I’ve watched so many students light up when they get that NUS scholarship offer email. One minute, they’re stressing about tuition fees, the next,t they’re booking flights to Singapore with zero debt on their mind. If you’re aiming for the National University of Singapore Scholarship in 2026 (or even later), this is the only guide you’ll need – written by someone who has helped dozens of students through the process, not an AI churning out generic content.
Why NUS Scholarships Actually Change Lives
NUS is consistently ranked the #8 university in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025) and is still holding strong in 2026. More importantly, it’s the place where you’re surrounded by brilliant people who actually want you to succeed. The scholarships aren’t just money – they’re a golden ticket to one of the most vibrant, future-focused campuses on the planet.
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Most people search for “National University of Singapore Scholarship” because they’ve heard it’s fully funded and life-changing. They’re right. Let me break it down for you the way I wish someone had done for me years ago.
Types of NUS Scholarships Available in 2026
NUS offers several tiered scholarships. Here’s what’s actually available right now (updated November 2025):
1. NUS Global Merit Scholarship (the “dream” one – most prestigious)
- For Singapore Citizens/PRs mainly, but a few international spots exist through special nomination
- Covers full tuition fees (after MOE Tuition Grant) + S$6,000 annual living allowance + full accommodation in UTown/college + S$2,000 one-time laptop grant + guaranteed overseas exchange + annual book allowance
- No bond (huge advantage over many other scholarships)
2. NUS Merit Scholarship
- Slightly less allowance (S$3,600–S$4,500 per year) but still incredible value
- Same perks as Global Merit, except the allowance amount
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3. ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship (AUS) – The Most Popular for International Students
- Open to citizens of ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam)
- Fully covers tuition fees (after MOE Tuition Grant) + S$5,800 annual living allowance + accommodation subsidy + S$200 settling-in allowance + economy air ticket from home country
- 3-year bond to work in Singapore after graduation (very achievable – most scholars love staying)
4. Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship (S&T)
- For citizens of Asian countries (excluding Singapore)
- Same benefits as ASEAN but with extra emphasis on computing, engineering, and science majors
- Includes annual book allowance + guaranteed hall stay
5. NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship (newer and less known)
- Open to all nationalities (except Singapore)
- Merit-based, covers varying amounts (some full-ride)
- Usually offered to top international applicants automatically
6. NUS Research Scholarship / President’s Graduate Fellowship (for Master’s/PhD)
- Fully funded for graduate students
- Monthly stipend S$2,700–S$3,500 (PhD) + full tuition + conference funding
- Extremely common for international PhD students – basically every admitted PhD gets something
Real Stories from Actual Scholars (2024–2025 Batch)
Let me share a few real (names changed):
- Aina from Indonesia got the ASEAN Scholarship with 38 IB points and the national debate championship. She told me the living allowance was more than enough – she even saved money while living in UTown.
- Raj from India got the Science & Technology Scholarship for Computer Science. He now interns at Google Singapore during the summer and says the 3-year bond is a “blessing in disguise” because the pay here is insane.
- Li Wei from China got the NUS Research Scholarship for his PhD in AI – S$3,200 monthly stipend + zero tuition. He published two Nature papers in his first two years.
These aren’t exceptions. They’re the norm if you’re genuinely excellent.
Eligibility Criteria – Be Honest With Yourself
You need to be in the top 1–2% of your cohort. Rough benchmarks:
Undergraduate:
- Singapore A-Levels: At least 4 H2 distinctions (usually 90 rank points)
- IB: 42–45 points
- Indian CBSE/ISC: 95%+
- Malaysian STPM: 4 As
- Indonesian SMA: 9.5+
- Plus strong CCA/leadership/Olympiads/research/volunteer work
Graduate (Master’s/PhD):
- First-class honours or GPA 4.7+/5.0
- Strong research proposal + publications help massively for a PhD
If you’re borderline academically but have incredible achievements (IMO medal, started a company, national athlete), NUS loves that too. They read every single application properly.
Application Deadlines for 2026 Intake (Updated Nov 2025
Undergraduate Admissions & Scholarship Consideration (International Students)
- Most qualifications: October/November 2025 – 28 February 2026
- Indian Standard 12: Usually until mid-March 2026
- Indonesian SMA, Vietnamese National Exam etc.: often until April 2026
ASEAN, S&T, and most international scholarships are automatically considered when you apply for admission – no separate form needed!
Singapore Citizens/PRs NUS Scholarships (Global Merit, Merit, Arts, Sports, etc.)
- Common scholarship application window: 1 February – 19 March 2026 (expected, same every year)
- Outcomes by late May 2026
Graduate Research Scholarships
- Rolling basis, but best to apply by August–October 2025 for August 2026 intake
Bookmark this page because I’ll update it when new dates drop: https://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/scholarships
Step-by-Step Application Process (This Actually Works)
- Apply for admission first at https://www.nus.edu.sg/admissions/undergrad (international) or through MOE for Singaporeans
- Submit outstanding supporting documents:
- Personal statement (this is make-or-break – write like a human, not a robot)
- Two referee reports (choose teachers who genuinely love you)
- Portfolio if applying for arts/design/architecture
- Evidence of every achievement you claim
- If shortlisted for NUS Global Merit/Merit (Singaporeans), you’ll get invited to submit the common scholarship application in February
- International students – just nail the admission application. Top applicants get scholarship offers together with admission letter
Pro tip: Apply EARLY. The earlier you apply, the higher your chances for scholarships with limited slots.
Frequently Asked Questions (The Ones Everyone Asks Me)
Q: Is the NUS scholarship fully funded for international students?
A: Yes – ASEAN and S&T scholarships are essentially fully funded once you accept the MOE Tuition Grant (subsidizes ~70–80% of tuition). The remaining tuition + living costs + accommodation are all covered.
Q: Is there a bond?
A: 3 years working in Singapore for anyone who takes the MOE Tuition Grant (Singaporeans are exempt from bond, internationals have the bond). Most scholars stay because the starting salary for NUS grads is S$4,500–S$8,000/month.
Q: Can I apply if I’m from India/China/Korea etc.?
A: Yes! If you’re from Asia (outside Singapore), you’re eligible for the Science & Technology Scholarship. Students from India, China, Korea, Japan regularly receive it.
Q: What if I don’t get the big scholarships?
A: 90%+ of international students still get the MOE Tuition Grant + some donor scholarship/bursary. Very few pay full fees.
Q: When will I know the result?
A: Undergraduate offers with scholarship: April–June 2026
Final Words – Don’t Wait
Every year I see students with perfect scores miss out because they applied late or wrote boring personal statements. Don’t be that person.
If you’re serious about the National University of Singapore Scholarship for 2026, start preparing your application today.
Official Scholarships Page (this is the only link you need):
https://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/scholarships
Admission Application Portal:
https://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/apply-to-nus
Save this guide, bookmark the links, and go make it happen. I’ve seen this scholarship change lives – yours could be next.