The National University of Singapore – NUS for short – is the oldest higher education institution in the sovereign city-state. Founded in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School, the current NUS is the result of the 1980 merger between the former University of Singapore and Nanyang University.

The campus, which is located near Kent Ridge, follows the educational system of the British – obviously influenced by the former colonial power based in Singapore. It also includes some American inspirations in the form of course credits.

NUS is presently organized according to the following disciplines: Arts & Social Science, Business, Computing, Dentistry, Medicine (Yong Loo Lin), Engineering, Integrative Sciences & Engineering, Music, Public Health, Public Policy, and Science.

NUS also oversees the Duke-NUS School of Medicine, which is located in Outram; and Yale-NUS Liberal Arts College, which is based in University Town. In this article, we will be looking at the National University of Singapore scholarships for international students.

International Students

Of NUS’ 30,943 students – more than a quarter or 26% are foreign nationals.

Even with this high number of international students, they are overseen by the Office of Student Affairs alongside local-born students.

Even if the office handles the university’s thousands of students, it manages to provide everything a foreign student may need – including briefings, host programs, welcome events, and buddy programs.

The office also offers a downloadable starter kit guide for all of its international enrollees.

Tuition Fee for International Students

International students need to pay undergraduate tuition fees ranging from SGD 17,550 ($13,085) to SGD 63,750 ($47,525). This does not include the special term fee which costs anywhere from SGD 1,755 ($1,310) to SGD 3,090 ($2,305).

Annual graduate tuition, on the other hand, is a little more expensive – especially if it’s not subsidized by the Ministry of Education. It may range from SGD 35,650 ($26,575) to $95,650 ($71,300).

International Admissions Guide

Thinking of studying at NUS? Check out the Undergraduate Admission Guide and Graduate Admissions Guide.

Application Fee

Applying to NUS at the undergraduate level costs very minimal at SGD 20 ($15).

Graduate applications, on the other hand, are a little more expensive at SGD 50 ($38).

This non-refundable fee may be paid electronically (credit card), through AXS, and by cheque/bank draft. Confirmation of payment usually takes 3 (credit card or AXS) to 7 days (for bank drafts).

Admissions Requirements at the National University of Singapore for International Students

The basic requirement for aspiring international students is the completion of a high school degree. The applicant must have completed at least 12 years’ worth of basic education as well.

Apart from this, applicants need to submit their ACT and SAT results, as well as an advanced placement score report.

Outside of these basic requirements, students also need to complete pre-requisite courses as mandated by their preferred programs. For example, prospective Architecture students need to finish subjects in either Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Physical Science.

Certain programs such as Architecture, Industrial Design, Law, and Dentistry (among many others) also require a screening interview.

Graduate applicants, on the other hand, should follow the minimum requirement of a Bachelor’s (Hons) degree. Having a Master’s degree, of course, is preferred for Ph.D. applicants.

International students also need to take an English proficiency test and the GRE, granted that he/she did not obtain his/her Bachelor’s degree from any of the following schools:

  • NUS
  • Nanyang Technological University
  • Singapore Management University
  • Singapore University of Technology and Design

Specific programs also require additional documents, such as transcript of records, academic documents, reports from referees, and proof of financial support.

Check Also: Available Programs for International Students

Rankings

NUS is ranked 25th in the globe according to the World University Rankings. It’s also listed as the third-best in Asia – and 24th in terms of world reputation.

On a per subject basis, NUS is internationally ranked:

  • 8th in Computer Science
  • 12th in Law and Engineering & Technology
  • 14th in Business & Economics
  • 18th in Physical and Clinical & Health Science
  • 22nd in Social Science
  • 25th in Life Science
  • 37th in Arts & Humanities
  • 57th in Psychology

Meanwhile, NUS is ranked higher in the Top Universities Survey. Here, it is recognized as the 11th-best university in the world.

The survey also ranks NUS first in the field of Petroleum Engineering, second in Civil/Structural Engineering, Chemical Engineering and third in Computer Science.

Acceptance Rate

Estimates show NUS’ acceptance rate to be 16%. The average GPA of these successful applicants is 3.7, while their SAT and ACT are 1250 and 29 respectively.

Successful foreign applicants, on the other hand, are noted to have an average IELTS score of 6 and TOEFL of 85.

National University Scholarships for International Students

Undergraduate Scholarships

1. Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Tuition and compulsory fees after Ministry of Education Grant Subsidy

Open to citizens of Asian countries (except Singapore), this scholarship is given to eligible students who qualify for admission in programs in the schools of Computing, Science (except Pharmacy), and Engineering.

This scholarship covers more than just tuition as it also provides an SGD 6,000 ($4,475) living allowance, SGD 200 ($150) settling allowance, and annual accommodations. It also covers the cost of an entry ticket to Singapore (upon admission) and back to the student’s home country (after graduation).

There is no need for a separate application for this National University of Singapore scholarship. Grantees are chosen according to their high school records, co-curricular activities, and leadership qualities.

2. ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Tuition fee amount after Ministry of Education Grant Subsidy + Stipend

Open to outstanding students of ASEAN countries (except Singapore), this scholarship is given to eligible learners sans the need for a separate application.

Apart from being an ASEAN resident, the scholar must show exceptional high school academic results. He/she must also possess strong leadership skills/potential and good co-curricular accomplishments.

Apart from tuition coverage, this National University of Singapore scholarship also provides an annual living allowance worth SGD 5,800 ($4,325).

International students may also apply for scholarships granted by external organizations. The list of such awards is available here.

Graduate Scholarships

1. NUS Research Scholarship

This scholarship is available to local and foreign graduate students who are admitted to any of NUS’ graduate research programs. Other requirements for this award include completion of Honours/Upper-division Bachelor’s degree and eligibility for a Ministry of Education grant.

The scholarship at the National University of Singapore also includes an allowance of SGD 1,500 ($1,120) per month for Master’s students and SGD 2,000 ($1,490) for Ph.D. students.

A top-up fee is also available for individuals who pass the Ph.D. qualifying test.

2. NUS-Singa Scholarship

Qualified international students may also apply for the NUS-Singa scholarship, which covers 4 years’ worth of tuition subsidies, monthly stipends, setting allowances, and travel allowances. Scholarship recipients of this National University of Singapore scholarship are also to receive a top-up once they pass the Ph.D. qualifying exam.

The NUS-Singa scholarship is only open to graduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science, School of Computing, Duke-NUS Medical School, and NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.

Details about other graduate scholarships for international students are listed here.

3. President’s Graduate Fellowship

President’s Graduate Fellowship is awarded to Ph.D. students, both Singaporean citizens and international students, who have shown great success in their previous degrees and have demonstrated research potential. Full tuition and monthly stipend is given to those students who are given this scholarship.

 

I hope that this article on the National University of Singapore scholarships for international students was helpful. If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!