NUS ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship

Overview

The NUS ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship is offered by the National University of Singapore to outstanding high school graduates from ASEAN member states, excluding Singapore. It covers your subsidised tuition fees in full, provides annual living and accommodation allowances, and includes a one-time computer grant. You're automatically considered when you submit your NUS undergraduate admission application — there is no separate scholarship form.

The scholarship is renewable for the standard duration of your degree, subject to maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.50 each semester. Because it's linked to the MOE Tuition Grant, you'll have a three-year post-graduation work obligation in Singapore. Spots are limited for certain programmes, including Dentistry, Law, and Medicine, so if you're targeting one of those faculties, confirm availability before you apply.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Value
Funding body	National University of Singapore
Host country	Singapore
Degree level	Bachelor's
Tuition coverage	100% of subsidised tuition fees (after MOE Tuition Grant)
Annual living allowance	SGD 5,800
Annual accommodation allowance	SGD 3,000
One-time computer allowance	SGD 1,750
Minimum GPA to maintain	3.50 per semester
MOE Tuition Grant work obligation	3 years post-graduation in Singapore
Eligible nationalities	Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
Transfer students	Not eligible
Interview period	January – July
Outcome notification	By mid-July

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

You must be a citizen of an ASEAN member state other than Singapore. The eligible countries are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. If you hold dual citizenship with Singapore, you don't qualify through this scheme.

Academic results

You need strong results from your secondary or pre-university examinations, competitive at an international level. NUS looks for performance in the upper tier of your national education system. The specific minimum thresholds vary by qualification type, so check the NUS admissions website for the requirements that apply to your credentials.

Leadership and co-curricular activities

The scholarship considers your full profile, including demonstrated leadership and involvement in co-curricular activities. This doesn't require formal titles — meaningful contribution to student groups, sports, community service, or other structured activities counts toward the assessment.

Freshmen only

The NUS ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship is for first-year students entering NUS as undergraduates. Transfer students are not eligible under any circumstances.

Programme restrictions

The scholarship covers Double Degree and Joint Degree programmes. However, places are limited for Dentistry, Law, and Medicine. If you're applying for one of these three programmes, contact NUS directly to confirm whether scholarship slots are available for your specific degree before you submit your application.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full subsidised undergraduate tuition fees, with the MOE Tuition Grant applied first and the scholarship covering the remaining balance
• Annual living allowance of SGD 5,800 to help with day-to-day costs in Singapore
• Annual accommodation allowance of SGD 3,000 toward on-campus or approved housing costs
• One-time computer allowance of SGD 1,750 at the start of your studies

How to Apply

1. Submit your undergraduate admission application to NUS through the standard international admissions process.
2. Indicate your ASEAN citizenship in your application. Scholarship consideration is automatic — no separate form is required.
3. Ensure your application includes a strong personal statement, academic records, co-curricular activity details, and any referee reports required by NUS admissions.
4. If shortlisted, you'll be contacted for a scholarship interview. Interviews are conducted between January and July depending on your intake timeline.
5. Prepare for the interview by being ready to discuss your academic interests, your reasons for choosing NUS and Singapore, your leadership experience, and your post-graduation plans.
6. Await your combined scholarship and admission outcome. Successful candidates are notified by mid-July.

Required Documents

• Completed NUS undergraduate admission application
• Official academic transcripts and examination results, or predicted results if final results are not yet available
• Proof of citizenship from an eligible ASEAN member state (passport or national identity card)
• Co-curricular activities record or portfolio
• Personal statement or essay as required by the NUS admissions process
• Referee or teacher recommendation letters as specified in the application requirements
• English language proficiency evidence if your prior schooling was not conducted in English

Key Dates & Deadlines

NUS considers you for the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship automatically when you submit your admission application. Selection interviews run from January through July, with timing dependent on when you apply and which intake you're targeting. Scholarship outcomes are communicated by mid-July. There's no separate scholarship deadline, but submitting your full admission application early in the NUS intake window gives you the best chance of being reviewed early in the selection cycle. Check the NUS undergraduate admissions website for current application opening and closing dates.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Apply early in the NUS admissions window. Scholarship slots are limited, and early applicants tend to receive earlier interview invitations, giving you more time to prepare if follow-up steps are needed.
• Put genuine thought into your personal statement. Explain why NUS specifically, what draws you to your degree programme, and what you plan to do with it. Generic answers are easy for selection panels to identify.
• Detail your co-curricular record by describing roles and outcomes, not just listing the clubs or teams you belonged to. A few well-described experiences are more persuasive than a long generic list.
• Be ready to talk about your home country in the interview and how your time at NUS connects to what you want to do next. Panels often want to understand how your background relates to your goals.
• Confirm scholarship availability early if you're applying to Dentistry, Law, or Medicine. Limited spots in these programmes mean it's worth contacting the NUS admissions office before you submit rather than after.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on strong exam results alone. The scholarship is competitive and looks at your full profile. Candidates with equally strong grades but a richer co-curricular record often fare better.
• Applying to a restricted programme without checking scholarship availability. Dentistry, Law, and Medicine have limited scholarship places, and assuming a slot exists can lead to a disappointing outcome.
• Neglecting the GPA maintenance requirement after arrival. A 3.50 minimum per semester at NUS isn't automatic. Build strong study habits from the start rather than adjusting mid-degree.
• Overlooking the MOE Tuition Grant work obligation. Three years of post-graduation work in Singapore is a real commitment. Factor it into your career and life planning before you accept the offer.
• Providing vague or thin co-curricular information. If NUS can't assess the depth of your involvement from what you've written, they have to assume it was minimal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply separately for the NUS ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship?

No. You're automatically considered when you submit your NUS undergraduate admission application and indicate your citizenship from an eligible ASEAN member state. There is no separate scholarship application form.

Which countries qualify for the NUS ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship?

The eligible countries are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Singapore citizens are not eligible, and holding dual Singapore citizenship alongside an ASEAN citizenship also excludes you from this scheme.

What is the minimum GPA I need to maintain the NUS ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship?

You need a minimum GPA of 3.50 on a 5.0 scale each semester. Renewal is reviewed every semester. If your GPA drops below this level, your scholarship may be placed under review or withdrawn.

Does the NUS ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship come with a bond?

The scholarship itself does not carry a bond. However, because it's paired with the MOE Tuition Grant, you're required to work in Singapore for three years after graduation. This is a condition of the Tuition Grant, not of the scholarship directly.

Can I use the NUS ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship for a Double Degree or Joint Degree programme?

Yes, Double and Joint Degree programmes are covered. However, places are limited for Dentistry, Law, and Medicine. Contact NUS directly to confirm scholarship availability for your specific programme before you apply if you're targeting one of those faculties.

When will I find out if I've received the NUS ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship?

Scholarship interviews run from January to July, and outcomes are communicated by mid-July. The exact timing depends on when you applied and your intended intake.

Is the accommodation allowance enough to cover NUS hostel costs?

The SGD 3,000 annual accommodation allowance contributes toward hostel costs but may not cover them in full, depending on the hostel type and room you choose. Check current NUS hostel rates so you understand your expected out-of-pocket accommodation costs before budgeting.

What happens during the scholarship interview?

The interview is conducted by an NUS admissions panel. You can expect questions about your academic interests, your reasons for choosing NUS and Singapore, your leadership and co-curricular background, and your goals after graduation. Specific and thoughtful answers based on real experiences are more effective than rehearsed or generic responses.

Can I transfer from another university to NUS and receive the ASEAN scholarship?

No. The NUS ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship is for first-year freshmen only. Transfer students are not eligible.

Does the NUS ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship cover graduate studies?

No. This scholarship is for bachelor's level studies only. NUS has separate financial support schemes for graduate students.