Overseas Entrepreneurship Programme
Programme Overview
The Overseas Entrepreneurship Programme (OEP) provides a unique opportunity for NTU undergraduates to gain entrepreneurial experience outside the classroom. Students are offered internship roles in technology-based start-ups in global innovation hotspots, and work closely with founders to contribute to the business. Through OEP, students will gain a global perspective of business and markets, build valuable business contacts, and develop the skills to build and run a start-up. NTU is an appointed partner of the Innovators Academy under Ministry of Education's Global Innovation Alliance initiative of which OEP is a part of.
Eligible students are funded up to S$10,000 (Southeast Asian start-ups only).
*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to changes
Internship Duration
6 months / 1 year
Internship Mode
Overseas
Course Intake
January and July
Application window
For July 2025 batch: |
1 December 2024 to 16 January 2025 |
Programme Details
The overseas exposure in OEP presents opportunities to create new business ideas through observation and interaction with the local business community. Students will be provided mentorship in helping them create a business idea while on internship overseas. Students are required to submit and present a business proposal upon their return.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend local entrepreneurship events like hackathons, innovation competition, and fireside chats with local entrepreneurs. This would help them integrate into the startup ecosystem and hone their entrepreneurial skills while learning from the best in the business, Students will be grouped to organise an entrepreneurial event every 6 months in the host country as part of their OEP internship.
Students who are keen to find out more can download our brochures - English | Chinese.
Programme Curriculum
To find out more, please download our brochures - English | Chinese
Learn more about the OEP course outline and assessment criteria here: 6-month OEP | 12-month OEP
OEP students can gain academic credits during their internship, subject to approval by both OEP and faculty, the credit allocations for individual colleges are different.
With travelling restrictions lifted by the University in October 2021, travelling to the host countries for students on a credit-bearing internship is an option amid the current pandemic, subject to certain conditions.
Admission Info
- Current NTU full-time undergraduate students who have completed at least 2 semesters in NTU and at least one remaining semester of study upon return without exceeding their maximum candidature (depending on course curriculum). Students are encouraged to apply for OEP during their penultimate or final year.
- Passion for entrepreneurship and willingness to take on the challenge of working overseas in a changing start-up environment.
- Possess the maturity to thrive in a foreign and highly competitive environment as you will be dealing with founders and important stakeholders.
Note:- Students are allowed to clear their internship credits using OEP, though subject to OEP’s and the faculty’s approval.
- Students are required to complete at least one entrepreneurship module before embarking on OEP
- For scholars, please check with the scholarship administrators with regards to your eligibility to participate in the programme.
- No extension of candidature will be allowed as students are advised to plan their modules in advance.
- Confirmation of placement in OEP is subjected to appointments offered by the startups.
OEP sends students overseas twice a year - January and June.
Please fill out the application form here. Together with your application, you also need to submit:
1) An essay of not more than 300 words telling us about:
- your entrepreneurial aspirations and what you hope to achieve by going on OEP
- your personal passion and mission statement
- a time when you failed at something and how you overcame it
2) Your resume
3) Full degree audit
After submitting your application, you will be notified via e-mail if you have been shortlisted for an interview. Do check your NTU e-mail inbox regularly for the outcome of your application and the selection interview.
OEP interns may receive GRT grant amount of up to S$5,600 for a 6-month internship (terms and conditions apply)
2. not hold any external scholarships or awards
Students on scholarships must check with their respective scholarship administrators or providers on their eligibility to participate in the OEP before applying. Selected candidates will only be permitted to embark on this programme after meeting the eligibility criteria.
2. Can I go for GEM Explorer before embarking on OEP?As will be conducting briefings and interviews for all outgoing students, students are encouraged to be in NTU in the semester before embarking on OEP. However, we will review each student on a case-by-case basis. Subject to meeting your minimum residential candidature, you can participate in GEM Explorer before completing OEP.
3. Can I graduate immediately after returning from OEP?This will depend on your course and your school. If you are participating in OEP during your final semester, please note that the marks entry will be delayed and will affect your graduation by 2 months.
4. Can I apply for OEP if I am currently in my freshman year?Freshmen are welcome to apply for this programme but you will only embark on the programme once you have completed at least 2 semesters.
5. Am I eligible to apply for OEP if I am a graduate student?No, OEP is currently only open to NTU undergraduates.
6. If I am an international student, will I be eligible for the programme?Yes, international students may apply for the programme but they will not be eligible for the subsidies.