Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme

Overview

The Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme is Singapore Management University's flagship undergraduate scholarship. SMU funds up to 60 awards per year, and recipients get full tuition, a living allowance, and a SGD 16,000 grant specifically for global experiences — exchanges, summer programmes, competitions, community service, and conference presentations.

One structural requirement stands out: you can't do a single degree without also taking a second major from a different SMU school. The combination rule varies slightly by degree type, but the intent is that every Lee Kong Chian Scholar graduates with cross-disciplinary breadth. You indicate your interest during the normal SMU admission application — no separate form is required.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality and citizenship

The programme is open to all nationalities. Singapore Citizens are bond-free. Non-Singaporeans and Singapore PRs must sign an MOE Tuition Grant agreement, which requires working for a Singapore-based company for three years after graduation.

Year of study

You must be a full-time first-year SMU undergraduate. Students already enrolled in their second year or beyond are not eligible.

Academic performance

You need strong academic results from your pre-university qualifications. SMU doesn't publish a minimum grade cutoff for this award, but the competition is stiff given only 60 places are available.

Leadership and co-curricular involvement

You need to demonstrate strong leadership, communication skills, and substantial involvement in co-curricular activities and community service. SMU assesses this through your application materials and the panel interview.

Degree structure requirement

You must pursue either a double degree or a single degree with a second major from another SMU school. The specific rule depends on your primary programme: BBM students must take their second major from a non-BBM school; other single-degree students must take a second major from Lee Kong Chian School of Business. Bachelor of Integrative Studies scholars must include at least six course units from the business school.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full waiver of subsidised tuition fees for regular terms (Semesters 1 and 2) for up to four years
• Annual living allowance of SGD 5,000
• Global Opportunities Grant of SGD 16,000 for overseas exchanges, summer programmes, community service projects, case competitions, and conference presentations
• One-time computer allowance of SGD 1,800

How to Apply

1. Complete the SMU online admission application and indicate your interest in the Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme in the Scholarship section of the form.
2. Write and submit the personal essay required within the admission application — this is your primary opportunity to show leadership and breadth of experience.
3. Optionally include recommendation letters from tutors or principals; SMU encourages these though they're not mandatory.
4. If shortlisted, SMU will invite you to a panel interview held on campus.
5. Prepare for the panel interview by being able to speak clearly about your academic interests, leadership experiences, community involvement, and how you plan to use the Global Opportunities Grant.
6. If selected, accept the offer and sign the required agreements, including the MOE Tuition Grant agreement if you're a non-citizen or PR.

Required Documents

• Completed SMU online admission application with the Scholarship section filled in
• Personal essay (submitted online as part of the admission application)
• Official academic transcripts from your pre-university or secondary education
• Co-curricular activities records
• Recommendation letters from tutors or principals (optional but encouraged)
• Valid passport or identity document showing nationality/citizenship status
• Any additional materials requested after shortlisting

Key Dates & Deadlines

You indicate your interest in the scholarship within the standard SMU undergraduate admission application — there's no separate scholarship deadline. The panel interview for shortlisted candidates takes place at SMU after your application is reviewed. Check the SMU admissions website each year for the current application opening and closing dates, as these can shift by intake cycle. Don't wait until close to the deadline to submit, since shortlisting and interview scheduling take time.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Use your personal essay to show the range of your involvement — not just academics but leadership roles, community service, and any standout achievements in competitions or projects.
• In the panel interview, be specific. When asked about leadership, give a real example with a concrete outcome, not a description of a role you held.
• Think about the Global Opportunities Grant before the interview. Being able to articulate a genuine plan for how you'd use it (a specific exchange destination, type of competition, or community project) is more compelling than a vague answer.
• Request recommendation letters from people who can speak to your character and initiative, not just your grades.
• Understand the second major requirement and be ready to explain how the combination you're planning makes sense for your goals.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to fill in the Scholarship section of the admission application — that's the only entry point and there's no separate portal to catch omissions.
• Writing a personal essay focused entirely on academic achievements with no mention of leadership or community engagement.
• Going into the panel interview without a clear sense of what you want to study and why the Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme fits.
• Treating the second major requirement as an afterthought — it's a structural condition of the scholarship, not an elective add-on.
• Non-citizens underestimating the three-year MOE Tuition Grant work obligation. It's a contractual requirement and affects your post-graduation planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme?

Any full-time first-year SMU undergraduate of any nationality. The programme is open globally, though Singapore Citizens and non-citizens have different bond conditions.

Is there a service bond under the Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme?

Singapore Citizens have no bond. Non-Singaporeans and Singapore PRs must sign an MOE Tuition Grant agreement requiring three years of post-graduation work with a Singapore-based company.

What is the Global Opportunities Grant under the Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme?

A SGD 16,000 grant you can use toward overseas exchange programmes, summer programmes, international case competitions, community service projects abroad, or conference presentations. It's specifically designed to fund global experiences during your undergraduate years.

How many Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme awards are given each year?

Up to 60 awards are funded annually.

Do you need to submit a separate application for the Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme?

No. You indicate your interest in the Scholarship section of the SMU online admission application. There's no standalone scholarship form or portal.

Is there a panel interview for the Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme?

Yes. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a panel interview at SMU. This is a significant part of the selection process, so prepare thoroughly.

What is the second major requirement under the Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme?

All scholars must pursue a double degree or a single degree with a second major from a different SMU school. The exact combination depends on your primary programme — BBM students must take from a non-BBM school, while most other single-degree students must include a second major from Lee Kong Chian School of Business.

Does the Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme cover accommodation?

The scholarship does not include an accommodation component. It covers tuition, an annual living allowance, the Global Opportunities Grant, and a computer allowance.

Can you apply for the Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme if you're not a first-year student?

No. The programme is restricted to first-year SMU undergraduates. If you're already past your first year, you are not eligible.

Are recommendation letters required for the Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme?

They're optional but encouraged. SMU suggests letters from tutors or principals. A strong reference from someone who knows your work well can reinforce the leadership narrative in your personal essay.