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The National University of Singapore (NUS), located in the Republic of Singapore, is a member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, the Asian Universities Association, the Global University Presidents Forum, the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education, the International Alliance of Research
Universities, Universitas 21, the New International Alliance for Engineering Education, and the International Network for Applied Science and Technology Development. The NUS was founded in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and Malaya Federal Government Medical College. In 1912, the school was renamed the King Edward VII Medical School. In 1928, Raffles College was established. In 1949, the King Edward VII Medical School and Raffles College merged to form the University of Malaya. In 1955, Chinese communities in Singapore founded Nanyang University. In 1962, the University of Malaya's Singapore campus became independent as the University of Singapore. In 1980, the University of Singapore and Nanyang University merged to form the National University of Singapore.
The National University of Singapore (NUS) has 17 colleges across its three campuses in Kent Ridge, Bukit Timah, and Outram, offering a wide range of programs across disciplines and departments. The university also has 12 overseas colleges worldwide.
In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, NUS ranked 8th.
climate:
Located near the equator, Singapore enjoys a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by long summers and no winter, minimal temperature fluctuations, abundant rainfall, and high humidity. Average temperatures range from 23°C to 34°C, with an average annual rainfall of around 2,400 mm and humidity ranging from 65% to 90%. Besides the high temperatures, another notable characteristic of Singapore's weather is its high humidity, with an average daily humidity of 84%. This is largely due to Singapore's abundant rainfall.
Best time to travel:
Suitable for all seasons, but rainy season is from November to March, so you need to bring rain gear.
Free and open
Open Monday to Wednesday 08:30-12:00, 13:30-17:30;
Open Thursday 08:30-12:00, 13:30-16:30;
Open on Fridays from 08:30 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:00;
Closed all day Saturday-Sunday
The National University of Singapore (NUS), founded in 1905, is Singapore’s oldest and most prestigious university. It plays a key role in education, research, and innovation, shaping leaders locally and globally. The campus is also significant for its architectural and cultural heritage.
NUS is located in the southwestern part of Singapore, near Kent Ridge. It is accessible via MRT (Kent Ridge Station on the Circle Line), bus services connecting to the city, taxi, or private car. Walking is possible from nearby MRT stations or bus stops.
The campus is open daily, generally from early morning to evening. Early mornings or late afternoons offer cooler weather and fewer crowds, ideal for walking or photography.
There is no entrance fee; the campus is open to the public. Specific events or exhibitions at the NUS Museum or cultural centres may have separate fees, usually purchasable online or at the venue.
Advance booking is generally not required for walking around the campus. For museum exhibitions or special events, booking online in advance is recommended.
2–4 hours are sufficient for a campus walk and visiting key landmarks. Additional time may be needed for museums or attending events.
Guided tours are occasionally available via the university’s visitor services, typically in English. Some self-guided maps or mobile guides may also be available online.
Start at the Kent Ridge MRT entrance, walk past University Hall, explore green spaces and gardens, visit the NUS Museum, and end at cultural or student hubs for cafes and exhibitions.
Night visits are generally allowed on well-lit paths. Special events or light installations may occur occasionally; check the NUS events calendar.
The campus can be busy during weekdays with students and staff. Weekends or early mornings are less crowded, providing a calmer experience.
Facilities include public toilets, water fountains, campus cafes, eateries, and rest areas. Some small shops or kiosks are scattered across campus.
The campus is mostly accessible, with ramps and elevators in main buildings. Paths are generally smooth for strollers and wheelchairs, though some outdoor areas may be uneven.
Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted at campus cafes and shops. Cash may be useful for smaller kiosks or vending machines.
Multiple campus cafes, food courts, and nearby eateries offer local and international cuisine, including Kopitiams and university-run food outlets.
Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and halal options are available at campus food courts and nearby restaurants.
Hotels near Kent Ridge, One-North, or nearby Holland Village offer convenient accommodation options ranging from budget to mid-range.
Souvenirs are available at campus museum gift shops, including NUS-branded merchandise, books, and local art or crafts.
