ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship Awardee Nathan from Indonesia Shares Their Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Bachelor's at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore

Hello, my name is Nathan! I’m a final-year undergraduate student at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), majoring in Engineering Systems and Design (B.Eng.). I’m also pursuing a minor in Artificial Intelligence.

Through my program, I learn how to design and optimize complex industrial systems, with applications across fields such as data science, supply chain management, aviation, and finance. We learn and use a lot of mathematics, which was the main reason why I chose this program.

I was born in Bandung, Indonesia, where I spent most of my childhood before moving to Jakarta for my high school. Living alone during this time taught me how to be independent and adaptable, which later helped me when studying overseas.

Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanansel/

ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship Details

I was awarded the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship at SUTD, Singapore’s 4^th public autonomous university. Together with the MOE Tuition Grant, the scholarship covers 100% of my tuition fees for the full duration of my undergraduate program. It also provides several additional allowances, including an annual accommodation allowance of S$3,000, an annual living allowance of S$5,800, and a one-time computer allowance of S$1,750. Together, these allowances cover most of my expenses, making studying in Singapore both affordable and feasible.

In return, I had to complete 20 community service hours for the university and maintain a GPA of 3.5/5.0 throughout each semester. I would also have to work for 3 years in a Singaporean entity upon graduation.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

In addition to the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship, I received several other scholarship offers. I was offered a scholarship from the Chinese University of Hong Kong that covered 75% of tuition fees. I also received a scholarship offer from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, which covered 50% of tuition fees along with full accommodation costs. Finally, I was awarded a full scholarship at Calvin Institute of Technology, covering 100% of tuition fees, all miscellaneous fees, and 17.5% of first-year accommodation fees.

Ultimately, I chose the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship at SUTD as it offers the largest financial benefits while still promising a high quality of education.

Educational Background

I studied under the Indonesian National Curriculum (2019) in the Natural Sciences stream, which included core subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. This combination of subjects prepared me with the fundamental knowledge required for university-level engineering and sciences. I also graduated from high school with an average score of 94.79 out of 100, which may have been a contributing factor in being awarded the scholarship. I also took external tuition classes for advanced-level Mathematics and Physics, helping me prepare for university entrance examinations.

Finding Information

I learned about university and program options mainly through self-research. University ranking lists such as the QS Rankings are a good starting point to learn top university options based on your country and major preferences. Once I listed down the main university options, I browsed each university’s official website to learn more about their academic programs, scholarship opportunities, and application procedures and timelines. You can also inquire from university alumni through platforms provided by the university.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I took the SAT and IELTS, scoring 1430 and 8.0, respectively. IELTS is a globally accepted English test, while the SAT serves as quite a valuable supplementary qualification. Having studied in an English-taught school, I felt well prepared for the IELTS and mainly practiced by simulating tests with my friends. For the SAT, I self-studied using Khan Academy.

Scholarship Applications Preparation

Securing a scholarship requires you to stand out as an individual and demonstrate why you are a strong fit for both the university and the chosen program. In general, universities are not only looking for academically strong students but also for individuals with well-rounded profiles who show genuine passion and commitment in their field of study.

Thus, there are some critical components to prepare. Firstly, most universities require a personal statement or a scholarship application essay. The formats may vary across universities, but they generally aim to help understand who you are, what motivates you, what you’ve done in preparation for university, and why you deserve the scholarship.

Secondly, having relevant experiences that demonstrate your interests and competencies is highly valuable. These experiences can be academic or non-academic, such as participating in competitions, volunteering, serving in student leadership roles, or engaging in extracurricular activities that reflect your passion and drive. Documentation of these experiences is also critical, for example, through a portfolio website, a CV, or by simply keeping records such as certificates.

Thirdly, performing well in the interview is crucial. This is your chance to leave a good impression and show your genuine interest along with your readiness and suitability for the program. My personal suggestion is to take the interview with ease and confidence, as if you were simply having a casual conversation with someone. It may also help to search for typical interview questions and rehearse in advance.

What I Did to Stand Out

I participated in and won awards in a wide variety of competitions and activities. These included STEM competitions such as science research competitions and math and physics Olympiads, as well as non-STEM activities like debate competitions, Model United Nations, and essay competitions. These experiences helped me to present myself as an interdisciplinary learner who is eager to explore different fields and apply them together to solve problems.

I was also actively engaged in my school’s student council and other student committees, which helped demonstrate my leadership and willingness to serve the community.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

I would start earlier to give myself more time to prepare for my scholarship applications. While I participated in various activities during my first year of high school, I only began focusing more intensively on academic preparation around the second semester of my second year. Had I done this earlier (even as early as middle school), I may perhaps have secured even bigger opportunities.

I would also have worked and studied harder, not only to secure a scholarship but also to accelerate my personal growth for the coming years.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Having the right information is essential. You first need to understand the requirements for both university and scholarship applications, such as required documents, qualifications, and timelines. Once you know the requirements, focus on how to make yourself stand out. Start your research early and keep track of deadlines so you have enough time to prepare. Finally, be diligent and take every opportunity seriously. Keep in mind that you’re not only doing this for a scholarship but for your long-term future. That being said, good luck to you!