Q1:  How do you know NTU’s USP is for you?

• The Pioneer intake of USP students will be a special ground-breaking group.
• NTU’s USP will allow you to develop your intellectual, leadership and personal qualities in a whole range of exciting ways.
• You like taking the initiative to venture beyond your comfort zone and to incessantly challenge yourself;
• You have strong academic aptitude and aim to be a high achiever;
• You have a passion for learning beyond a single specialization.
• You have the motivation to pursue active and independent learning

Q2: Can any NTU applicant apply to USP?

Students are invited to apply to the USP after being admitted to NTU. USP wishes to attract incoming NTU students whose academic performance strongly indicates that they are well suited to a challenging academic programme. We are looking for students who want to engage in active inquiry and who are eager for a rigorous intellectual community.

Q3: I will be serving the National Service in the next two years. If I am invited to the USP, should I consider applying now or later?

We encourage you to apply now, so that you can be assessed against applicants from your cohort for admission into USP. If you are successful in your application, a place will be reserved for you in the year that you matriculate into NTU.
Tuition fees for NSmen are pegged to tuition fees prevailing at the time they accepted their offer of admission.

Q4: I am a Returning NS (RNS) man who have had a place reserved in NTU, can I still apply to USP?

Application to this programme is by invitation. Only students of suitable academic profile are invited to apply for the USP.

Q5: How much does USP cost?

There are no extra fees to enrol in USP.

Q6: Is USP a scholarship?

USP is not a scholarship. USP students can still apply for scholarships if they are offered the programme. For details on NTU scholarships, please approach our Office of Admissions & Financial Aid.

Q7: What degree does the USP student graduate with?

The USP student graduates with the honours degree of his/her major discipline. In addition, he/she also receives the USP Certificate and the USP Testimonial. Outstanding USP students graduate with a range of USP awards bearing testimonies to their academic and non-academic achievements.

Q8: What are the academic expectations of USP students?

USP students are expected to maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.0 and above throughout their course of studies. This USP CGPA requirement of 4.0 is a stepping stone for USP students to achieve the fundamental academic goal of honours in their home faculty. USP students are also expected to participate in USP activities and contribute to USP.

Q9: What is multi-disciplinary?

A multi-disciplinary approach involves using knowledge and methods from multiple disciplines.

Q10: Why is multidisciplinarity important?

Many significant real-world problems are solvable only by multi-disciplinary approaches. For example, a solution to global warming is likely to involve ethics, sociology, science, economics, and international relations. Apple attributes the success of the iPod to the way it integrates design, engineering, and marketing

Q11: Can I switch major as a USP student?

USP students may apply to switch major and/or School, subjected to the receiving programme/ School coordinator’s approval.

Q12: Does USP offer me the chance to participate in activities outside the classroom?

Yes, in many ways. In fact, USP strongly encourages and supports its students to actively engage in a wide range of experiences beyond the classroom, both overseas and locally.
 
In particular, the USP Study Abroad Programmes provides resources, supports, and plans for activities that help USP students gain a global outlook, apply their multidisciplinary learning, and develop leadership capabilities. It is a unique platform provided for USP students to initiate and customise their own learning experience in a global context.  Activities which have been sponsored by the USP Study Abroad Programmes include seminars, symposia, overseas study programmes and youth expeditions. These activities are generously subsidised by USP.

Students also have a Guaranteed Residential Experience in NTU throughout their undergraduate studies.  NTU has 16 Halls of Residence that are home to some 9200 undergraduate students. This community forms a massive family unit, actively engaging in social exchange and mutual help. Living in an undergraduate hall is a unique experience.
To enable students to develop their leadership skills, the USP Leadership Programme provides Leadership Development Camps, Community Projects, IAS Nobel Laureate Seminars, Career guidance workshops, Industry and Business networking sessions. Students should take advantage of these additional opportunities available other than those from their own Colleges.

Q13: Does USP have an affiliated Student's Club?

Yes. The University Scholars Club (USC) is the student’s club of USP. All USP students are automatically members of USC, and encouraged to initiate, organise, and participate in USC activities.

Q14: Does USP have an alumni network?

Not yet, but you will be given a chance to set up the Alumni network as the pioneer USP students. The Scholars Programme Alumni Network (SPAN) aims to build group identity and relationships for the extended community of Scholars. Former students of USP, regardless of whether they complete all of their USP requirements, are encouraged to sign up with SPAN