Undergraduate SUTD Technology and Entrepreneurship Programme (USTEP)

Let your entrepreneurial aspirations take flight

A 4-year integrated programme aimed at nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurial innovators and trailblazers contributing to venture-building efforts, and advancing the fast-evolving start-up landscape within SUTD, the community and globally. 

USTEP offers students an immersive experience with exciting innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities in Singapore and globally, including curated workshops, internships at top firms and research institutes, mentorships with global leaders, and final-year Capstone project. 

You will graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree:

  • Bachelor of Science (Architecture and Sustainable Design)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Science and Design)
  • Bachelor of Science (Design and Artificial Intelligence)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Engineering Product Development)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Engineering Systems and Design)


Programme Highlights

STARTsomething: A Guided Path to Your First Successful Launch

Gain knowledge and skills to navigate the start-up ecosystem with this unique 3-term experiential entrepreneurship programme, which includes IDEATEsomething, BUILDsomething and LAUNCHsomething (STARTsomething@SUTD).

Industry Attachment and Mentorship

Curated local or overseas internships at start-ups, innovation units of global top firms and research institutes, with the opportunities of mentorship from top leadership and management members.

Baby Shark Fund

A small seed grant for experimentation, validation, building, and deploying your ideas.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) Capstone

Take on an I&E Capstone project with prototyping grants.

Minor in Design, Innovation, Venture and Entrepreneurship (DIVE)

Graduate with a DIVE minor on top of your degree without additional course load* 

* Refer to details on requirements needed to fulfil the DIVE minor


Programme Structure

Three Pathways

  1. USTEP Global
  2. USTEP
  3. USTEP NOC – option to join NUS Overseas College (NOC)

Students pursuing the USTEP Global pathway will embark on:

  • Overseas exchange at one of our partner universities1 after Term 5 (during Year 3 Sep - Dec). You will have to take courses that fulfil Term 6 requirements of your respective majors (programmes)

  • Overseas I&E industry attachment (Year 3 Jan to Year 4 Aug)

1 Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 to be eligible for exchange. Our current partner universities include Aalto University (Slush programme) and Zhejiang University. 
Note: Participation in overseas exchange and attachment is subject to selection criteria 

Students pursuing the USTEP pathway will embark on:

  • Overseas exchange2 after Term 5 (during Year 3 Sep - Dec) or stay in SUTD to fulfil Term 6 requirements of your respective majors (programmes)

  • I&E industry attachment (Year 3 Jan to Year 4 Aug)

2 Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 to be eligible for exchange.
Note: Participation in overseas exchange is subject to selection criteria 

Students on the USTEP NOC pathway will join the NUS Overseas College (NOC)3 programme for three terms (Year 3 Sep to Year 4 Aug).
 
3 NOC selection is done in Term 3. Students should note that fees for NOC placement will apply (in addition to the normal SUTD undergraduate programme fees). 


Application 

Admission Criteria

Application is open to all who meet the following criteria:

  • Have good academic performance
  • Demonstrated strong communication skills and leadership potential
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with qualities such as innovation, dynamism, resilience, risk-taking and responsiveness


How to apply

In the online application to SUTD, applicants should indicate your interest in USTEP and complete two short-response questions about your motivation, entrepreneurial experience, and interest in the programme.
 
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to have a conversation with SUTD faculty/leader regarding your application to the university and USTEP. Prior to the session, candidates will have 30 minutes to prepare a pitch based on a list of given topics. You will then present your pitch during the conversation.
 
Applicants who are not shortlisted for USTEP will still be considered for the SUTD undergraduate (single degree) programme, and/or another special programme as indicated in your application.
 
Those interested in USTEP NOC pathway are to note that application and selection for this pathway will take place in Term 3. Students should also note that additional fees for the NOC placement will apply, on top of the normal SUTD undergraduate programme fees.


Scholarships and Awards

Qualified applicants who meet the prevailing scholarship criteria may be considered for a scholarship. In addition, all USTEP students, if eligible, will receive a travel award valued at S$5,000, to support your overseas exchange travel expenses. This award is subject to students meeting the eligibility for exchange and selection criteria, and will be awarded after these criteria have been fulfilled.


Contact Us

For admissions inquiries, you may write to us at admissions@sutd.edu.sg.


Information updated as of 20 December 2024 and is subject to change.

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