Studying at the National University of Singapore (NUS)—consistently ranked among the top universities globally—is a dream for thousands of high-achieving high school graduates worldwide. However, tuition fees and Singapore’s living costs can feel daunting.
The good news? Through flagship programs such as the NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship, the Science & Technology (S&T) Undergraduate Scholarship, and the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship (AUS), international applicants can secure substantial or fully funded support for the 2027 intake.
Here is everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, application timelines, and strategies to stand out.
Top NUS Scholarships for International Undergraduates
NUS awards several merit-based scholarships to international freshmen:
| Scholarship Scheme | Eligible Nationalities | Eligible Disciplines | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship | All international students (non-Singaporeans) | Most full-time undergraduate courses | Full subsidized tuition fee coverage, S$5,800 living allowance, and accommodation allowance |
| Science & Technology (S&T) Undergraduate Scholarship | Asian nationals (excluding Singapore) | Computing, Engineering, and selected Science majors | Full subsidized tuition, S$6,000 annual allowance, airfare, and housing subsidy |
| ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship (AUS) | Citizens of ASEAN member nations (excluding Singapore) | Most full-time undergraduate courses | Full subsidized tuition, S$5,800 annual living allowance, computer allowance |
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
While individual allowances vary by award category as follows,
NUS international undergraduate scholarship:
- 100% coverage of subsidised undergraduate tuition fees (after MOE Tuition Grant – scholarship recipients must take up the MOE Tuition Grant)
- S$5,800 annual living allowance
- S$1,750 one-time computer allowance upon enrolment
- S$5,000 annual accommodation allowance
(Note: For more information on Terms & Conditions and shortlisting process click here)
Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship
- 100% coverage of subsidised undergraduate tuition fees (after MOE Tuition Grant – scholarship recipients must take up the MOE Tuition Grant)
- S$6,000 annual living allowance
- S$1,750 one-time computer allowance upon enrolment
- S$200 one-time settling-in allowance upon enrolment
- Annual accommodation allowance equivalent to the lowest double room rate for on-campus accommodation
- Travel allowance to defray transport cost for incoming passage from home country to Singapore at the start of Programme, and return passage between Singapore and home country after the completion of Programme (subject to proof of employment).
(Note: For more information on Terms & Conditions and shortlisting process click here)
ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship
- 100% coverage of subsidised undergraduate tuition fees (after MOE Tuition Grant – scholarship recipients must take up the MOE Tuition Grant)
- S$5,800 annual living allowance
- S$1,750 one-time computer allowance upon enrolment
- S$3,000 annual accommodation allowance
(Note: For more information on Terms & Conditions and shortlisting process click here)
Eligibility Criteria for 2027 Applicants
To qualify for consideration, candidates must meet rigorous academic and leadership benchmarks:
- Academic Excellence: Outstanding high school results (e.g., top percentiles in CBSE/ISC, IB Diploma with predicted 40+, straight A*s in Cambridge A-Levels, or equivalent national board qualifications).
- Leadership & Co-Curricular Track Record: Demonstrated participation and impact in clubs, student councils, community service, competitions, or sports.
- Admission Status: Must submit a formal application for full-time undergraduate admission to NUS for the 2027 intake.
- Nationality: Must hold non-Singapore citizenship (with specific regional eligibility applied for ASEAN and S&T awards).
How the Application Process Works
Unlike institutions that require separate, tedious scholarship portals from day one, NUS streamlines candidate assessment:
- Submit Admission Application: Apply directly via the NUS Undergraduate Admissions Portal for the 2027 academic session (typically opening between October and December prior to the intake year).
- Automatic Consideration: Most university-level international scholarships automatically review eligible applicants based on their admissions profile. Ensure you indicate interest in scholarship consideration where prompted in the form.
- Shortlisting & Interview: Candidates who pass the initial screening will receive an invitation between January and June for virtual or in-person panel interviews.
- Offer & Acceptance: Scholarship offers are released alongside or shortly after course admission decisions, usually by mid-July.
Proven Tips to Strengthen Your Profile
- Quantify Your Achievements: Rather than writing “participated in community service,” state “organized a regional STEM workshop reaching 450 students.” Tangible outcomes resonate with admissions committees.
- Refine Your Personal Statement: Clearly articulate your academic curiosity, your intended contribution to the campus community, and how an NUS degree aligns with your long-term career impact.
- Prepare for the Scholarship Interview: Panelists evaluate intellectual curiosity, communication clarity, global awareness, and ethical leadership. Practice speaking about current global challenges related to your intended major.
Admission & Scholarship Timeline for 2027 Entry (AY 2027/2028)
| Milestones & Windows | International Baccalaureate (IB) | Cambridge / International A-Levels | Indian Standard 12 (CBSE / ISC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Window | • Nov 2026 – Mid-Feb 2027 (May exam session) • Mid-Dec 2026 – Mid-Feb 2027 | • Mid-Oct 2026 – Mid-Feb 2027 (Nov exam session) | • Mid-Dec 2026 – Mid-Feb 2027 |
| Supporting Docs Deadline | Within 3–5 working days of portal submission | Within 3–5 working days of portal submission | Within 3–5 working days of portal submission |
| Actual Results Submission | • Nov Session: Submit at time of application. • May Session: Authorize IBO to release results to NUS by early July 2027. | Submit certified results within 3 days of release (late January for Oct/Nov exams, mid-August for June exams). | Upload official board results within 3 calendar days of CBSE/CISCE publication (usually mid-May 2027). |
| Scholarship & Course Interviews | March – May 2027 (Shortlisted candidates only) | March – June 2027 (Shortlisted candidates only) | Late May – June 2027 (Shortlisted candidates only) |
| Release of Outcomes | • Nov Diplomates: By end of May 2027 • May Diplomates: By 3rd week of July 2027 | Mid-June to late July 2027 | Late June to end of July 2027 (following board marks verification) |
| Hostel & Visa (STP) Filing | Late June – July 2027 | Late June – July 2027 | July 2027 (expedited processing via ICA) |
| Term Starts | Early August 2027 | Early August 2027 | Early August 2027 |
Universal Document Checklist (All Applicants)
Every international candidate must upload clear, scanned PDF copies through the NUS Applicant Portal:
- Valid Passport Information Page: Scanned photo page showing full legal name, date of birth, and nationality.
- Application Fee Receipt: S$20 international processing fee payment confirmation.
- English Language Proficiency (if applicable): IELTS, TOEFL, or C1 Advanced scores (mandatory if your high school instruction was not entirely in English).
- Extracurricular & Leadership Portfolio: Certificates of international or national Olympiads, student council tenures, community initiatives, or sports achievements (essential for Aptitude-Based Admissions [ABA] and scholarship shortlisting).
- Personal Statement / Short Answer Prompts: Completed directly in the portal detailing academic drive and leadership impact.\
Board-Specific Document Checklist
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
- Graduated / November Session Applicants: Official IB Diploma certificate and final transcript of grades.
- Upcoming / May Session Applicants: Official predicted grade report signed and stamped by your IB Diploma Coordinator/School Principal.
- IBO Electronic Release Authorization: Request that your school IB Coordinator select NUS on the IBO system to release your official transcript automatically upon July results day.
- High School Transcripts: School transcripts covering Grades 10 and 11.
Cambridge / International / Edexcel A-Levels
- Completed Qualifications: Official General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level statement of results and certificates (minimum 3–4 A-Level subjects).
- Prospective (June Session) Candidates: Verified school-issued forecast/predicted grades and statement of entry.
- IGCSE / GCSE Transcript: Grade 10 IGCSE/GCSE certificates verifying foundational subject prerequisites (e.g., Mathematics and English language marks).
Indian Standard 12 (CBSE / ISC / State Boards)
- Class 10 Board Mark Sheet: Official secondary school examination pass certificate and statement of marks (Class X).
- Class 11 School Transcript: Final academic report card for Grade 11 endorsed by the school head.
- Class 12 Mid-Term / Pre-Board Grades: Official mid-term or pre-board mark sheet certified by your school.
- Class 12 Board Admit Card: Scanned copy of the official CBSE/ISC examination hall ticket/admit card (used by NUS to verify board candidate roll numbers).
- Final Class 12 Board Results (Post-Application): DigiLocker verified mark sheet or official board marks slip uploaded within 3 days of declaration.
Critical Details to Keep in Mind
- Course Prerequisites: High-demand fields (Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science) require specific subject minimums (e.g., HL Mathematics Analysis & Approaches for IB, or A-Level Mathematics/Further Mathematics, or 90%+ in Class 12 Mathematics). Check prerequisite alignments before submitting course preferences.
- Document Naming Convention: Name uploaded files clearly (e.g., Passport_FullName.pdf, Grade10_CBSE_FullName.pdf) to prevent verification delays during peak portal traffic.
- Physical Verification on Campus: Digital submission handles initial admission and scholarship offers, but NUS requires physical presentation of original board certificates and passports during matriculation week in Singapore prior to classes starting.
For more information, please visit the official website
