With the beginning of the year, JC and final year Polytechnic students will be starting to discuss which universities they plan on applying to, and the different courses they are interested in.
Embarking on a new chapter in life is very exciting. Yet, we all know that university fees are huge, and the idea of carrying a student debt may seem really intimidating. For potential university students or parents of students out there, here are the available scholarships for the relevant public universities that you can consider signing up for.
TL;DR: Scholarships You Can Apply To For University Freshmen (Updated 2020)
Scholarships: National University of Singapore
NUS offers multiple scholarships, from the LKY-STEP award to scholarships offered by external organisations. If you are considering applying for a scholarship in NUS, Academic Year 2020-2021 will open from 1 February 2020 onwards, while interviews for shortlisted applicants are from April to May.
With regard to the NUS Scholarships, there are a few available.
| Scholarships | Tuition Fees | Living Allowance | Computer Allowance | Accommodation Allowance | Overseas Programmes | Bond Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Merit/ Merit | Full Coverage | $6,000 Annually | $2,000 | $2,625 for Student Residence $4,200 For University Town | $7,500 to non-Asian countries $5,000 to Asian countries | No |
| Sports | Full Coverage | $6,000 Annually | NIL | $2,625 if living on campus | Guaranteed offer of one-semester exchange programme | No |
| Stephen Riady Young Entrepreneur Scholarship | Full Coverage | $6,000 Annually | $2,000 | NIL | Guaranteed offer of one-semester exchange programme, Guaranteed an offer of an NUS Overseas Colleges (“NOC”) internship programme. | No |
Scholarships: Nanyang Technological University
NTU has 12 scholarships administered internally, and 20 others administered by an external organisation. Here are some of the school-administered scholarships available:
| Scholarships | Tuition Fees | Living Allowance | Computer Allowance | Book Allowance | Accommodation Allowance | Overseas Programmes | Other Benefits | Bond Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renaissance Engineering Programme (REP) Scholarship | Full Coverage | S$6,000 per academic year | S$1,750 (one-off) | S$500 per academic year. | $2,000 Annually | Benefits for overseas study: ​ Tuition fees at the partner university Overseas hostel accommodation at the partner university Return airfare as decided by REP Office | NIL | No |
| CN Yang Scholars Programme | Full Coverage | S$6,500 Annually | S$1,750 (one-off). | NIL | S$2,000 per academic year | $5,000 | - 4 years stay in NTU Halls - Guaranteed overseas exchange for one semester - Guaranteed overseas final year research project. Coverage for airfare, accommodation, meals, insurance and visa fees | No |
| NTU-USP | Full Coverage | S$6,500 per academic year. | S$1,750 (one-off). | $500 | $2,000 Annually | $5,000 | Overseas benefits in the semester of the NTU-USP Study Abroad or NTU Exchange Programme. | No |
Scholarships: Singapore Management University
SMU has an extensive list of scholarships available for freshmen and current students to apply to.
Most of the time, these are applicable to anyone who has shown outstanding performance in academics and co-curricular activities. Students who have already or intend to represent Singapore for sports on an international level can also apply.
Here are a few that would apply to the masses.
| Scholarships | Amount | Accommodation? | Opportunities Available | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dato' Kho Hui Meng Inspire Scholarship | $15,000 (towards subsidised tuition fees and study-related expenses) | NIL | NIL | Tenable for up to 4 years of the recipient’s academic studies, subject to continued observance of the eligibility criteria and the terms and conditions of award. |
| De Suantio | $10,000 | Nil | May be granted an internship or career opportunity with donor's designated company | No |
| Lim Siah Mong | $10,000 Annually | NIL | NIL | No |
| Sing Lun | $15,000 Annually | NIL | NIL | No |
| SMU Global Impact Scholarship Award | Full tuition fee coverage and S$5,000 annual living allowance | Up to S$9,000 for on-campus accommodation at the SMU Prinsep Street Residences in first year of studies | S$14,000 Global Learning Opportunities Worldwide (GLOW) grant to fund part or combination of the following: Overseas Student Exchange/Summer Programme Overseas Community Service Project Overseas School Study Missions Overseas Case Competitions and presentations at Conferences | No |
| ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship | Covers tuition fee for 4 years and provides an annual living allowance of S$5,800 | NIL | NIL | No |
Scholarships: Singapore University of Technology and Design
SUTD has approximately 55 scholarships for Singaporeans students. This is awarded to students who have an excellent academic record and are passionate about creating new technology and implementing innovate ideas and designs.
Most of the scholarships available are to accommodate students in specific programs, or are sponsored by organisations. Two of the main scholarships that any student who fits the criteria above would be able to apply to are listed below.
| Scholarships | Tuition Fees | Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Merit | Subsidised up to 4 years | No |
| Undergraduate | Subsidised for 2 terms | No |
Scholarships: Singapore Institute of Technology
SIT has 3 types of scholarships. Two of which are for Freshmen and Current Students while one is for graduates who are looking to further their studies.
| Scholarship | Tuition Fees | Other Coverage | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIT Scholarship | Full Coverage | Miscellaneous Fees | No |
| Mid Term | Full Coverage of Remaining Semesters | Miscellaneous Fees | No |
| Graduate | Full Coverage | Any other compulsory fees Economy Class return air passage | Serve a bond of 5 year with SIT upon completion |
Be Prepared
Looking at your possibilities for a university is very exciting but remember, you have to be prepared with the necessary skills and academic awards to show that you deserve the scholarships. Go out and be active in the community or take up co-curricular activities!
