NUS Financial Aid FAQ

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NUS Financial Aid
1. What is the estimated cost of attendance at NUS for the upcoming academic year?
The estimated monthly cost of attendance at NUS can be found here.
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2. When can I apply for financial aid in NUS?
All current students who are registering in the new academic year, will need to file an online application from 1 February to 1 April. Prospective students, who have applied for admission to NUS, will need to file an online application from 1 February to 1 April. Required supporting documents should reach the Office of Financial Aid within two weeks from the online submission date.
The online application system can be accessed here.
The University will only process applications which are received by 1 April and duly supported by all the required documents within two weeks from the online submission date. The outcome of applications processed will be available online from early June onwards. Disbursement of funds is scheduled between August and September, subject to satisfactory completion of all terms and conditions specified in the financial aid offer letter.
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3. Can I file my application on a hard copy of the financial aid application form?
For full-time undergraduate students, application for financial aid must be done online.
Part-time undergraduates are not eligible for financial aid. However, those who are Singapore Citizens may apply for Tuition Fee Loan, NUS Study Loan (excluding living allowance) and MOE Bursary. Application for such aid must be done on hard copy application form which can be requested via financialaid@nus.edu.sg. In July/January.
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4.

When should I submit the relevant documents to support my financial aid application?
Within two weeks from the online submission date. The supporting documents may be submitted by hand to the Office of Financial Aid or NUS Student Service Centre or mailed to the Office of Financial Aid at the following address:

Office of Admissions (Attn: Office of Financial Aid)
University Hall, Tan Chin Tuan Wing
Lower Ground,
21 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119077

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5. Can I request for the deadline for submission of supporting documents to be extended?
All deadlines, be it for submission of application or supporting documents are to be strictly adhered to. A request for extension of any deadline will be entertained only if there are valid reasons.
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6. Once my eligibility for financial aid is determined, what is the amount of aid I can expect to receive?
Financial aid that is offered to eligible applicants who have been assessed to be needy may take the form of one or a combination of the existing loan schemes, bursary award and work study option. Amount of aid offered will depend on the assessed level of neediness of the applicant. Please refer to this weblink for more details.
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7. When can I expect to receive the outcome of my financial aid application?
If you have applied for financial aid by 1 April and have submitted within two weeks from your online submission date all the supporting documents without the need for further verification by us, you should be able to receive an email notification about the outcome of your application from early June onwards.
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8. I applied for financial aid last year and was not offered any aid. Can I apply again this year?
Yes, you can apply again this year because each application received will be processed afresh based on the applicant’s latest financial situation vis-à-vis the prevailing financial aid approval guidelines. Click here to apply.
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9. How can I check my financial aid application status?
You can check the status of your application via the financial aid application system using your student number or admission application number.
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10.

I am in financial difficulty but the financial aid application deadline is over. What should I do?
Please note that late application for financial aid is strictly discouraged as this will impact the administration and efficient allocation of funds for financial aid. Aid will be offered first to eligible applicants who have applied on time.
If you have valid reasons for missing the application and/or document submission deadlines, you may send an appeal via email to financialaid@nus.edu.sg stating the following:

  1. Your full name
  2. Your student number of admission application number
  3. The reason(s) for late application/submission of documents
  4. A summary of your family background and income status

You will be advised on the outcome of your appeal within 1 week. Pending receipt of the reply, you should proceed to apply for any of the following schemes to finance your tuition fee payable, if you have not done so:
11.

What are the different types of loans administered by the University?
The types of loans administered on university-wide basis to all eligible undergraduates are as follows:

  1. Tuition Fee Loan (TFL) or CPF Education Scheme (CES)
  2. NUS Study Loan
  3. Subsistence Loan
  4. Cash Assist Loan
  5. Overseas Student Exchange Programme (SEP) Loan
  6. Overseas Student Programme (OSP) Loan
  7. Loan Under Notebook Ownership Scheme
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12. When offered a financial aid package, can I request for adjustment to my package and loan amounts?
Yes, you can if you have valid reasons. Please write to us via financialaid@nus.edu.sg and list down your estimated expenditure for the year against the amount of financial aid you are currently receiving. You should also highlight any mitigating factors that may help us in our review of your request.
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MOE Tuition Grant (More related FAQs can be found here)
13. Can the MOE Tuition Grant (TG) Agreement be sent to my home country for signing?
You can send the TG Agreement to your home country for your surety/sureties to sign in the presence of the notary public. Please refer to the notary public booklet for information if your surety/sureties is/are unable to be present in Singapore to execute the TG Agreement.
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14. What will happen if there is a delay in the submission of my MOE Tuition Grant Agreement?
You will have to appeal to the Office of Financial Aid via financialaid@nus.edu.sg, stating your full name, student number and the reason(s) for the late submission.
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15. How can I change my surety/sureties?
You need to complete this Change of Surety/Sureties Form and return it to the following address:
Tuition Grant Unit
15th Floor
Ministry of Education
1 North Buona Vista Drive
Singapore 138675
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Tuition Fee Loan (TFL)

16.

I have received the NUS admission offer letter. When can I apply for the TFL?
You can start applying for TFL upon receipt of the NUS admission offer letter. The application deadline is stated on the application form.

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17.

How do I apply for the TFL?
You have to download the application form and submit the duly completed form to either DBS Bank or OCBC Bank to process the loan application.
You and your guarantor are required to sign the TFL agreement in the presence of a Bank officer.

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18.

Can a non-Singaporean be my guarantor for the TFL?
Only Singaporean guarantors are acceptable for Singaporean students; Singaporean/SPR guarantors are acceptable for SPR students and Singaporean/SPR/non-Singaporean guarantors are acceptable for international students.
However, if you have valid reasons for not securing a guarantor who meet the nationality requirements above, you can appeal to the Office of Financial Aid via financialaid@nus.edu.sg.

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19.

What will happen if my non-Singaporean guarantor cannot be present in Singapore to sign the TFL agreement?
If your non-Singaporean guarantor is unable to be physically present in Singapore, he/she will have to sign the TFL agreement in the presence of a notary public in the country that he/she is at.
However, as a student borrower, you are still required to sign the TFL agreement in the presence of a Bank officer.

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20.

Will I be notified about the outcome of my TFL application?
Application for TFL is processed by DBS or OCBC Bank. You and your guarantor can submit the application form and relevant supporting documents to either bank personally. The bank will process the application immediately and will be able to inform you of the outcome upon verification of the documents provided. If the documentation is in order, you will be given a copy of the TFL agreement which can be executed thereupon in the presence of the bank officer.
If instructions have been fully complied with, the entire application can be finalized in a single visit to the bank.

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21.

If I have already obtained the TFL, do I have to re-apply for this loan every year?
The TFL is tenable for the entire course of study. Therefore, you do not have to re-apply every year.

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22.

When do I start repaying my liabilities under the TFL?
Repayment can be in one lump sum or in fixed equal monthly installments (minimum of $100 per month), commencing not later than 2 years after graduation or on securing employment, whichever is earlier. The maximum repayment period is 20 years.

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CPF Education Scheme (More related FAQs can be found here)

23.

If I am already in receipt of a loan for my tuition fee payable under the CPF Education Scheme, do I have to re-apply for the same funding every year?
As long as there are sufficient funds in the CPF member’s account to pay for your tuition fee payable, you do not have to re-apply every year.

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24.

I have obtained a loan under the CPF Education Scheme to finance my tuition fee payable but I am still billed for my tuition fee. Why?
This could be due to insufficient funds in the CPF member’s account to pay for your tuition fee payable. You may make arrangements to include another CPF member who can pay for your tuition fee payable. Instructions on how to do so can be found here.
Alternatively, you may apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to finance up to 90% of your tuition fee payable.

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25.

When do I start repaying the loan under the CPF Education Scheme?
Repayment starts one year after graduation or on leaving the course, whichever is earlier. The maximum repayment period is 12 years.

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Mendaki Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (More related FAQs can be found here)

26.

If my application for the subsidy is successful, do I have to re-apply every year?
The subsidy is tenable for the entire course of study. Therefore, you do not have to re-apply every year.

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27.

Does NUS administer this subsidy?
No. This subsidy is administered by Yayasan MENDAKI.
NUS assists in the collection and submission of application forms.

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NUS Study Loan

28.

How do I apply for the NUS Study Loan?
You can apply for the NUS Study Loan via the NUS financial aid system. Click here to apply.

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29.

If my application for the NUS Study Loan is successful, do I have to re-apply every year?
This scheme is tenable for the entire course of study. Therefore, you do not have to re-apply every year.

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30.

What else do I need to do to be eligible for the NUS Study Loan?
The NUS Study Loan will be offered as one of the components of the financial aid package when you apply for NUS financial aid and have been assessed to be eligible.
You must ensure you are in receipt of or will be applying for the required level of financial assistance from the TFL and/or CES and/or TTFS in order to hold the NUS Study Loan. Click here for details.

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31.

Where and when do I execute the NUS Study Loan agreement?
The Office of Financial Aid will notify you of the venue and schedule of loan agreement signing via your NUS email account. Therefore, please ensure that you read your emails promptly.
On the scheduled date of agreement signing, both you and your guarantor will be required to sign the loan agreement in the presence of an NUS officer.

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32

Can a non-Singaporean be my guarantor for NUS Study Loan?
Only Singaporean guarantors are acceptable for Singaporean students; Singaporean/SPR guarantors are acceptable for SPR students and Singaporean/SPR/non-Singaporean guarantors are acceptable for international students.
However, if you have valid reasons for not securing a guarantor who meet the nationality requirements above, you can appeal to the Office of Financial Aid via financialaid@nus.edu.sg.

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33

What do I need to do if my non-Singaporean guarantor cannot be present in Singapore to sign the loan agreement?
If your non-Singaporean guarantor is unable to be physically present in Singapore, you need to advise him/her to sign the loan agreement in the presence of a notary public in the country that he/she is residing.
As a student borrower, you are still required to sign the loan agreement in the presence of an NUS officer.

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34

When do I start repaying the NUS Study Loan?
Repayment can be in one lump sum or in fixed equal monthly installments (minimum of $100 per month) commencing not later than 6 months after graduation or on securing employment, whichever is earlier.

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Bursary

35

How do I apply for a bursary?
The University awards the NUS Bursary as a component of the financial aid package to eligible applicants who have been assessed to be needy. Singaporean needy applicants may also be offered the MOE Bursary as an alternative to the NUS Bursary. As these bursaries are tenable for one year, re-application is necessary every year if such aid is required.
Eligible applicants who apply online for financial aid via the NUS financial aid system will automatically be considered for such awards if assessed to be needy. Click here to apply.

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36

Do I have to repay the bursary awarded to me?
A bursary is a free aid which requires no repayment.

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37

Am I automatically awarded the NUS Bursary or MOE Bursary for the next academic year?
No. The bursaries are tenable for one year. You have to file a financial aid application yearly in order to be considered again for award of aid which will automatically include the bursaries component. Click here to apply.

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38

What is the difference between the NUS Bursary and NUSSU Bursary?
These are two different bursary schemes administered by different units within the University.
The NUS Bursary is administered by the Office of Financial Aid. Eligible applicants who apply online for financial aid via the NUS financial aid system will automatically be considered for this award if assessed to be needy.  
The NUSSU Bursary, on the other hand, is separately administered by the NUS Student Union and involves a different application process. Click here for more information.

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39

Can I hold more than two bursaries, scholarships or a combination of bursaries and scholarships concurrently?
To ensure a fair spread of free grants in the form of bursaries and scholarships to the NUS student population, and given that the University already provides an adequate amount of financial support to all needy students, concurrent holding of two or more bursary/scholarship awards is therefore not allowed. At the point of acceptance of the bursary or scholarship award, all awardees are expected to declare their agreement to abide by this condition and if found to be holding two awards concurrently, to forgo one award or refund monies already granted under either award.

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Subsistence Loan

40

How do I apply for Subsistence Loan?
The University offers the Subsistence Loan as a component of the financial aid package to eligible applicants who have been assessed to be needy. As these loans are tenable for one year, re-application is necessary every year if such aid is required.
Eligible applicants who apply online for financial aid via the NUS financial aid system will automatically be considered for award of such loans if assessed to be needy. Click here to apply.

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41

I am currently holding the ASEAN/UES/NUS Undergraduate Scholarship/MOE Teaching Award. Can I apply for this loan?
Yes, you may apply.

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42

Can a non-Singaporean be my guarantor for the Subsistence Loan?
No. The guarantor for a Subsistence Loan must be a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident who is above 21 years old, is gainfully employed full-time and not a bankrupt.
In addition, he or she must not be a party (borrower/guarantor) to any agreement unless the agreement relates to the Subsistence Loan/Cash Assist Loan involving the same student.

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43

Am I automatically awarded the Subsistence Loan for next academic year?
No. The Subsistence Loan is tenable for one year. You have to file a financial aid application yearly in order to be considered again for award of aid which will automatically include the Subsistence Loan component. Click here to apply.

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44

When should I start repaying the loan?
Repayment can be in one lump sum or in fixed equal monthly installments commencing not later than 3 months after graduation. The maximum repayment period is 5 years depending on the total loan quantum taken. The loan is interest free.

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Work-Study Assistance Scheme

45

How do I find employment under the Work-Study Assistance Scheme?
Students who have opted for assistance under this scheme will be sent job openings by employers who participate in this scheme via email to their NUS email account. Students under this scheme also source for jobs from a list of available on/off-campus work here. International students are  not allowed to work for more than 16 hours per week during term time.

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46

What is the difference between "Part-Time Appointment Scheme" and "Work Study Assistance Scheme"?
Part-Time Appointment Scheme is a non-needs based financial aid scheme which all full-time undergraduate and post-graduate students are eligible to apply. Work-Study Assistance Scheme is only applicable to needy full-time undergraduate students who have been offered a financial aid package with provision for this form of aid.

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47

Am I automatically awarded the Work-Study Assistance for next academic year?
No. You have to file a financial aid application yearly in order to be considered again for award of aid which will automatically include the Work Study Assistance option. Click here to apply.

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Cash Assist Loan

48

How do I apply for Cash Assist Loan?
The University offers the loan as a component of the financial aid package to eligible applicants who have been assessed to have met the eligibility criteria. As this loan is tenable for one year, re-application is necessary every year if such aid is required.

Applicants who apply online for financial aid via the NUS financial aid system will automatically be considered for award of the loan if the applicant is assessed to have met the eligibility criteria. Click here to apply

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49

I am currently holding the ASEAN/UES/NUS Undergraduate Scholarship/MOE Teaching Award. Can I apply for the loan?
Yes, you may apply. However, to be eligible for this loan, you are also required to take up the Subsistence Loan concurrently.

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50

Can a non-Singaporean be my guarantor for the loan?
No. The guarantor for the loan must be a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident who is above 21 years old, is gainfully employed full-time and not a bankrupt.
In addition, he or she must not be a party (borrower/ guarantor) to any agreement unless the agreement relates to the Cash Assist Loan/Subsistence Loan involving the same student.

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51

Am I automatically awarded the loan for next academic year?
No. The Cash Assist Loan is tenable for one year. You have to file a financial aid application yearly in order to be considered again for award of aid which will automatically include the Cash Assist Loan component. Click here to apply.

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52

When should I start repaying the loan?
Repayment can be in one lump sum or in fixed equal monthly installments commencing not later than 3 months after graduation. The maximum repayment period is 5 years depending on the total loan quantum taken.

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Scholarship

53

What are the types of scholarships available? How can I apply?
All scholarships are merit-based. Existing students may apply for award of scholarships under the OFA-administered Donated Scholarship Scheme. Each scholarship is valued at $3,000 per annum. Application is to be done online via the financial aid application system from 1 February to 1 April. Prospective students need not apply due to auto selection based on admission application details provided.
Scholarships administered by Office of Admissions, faculties and other departments can be found here.

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54

I was awarded the Donated Scholarship as well as another scholarship / bursary. Can I hold both awards concurrently?
To ensure a fair spread of free grants in the form of bursaries and scholarships to the NUS student population, and given that the University already provides an adequate amount of financial support to all needy students, concurrent holding of two or more bursary/scholarship awards is therefore not allowed. At the point of acceptance of the bursary or scholarship award, all awardees are expected to declare their agreement to abide by this condition and if found to be holding two awards concurrently, to forgo one award or refund monies already granted under either award.

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Special Term

56

Does NUS offer financial assistance for studies during special terms?
Eligible undergraduates reading modules during special terms are allowed to apply for funding of their tuition fees payable via the Tuition Fee Loan Scheme, CPF Education Scheme, Post-Secondary Education Account Scheme and NUS Study Loan Scheme (tuition fee portion only).
With effect from May 2007, funding under the Tuition Fee Loan Scheme and/or NUS Study Loan Scheme is made available to existing recipients under these schemes who take up modules during the special terms. Disbursements for payment of the tuition fee payable for the special term modules will be made accordingly unless otherwise instructed by the students/loan recipients.

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Student Exchange Programme Loan

57

Does NUS offer financial assistance for student exchange programmes?
Yes, there is an Overseas Student Exchange Programme (SEP) Loan Scheme which provides financing of up to a maximum of $3,000 for students on approved exchange programmes. You may download the application form here.

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58

What will happen if I fail to submit a copy of the Partner University’s offer letter in my application?
Your application will not be processed. Please adhere to the instructions in the form to avoid any processing delays.

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Outstanding Fees

59

I have paid my outstanding fees but I am still not able to bid for my modules or view my results. Why?
Please notify us and produce a copy of the payment receipt as proof of payment for your outstanding fees. You will only be able to view your results upon our receipt of your payment.
Please inform us of your payment status by contacting us via financialaid@nus.edu.sg or at 65162870.

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Student Bill & Disbursements

60

How can I check my Student Bill?
Click Office of Financial Services to access your Student Bill information.

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61

I am not sure how my tuition fee payable is deducted from GIRO or paid through CPF Education Scheme. How can I check?
You may call the Office of Financial Services at 6516 2417/8/9 as they administer tuition fee payment.

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62

When can I expect to receive my financial aid disbursements?
If you have applied for financial aid by 1 April, submitted within two weeks from the online submission date all supporting documents without the need for further verification by us and fulfilled all requirements of the loan(s) and/or bursary, you should be able to receive your funds by end August or early September.

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63

I checked my bank account and found that the amount credited is lower than the total amount of loans and/or bursary awarded to me. Why is this so?
Any applicable fees due to the University (e.g. mandatory miscellaneous fees, hostel fees, fines, etc) would have been deducted by the time you receive the financial aid proceeds in your bank account.
If you wish to seek clarification about your student bill, please call the NUS Student Service Centre at 65161177 or refer to http://www.askstudentservice.nus.edu.sg.

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Post-Secondary Education Account Scheme (More related FAQs can be found here)

64

How do I withdraw funds from my Post-Secondary Education Account?
You are required to submit a Standing Order if you wish to withdraw your PSEA funds to pay for your tuition fees. Download the Standing Order form here and submit the completed form to the Student Service Centre if you are an existing student (deadline for submission can be found here) and to the Registration Centre on Registration Day if you are an in-coming student.

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65

If I have submitted the Standing Order to withdraw my PSEA funds this year, do I need to submit the Standing Order again next year?
No, the Standing Order (SO) is a one-time application and will apply to all future withdrawals for tuition fees. Once a SO is received, funds for tuition fees will be automatically withdrawn each semester until either the PSEA funds are used up or until the SO is terminated or replaced.

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66

If I missed the deadline for the Standing Order submission, is there any other way that I can withdraw my PSEA funds?
You can submit an Ad Hoc Withdrawal Form instead. Please indicate clearly under which category you wish to withdraw the PSEA funds for and the exact amount you wish to withdraw. The Ad Hoc Withdrawal Form can be downloaded here and must be submitted to the Student Service Centre or mailed to the Office of Financial Aid.
Please note that the Ad Hoc Withdrawal Form is meant for one-time withdrawal and you will have to submit either the Standing Order or another Ad Hoc Withdrawal Form if you wish to withdraw your PSEA funds in the following semester.

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67

If I have applied and am awarded the Tuition Fee Loan and/or NUS Study Loan, can I still use my PSEA funds for my tuition fees?
Yes, the PSEA funds will be used first to clear your tuition fees and mandatory miscellaneous fees. The TFL and NUS Study Loan will be used to clear any balance outstanding tuition fees after deducting your PSEA funds.

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68

Should I submit the Standing Order if I want to withdraw my PSEA funds to pay just my mandatory miscellaneous fees?
No, you should use the Ad Hoc Withdrawal Form as the Standing Order is a request to use the PSEA funds for both your tuition fees and mandatory miscellaneous fees. However, as the Ad Hoc Withdrawal Form is meant for one-time withdrawal, you will have to submit another Ad Hoc Withdrawal Form if you want to withdraw the funds to pay for your mandatory miscellaneous fees only in the following semester.

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69

Can I use my PSEA funds for other purposes besides paying for my tuition fees?
Yes, your PSEA funds can be used for enrichment programmes such as Overseas Student Programmes and local and overseas conferences/competitions approved and endorsed by the University. The Ad Hoc Withdrawal Form can be downloaded here and completed form with supporting documents must be submitted to the Student Service Centre or mailed to the Office of Financial Aid.

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70

Can I use my PSEA funds to pay for my hostel fees?
No, the PSEA funds can only be used for your tuition fees, mandatory miscellaneous fees and enrichment programmes such as Overseas Student Programmes and local and overseas conferences/competitions.

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71

How do I check the balance in my Post-Secondary Education Account?
You can check your PSEA balance by contacting MOE at 6260 0777 or email contact@moe.gov.sg

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Supporting Documents for Financial Aid

72

What are the types of supporting documents that I must submit?
Please log on to this URL: https://aces01.nus.edu.sg/webroapsbs/jsp/login.jsp to generate the Application Summary Document (ASD). The types of relevant supporting documents for submission are listed on the first page for your reference.

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73

Do I need to send the ASD along with my supporting documents?
Yes. Please check that all entries are accurate and sign your name on the last page of the document.

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74

What if the information entered in the application form is not accurately reflected in the document?
You may alter the information (using red ink) on the document. Upon receipt, we will update it in the system on your behalf.

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75

How will I know if my supporting documents have reached your office?
Please log on to this URL: https://aces01.nus.edu.sg/webroapsbs/jsp/login.jsp to check the status of our receipt of your documents.

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76

Can I request for extension of the deadline for submission of the supporting documents?
No extension of the stipulated deadline will be granted unless good and valid reasons are given. You must inform us via financialaid@nus.edu.sg.

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