International Relations Office

Awards & Scholarships for Outgoing Students

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Information


For Undergraduate SEP



General Information

Application

1. When will the application be open?


The applications are usually open around March /April every year. You are advised to check the IRO website from time to time on the application and closing dates.



2. I am unable to find the information as the websites are in Italian. How can I get assistance?

You can do an online translation using Google Language Tools. Alternatively, you can also contact the Italian Cultural Institute of Singapore for an Official Translator to assist with the Italian translation.

 

3. I am required to show that I have been accepted for a programme in Italy for the academic year. However, the application for the programme that I am keen to take up will only open later. What should I do?

Please ask the University to give an interim offer letter/email. You are also advised to give a comprehensive study plan in your application. In the case that you are successful in getting the Italian Scholarship, you will be required to produce documentary evidence later.

 

4. I do not have an official offer letter from the university. What should I do?

Please refer to Question 3.

5. Is there an interview?

You may be required to come for an interview if you are short-listed. It is important to take note that short-listed candidates will have to be in Singapore for the interview, if necessary. Interviews are usually held soon after the application deadline.

 

6. Where do I send the application forms to?

Please apply online at the link available on the Italian Scholarship page of the IRO website.

 

7. My supporting documents (such as reference letters, certificates and others) are not ready and the deadline is very soon. Can I send my application form first and later submit the supporting documents after the deadline?

No, we will not accept any supporting documents after the deadline. All application forms must be completed online before the deadline.

 

8. I have missed the deadline. Can I still apply? Is there a waiting list?

If you have missed the deadline, then it is not necessary for you to apply as it will not be accepted. The next round of applications will be usually open around March/April every year. You are advised to check the IRO website from time to time on the application and closing dates. Please only apply when you see the announcement.

 

9. I have missed the application deadline for the current year. Can I send my application now for the following year?

No, please do not send the application in advance for the following year(s). The applications usually open around March/April every year. You are advised to check the IRO website from time to time on the application and closing dates. Please only apply when you see the announcement.

 

10. I have not been successful in getting the scholarship? Is there a waiting list?

If you have not been successful, then we suggest that you look for other sources of funding. The next round of applications will open around March/April the following year. You are advised to check the IRO website from time to time on the application and closing dates. Please only apply when you see the announcement.

 

11. When will the results of the Italian Scholarship be made known?

If you are selected, the Italian Cultural Institute will contact you around end June/early July.

 

12. I have also applied to other scholarships/awards. What if I get accepted for more than one scholarship/award?

You are not allowed to hold any other scholarship/award or financial assistance other than the Italian Scholarship during the academic year period you are awarded the scholarship for. If you receive another scholarship/award or financial assistance in addition to the Italian Scholarship, then you will have to decide which scholarship/award or financial assistance that you will be accepting. If you do not accept the Italian scholarship, it will be offered to another suitable applicant.

 

13. Will I be able to apply for other types of scholarship/award or financial aid from the Italian university that I applied my course to or will this scholarship from NUS exclude me from other possible aids?

No, you cannot apply or hold any other scholarships/awards or financial assistance during the academic year period you are awarded the scholarship for. Please refer to Question 12.

 

14. Can I apply for a loan to supplement my stay in Italy?

Yes, you can apply for a separate loan.

 


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Eligibility Criteria

15. What are the eligibility criteria for this scholarship?

The awarding of the Italian Scholarship is based on merit and preference will be given to: applicants who plan to pursue academic exchange programs or graduate programs in Italy; and/or applicants who have some knowledge of the Italian language.

The candidate must be:

  • An NUS student/alumni
  • A Singapore citizen
  • Less than 35 years old
16. I am not a Singapore citizen. Can I still apply?

No. This scholarship is strictly open to Singapore citizens only.

17. Is there any age limit for the scholarship?

Yes. Candidates applying for the scholarships must be less than 35 years old.

 

Italian/English Language

18. I have no knowledge of Italian. Can I still apply?

Yes you can still apply, however, students with prior knowledge of Italian and who show a keen interest in the Italian culture would have an advantage.



19. I have some knowledge of Italian. Do I meet your criteria?

The scholarship is awarded based on merit. Knowledge of Italian is certainly an advantage. If you have some prior knowledge of Italian, you may consider taking Italian at a higher/advanced level.  You are also advised to give as much information as possible about your interest in Italy, your study plan in Italy and other information as requested in the application form.

20. Where can I learn Italian?

The Italian Cultural Institute of Singapore conducts Italian language courses. Please check their website.

21. Are the courses in Italian universities in English or Italian?

With the exception of Bocconi University, where the courses are in English, all other courses are in Italian at the partner universities for NUS undergraduates. For all other universities, you are advised to check the individual university websites for more information.


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Academic

22. Where can I study in Italy?

If your application is for Italian Language only, then you will be required to apply for the Italian language and cultural courses subject to a minimum stay of three months.
If you are an undergraduate going to Italy on the student exchange programme, then you can apply to the following universities:

  • Politecnico di Milano (for Architecture students only)
  • Università Commerciale 'Luigi Bocconi' Milan (for Business students only)
  • Università degli Studi di Trento (ASE3 Programme for Engineering/Computing/Science students)
Can I do a grade transfer for the GSPs course modules?

No. All overseas modules are transferred only on a credit basis. Please check with your home faculty if you need further clarification.
Do I have to pay NUS special term fee for credit transfer?

You do not need to pay NUS special term fees for credit transfer, subject to a maximum of 2 summer programmes or 12 modular credits. This means that should you wish to transfer the credits earned during this summer programme, you are only required to pay NUS special term fees if this is the 3rd (or more) summer programme you are attending, or if you have previously transferred 12 MCs while on a summer programme.


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Selection Criteria

What kind of criteria does NUS look for before nominating a student? Are there any additional prerequisites other than those listed on the website?

Applicants will be shortlisted based on academic results, the statement of purpose and other information in the application form.  An interview will then be conducted.

The aim of the selection process is to select outstanding, well-rounded ambassadors of NUS who have a consistent record of high academic achievement and a strong interest in their chosen course.

While there are no specific selection criteria, you should aim to include in your personal statement relevant information that best demonstrates and supports your intention for wanting to participate in the course, what you hope to contribute to the course, and what you hope to learn from it.

Please note that selection of students for the GSP courses in NUS will be determined by the host faculties i.e. Department of Architecture for “Asia Now!” and Southeast Asian Studies Programme for “Southeast Asia in Context”.

How many NUS students are selected for each course?

NUS will nominate up to 3 students for each course.
If I apply to more than one course, does it mean if I am nominated, I would be nominated for all?

You can apply for as many courses as you wish. If you are successful, you will be nominated for one course only.
When will I know if I have been successful in my application?

You will be informed about 2 days after the interview whether you have been nominated by NUS for the GSP course.  Please note, though, that nomination by NUS is only the first step.  The host institution still reserves the right to make the final decision on whether to accept you.


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Acceptance by Host Institution

How will I know if I am accepted by the host institution?

The host institution will contact successful candidates by 8 April 2011, and you have to respond whether you are taking up the place by 15 April 2011.
What else do I need to do after being accepted?

Upon acceptance of your nomination, the host institution will be in contact with you. They will advise you on other information that may be required to complete the application process, and on the visa application procedure.  It is important to follow the instructions from the host institution and get the visa application process started right away.  You will also have to make your own travel arrangements.
How do I withdraw from the course?

The GSP is a very competitive program, and you need to consider carefully if you wish to withdraw.  Please inform both NUS and the host institution should you decide to do so.  If you withdraw after you have confirmed your placement, the host institution may impose penalties.  You will also have to return the travel grant and certificate if they have already been issued.

 

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