The Tembusu (Fagraea fragrans) is a large evergreen tree in the family Gentianaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia. Its trunk is dark brown, with deeply fissured bark, looking somewhat like a bittergourd. It grows in an irregular shape from 10 to 25m high. Its leaves are light green and oval in shape. Its yellowish flowers have a distinct fragrance and the fruits of the tree are bitter tasting red berries, which are eaten by birds and fruit bats. Source: Tembusu, Wikipedia

ADMISSIONS TO TEMBUSU COLLEGE FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 24/25
Admissions open from 11 March 2024 (SGT 09:00 AM) to 8 April 2024 (SGT 11:59 PM). 

For admissions in AY2024-2025:

You are strongly encouraged to apply even if you have not received an offer to join an undergraduate degree programme in NUS.

University Town College Programme (UTCP) at Tembusu College is typically a two year residency programme. After two years, students may apply to spend a third year in residency, during which they can take part in the Senior Learning Experience. A very limited number of students may also be selected to stay a fourth year.

Candidates interested to gain admission to Tembusu College have to submit an application through the Joint Residential College Application System website. Please note that the application system will not be available from 1:00AM to 3:00AM daily (+8 GMT) for system maintenance.

All candidates have to submit an essay as part of the application process. Shortlisted candidates residing in Singapore should be prepared to be called for an interview. Otherwise, alternative interview arrangements will be considered on a case by case basis. The interview session will allow us to get to know you better and learn about your interests and talents. It is also an opportunity for you to find out more about University Town and the College. We are looking to recruit a diversity of people with varied interests, and who will be good citizens of the College.

Before accessing the Joint Residential College Application System, candidates should note the following:

  • For incoming freshmen, please feel free to apply to us while awaiting your offer from NUS. However, admission into the UTCP at Tembusu College is contingent upon your acceptance of an offer to pursue an undergraduate degree program in NUS.
  • By joining Tembusu College, you will participate in the UTCP.
  • You may indicate your preference for Tembusu College in your application, but your eventual College placement (if selected) may be different from this.
  • Once you have submitted your application, please check your email inbox and spam box for our reply. Thank you.
  • Meals are considered part of community life in the college, and it is compulsory for all students to purchase meal plan if admitted to the College. Please refer to our FAQ for more information.
  • Navigate through our Interactive Map to experience life as a Tembusian and explore the student activities within our College.
  • More information is available on Residential Colleges. Alternatively, email us to find out more.


Click here to apply or find out more details on the Residential College Programmes (UTCP)! 

As there will only be one application window, you are strongly encouraged to apply even if you have not received an offer to join an undergraduate degree programme in NUS yet. Ultimately, admission into the RC Programmes is contingent upon your acceptance of an offer to pursue an undergraduate degree programme in NUS.

All candidates will be asked to submit essays as part of the application process and shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. For candidates who are serving National Service, kindly ask your commanders for time off for the interview. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates via email.

After successful admission via the UTCP, the candidates are required to complete a room registration process via the Office of Student Affairs’ University Hostel Management