How to Apply to Computer Science at SUTD: The Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Science and Design), Common Freshmore Year, Gaokao 650 Guideline and Entrance Examination, with Requirements and Timeline for Chinese, International-Curriculum, Canadian High School and Transfer Students

At the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), computing is taught by the Information Systems Technology and Design (ISTD) pillar, and the degree is the Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Science and Design), or CSD. SUTD explains that CSD was previously called Information Systems Technology and Design, and was renamed to reflect its computing-intensive curriculum. Note that it is a Bachelor of Engineering, not a degree titled Bachelor of Computer Science. Here is what you need to know, based on SUTD’s official information, for students at high schools in China (Gaokao and international curricula), students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

1. What the degree covers

• Common first year, then a pillar: all students take the same three Freshmore terms in science, mathematics, technology, humanities and design, choose their pillar at the end of Term 3, and start CSD courses in Term 4. From the 2026 cohort, AI and design run through all three Freshmore terms. BEng students, including CSD, take the engineering-focused (E) version of mathematics.
• Grade-free start: all Term 1 subjects are pass/no record, and up to four more subjects in Terms 2 and 3 can be grade-free.
• Pillar curriculum: 60 credits of CSD core (Information Systems and Programming, Computation Structures, Elements of Software Construction, Algorithms, Computer System Engineering), 96 credits of electives, 60 credits of HASS and a 24-credit capstone, usually in a team with students from other pillars on an industry or research project.
• Eight tracks: Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Financial Technology, IoT and Intelligent Systems, Security, Software Engineering, Visual Analytics and Computing, and a Custom Track. A track is not required to graduate.
• Accreditation: the Engineering Accreditation Board of the Institution of Engineers, Singapore has granted CSD full accreditation for students graduating in and after 2015, with objectives mapped to the Washington Accord.

2. General requirements and selection

• At least 12 years of general education, or sitting a Year 12 national or international exam in the application year. SUTD says students strong in Mathematics and the Sciences (Physics or Chemistry) are generally preferred.
• Documents: Grade 10 results, Grade 12 results or latest semester/predicted results, university transcripts if you are or were at university, optional references, and evidence of leadership, research, internships, entrepreneurship, community service and significant achievements.
• University Entrance Examination (UEE): in most categories, shortlisted applicants with predicted or pending results take the UEE. In 2026 it was on 5 April: one hour, closed book, 25 multiple-choice questions in Mathematics/Logic and 15 in Physics, based on the Singapore A-level syllabus. It is free and by invitation only.
• Conversation: shortlisted applicants are notified by end April for an in-person or online conversation; outcomes are released by mid-May.
• Only one application is accepted per admissions exercise.

3. Students at high schools in China: applying with the Gaokao

• Score guideline: Gaokao scores above 650 are preferred, and scores around 600 and above are also welcome. SUTD does not state the maximum score this refers to.
• Shortlisted applicants with more than 650 do not need to sit the UEE.
• Applicants using Senior Middle 3 Semester 1 results who are shortlisted must sit the UEE and submit Gaokao results within 3 days of release.
• Senior 3 students not sitting the Gaokao apply under Other International Qualifications.
• English: an IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, PTE Academic, ACT or C1 Advanced score is compulsory, taken within two years before applying; SUTD says there is no prescribed minimum and applications are reviewed holistically.
• Dates: 2027 dates are not yet published; for 2026 entry the window was 2 January to 2 March 2026. Check SUTD for 2027.

4. International curricula (A-level, IB, US)

• A-level (UK Cambridge, Edexcel, OCR, AQA, Hong Kong and others): good passes in at least three A-levels in the same sitting, from the same or different boards; subjects finished in different periods are not accepted. Shortlisted applicants with predicted or AS results sit the UEE and submit A-level results within 3 days of release.
• IB Diploma: authorise the IBO to release your results to SUTD. May candidates applying with predicted results may be invited to the UEE for early admission consideration, and must submit final results within 3 days of release in July.
• US High School Diploma: submit Grade 10, 11 and Grade 12 (or Grade 12 Semester 1) results; shortlisted applicants sit the UEE.
• For 2026 entry, all three categories ran from 2 January to 2 March 2026; 2027 dates are not yet published.

5. Students at Canadian high schools

• SUTD has no separate Canadian category; the BC Certificate of Graduation, Ontario OSSD and other diplomas apply under Other International Qualifications.
• Grade requirements for Canadian diplomas are not published; ask through SUTD’s Ask Admissions enquiry or call booking.
• Shortlisted applicants applying with school results sit the UEE, as do those using latest semester or predicted results. The UEE follows A-level Mathematics and Physics, so prepare Physics in advance.
• No English test is needed if your school teaches in English; otherwise it is required.
• For 2026 entry, the window was also 2 January to 2 March 2026.

6. Transfer students

• SUTD has no separate transfer page; every category asks current or former university students to submit university transcripts, so you apply again with your high school qualification.
• Credit transfer is not published; check with admissions.

7. Fees, Tuition Grant and scholarships

• Tuition for 2026 entry (per year, SGD, including GST):
  • international students with a Tuition Grant: 30,200 for ASEAN students and 31,600 for all other international students;
  • without a Tuition Grant: 62,076;
  • 2027 fees are not yet published.
• Tuition Grant: international students can only apply for a Tier C grant, which is limited and merit-based; recipients must work for a Singapore entity for three years after graduation. You apply in the admission form; recipients register on the MOE website in early September and sign the agreement with two guarantors.
• SUTD Trailblazers (International) Scholarship: for permanent residents and international students; covers tuition after the Tuition Grant for up to four years, with no bond, but you must take up the Tuition Grant. You need good academic standing and at least 20 hours of service to the university. You apply with your admission application.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Watch for the 2027 window (2 January to 2 March in 2026) and apply in the PRC Gaokao category
• Aim for 650+ (around 600 is welcome); if applying with Senior 3 Semester 1 results, prepare for the UEE
• Submit one English test score; prepare evidence of leadership, projects and competitions, and the conversation
• A-level: 3+ subjects in one sitting; or the IB Diploma; or a US High School Diploma

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• Apply under Other International Qualifications; confirm grade expectations with admissions
• Prepare for the UEE in A-level-style Mathematics and Physics

Transfer students:

• Apply with your high school qualification and attach university transcripts; ask about credit transfer

Sources: Singapore University of Technology and Design, Computer Science and Design curriculum; Specialisation tracks; Accreditation; Freshmore curriculum; International qualifications; PRC Gaokao criteria; PRC Gaokao timeline; A-Level criteria; IB Diploma criteria; US High School Diploma criteria; Other international qualifications; University Entrance Examination; Tuition fees; Tuition Grant; SUTD Trailblazers (International) Scholarship. 2027 application dates and fees have not been announced; dates and fees shown are for 2026 entry. Check SUTD for the latest details.