the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) website here to find out which country requires an Entry Visa into Singapore. Students from India and China are required to apply for an Entry Visa prior to entry into Singapore.
Your Entry Visa will enable you to undertake a course of study of not more than 30 days (applicable to the 2-week summer programme) without the need for a Student Pass (STP).
Entry via Social Visit Pass (SVP)
A student who is attending one course of study only, with a duration of 30 days or less, would be able to enter Singapore for the duration of the course on a Social Visit Pass (SVP). However, if the nationality of the student falls under the list of countries of that require an Entry Visa, they are required to apply for it at the ICA website first. Visit the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) website here to find out whether you are of a nationality which requires an Entry Visa into Singapore.
The SVP will be issued and stamped on the student's passport upon his/her entry into Singapore at the airport customs.
What They Said
The Summer Programme brings…
Learning…
“It was such a great experience and I was completely overjoyed to the very core. The NUS Enterprise Summer Programme provided a lot of knowledge and it is so easy to digest, and even the lecturer or professor was so open-minded that it felt like there was no generation gap when we had our discussions. This programme is a gathering of brilliant intellectuals, where everyone from the whole world gathers around, brainstorming together and creating something that finally shakes the world. It's a really great programme and something that you guys can't miss.”
David Kurnia, Indonesia
“The Summer Programme is an excellent opportunity to explore Asian culture and the business environment of Singapore through learning and networking. It has the most innovative learning procedure in the middle of summer – with fascinating lectures in the morning, very interesting company visits in the afternoon and fun outdoor activities in the evenings. A great combination of education, cultural interaction and entertainment in the Lion City!”
Dimitris Frossinis, United Kingdom
“What I have learnt from this Summer Programme is that we have to solve problems differently – we have to not come in with solutions, but try to first go and deeply understand the problem.”
Kenza Squalli Houssaini, Morocco, 2018 participant
Adventure…
“From the busy offices of the enterprise startups to the bustling footpaths of Singapore, there is never a dull moment in the NUS Enterprise Summer Programme. Every lecture, every company visit and every night out is an opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in the entrepreneurial and cultural scenes of Singapore. The programme was not only a valuable educational experience, but it has also enabled me to develop soft skills, network with some of the most innovative people I have ever met, eat good food and make diverse friendships that I will treasure for a lifetime.”
Michael Trinh Tran, Australia, 2016 participant
Inspiration…
“The programme gave me the very motivation to initiate my own startup. It gave me the knowledge and the skill to structure my plan of action. Also, it helped me interact with people from different cultures, leading to a friendship that flourishes even today. The bottom line is, the very fact that I have decided to go through with this initiative bears testimony to the fact that the programme worked wonders for me. Our startup name is nDimensions, in which we partner with schools and provide courses on entrepreneurship and also give them an online platform to discuss and validate their ideas and eventually forming a community of young entrepreneurs.”
Ajith Kumar, India, 2016 participant
“It was a long journey for us to come all the way from Mexico, but totally worth it. From the beginning it was an exciting opportunity, getting to learn from this country and its people was an amazing experience. It made me realize the chances we have to be better back home. Particularly in my case, being a med student gave me a different angle, and this year’s special focus on social entrepreneurship was the cherry on the top of the cake… I hope I can apply what I have learnt so that we can have the change that we need in my hometown. Though I don't have a project yet, my life plans may have changed, now that I am more aware of the needs in my society.”
Shaúl Ariel Navarro Lara, Mexico, 2017 participant
Global Friendships...
"Returning home is not always exciting, especially when you leave behind a big family that not only accepts the differences of its members but also celebrates this diversity. So was the NUS Enterprise Summer Programme which became a true epitome of VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM, a Sanskrit phrase meaning "the world is one family". The Entrepreneurship Programme threw open the doors of my mind to the vast expanse of creativity and innovation. It fostered in me the courage to place my dreams into action. I strongly believe these two weeks helped each one of us to grow individually as well as citizens of a global village. The main takeaway for me from this country city of Singapore is to convert your permanent disadvantage into your continuous advantage."
Dhriti Garg, India, 2016 participant
“This programme helps me make new friends and expand our physical connections. I met and learnt about the different dynamic startup ecosystems in different countries. Also, we continue to talk to our customers, the startups, investors and everyone involved in the startup ecosystem. This definitely helps us to improve our services and promote our company in the future.”
Kunlin Wang, China (Kunlin’s personal venture is to build a global entrepreneurship network), 2017 participant
“The greatest learning that I have is to know the true meaning of diversity…It’s amazing. I’m surrounded by entrepreneurs, and future entrepreneurs. I’m grateful – the knowledge I gained, and the lessons that I learnt have helped me a lot. Most importantly, the friendships that I made (has helped). People around the world from twenty plus countries – I can make connections easily abroad. I can go back and never stop doing what I’m doing .”
Nattapon Srichan, Thailand, 2018 participant
A unique Singaporean flavour…
“The excellence of the programme was in encapsulating the political, economic and entrepreneurial history and ecosystem of Singapore into a single package of 2 weeks. If participating in the programme, be ready to be impressed by Singapore's architectural acumen and your hosts' hospitality; the former making Singapore what it is today, and the later ensuring that you leave after two weeks with wet eyes and a heavy heart. And the desire to join the 'entrepreneur's club' at the end of the programme is a given.”
Hamza Kamran, Pakistan
“[The NUS Enterprise Summer Programme on Entrepreneurship] ignited my hope for the future concerning the economic development of Africa, particularly regarding Ghana. Also, I was inspired and privileged to meet, engage and interact with like-minded people from all over the world who are very conscious of driving social change and making an impact in their communities – people who hope to change the status quo and steer their community into a positive direction notwithstanding the challenges and possible opportunities.”
Nana Abena Achiaa Sarkodieh, Ghana, 2017 participant
Come on board!
“This programme surely will open your mind about entrepreneurship. If you think that you’re good enough at it, I dare you to kickstart your ideas here. If you’re wondering what is entrepreneurship, then this programme will be a perfect fit for you to figure it out.”
Firda Zhafirah, Indonesia, 2018 participant
“Treasure every second you have in the programme! Don't be afraid to speak and ask stupid questions, network as much as you can; you get out of the programme what you put into it.”
Lim Pei Ying, Singapore, 2018 participant