Fee-Paying students
I would like to attend another university under the Fee-Paying scheme – how do I do this?
If you wish to attend another university under the Fee-Paying scheme, please:
- Research the Host University and ensure that they accept fee-paying international students (not all do!)
- Get approval from your School Exchange Coordinator BEFORE you apply (a letter may be needed by your Host University indicating this approval).
- Student should forward a copy of the School Coordinator approval email to the INSTEP mailbox so they can obtain access to STUDENTLINK online course matching (please see below for what is required from you in this email)
- When your courses have been approved, apply to and liaise directly with the Host University.
- Ensure that you send the Host University all required documents (courier is recommended) and ensure that the Host University acceptance package is sent directly to the student. There is no need to send INSTEP a copy of your acceptance letter.
- After the Host University sends you an acceptance letter, complete a ‘Leave of Absence (LOA)’ form – obtained from the Office of Academic Services (OAS).
- If you are living on campus, please alert your Hall Officer that you will be away for a period of time.
What should I put in my email to INSTEP (INSTEP@ntu.edu.sg) when asking for access to StudentLink?
Please copy and paste the below email, enter the information indicated, and email it to the INSTEP mailbox and we will grant you the access to STUDENTLINK. When you have access to StudentLink, enter your courses for subject matching and always consult with your school coordinator.
Please note that you will recieve access to STUDENTLINK only after the following times so please wait until these times to email us. You may proceed to match courses offline and apply to your university even if you do not have access to STUDENTLINK.
Semester 1: March 21st onwards
Semester 2: October 21st onwards
Dear INSTEP,
Please grant me access to the STUDENTLINK online course matching so that I may begin my course matching with my school coordinator. Included in this email:
- The email from my school coordinator showing approval for participation as a fee-paying student.
- Matriculation number
- Full name (please indicate last name)
- NTU School
- Host University
- Semester for exchange
- Personal email address
- Hand phone number
- House telephone number
Is the Fee-Paying scheme considered as an exchange?
No, the fee-paying scheme is not an exchange and is not part of the INSTEP program.
What is the deadline for applying as a Fee-Paying applicant?
The deadline for applying to another university as a fee-paying student is the deadline indicated by the Host University. This will vary from institution to institution. Please carefully read all the information provided by the Host University on their website.
Who do I pay tuition to when I am a fee-paying student?
As a fee-paying student, you pay tuition to the Host University - you do not pay tuition fees to NTU. However, please check with OAS/NTU school to see if there are any other fees that you need to pay to NTU when you are overseas.
Do I need a GPA of 3.6 to apply as a FEE-PAYING student?
This is NTU school specific. Some schools may follow the rule of a 'minimum of 3.6 GPA' while others may not. Please contact your NTU School Coordinator before you apply. Do note that some Host Universities have minimum GPA standards as well so, even if your NTU School Coordinator approves your application, there is no guarantee that a Host University will accept you.
What universities can I apply for as a fee-paying student? Am I limited to those offered through INSTEP?
You can apply to any university you wish as long as you have prior approval from your NTU school coordinator. You are not limited to the list of INSTEP partners. Again, however, permission from your NTU school is essential.
Is it possible to apply for the full academic year as a fee-paying student?
This is up to each individual NTU school. Please note that you must have approval from your NTU school coordinator BEFORE you apply to another university as a fee-paying student. Also, please ensure that the Host University you are applying to accepts students for the full year.
Do I need a letter from my school indicating that I have permission to apply as a fee-paying student?
You need to obtain permission from your school BEFORE you apply to another university as a fee-paying student. Some universities will want proof that you have this permission. Please obtain a letter from your school exchange coordinator stating their approval. Please note that NATIONAL SUN YAT-SEN UNIVERSITY (Taiwan) is one university that requires such proof. You may submit your application package directly to this university if you have such a letter.
I have accepted an exchange placement at a Host University; do I need to complete a Leave of Absence (LOA)?
Yes, students who are going to another university under the fee-paying scheme should fill out this document. You can obtain this form from the Office of Academic Affairs (OAS). Please do so as soon as you have received your acceptance letter from the Host University.
Do I need to submit anything to IRO/INSTEP if I am a Fee-Paying student?
INSTEP does not manage fee-paying students. As a fee-paying student, you must submit your application package directly to the Host University and NOT to INSTEP (courier is recommended). Thus, you need only alert INSTEP/IRO if you would like to have access to STUDENTLINK (see FAQ on this). There is no need to submit any documents to INSTEP. Please always inform your NTU school and OAS of your plans to attend an overseas university.
I would like to apply for fee-paying to more than one university – can I have access to StudentLink online course matching for more than one university?
No, you can only have access to STUDENTLINK for only ONE university. Therefore, please be sure when you choose a university.
I would like to apply for fee-paying to more than one university – can I do this?
It is your choice how many universities you apply to. However, always ensure you have approval from your NTU school coordinator BEFORE you apply to any other university.
Is there an ‘NTU Letter of Certification' for me if I go on a fee-paying scheme?
No, there is no 'NTU Letter of Certification' provided by the INSTEP office as you are not part of the INSTEP program. You may approach your NTU school or OAS (Office of Academic Services) for such a letter/confirmation.
Is there a ‘Certification of Participation’ for me if I go on a fee-paying scheme?
No, there is no Certification of Participation as you are not part of the INSTEP program.
Do I have to submit an Exchange Report?
No, you do not have to submit an Exchange Report if you are a fee-paying student.
Do I have to complete a medical if I am a fee-paying student?
It is highly recommended that you complete a medical prior to leaving for the Host University. You can consult any medical center you wish for this but if you would like to complete this medical at the NTU campus clinic (Gethin Jones), forms can be obtained directly from their office. It is recommended that the medical be completed at least one month prior to the date you plan to leave for the Host Country.
There may be other useful information under 'Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that may help you....