NTU STARS: How the Module Registration System Works
STARS stands for Student Allocation of Registered Subjects. It is the online system NTU uses for module registration — where you go to bid for, add, and drop modules each semester.
If you are new to NTU, STARS can feel confusing the first time you use it. This guide explains how the system works, what each round means, and how to prepare so you actually get the modules you want.
What STARS is
STARS is an open bidding window — a time period where all eligible students can register for available module indexes on a first-come, first-served basis within each round.
Some modules are pre-allocated by your school and will appear in your timetable without you needing to bid. These are usually compulsory core modules specific to your programme. BDEs (Broadening and Deepening Electives), most open electives, and some CC modules require active registration through STARS.
How STARS rounds work
STARS registration happens in multiple rounds each semester. The exact dates change each academic year — check the official NTU academic calendar for your semester's specific schedule.
Round 1
The first open bidding window. All eligible students can add modules across available indexes. For popular modules — especially BDEs like Japanese, Korean, and some analytics modules — seats can fill during Round 1.
This is the round that matters most for high-demand modules. If you want something competitive, bid in Round 1 and be prepared when the window opens.
Round 2
A second bidding window that runs shortly after Round 1. Students who missed Round 1 or whose first choices filled up can try again here. Some students also drop modules they registered in Round 1 — those seats become available for Round 2.
Less popular modules typically still have seats in Round 2. If your shortlist includes something that is not heavily oversubscribed, Round 2 is a realistic option.
Add/drop period
Add/drop begins when the semester officially starts. Students who decide to drop modules do so throughout the early weeks, and those seats reopen immediately for anyone to take.
Add/drop is underused by students who assume it is too late. In practice, module availability during the first week of add/drop can be significant — many students drop modules they can no longer manage once real workload sets in.
If you did not get a module in Rounds 1 or 2, checking STARS daily during the first week of add/drop is worth doing.
What STARS does and does not decide
Understanding what STARS actually controls helps avoid common mistakes.
STARS decides: Whether you can register for a module index in the open bidding pool.
STARS does not decide:
- Whether the module counts toward your graduation requirements — that is set by your curriculum structure and degree audit
- Whether you meet prerequisites — a failed prerequisite check will reject your registration even if seats are available
- Whether programme restrictions block you — some modules are open to all students in STARS but only count for specific programmes
- How many total AUs you are allowed to take — NTU has per-semester AU limits that STARS enforces separately
Check all of these before you bid. Being able to see a module in STARS does not confirm you can take it, count it, or will be allowed to complete registration.
Before you open STARS
Preparation before STARS opens matters more than strategy during bidding. Most registration problems come from skipping the groundwork.
Map your semester requirements. Know which core modules are pre-allocated, what BDE and CC space remains, and which prerequisite chains you need to protect. See How to Plan NTU Modules Before STARS Opens for the full workflow.
Confirm each module counts for you. Check your degree audit and curriculum structure. Being allowed to register in STARS does not mean the module satisfies your graduation requirements.
Check prerequisites and exclusions on [NTUMods](/mods). A prerequisite failure will reject your registration. An exclusion may mean you have already effectively taken an equivalent module and cannot register or count it.
Lock in lab indexes first. Labs have the fewest index options of any module type. Find your lab indexes before everything else, then build your timetable around them. Choosing a BDE index before your lab index is one of the most common planning errors.
Shortlist backup modules for every important slot. Popular modules fill. If your BDE shortlist has only one option, you are making a decision under pressure during Round 1 with no prepared fallback. Always prepare at least two genuine backup BDEs before the window opens. See Most Popular BDEs at NTU for options by category.
Know which indexes work for you. Most modules have multiple indexes at different times. Go into STARS with a list of which specific indexes fit your timetable — not just which modules you want.
During bidding
When the STARS window opens:
- Have your shortlist ready — module codes and specific index numbers, not just module names
- Register immovable slots first — lab indexes and core modules with few index options
- Add your first-choice BDE or elective index next
- If a module is full, check all other indexes of the same module before giving up — different times often have different availability
- If all indexes are full, move to your backup list immediately
Do not use the bidding window to research modules you have not already prepared. Use it to execute decisions you already made.
What to do when your first choice fills up
Check every index, not just your first preference. A module that is full at one time slot may have seats at another. Availability varies by index.
Check again in Round 2. Students drop modules between rounds. A module that was full at the end of Round 1 may have reopened when Round 2 starts.
Check add/drop. When the semester begins and students drop modules they registered, those seats appear immediately. The first week of add/drop often has the most movement. See How to Bid for a BDE at NTU for detailed add/drop strategy.
Use your backup list. This is why you prepared it. If your first choice is unavailable across all rounds and add/drop, use the alternative you already verified.
Consider deferring. Some BDEs run every semester. If you have the flexibility to defer your BDE requirement without affecting graduation, waiting for the next offering is a real option.
Common STARS mistakes
Only shortlisting one module per slot. When it fills up, you are making decisions without preparation.
Not checking prerequisites before bidding. A failed prerequisite check during Round 1 means you lose time and may miss the window.
Choosing BDE indexes before lab indexes. Labs have the fewest options. Lock labs first.
Assuming STARS availability means the module counts. Always verify against your degree audit separately.
Treating add/drop as a last resort. Add/drop is a real second chance for many popular modules, but only if you check it actively and early.
Not checking all indexes when a module appears full. Different times have different seat counts. Check every index before concluding a module is unavailable.
Frequently asked questions about STARS
What time does STARS open?
The exact opening time for each round is announced by NTU. Check the official NTU academic calendar and your student email for notifications. Round opening times can vary by semester.
Can I register for a module if seats show as 0?
No — a module with 0 available seats in your eligible index cannot be registered. Check other indexes of the same module, or try again in Round 2 and add/drop.
What happens if I try to register for too many AUs?
NTU enforces AU limits per semester. If you exceed the limit, STARS will not allow the registration. Check your current AU count before trying to add modules near your limit.
Can I drop a module after the add/drop period ends?
Dropping after add/drop officially ends typically requires going through your school and may result in a notation on your transcript. Check the official NTU academic policies for your specific situation.
What is the difference between Round 1 and Round 2?
Round 1 is the first bidding window, where demand is highest. Round 2 is a follow-up window where remaining seats and seats dropped after Round 1 become available. For popular BDEs, Round 1 is the main chance — Round 2 often has limited availability for the most competitive modules.