Tips to Get a Scholarship at NUS Singapore: A Complete Guide for Indian Students

Tips to Strengthen Your NUS Scholarship Application

Students should focus on clear, practical steps that align with what NUS looks for in scholarship applicants.

• Build a strong academic record. NUS scholarships are merit-based. Your Class 12 results or IB Diploma scores are the primary academic filter. Aim for top percentile performance in your board exams.
• Demonstrate genuine leadership, not just positions. NUS looks for leadership with impact. Holding a position in a club is not enough. Show what you achieved in that role. Quantify your contributions wherever possible, for example, "Led a team of 15 students and organised an event attended by 500 participants."
• Build a diverse and sustained CCA record. Scholarship committees value consistency over a long period. Participation in sports, arts, community service, or academic competitions over multiple years is stronger than last-minute additions.
• Prepare for the 5 short questions with specific examples. Each answer must reflect the NUS values of Innovation, Resilience, Excellence, Respect, and Integrity. Use real examples from your school or personal life. Avoid generic statements.
• Choose the right referee. Your referee should know you well and be able to compare you favourably against your peers. A school principal or subject teacher who has observed your academic and leadership abilities is ideal.
• Apply for the right scholarship based on your program. If you are applying for Computing, Engineering, or Science programs, target the Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship specifically, as it offers a higher living allowance and travel support compared to the NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship.
• Maintain a decent percentage of at least 85-90% after enrolment. All NUS scholarships are renewed every semester. Plan your academic workload accordingly.
• Understand the MOE Tuition Grant bond obligation. All NUS scholarship recipients must accept the MOE Tuition Grant. This comes with a 3-year bond to work for a Singapore-registered company after graduation. For Medicine and Dentistry, the bond is with the Singapore Ministry of Health for 5 to 6 years. Factor this into your career planning before accepting the scholarship.
• Do not hold concurrent scholarships. NUS scholarship holders cannot hold any other scholarship, bursary, grant, or financial award simultaneously without prior university approval. Disclose any other financial aid you receive.
• Submit your application early. The online system deletes saved but unsubmitted applications after 8 calendar days. Do not wait until the last day. Submit well before 19 March 2026 to avoid technical issues.

Check the cost of living in Singapore or the NUS accommodation

How to Apply for an NUS Scholarship?

Students must follow the fully online application process. Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Submit your NUS admission application first. Scholarship applications can only be submitted after the admission application is complete.

Step 2: Apply for NUS Scholarships via the Applicant Portal. Log in at myaces.nus.edu.sg/applicantPortal and complete all sections of the scholarship application form between 1 February and 19 March 2026.

Step 3: Fill in the Achievement section thoroughly. You can add up to 10 significant co-curricular activities, community service roles, internships, and achievements. Each entry must include the activity name, level, position held, and a description of your key contribution.

Step 4: Answer the 5 short questions. NUS requires answers to 5 short questions that assess why you deserve a scholarship and how you have demonstrated the five NUS values: Innovation, Resilience, Excellence, Respect, and Integrity.

Step 5: Nominate a referee. One referee report must be submitted by your school principal, teacher, or tutor via the NUS Referee Portal by 26 March 2026.

Step 6: Upload all required supporting documents. Documents required include:

• Recent passport-sized photograph
• High school examination results (Class 12 marksheet or equivalent)
• Co-curricular activity records
• Testimonials (if available)
• Certificates of achievements
• Passport or birth certificate

Step 7: Attend the scholarship interview if shortlisted. Only shortlisted applicants are informed via email. Interviews are conducted from late March to July. Be available during this period.

Step 8: Accept the scholarship offer. If offered, accept the scholarship online via the Applicant Portal before the stated deadline and sign the Letter of Acceptance and Undertaking.

Students can also explore external scholarships in Singapore for International Students

What Happens After You Apply?

Once you submit your application, here is what to expect.

• Shortlisting: NUS assesses all applicants based on the strength of their application. Only shortlisted candidates are contacted via email for an interview.
• Interview: Interviews are conducted from late March to July. Prepare to discuss your academic interests, leadership experiences, and motivation for studying at NUS. Be ready to answer intellectual and scenario-based questions.
• Outcome: Scholarship results are released by mid-July. You can also track your application status on the Applicant Portal.
• Acceptance: If offered a scholarship, you must accept it online and sign the Letter of Acceptance and Undertaking by the deadline stated in the portal.
• Disbursement: Scholarship funds are disbursed from August to September for Semester 1 and from January to February for Semester 2.

Also check: NUS global and subject rankings 2026

Getting a scholarship at NUS as an Indian student is competitive but achievable with the right preparation. Start by building a strong academic record, a genuine leadership profile, and a consistent CCA history well before you apply. Understand which scholarship aligns with your program, meet all deadlines, and prepare thoroughly for the interview. The NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship and the Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship together cover 100% of subsidised tuition fees plus living, accommodation, and computer allowances, making NUS a financially viable option for deserving Indian students. Visit the official NUS scholarships page at nus.edu.sg/oam/scholarships for the latest updates and to begin your application.