https://www.quora.com/Should-I-go-to-the-Imperial-College-London-or-NUS-local-Singaporean-for-engineering

Assistant:

Choosing between Imperial College London and the National University of Singapore (NUS) for engineering depends on several factors, including your personal preferences, career goals, and financial situation. Here are some considerations to help you make your decision:

Reputation and Rankings

Imperial College London: Known globally for its engineering and technology programs, Imperial consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. It has a strong reputation in research and innovation.
NUS: NUS is highly regarded in Asia and has been climbing in global rankings. It is particularly strong in engineering and technology fields, and its programs are well-respected in Singapore and the region.

Curriculum and Specializations

Imperial College: Offers a wide range of engineering specializations, with a strong emphasis on research and hands-on learning. The curriculum is rigorous and prepares students for various engineering careers.
NUS: Also offers various engineering disciplines with a focus on practical experience and industry collaboration. NUS has strong ties with local industries, which can provide valuable internship opportunities.

Location and Culture

Imperial College: Located in London, which offers a vibrant cultural scene, networking opportunities, and exposure to a diverse international community. However, the cost of living can be high.
NUS: Located in Singapore, a global business hub with a multicultural environment. Living costs are generally lower than in London, and the city is known for its safety and cleanliness.

Career Opportunities

Imperial College: Graduates often find opportunities in Europe and globally, with many multinational companies recruiting from the university.
NUS: Graduates have strong prospects in Asia, particularly in Singapore, which has a booming tech and engineering sector. NUS’s connections with local industries can facilitate job placements.

Financial Considerations

Tuition and Living Costs: Compare the tuition fees and living expenses for both universities. Studying in London can be more expensive than in Singapore, so consider your budget and potential financial aid options.

Personal Preferences

Think about your own preferences regarding culture, lifestyle, and where you want to live after graduation. Consider visiting both campuses if possible, or speaking with current students or alumni.

Conclusion

Both Imperial College London and NUS offer excellent engineering programs, so your choice should align with your career goals, financial situation, and personal preferences. If you aim for a more international experience and can manage the costs, Imperial might be the right choice. If you prefer staying in Singapore with strong local opportunities, NUS could be the better option.

Ruitao Jia:

Im kind of considered as “local”, migrated here at age of 7, got my citizenship and did my NS.

I have exactly same situation as you got. I get into NUS Science and Chemistry at Imperial and for now, I decide to go imperial this coming fall. I think it’s very much depend on your family background (can they afford), your future planning (where you want to stay and what kind of work you want to do).

For instance, if you come from an average middle class family, and you wish to work in Singapore, I’d say NUS is a better choice. Starting salary for an Imperial graduate won’t be much higher than NUS graduate, and you will have a much better alumni connection. On the other hand, if your family can easily afford the tuition fees, you should go Imperial college. I heard many bad rumors about NUS, such as students ain't that smart, poor lecture quality and etc.

My first language is not English, so please bear with my poor language skill.

Miow Koon Yong:

If your parents are wealthy or you have a scholarship, it is better to go overseas to a good university to get the exposure of studying in a top class university in the West, otherwise do your undergraduate study here in NUS or NTU.

These two universities are ranked very high among the top universities in the work. By studying overseas, you will acquire many life skills not possible while studying in the local universities. You will also get the exposure to be more independent and network with many talented people overseas that may be useful in your future career.

You could pursue an overseas education by doing your postgraduate study overseas at a later date to gain the exposure, improve on your life skills and further your network.

Bernard Cheong:

It depends on your aspirations and the family budget (assuming you are not obtaining a state scholarship). An NUS degree would get you into Singaporean industry quite easily, if you are not aiming for the blue chips and you are prepared to be a recruiter’s KPI. An Imperial degree would open a few more doors, eg a good chance to go into consulting. The downside is that like me and some of my cohort, we returned to Singapore a little disillusioned. All of us got out into banking or management streams, within 7 years of graduating