WhereIsAtlas · Education

National University of Singapore

Founded in 1905, Singapore's flagship university and one of the highest-ranked in Asia

Active — The National University of Singapore (NUS) traces its roots to 1905, when it was founded as a medical school. Today it is Singapore's flagship university and one of the very top-ranked universities in Asia — very much active and growing.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) traces its origins to 1905, when it was established as the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School. It was the island's first institution of higher learning, and over the decades it evolved through several mergers into a comprehensive national university.

NUS's transformation mirrors Singapore's own rise. As Singapore grew into a global financial and technology hub, NUS grew into one of Asia's premier research universities. It expanded its campuses and disciplines, and today offers a wide range of programmes in fields from medicine and engineering to business and the arts.

Today NUS is Singapore's flagship university and routinely ranks near the very top of Asian universities — and among the best in the world. It is a modern, research-intensive institution that continues to expand its global reach.

Quick facts

Founded
1905, as a medical school
University type
Public research university
Location
Singapore
Founding name
Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School
Ranking
Among the top universities in Asia and the world
Known for
Research, technology, global partnerships
Notable
Singapore's oldest institution of higher learning

Sources

  1. National University of Singapore - Wikipedia — Wikipedia (2026-09-05)
  2. Evolution of NUS Identity — National University of Singapore (2026-09-05)

Related: university santo tomas · ateneo · stanford · yale