The Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA) Singapore

A New Model in Global Education
The Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA) is an innovative engineering education and research collaboration among the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Founded in November, 1998 to promote global engineering education and research, SMA brings together the resources of three premiere academic institutions, while providing students with unlimited access to exceptional faculty expertise and superior research facilities.
A Centre of Excellence
A primary goal of SMA is the creation of a world-class centre for graduate education and research in engineering, which features the most technologically advanced distance learning facilities available. The centre will provide opportunities for private-sector organizations to share in SMA's research, collaborate with its students, and recruit potential employees.
The Future of Engineering Education
SMA combines a focus on creativity and entrepreneurship with an intense, hands-on approach to research. Graduates will comprise some of the industry's best-educated professionals, both in the growing economy of Singapore and in industrial centres across the globe. This groundbreaking collaboration among NUS, NTU and MIT represents an unwavering commitment to promoting engineering innovation and excellence.
Sponsoring Organisations
 
Agilent Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd
 
Apple Computer Limited, Singapore Branch
 
Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd
 
Centre for Advanced Computations in Engineering Science
 
Centre for Advanced Numerical Engineering Simulations
 
Data Storage Institute Delphi Automotive Systems (S) Pte Ltd
 
Hewlett-Packard Singapore (Pte) Ltd
 
IBM Singapore Pte Ltd
 
Institute of High Performance Computing
 
Institute of Materials Research and Engineering
 
Institute of Microelectronics
 
International Semiconductor Products Pte Ltd
 
Ministry of Defense
 
Motorola Electronics Pte Ltd
 
National Semiconductor Corporation
 
Phillips Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd
 
PSA Corporation Limited
 
Silicon Graphics Pte Ltd
 
Sun Microsystems Pte Ltd
Five Innovative Programmes
The five programmes of study in SMA are designed to prepare students for positions in leading technology-driven industries. Each curriculum offers broad exposure to the core principles of the chosen field, combined with a focused attention to the frontiers of current innovation. The SMA programmes offer a unique combination of academic challenge and hands-on research in collaboration with premiere faculty and industry leaders.
To learn more about each programme, please click on one of the following:
Advanced Materials for Micro- and Nano- Systems (AMMNS)
High Performance Computation for Engineered Systems (HPCES)
Innovation in Manufacturing Systems and Technology (IMST)
Molecular Engineering of Biological and Chemical Systems (MEBCS)
Computer Science (CS)
Download a complete Curriculum Handbook
Admission Requirements
Graduate students are admitted to the SMA Programmes for one of the following degrees, offered on a full-time basis in July each year:
(1) Professional Master's (S.M.) degree by coursework and project, or
(2) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree by research and coursework.
To qualify for admission, an applicant must have earned a Bachelor degree (1st Class or 2nd Class Upper with Honours) or its equivalent from a college, university, or technical school of acceptable standing.
In addition, the applicant must obtain high scores for the TOEFL and GRE/GATE (see below). Students in their final-year of undergraduate study may be admitted on the condition that their academic results obtained up to the point of application meet SMA's requirements.
Applicants are evaluated on the basis of their prior performance and professional promise, as evidenced by their academic records, letters of evaluation from individuals familiar with their capabilities and any other pertinent data they submit. While high academic achievement does not guarantee admission, SMA expects such achievement or other persuasive evidence of professional promise.
Testing Requirements
GRE or GATE
SMA requires either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test OR the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)* to be taken by each applicant. You may obtain more information on GRE by visiting the Educational Testing Service (ETS) web site at http://www.ets.org
Applicants who have earned degrees from NUS or NTU are exempted from the GRE/GATE requirement.
*applicable only to students from Indian universities.
TOEFL
SMA requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to be taken by students whose native language is not English. A minimum score of 577 is required. You may obtain more information by visiting the official TOEFL web site at http://www.toefl.org
However, the following categories of students are exempted from the TOEFL requirement:
Students who have received instruction in English in their primary and secondary schools, or
Students who have been in an English speaking country for four years or longer
Students who have received their degrees from an American, British, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand institution
Students who have received their degrees from NUS or NTU.
If you would like assistance with Admissions or Applications you can download applications material from http://web.sma.nus.edu.sg/admissions/application/applications.html or email
smart@nus.edu.sg or telephone +65 6874-4787.
Universities - Facilities
The SMA community is comprised of a wealth of talented and fascinating individuals who all share a commitment to excellence in academics. Equally important, members of SMA value a strong support network through interaction and collective resources. Programme participants are encouraged to use this site to learn more about one another, and to cultivate academic, social and professional relationships with alumni and fellow students.
The Singapore Universities
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
National University of Singapore (NUS) & Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Teaching Facilities
Classes are principally conducted using state-of-the-art distance learning technology via Internet 2. Specialized lecture halls synchronously transmit classes between MIT and Singapore students. State-of-the-art recording and delivery systems create a true collaborative environment, while all presentation materials are simultaneously shared through a separate data stream. The interactive distance learning experience is unsurpassed by any other educational facilities.
Research Facilities
Both NUS and NTU have made their mark as research-intensive universities. Research undertaken by the universities is focused on contributing to Singapore's development as a scientific and technological hub. It is conducted at the academic departments, research centres and national research institutes to which the SMA Fellows are affiliated. The relevant research facilities belonging to NUS or NTU are generally available to the SMA students registered with that university.
Student Workspace
SMA students are assigned a cubicle with a PC at the respective host institution. Research students reside near the laboratory of their supervisor and are also each assigned a PC.
Computer Resources
The Computer Centre at NUS, Centre for IT Services at NTU and Information Services department at MIT provide powerful, comprehensive computing tools to support both teaching and research. At NUS more than 4,500 workstations are strategically distributed throughout the campus. They are linked by a fibre-based network -- one of the largest and fastest of its kind in the world. The University has facilities including the Silicon Graphic supercomputer, which serves as an effective research tool for researchers.
Library Facilities
The library system at NUS is made up of 6 libraries with a total collection of over 1.97 million books and bound periodicals, 43,020 reels of microfilms, 297,810 microfiches, 12,500 AV programmes, and 156 CD-ROM databases. The 3 libraries at NTU house a collection of 576,000 volumes (some 354,000 titles). Online and CD-ROM databases, e-journals, e-publications, AV and multimedia are all available through the newly launched GEMS (Gateway to Electronic Media Services).
Accommodation
Housing in Singapore is arranged through the SMA Office. Wherever possible, SMA will try to arrange for on-campus accommodation. Otherwise, off-campus accommodation will be secured. Should a student choose to acquire his/her own accommodation, one should be selected which is convenient to the university where the lectures are held, bearing in mind that the distance learning takes place in the early morning or late evening hours.
Campus Services
The Foreign Student Advisory Service at NUS, the International Students Unit at NTU and the International Students Office at MIT provide a range of services to international students. Services are broad and include student counseling, career/employment assistance, health services, and more.
Activities and Entertainment
SMA students are encouraged to explore the numerous academic, artistic and recreational programmes that NUS and NTU offer. From the award-winning NUS campus concerts or Ng Eng Teng Gallery, NTU Sports & Recreation Centre or School of Arts, students will find a sense of community in the exceptional student-oriented programmes and facilities available on campus. In addition, there are many active student associations on both campuses that represent a wide spectrum of interests and activities.
Massachusettes Institute of Technology
Teaching Facilities
SMA classes taught by MIT professors are conducted in specially equipped distance learning classrooms. Specialized lecture halls synchronously transmit classes to Singapore students. State-of-the-art recording and delivery systems create a true collaborative environment, while all presentation materials are simultaneously shared through a separate data stream. The interactive distance learning experience is unsurpassed by any other educational facilities.
Research Facilities
MIT's long tradition of making contributions to knowledge has resulted in extensive resources for graduate study. Graduate students play a central role in all of the Institute's wide-ranging research activities, making a vital contribution to the educational experience of students and faculty and to the success of the research itself. This commitment provides a fertile setting for research that has spawned a host of scientific breakthroughs and technological advances. The institute's research facilities are generally available to registered students for all approved academic needs.
Student Workspace
Ph.D. students are assigned an office space when at MIT for a semester and given access to computers in the computer clusters.
Computer Resources
MIT's computing environment gives members of the community access to a rich array of technologies and information resources. IS services and facilities include MITnet (the campus network), Athena Computing Environment, help lines, consulting, training, and publications to help members of the MIT community make effective use of Information Technology. Some departments and laboratories also maintain their own computing facilities.
Library Facilities
The system comprises five large libraries and five smaller, more specialised collections. In all, it contains over 2.5 million volumes, excess of 18,000 serial titles, more than 50 databases, and hundreds of additional electronic resources. Other resources include more than two million microforms and major collections of photographs, maps, and audio/video recordings. The Institute Archives collects the records of MIT, personal papers of faculty, and MIT publications.
Accommodation
Students attending the Immersion Programme at MIT will be housed at one of the student dormitories on the campus. The Ph.D. students who will be at MIT for a semester will be housed in apartments located near the MIT campus. Both the dormitories and apartments are equipped with basic facilities.
Campus Services
The Foreign Student Advisory Service at NUS, the International Students Unit at NTU, and the International Students Office at MIT provide a range of services to international students. Services are broad and include student counseling, career/employment assistance, health services, and more.
Activities and Entertainment
MIT has extensive sports and recreation facilities for use by students and faculty. It also boasts many student associations, from service associations to a wide range of international ethnic/language groups. In addition, MIT has ready access to cultural events in the greater Boston area and regularly sponsors varied entertainment events from around the world.

CONTACT

E4-04-10
4 Engineering Drive 3
National University

of Singapore
Singapore 117576

Tel: (65) 6516-4787

Email: smart@nus.edu.sg

Website: http://web.mit.edu/sma/