In the Faculty of Science at NUS, we recognise that being away in a foreign country has a powerful broadening and an accelerating effect on our students' maturing process. When someone leaves the familiar behind and plunges into the unknown, they are showing a commitment to understanding other people, to learning about the world in a way that textbooks and school assignments never reveal. Managing their finances and making decisions give them more confidence and independence to take care of themselves. They also become more tolerant of other people, different cultures and different personalities. The exchange experience is priceless, it is something we cannot duplicate any other way.

To this aim, the Faculty of Science strives to channel 70% of our students through some form of international exchange during their time in NUS. We arduously and selectively put in place many overseas exchange programmes--the NUS Overseas College, the ANU-NUS Joint Degree programme, the French Double Degree programme, and the Caltech-SURF programme--which are premier programmes for promising students. We also set up Joint Summer Exchange programmes with University of New South Wales, University of Toronto, University of California at Los Angeles, and University of Waterloo. They provide exciting, fun yet academically challenging multidisciplinary education, as well as stimulating insights into different cultures and opportunities for students to experience life outside of Singapore.

A student will need to spend as much as $10,000 for a six month exchange programme in the USA. It is cheaper to go to countries closer to Singapore, but it may be more expensive to go to a European university. Although they pay NUS fees, students usually have to find their own means to pay for all extra expenses. These costs includes airfare, board and lodging, text books and other incidental expenses. Many students find the extra financial burden a very big hurdle. The SSOEF aims to provide financial grants to needy students to meet the demand.

Being an exchange student is a very rewarding experience, and often a life-changing one. After having made the transition into a new culture and language, students have confidence to pursue goals and strive to give more of themselves, whatever the task may be at hand.

By giving to the SSOEF, you leave a distinct footprint in the paths of deserving Science students.

Double tax exemption
Gifts from Singapore tax residents attract a double tax exemption. When you give to the University, the IRAS will deduct an amount equivalent to twice the value of your gift from your assessable income.

Dollar-for-dollar government matching
Every $1 you contribute will be matched one-for-one by the Singapore government. Your gift doubles in value at the onset.

The SSOEF is disbursed solely based on need.