Percentage of International Students in Undergraduate Programmes (Major) at NUS, NTU and SMU

Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked the Minister for Education (a) which two current undergraduate programmes (major) at NUS, NTU and SMU respectively have the highest percentage of international students; and (b) what is the percentage of international students in each of these programmes.

Mr Heng Swee Keat: Our universities enrol a percentage of international students as they add diversity and vibrancy to university campuses. They also provide manpower support for key industries which are less popular with talented Singaporeans.

The overall proportion of international students at our local universities is 16%. The Computing, Science and Engineering courses at NUS, NTU and SMU have more international students, at 26%, as there is currently less interest from Singapore students. We are working to attract more Singaporeans into these programmes, as there are places available for them and manpower needs in our key industries.