Classes for the first batch of 340 students at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore’s fourth public university, started on 8 May 2012.  Though the university received a total of 4,150 applications, they admitted 340.  This is below their initial plan of 500, but according to SUTD president, Professor Thomas Magnanti, “We've been very careful in admitting students”.  He believes that "to perform well in SUTD, students need to be equipped with a strong foundation in mathematics and science, as the MIT-developed pedagogy will be rigorous."    

About SUTD
SUTD was formed through a partnership with two other institutions, namely the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA and Zhejiang University, China.  The university is offering courses in engineering, information systems and architecture, but in an integrated/cross-disciplinary manner. Students will learn not just in the classroom, but also through exchanges and project work.  An undergraduate degree programme from SUTD will take about 3½ years to complete, with the option to spend an extra year for the master’s.  For more information, please visit www.sutd.edu.sg.