Tourist crowds ease at Singapore top universities after stricter campus controls
NUS said measures rolled out over the past two years to manage crowd levels at its Kent Ridge campus have helped bring the situation under control, Singapore-based The Straits Times reported.
The university added that the steps have been well received by staff and students, with visitors also giving positive feedback.
The school witnessed surges of tourists in 2024, which resulted in overcrowded shuttle buses, packed canteens and frequent friction between visitors and students.
Students had complained of disruptions to academic life and raised safety concerns, including visitors entering restricted areas or flouting traffic rules.
In response, NUS introduced mandatory registration and guided-tour requirements during peak periods.
From Jan. 13 to Feb. 21, 2025, visitors were required to pre-book tour slots and join groups led by student ambassadors or docents, or risk being asked to leave the campus, Channel News Asia reported.
NTU has reported similar results.
An NTU spokesperson said in January that visitor numbers have stabilized over the past two years following measures such as requiring travel agencies to obtain prior approval for campus tours, The Straits Times reported.
The university has also deployed security personnel and student guides to ensure visitors remain in public areas and avoid academic and residential zones. Organized tours are barred during blackout periods for major university events, including convocation.
NUS ranked 8th in the world in QS World University Rankings 2026 released in June 2025. NTU was ranked 12th position in the world, up by three places from last year.
Both universities have become popular tourist draws, with tour agencies bringing visitors to explore their campuses and experience academic life.
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