National University of Singapore Scholarships for International Students 2026 | Funded

Dreaming of studying at a world-renowned institution like the National University of Singapore (NUS)? Securing funding can be the key to unlocking this opportunity. Many ambitious students look to scholarships to make their academic aspirations a reality, especially when considering international study.

The National University of Singapore offers a range of scholarships designed to attract talented students from around the globe. These awards not only provide financial support but also recognize academic excellence and leadership potential. This article will guide you through the various NUS scholarships available for international students, detailing their benefits, eligibility, and how to apply.

Understanding the different scholarship options is the first step toward a successful application. Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate degree or pursuing advanced research at the master’s or PhD level, NUS has opportunities to support your journey. Let’s explore how you can become a recipient of these prestigious awards.

What are the National University of Singapore Scholarships?

The National University of Singapore (NUS) offers several scholarships for international students across undergraduate, master’s by research, and PhD programs. These scholarships aim to support outstanding individuals who demonstrate academic merit, leadership qualities, and a strong potential for future contributions. The scholarships vary in their coverage and specific focus, catering to different academic levels and fields of study.

The primary scholarships discussed include the NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship, the Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship, the NUS Research Scholarship, and the President’s Graduate Fellowship. Each of these awards is designed to attract top talent to NUS, providing significant financial assistance to enable students to focus on their studies and research.

Benefits and Coverage of NUS Scholarships

The financial support provided by NUS scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of studying in Singapore. The specific benefits vary depending on the scholarship and level of study.

NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship Coverage

This scholarship is a comprehensive award for international undergraduates. It includes:

• 100% coverage of subsidised undergraduate tuition fees: This covers the tuition costs after the Singapore Ministry of Education Tuition Grant is applied.
• Annual living allowance: S$5,800 to help with daily expenses.
• One-time computer allowance: S$1,750 for purchasing a personal computer.
• Annual accommodation allowance: S$5,000 towards on-campus housing.
• Scholarship support for the normal candidature period: This ensures funding for the standard duration of the undergraduate program.

It is important to note that this scholarship does not cover non-subsidised tuition fees independently of the Tuition Grant. While the scholarship itself has no separate bond, recipients must accept the MOE Tuition Grant, which requires a three-year service bond with a Singapore-registered company after graduation. Students in dentistry or medicine face longer service obligations with the Ministry of Health.

Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship Coverage

This scholarship is specifically for outstanding students from Asian countries pursuing studies in computing, engineering, or science. It offers:

• 100% coverage of subsidised undergraduate tuition fees.
• Annual living allowance: S$6,000.
• One-time computer allowance: S$1,750.
• One-time settling-in allowance: S$200 to help with initial expenses.
• Annual accommodation allowance: Equivalent to the lowest double-room rate for NUS on-campus housing.
• Travel support: For the initial journey to Singapore and return travel upon program completion, subject to conditions.
• Funding throughout the normal undergraduate candidature period.

A key difference for this scholarship is the extended six-year employment bond with a Singapore-registered company after graduation. This award is restricted to specific eligible programs within computing, engineering, and science.

NUS Research Scholarship Coverage

This scholarship supports international students pursuing a full-time master’s by research or PhD. It provides:

• Full waiver of NUS tuition fees.
• Monthly stipend:
• Master’s by Research: S$2,900
• PhD before Qualifying Examination: S$3,000
• PhD after Qualifying Examination: Up to S$3,500 (subject to performance)

Funding is provided for up to two years for a master’s by research and up to four years for a PhD. There is no specific post-graduation employment bond associated with this scholarship. Recipients are required to participate in the Graduate Assistantship Programme.

President’s Graduate Fellowship Coverage

This is NUS’s most prestigious fellowship for exceptional PhD researchers. It offers:

• Monthly stipend: S$3,900.
• Full waiver of NUS tuition fees.
• One-time settling-in allowance: S$1,000.
• One-time incoming airfare allowance: Up to S$750.
• Possible eligibility for the NUS Graduate School Research Incentive Award: This can provide an additional monthly or one-time research allowance.
• Funding for up to four years.

Recipients are required to complete teaching duties through the Graduate Assistantship Programme. Like the NUS Research Scholarship, this fellowship does not have a specific post-graduation employment bond.

Eligibility Criteria for NUS Scholarships

To be considered for any NUS scholarship, applicants must first meet the general admission requirements for their chosen program at NUS. Beyond academic qualifications, scholarships often consider leadership potential, research aptitude, and other achievements.

Undergraduate Scholarship Eligibility

To be eligible for the NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship and the Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of a country other than Singapore.
• Apply as a new undergraduate freshman.
• Apply for a full-time undergraduate program at NUS.
• Possess outstanding high-school results.
• Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and potential.
• Have an excellent co-curricular activities record.
• Meet the academic requirements for their qualification and program prerequisites.
• For the Science & Technology Scholarship, be a citizen of an Asian country or region other than Singapore and apply to an eligible computing, engineering, or science program.
• Be willing to accept the applicable employment bond (for the Science & Technology Scholarship).

Transfer students are generally not eligible for these undergraduate scholarships. NUS does not specify a minimum GPA or score, as selection is competitive and based on the overall profile of applicants.

Graduate Research Scholarship Eligibility

The NUS Research Scholarship is open to international students applying for a master’s by research or PhD. Key eligibility points include:

• An undergraduate degree with at least Second Class Honours, Upper Division, Honours with Distinction, or an equivalent qualification.
• Strong academic performance in a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Relevant research interests and a proposed project.
• Good recommendation letters and a compelling statement of purpose.
• English-language proficiency where required.

While meeting minimum academic requirements is necessary, it does not guarantee admission or scholarship funding. Faculty and departments select the most competitive candidates based on their research priorities and available supervision.

President’s Graduate Fellowship Eligibility

This fellowship is exclusively for PhD candidates who demonstrate:

• Exceptional academic performance.
• Strong research ability or accomplishment.
• A relevant and feasible research interest.
• An excellent statement of purpose and strong recommendations.
• A comprehensive academic CV and evidence of scholarly achievements.
• Good character and strong potential for doctoral research.

Applicants cannot apply directly for the President’s Graduate Fellowship. They must first submit a strong NUS PhD application and be nominated by their chosen faculty or department.

English-Language Requirements

NUS has varying English-language requirements for different programs and levels. For undergraduate admissions, the accepted evidence depends on the applicant’s secondary school qualification. For graduate research programs, requirements can differ by faculty, with many using IELTS 6.0 as a minimum, though some programs may require higher scores or accept other forms of English proficiency evidence. Applicants must check the specific requirements for their chosen program.

How to Apply for NUS Scholarships

The application process for NUS scholarships differs significantly between undergraduate and graduate programs.

Applying for NUS Undergraduate Scholarships

To apply for undergraduate scholarships like the NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship and the Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship:

1. Review NUS Undergraduate Programmes: Choose a degree that aligns with your academic background and career goals. Ensure you meet the program’s prerequisites.
2. Check Admission Requirements: Visit the NUS international admission page to understand the requirements for your specific high-school qualification, including academic prerequisites and English language proficiency.
3. Create an Application: Submit your application through the NUS undergraduate admissions system when the application period opens. You will pay a non-refundable application fee.
4. Complete the Aptitude-Based Admission Section: Provide detailed evidence of your leadership, community involvement, academic competitions, research projects, and other achievements. Explain your specific contributions and impact.
5. Upload Supporting Documents: This typically includes your passport, high-school certificates and results, test scores (if applicable), and any other required documents.
6. Automatic Scholarship Consideration: There is no separate application for the main international undergraduate scholarships. Eligible candidates are automatically considered based on their admission application.
7. Attend Scholarship Interview: If shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview to assess your motivation, leadership experience, and suitability for NUS.
8. Review Scholarship and Bond Conditions: Carefully review the terms of any scholarship offer, including any employment bond obligations, before accepting.

Applying for NUS Graduate Research Scholarships

For the NUS Research Scholarship and the President’s Graduate Fellowship:

1. Search Graduate Programmes: Explore the NUS graduate program catalogue to find a master’s by research or PhD program that matches your research interests. Check program-specific requirements, deadlines, and scholarship availability.
2. Identify a Potential Advisor: Research faculty members whose work aligns with your interests. Contact potential supervisors with a concise email outlining your background, research proposal, and interest in their work. Attaching your CV and transcripts is recommended.
3. Prepare Your Application Materials: This includes a strong statement of purpose or research proposal, an academic CV, and securing recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.
4. Apply Through the Graduate Admission System: Submit your application via the NUS Graduate Admission System before the program’s deadline. Indicate your interest in scholarship consideration within the application.
5. Nomination for President’s Graduate Fellowship: For the PGF, you must first submit an outstanding PhD application. Exceptional candidates are then nominated by their faculty or department for this fellowship.
6. Upload Supporting Documents: This typically includes degree certificates, transcripts, English-language test results (if required), GRE scores (if required), evidence of publications, and other relevant documents.
7. Interviews and Outcomes: Shortlisted research applicants may be invited for an interview. Notification of scholarship outcomes is usually provided by specific dates depending on the intake.

Required Documents for NUS Scholarships

The documents required for scholarship applications vary by the level of study and specific scholarship.

Undergraduate Scholarship Documents

International undergraduate applicants typically need to prepare:

• Completed NUS undergraduate application form.
• Passport information page.
• High-school graduation certificate and examination results.
• Most recent school results or predicted results.
• English-language test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) or other standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT) if required.
• University transcripts if you have previous tertiary study.
• Certified English translations of documents if they are not in English.
• Evidence supporting leadership, co-curricular achievements, awards, and community service.
• Programme-specific materials like portfolios or writing samples, if applicable.

Graduate Research Scholarship Documents

For master’s by research and PhD applications, common documents include:

• Completed NUS graduate admission application.
• Passport or identity document.
• Bachelor’s degree certificate and academic transcripts.
• Master’s degree certificate and transcripts (for PhD applicants, if applicable).
• Official institutional grading scale.
• Statement of purpose and research proposal.
• Academic CV.
• Recommendation letters or referee reports.
• English-language test results and GRE or other standardized test scores (if required by the program).
• Evidence of publications, research projects, or conference papers.
• Previous thesis or dissertation abstract.
• Employment or professional certificates, if relevant.
• Certified translations of non-English documents.

It is crucial to check the specific requirements for your chosen program on the NUS website, as these can vary significantly between faculties and departments.

Application Deadlines for NUS Scholarships

Application deadlines for NUS scholarships are critical and vary by program and intake.

Undergraduate Scholarship Deadlines

There is no separate application deadline for the NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship, Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship, and ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship. Eligible international applicants are considered automatically through their NUS undergraduate admission application. The general admission period for international students presenting international qualifications is typically from December to February. Applicants should monitor the official NUS admission dates for the relevant academic year, usually available from the second half of the preceding year. Shortlisted candidates are normally interviewed between January and July, with scholarship outcomes communicated by mid-July.

NUS Research Scholarship Deadlines

The NUS Research Scholarship does not have a single university-wide deadline. International applicants must adhere to the application deadlines set by the specific faculty, school, or research program they are applying to. These deadlines can differ significantly. For example, some programs have deadlines as early as August 1st for the following year’s January intake, while others might be in May or June. Applicants must check the deadline for their intended program directly.

President’s Graduate Fellowship Deadlines

There is no separate application deadline for the President’s Graduate Fellowship. Applicants must submit a complete PhD admission application by the deadline set by their chosen faculty or department. The academic unit then nominates exceptional candidates for the fellowship. Therefore, the deadline to be considered is the PhD program’s application deadline.

Tips for a Successful NUS Scholarship Application

Applying for a prestigious scholarship like those offered by NUS requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you stand out:

• Excel Academically: Maintain a strong academic record throughout your schooling. High grades are fundamental for demonstrating your potential.
• Showcase Leadership and Extracurriculars: NUS values well-rounded individuals. Highlight your leadership roles, involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer work, and any significant achievements outside the classroom. Quantify your impact where possible.
• Craft a Compelling Statement of Purpose/Research Proposal: For graduate applications, your statement of purpose or research proposal is crucial. Clearly articulate your research interests, why you are passionate about the field, and how your proposed research aligns with NUS’s strengths and faculty expertise.
• Secure Strong Recommendation Letters: Choose referees who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, research potential, character, and work ethic. Provide them with your CV, statement of purpose, and any relevant information to help them write a strong letter.
• Tailor Your Application: Customize your application materials to each specific scholarship and program. Generic applications are less likely to succeed. Highlight how your skills and aspirations align with the scholarship’s objectives and the university’s mission.
• Understand the Bonds: Be fully aware of the employment bond requirements associated with certain scholarships, such as the MOE Tuition Grant or the Science & Technology Scholarship. Ensure you are comfortable with these long-term commitments before accepting an offer.
• Proofread Meticulously: Errors in grammar or spelling can detract from your application. Proofread all your documents carefully, and consider having someone else review them as well.
• Apply Early: Do not wait until the last minute. Submitting your application well before the deadline allows time for any technical issues and ensures your application is reviewed thoroughly.
• Research Faculty: For graduate research scholarships, thoroughly research potential supervisors and their research. Mentioning specific faculty members whose work interests you can demonstrate genuine engagement.
• Prepare for Interviews: If shortlisted for an interview, prepare to discuss your academic background, motivations for choosing NUS, career aspirations, and how you would contribute to the university community. Practice answering common interview questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of scholarships does the National University of Singapore (NUS) offer to international students?

NUS offers several scholarships for international students, including the NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship, Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship, NUS Research Scholarship, and the President’s Graduate Fellowship, covering undergraduate and graduate studies.

What are the typical benefits provided by NUS scholarships?

Benefits often include full or partial tuition fee waivers, annual living allowances, accommodation support, and sometimes computer or travel allowances, depending on the specific scholarship.

Are there any employment obligations associated with NUS scholarships?

Yes, some undergraduate scholarships, like the Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship and those linked to the MOE Tuition Grant, require a service bond with a Singapore-registered company after graduation.

How can an international student apply for an NUS scholarship?

Undergraduate scholarships are often considered automatically with the admission application, while graduate scholarships require specific application materials and potential nomination for prestigious fellowships like the President’s Graduate Fellowship.