What is the SMU Young Leaders Summer Programme about?
The SMU Young Leaders Summer Programme is an academic enrichment programme for outstanding high school students from Asia and all over the world. Selected top students will converge on SMU’s city campus in Singapore and participate in an intensive, interdisciplinary 1-week programme focusing on developing their leadership potential and honing critical 21st century competencies identified in the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s Future of Jobs report 2023, including analytical skills, communications skills, collaboration skills and creative thinking. Through the programme, students will develop the broad capabilities necessary to thrive in a complex and rapidly-changing world.
The inaugural programme will run from 15 - 19 July 2024, in Singapore.
Overview of the SMU Young Leaders Summer Programme for High School Students
Build life skills and develop capabilities to thrive in a complex and rapidly-changing world
Meet new friends from all over the world
Get a taste of our signature interactive classes in our iconic seminar rooms
Out of the classroom experiences where you’ll attend exclusive workshops and interact with current students
Experience Singapore, the Garden City of the World!
Experience residential living in the heart of the city
SMU At a Glance
Come spend your summer in Singapore, one of the most culturally diverse and exciting countries in the world! Broaden your experience at SMU, a premier university in Asia internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. SMU's beautiful city campus is located in Singapore's central business district and thriving heritage and cultural districts, with strategic linkages to business, government and the wider community.
›13,000 Undergraduate and postgraduate students on campus
Freshmen From ›170 High Schools across ›70 Cities around the world
Professors across ›30 different nationalities
11 undergraduate degree programmes with ›45 majors
How to Apply to the SMU Young Leaders Summer Programme
Phase 1 (15 Dec 2023 - 30 April 2024)
Open for group applications from high schools or education partners. Each group of student participants (minimum group size: 4) must be accompanied by a high school teacher/staff or education partner representative.
Phase 2 (*MORE SPACES ADDED BY POPULAR DEMAND* Deadline now extended to Fri 24 May*)
Open for direct applications from individual high school students.
As we expect interest to be very strong and can only offer a limited number of spaces in this first intake, please plan to apply as early as possible.
Note: the Summer Programme will take place from 15 to 19 July 2024 (pre-programme arrival & check-in: Sunday, 14 July 2024 between 12pm - 6pm; programme ends at 3pm on Fri 19 July with checkout from 3pm onwards).
Who Can Participate in the Summer Programme?
Our SMU Young Leaders Summer Programme is open to outstanding high school students from Asia and all over the world. To be eligible for the 2024 summer programme, you must meet the following criteria:
- Will be graduating from high school and entering university in 2025 or 2026.
- Are at least 16 years old by 1 July 2024 and will not turn 19 years old before 31 July 2024
- Have a comfortable command of the English language, both written and spoken, as all classes, and your final presentation, will be conducted in English.
- Have a strong academic high school record.
Important Deadlines:
Applications for the 2024 Summer Programme is currently closed. Stay tuned for updates on the application dates for the 2025 Summer Programme.
For more information, please write to highschoolprog@smu.edu.sg for assistance.
Programme Highlights
Academic classes on SMU’s campus, in SMU’s signature seminar rooms
Complimentary workshops on getting a headstart for university and insights into the admissions process
Socials with SMU students and the university community
Residential living and learning in the heart of the city
Sightseeing around Singapore
More About the SMU Young Leaders Summer Programme
Explore your intellectual interests without the pressure of grades. Classes are non-credit, so you can focus on enjoying the process of learning. In line with SMU’s focus on experiential learning learning, there will be a strong emphasis on group work, class discussions, and a final presentation. At the end of the summer programme, you will become a more effective and confident communicator!
Upon completion of the Summer Programme you will receive a certificate of participation* which can be a great way to supplement your university application to SMU.
*Note: Participants are required to attain at least 80% attendance in order to receive the certificate at the end of the Summer Programme.
Cost
The total fees for the 2024 SMU Young Leaders Summer Programme are $3,500** Singapore Dollars (SGD). This includes tuition, campus accommodation for the duration of the programme (students will stay in twin-sharing rooms – meet your roommate and make a new friend!), meals, and sightseeing and activity costs within the programme.
Teacher/staff chaperones from the high schools or education partners who are accompanying their student groups will pay a participation fee of SGD$1,500** per chaperone. This covers accommodation (single room), meals and sight-seeing/activity costs within the programme.
** You will be required to manage your international travel costs (such as airfare and airport transfers) separately. You are also required to purchase personal travel and medical insurance to cover the duration of the summer programme. Please also plan for personal expenses that you might require, such as for shopping and purchasing of souvenirs!
Contact Us
If you have any further enquiries, please contact highschoolprog@smu.edu.sg for assistance.
Can't make it for the 2024 programme but want more information about 2025's programme? Join the mailing list below and we'll update you when applications open for 2025!