National University of Singapore Solar Energy Research Institute
- Acceptance Rate
- 12.0%
- SAT Range
- N/A
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.88
- Size
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- Type
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- Student:Faculty
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- Graduation Rate
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Graduate student life at SERIS reflects the broader NUS experience while providing a specialized research community focused on solar energy. Students join research teams led by SERIS scientists, working alongside postdoctoral researchers and research staff in laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art fabrication and characterization facilities. The institute's modern facilities at the CleanTech Park campus provide comfortable working environments. NUS provides extensive support services for graduate students including housing assistance, health services, and career guidance. The international student population creates a diverse community where students from across Asia and around the world share perspectives and experiences. Student organizations, recreational facilities, and cultural programs provide balance to intensive research demands. Singapore offers exceptional quality of life with modern infrastructure, diverse cuisine, and multicultural society. The city-state is safe, efficient, and well-organized, making daily life straightforward for international students. Entertainment and recreation options span from nature reserves to world-class shopping and dining. Weekend travel to Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian destinations is easy and affordable. Housing options include on-campus residence halls and off-campus apartments throughout Singapore. The university provides some guaranteed housing for graduate students, particularly international students in their first year. Singapore's efficient MRT (subway) system connects most parts of the island, making commuting practical from various neighborhoods. Housing costs are high by Southeast Asian standards but reasonable compared to other major global cities.
Location & Surroundings
SERIS facilities are located at the CleanTech Park in Singapore, with connections to the NUS main campus in Kent Ridge. The CleanTech Park concentrates clean technology companies and research organizations, creating an innovation ecosystem around sustainable technology. NUS itself ranks consistently among Asia's top universities and provides the academic framework for graduate education. Singapore's tropical climate features consistently high temperatures (28-32 degrees Celsius) and humidity year-round, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms particularly during monsoon seasons. This climate creates ideal conditions for solar energy research, as the technologies developed must work effectively in tropical environments relevant throughout Southeast Asia and other equatorial regions. Singapore's public transportation system is exceptional, with the MRT train system, buses, and taxis connecting all parts of the compact island nation. Most daily needs can be met without a car, and car ownership is deliberately expensive to manage traffic. The island's small size means that even distant destinations are reachable within reasonable commuting times. Singapore's position as a global business hub creates opportunities for industry engagement and career development. Major corporations maintain regional headquarters in Singapore, and the startup ecosystem continues to grow. Government emphasis on clean energy development ensures policy support and funding for solar energy research and deployment.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Graduate tuition at NUS for research programs runs approximately SGD 8,000-12,000 per semester for international students, with lower rates for Singaporean and permanent residents. Many graduate students receive scholarships covering tuition and providing living allowances, particularly for doctoral programs aligned with national research priorities such as clean energy. Research scholarships typically provide monthly stipends of SGD 2,000-3,500 depending on degree level and funding source. This support enables comfortable living in Singapore, though the city's high costs require careful budgeting. Housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses total approximately SGD 1,500-2,500 monthly depending on lifestyle and housing choices. Living costs in Singapore are high by regional standards but include benefits such as excellent infrastructure, safety, and quality of life. University housing options help control costs when available. The efficient public transportation system reduces transportation expenses. Subsidized campus dining provides affordable food options. Career outcomes for SERIS graduates span research institutions, solar energy companies, utilities, government agencies, and consulting firms. Singapore's strategic emphasis on clean energy ensures domestic opportunities, while SERIS's international reputation opens doors globally. Alumni work at solar manufacturers, project developers, and research centers throughout Asia and worldwide. The combination of technical expertise and exposure to commercial applications prepares graduates for diverse roles in the growing solar energy sector.
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