The National University of Singapore (NUS) is widely regarded as one of Asia’s and the world’s best universities. As a leading global university located in the heart of Asia, NUS strives to attract and nurture exceptional students from all backgrounds. To support this, NUS awards a number of prestigious and generous scholarships to incoming undergraduate and graduate students each year.
In 2024, NUS will accept applications for a wide range of fully funded scholarship opportunities across disciplines and nationalities. These highly competitive NUS scholarships aim to fully fund recipients’ tuition fees while also providing additional allowances to cover living expenses during their studies. This comprehensive guide provides essential information about the most prominent fully funded NUS Singapore scholarships available for 2024 admissions.
Introduction to NUS Scholarships
As a world-class university with over $1 billion invested in education and research, NUS empowers students by providing access to innovative and immersive learning experiences. Many prospective students, however, may find the cost of pursuing a degree at NUS prohibitively expensive. NUS scholarships aim to remove financial barriers that may prevent bright young minds from receiving a high-quality education.
NUS scholarships are completely merit-based. They are given to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and holistic talents or strengths that correspond to the university’s key focus areas. The NUS scholarship process is extremely competitive, with acceptance rates frequently below 3%. However, for those who are chosen, these scholarships cover all tuition costs as well as living expenses, airfare, medical benefits, and more.
The following sections will look at the major NUS scholarships available for 2024 admissions, including eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and award terms.
NUS Global Merit Scholarship
The NUS Global Merit Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving international students from any country other than Singapore. Candidates must have a stellar academic record in high school and on standardized tests, as well as extracurricular achievements. Every year, up to 80 global merit scholarships are awarded, which cover full tuition and provide an annual living allowance.
Eligibility criteria
Excellent high school grades and exam results (e.g., SAT, ACT, IB, A-levels, SPM).
Evidence of leadership, entrepreneurship, volunteer work, or exceptional talent
Passionate about attending NUS for undergraduate studies.
Benefits:
- Tuition fee coverage is 100%, with an annual living allowance of S$12,000.
- One-time S$4,000 settling-in allowance.
- Access to networking, entrepreneurship, and talent development.
- Guaranteed on-campus accommodations
Timeline
- December 2023-January 2024: Apply for admission and scholarships.
- February-May 2024: Attend scholarship interview if shortlisted.
- Awardees of NUS Sports Scholarships will be notified between June and August 2024.
Excellence in sports, combined with strong academic performance, may qualify students for the prestigious NUS Sports Scholarship. There are several scholarship tiers that offer varying levels of funding based on athletic ability, but recipients typically receive up to full tuition coverage and generous allowances. Qualifying sports include archery, badminton, basketball, fencing, floorball, sailing, soccer, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track and field, and water polo.
Eligibility criteria
Strong academic qualifications that meet program admission standards.
Proven sporting talent and a track record of athletic accomplishment
Passion for improving athletic performance at a high competitive level.
Benefits:
- Tuition fee coverage ranges from partial to full.
- Annual allowance between S$3,500 and S$10,000.
- Sports Training and Development Fund up to S$7,500
- Guaranteed on-campus accommodations
- Access to world-class athletic facilities and coaching
Timeline
- December 2023-January 2024: Apply for admission and scholarships.
- February – May 2024: Perform sports trials and assessments.
- June – August 2024: Receive scholarship application results for NUS Performing & Visual Arts Scholarships.
Students who excel in music, dance, drama, visual arts, and related fields are eligible to apply for the NUS Performing and Visual Arts Scholarship. Along with strong academic ability, applicants must demonstrate exceptional creative talent and a desire to further develop their artistic abilities at NUS. Up to 20 scholarships are awarded each year, providing enrichment opportunities such as industry partnerships, international exchanges, recitals, and more.
Eligibility criteria
- Excellent A-level, IB, SAT, or equivalent qualification grades.
- Recognize exceptional talent through competitions, exhibitions, performances, or commissions.
- Strong desire to advance artistic practice through studies at NUS.
Benefits
- Tuition fee coverage: 100%
- Annual living allowance is between S$6,000 and S$10,000.
- $3,000 Arts Development Grant
- Guaranteed on-campus accommodations
- Opportunities for overseas arts exposure.
Timeline
- December 2023-January 2024: Submit admission and scholarship applications.
- March-May 2024: Attend scholarship interviews and auditions.
- June–August 2024: Receive scholarship decision for NUS Computing Scholarships (undergraduate).
With technology’s rapid advancement, skilled computing professionals are in high demand. The NUS Computing undergraduate scholarships help talented students become leaders who shape the future of this industry. The scholarship is aimed at outstanding high school students pursuing computer science or related degrees. It includes enriched internships and networking opportunities with industry partners. Every year, approximately 35 scholarships are awarded across various specializations of computing study.
Eligibility criteria
- Excellent performance in high school STEM subjects.
- Excellent results in standardized tests and computing competitions.
- Benefits of a computing career include demonstrated passion and aptitude.
full coverage of tuition fees
Annual allowance between S$6,000 and S$10,000.
Guaranteed paid internships and career guidance.
Access to industry events, hackerspaces, and CSR initiatives
Timeline
- December 2023–January 2024: Apply for NUS admission and scholarship.
- March-May 2024: Attend scholarship interview if shortlisted.
- June-August 2024: Receive scholarship application results for NUS Medical Scholarships.
The NUS Medicine and Life Sciences programs are well-known for their high quality and cutting-edge research in healthcare. The NUS Medical Scholarship seeks to develop top medical talent by fully funding their development into future leaders in healthcare. Each year, approximately 25 scholarships are awarded.
Eligibility criteria
Outstanding academic performance in high school and standardized tests.
Research excellence, healthcare exposure, or medically relevant extracurricular activities.
Leadership qualities and a desire to serve communities
Benefits
- Guaranteed enrollment in NUS Medicine or Life Sciences
- Complete tuition fee coverage
- Annual allowance of S$18,000.
- Guaranteed paid medical internships.
- Up to S$5,000 in funding for overseas medical conferences.
Timeline
- December 2023-January 2024: Apply for admission and scholarships.
- March – April 2024: Attend panel interviews, if shortlisted.
- May–June 2024: Receive scholarship application results for NUS Engineering Scholarships.
The NUS Engineering scholarships aim to nurture high-caliber engineering talent by fully funding recipients’ chosen specialization in this field. These prestigious scholarships are awarded to approximately 20 outstanding applicants each year, allowing them to concentrate on intensive learning and research projects during their NUS education.
Eligibility criteria
- Excellent academic performance in high school STEM subjects.
- Excellent performance in math/science Olympiads or technical competitions.
- Research excellence or engineering-related extracurricular activities
Benefits
- Full tuition and registration fees are covered.
- The annual living allowance is S$12,000, with an additional $5,000 for overseas exchange.
- Paid research assistantships and internships
- Access to industry events and seminars.
Timeline
December 2023 – January 2024: Submit the NUS admission and scholarship application.
March-April 2024: Attend scholarship interview if shortlisted.
May–June 2024: Receive notification of engineering scholarship award and application guidance.
The NUS Scholarships portal is now open for scholarship applications, in addition to the general university admissions application. While certain scholarships may require additional forms, the basic application components across all NUS scholarship programs are as follows:
- Completed online admission application for NUS program and scholarships. Include a personal statement outlining why the candidate deserves the award, as well as an updated resume that highlights academic achievements, leadership qualities, talents, and passions.
- Academic certificates and exam results
- Supporting documents such as awards, competition results, and arts portfolios, where applicable
- While application deadlines vary, most NUS scholarships require submissions between December 2023 and March 2024 for the August 2024 intake period. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to additional tests or interviews by individual faculties between March and June 2024.
Developing a Strong Application
To have the best chance of winning one of these highly competitive fully funded NUS scholarships, applicants should begin preparing a strong profile and application package well in advance. Some important tips include:
Academics: Scholarship applicants should strive for outstanding overall grades, test scores, and subject-specific performance in their chosen program. Whether in high school exams such as A-levels, IB, SAT, or major national tests, high grades increase eligibility.
Extracurricular Portfolio: Engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities related to the intended field of study can help scholarship applicants stand out. These could include published research, technical product development, healthcare exposure, startup projects, artistic performances, and other activities depending on the faculty area.
Leadership and Passions: Well-rounded candidates who combine strong academic performance with demonstrated leadership in student council, school organizations, volunteer work, or other initiatives have an advantage. Showcasing genuine passions related to the intended area of study also improves the application pitch.
Fits with NUS Focus areas: Aligning your strengths and goals with NUS key pillars such as “New Frontiers,” “New Growth,” and “New Asia” helps to convey your scholarship bid as a candidate who will make a meaningful contribution to NUS’ vision.
Interview Preparation: If you’re called to a scholarship interview panel, you should prepare thoroughly for both academic and general questions. Pumping up your credentials may not be enough if you are unable to confidently present your achievements and demonstrate your suitability for a scholarship investment.
Timely Application Submission: Meeting scholarship application deadlines on time while submitting all required documents is the final step in conveying genuine interest in both admission and financial support from NUS through these scholarships.
Conclusion
The National University of Singapore offers a comprehensive suite of prestigious, fully funded scholarships that allow outstanding high school students from Singapore and around the world to pursue a world-class NUS education. These competitive merit-based scholarships enable deserving, talented candidates to immerse themselves in the progressive learning environments for which NUS is well-known around the world.
While obtaining these coveted awards is extremely difficult, thorough early preparation in academic prowess, extracurricular excellence, and articulate presentation of achievements and potential can bring you closer to the life-changing opportunity of attending Asia’s premier university on a full scholarship.
The NUS scholarships create a thriving ecosystem of resources, networks, and relationships that propel recipients to success both locally and globally as graduates. Dedicated and proactive aspirants have a wide-open path to achieving an all-expenses paid education at one of the world’s top-ranked young universities.
Website
To learn more about the Singapore Scholarships 2024, please visit the official website.
