NUS: International Relations Office

When will the applications be open?

The applications are usually open around March /April every year. You are advised to check the IRO website (http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/) from time to time on the application and closing dates.
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 (http://www.iicsingapore.esteri.it/IIC_Singapore) for an Official Translator to assist with the Italian translation.
I am required to show that I have been accepted for a programme in Italy for the period between 1 October 2009 and 30 September 2010. 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.
I do not have an official offer letter from the university. What should I do?

Please refer to Question 3.
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.
Where do I send the application forms to?

To apply for the Italian Scholarship, please download and complete the application form. Please submit either:

In person: Please deposit the application forms into the designated mail boxes at

Student Service Centre
Yusof Ishak House, Level 1
National University of Singapore,
31 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119078

OR

Mail to:
International Relations Office
National University of Singapore
3rd Storey, Unit 03-03, Shaw Foundation Alumni House,
11 Kent Ridge Drive
Singapore 119244
Please indicate Re: Italian Scholarship application on the envelope.

All applications must reach IRO office by 3 June 2009.
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 complete, together with the necessary supporting documents.
I am currently out of the country. Can I scan and email the application form and documents?

Only hard copies of the application form will be accepted. Interested applicants who are currently out of the country can send the application form by mail. However, it is important to take note that short-listed candidates may have to be in Singapore for the interview, if necessary. Interviews are usually held soon after the application deadline. The Italian Cultural Institute of Singapore managing the scholarship may also require your presence to sign relevant documents.
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 (http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/) from time to time on the application and closing dates. Please only apply when you see the announcement.
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 (http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/) from time to time on the application and closing dates. Please only apply when you see the announcement.
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 (http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/) from time to time on the application and closing dates. Please only apply when you see the announcement.
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.
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 period between 1 October 2009 and 30 September 2010. 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.
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 period between 1 October 2009 and 30 September 2010. Please refer to Question 12.
Can I apply for a loan to supplement my stay in Italy?

Yes, you can apply for a separate loan.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

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

I am not a Singapore citizen. Can I still apply?

No. This scholarship is strictly open to Singapore citizens only.
Is there any age limit for the scholarship?

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

ITALIAN/ENGLISH LANGUAGE

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.
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.
Where can I learn Italian?

The Italian Cultural Institute of Singapore conducts Italian language courses. Please check their website (http://www.iicsingapore.esteri.it/IIC_Singapore).
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.

ACADEMIC

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:

What kind of courses can I do?

NUS students may apply for language and cultural courses subject to a minimum stay of three months, and/or, a student exchange programme at one of the Italian universities which NUS has a partnership with. Please refer to Question 23 for the list of partner universities for student exchange.

NUS alumni can use the scholarship for language and cultural courses subject to a minimum stay of three months, and/or, post-graduate studies at approved Italian universities for most disciplines. Please refer to Question 53 on what constitutes such institutions.
Does the scholarship include only language and cultural courses? Or does it also allow an academic exchange, or both?

Please refer to Question 24.
As I want to be certain of getting the scholarship, do you think my chances are higher if I just learn Italian language or are my chances better if I do full time study in Italy?

Every application will be based on merit. You are advised to show your interest in the Italian language and culture and to give a comprehensive study plan.
Can I apply for the scholarship just to learn the Italian language?

Yes, you can apply for the scholarship to learn Italian language only.
I wish to go to Italy for a short attachment as part of my work but it is not a university. Can I apply for the Italian scholarship?

The Italian Scholarship can only be used for academic exchange programmes, research programmes, and graduate studies at approved Italian universities. All other applications will not be accepted. For a list of approved Italian universities, please refer to Question 53 on what constitutes such institutions.

PERIOD OF SCHOLARSHIP

When must the scholarship be used?

If you are awarded the scholarship in 2009, then you are required to use the scholarship between 1 October 2009 and 30 September 2010. In case of the PhD and/or Masters, it can be prolonged to 31 March 2011.
Due to foreseen circumstances, I am unable to use the scholarship from 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010. Can I use it one year later?

No, you cannot use it one year later. You are required to use the scholarship between 1 October 2009 and 30 September 2010 only. If you are not able to do so, we will offer the scholarship to another suitable candidate. If you are still keen to go to Italy, you can always apply for the Italian scholarship next year.

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNTS

How many scholarships are there?

There is no fixed number of scholarships and the number varies each year.
If I am successful, how many months of scholarship will I get?

The number of months that you get varies and it does not depend on your length of study. For example, even with a 1-year study plan, it does not necessarily mean that you will be given scholarship for all the 12 months. In this case, you will be expected to self-finance the remaining duration of your study in Italy, as well as all other expenses such as course/tuition fees and others.

The scholarship is normally assigned only for the periods of 3, 6, 9 or 12 months.
Will the scholarship cover the whole duration of my study in Italy?

Please refer to Question 32.
What if the number of months of scholarship does not cover the duration of my study in Italy?

Please refer to Question 32.

AWARDING OF SCHOLARSHIPS

When will I get the scholarship after I am awarded the scholarship?

If you are awarded, you will be contacted by the Italian Cultural Institute of Singapore to complete the necessary administrative award procedures of the Italian Scholarship. The deadline for completing the award procedures are set by the Italian Government and you are advised to complete the necessary administrative award procedures as required. The Italian Cultural Institute of Singapore will advise you on when you will be receiving the scholarship. For more information on the administrative procedures of the award, please contact the Italian Cultural Institute of Singapore at 6336 3705.
Is there a bond?

No. The scholarship carries no obligatory bond period.

RETURN AIR-TICKET

Can I choose where I want my return air ticket to be issued from?

No. The return ticket will be issued from before the commencement of the scholarship, and return from the city where the course is attended. If there are no direct flights to the Italian city chosen, flights will be from airports in Rome or Milan.
Due to foreseen circumstances, I am unable to use the return ticket during scholarship period. Can I use it one year later?

No. The return ticket is only valid during the period of the scholarship

INSURANCE

What does the insurance part of the scholarship cover?

All awardees will be covered for their health insurance.

MISCELLANOUS

Can I get in touch with previous students who have received this scholarship?

We can forward your email address to the previous scholarship recipients and we will leave it to them to contact you after that.
While I am in Italy on a student visa, will I be allowed to work part time? Or are there other types of study and work visas available?

For information on part-time work eligibility, study and work visas, please contact the Italian Embassy in Singapore at http://www.italyemb.org.sg/portal.html or 62506022.

FOR UNDERGRADUATE SEP

ACADEMIC

Do I have to be accepted by the university when I apply for the scholarship or can I first get accepted for the scholarship and then apply later for a university?

If you are an undergraduate, you must first be accepted for the student exchange programme (SEP) at a partner university of NUS for the period 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010. You can apply to the following partner universities:

How do I apply for the student exchange programme (SEP)?

Application for the student exchange programme can be made online at http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/nus/students/prog/SEP/index.html
You are advised to check with your faculty SEP coordinator on when you can apply, the deadline and approval for the courses that you will be taking or the research topics. The contact details of the Faculty SEP coordinator can be found at http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/. Other relevant information on the student exchange programme can also be found at this URL.
Am I limited to only the universities which NUS has student exchange programme agreements with?

If you wish to study in a university other than the universities which NUS has a partnership with, you will have to first seek approval from your Faculty SEP coordinator for the course of study and the University that you have selected.

For a list of the Faculty SEP coordinators, please check the IRO website at http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/. Once your Faculty has approved your course of study, and you have secured a place in the Italian university of your choice, you can still apply for the Italian Scholarship.
I am an undergraduate from FASS/Law and I notice that I am not eligible to go to Italy for student exchange as none of the partner universities is suitable for FASS/Law programmes? What should I do?

Please refer to Question 44.

FINAL YEAR STUDENTS

I am an undergraduate in my final year/honours year? Am I still eligible to apply?

You will have to seek approval from your Faculty SEP coordinator for the course of study and the University that you have selected. If your Faculty has approved your study plan and you have secured a place at an Italian university of your choice, then you can apply for the Italian Scholarship. For a list of the Faculty SEP coordinators, please check the IRO website at http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/.

SEMESTERS/SPECIAL TERMS

The Italian semester starts in September/October and ends in January/ February. How can students come back to NUS in time for the second semester which starts in January?

For Italian semesters ending in January/February, you can explore the following options with your Faculty:
- Students can ask for alternative assessment, e.g. project paper, oral exam etc
- Students can stay behind up to 2 weeks to take exams (maybe earlier than the other students) before returning to NUS.
- Students can return to NUS for the second semester as usual, and take partner university SEP exams at NUS supervised by the home dept/faculty.
- Students can stay the whole duration of the one semester in Italy and start the next semester at NUS in August.
- While you are in Italy, you must do CORS online from overseas, and get approval for late registration back at NUS. For all the above, you have to seek your Faculty SEP coordinator’s advise and approval. You are also advised to plan well ahead for some of the options suggested above. For a list of the Faculty SEP coordinators, please check the IRO website at http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/

I am an undergraduate. Can the scholarship be used for the special term?

Yes, the scholarship can be used for the special term. You will have to seek approval from your Faculty SEP coordinator for the course of study and the University that you have selected if you wish to transfer the credits. Once your Faculty has approved and you have been assured a place in the Italian university, you can apply for the Italian Scholarship. For a list of the Faculty SEP coordinators, please check the IRO website at http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/.

TUITION FEES AT NUS

If I miss one semester at NUS, will I still have to pay the NUS tuition fees?

For conditions on missing a semester, leave of absence and applicable tuition fees, you will need to check with your Faculty SEP coordinator, and/or check the Registrar’s Office website at http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/ for more information. For a list of the Faculty SEP coordinators, please check the IRO website at http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/.
Does the scholarship cover the course/tuition fees?

If you are an undergraduate going to an NUS partner university on student exchange with credit transfer, then you are not required to pay the tuition fees as part of the Memorandum of Understanding which we have with the partner university. For more information on this, please check the RO website at: http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/edu/UG/sep_general.html

If you are going to any other university, then you must be prepared to pay the prevailing tuition/course fees.
How do I find out about the tuition/course fees at the Italian universities?

You will have to do your own research on the tuition/course fees at the approved universities. For a list of approved Italian universities, please refer to Question 53 on what constitutes such institutions.

FOR NUS ALUMNI

ACADEMIC

I am an NUS alumnus. Am I limited to only the universities which NUS has student exchange programme agreements with?

No, that list of is only applicable for NUS undergraduates.
For NUS alumni, you will have to do your own research on the approved universities. For a list of approved Italian universities, please refer to Question 53 on what constitutes such institutions.
Which universities is this scholarship applicable for?

The scholarships are assigned for the studies and/or research at the following legally recognized institutions:
- Universities, university institutes and polytechnics;
- Institutes for higher artistic and musical education;
- Restoration institutes;
- National School for Cinema Studies (“Scuola nazionale di cinema”);
- University colleges, research laboratories or centres, libraries, archives and museums linked to the university courses (undergraduate or post-graduate) to which the candidate has to be enrolled.

The scholarships cannot be used for the following:

Foreign institutions (universities, academies, libraries or schools of any type) even if located in Italy;

Private research laboratories or centres not recognized by the Italian Government.

The exceptions are the European University Institute (Istituto Universitario Europeo), inter-governmental university institutes linked to the European Union institutions, and private universities (and their courses) which are legally recognized.

For further confirmation, please refer to the website of the Italian Ministry of Education (http://www.miur.it/), or contact the Italian Cultural Institute at 6336 3705 (http://www.iicsingapore.esteri.it/IIC_Singapore).

Do I have to be accepted by the university when I apply for the scholarship or can I first get accepted for the scholarship and then apply later for a university?

As an NUS alumnus, you have to be accepted for a study programme at an approved Italian university during the one year period from 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010. The scholarships will only be assigned for the studies and/or research at legally recognized institutions. Please refer to Question 53 on what constitutes such institutions.

TUITION FEES

Does the scholarship cover the course/tuition fees?

No. For graduate studies, you must be prepared to pay the prevailing enrollment fees.
How do I find out about the course/tuition fees at the Italian universities?

You will have to do your own research on the tuition/course fees at the approved universities. For a list of approved Italian universities, please refer to Question 53 on what constitutes such institutions.

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