Last updated: 2026-09-14
Are SMU and SUTD good universities despite lower overall rankings?
Yes. SMU and SUTD are specialised Autonomous Universities with strong industry links — SMU in business, accountancy, law and economics; SUTD in design, engineering and technology. They rank lower overall partly because they are smaller and narrower, so judge them on the relevant programme, not the overall number.
Judge on outcomes
Look at the specific programme's graduate employment and starting salaries. A strong SMU accountancy or SUTD design degree can outperform a higher-ranked general degree for the right student. See <a href="/articles/best-universities-in-singapore-2027-for-international-families" style="color:#204F3C;font-weight:600;">the 2027 family view</a>.
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