Applying for the  NUS Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN Nationals

*(ASEAN comprises the 10 nations of South East Asia - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.) 

2. The NUS GSA is only for full-time course-work graduate degrees** conducted at NUS and designated for the scholarship. Candidates receiving other awards will be disqualified from the NUS GSA. 

**(The NUS GSA is not for Research or Doctorate [Ph.D.] programmes. The NUS Research Scholarship is available for these programmes. For more information, For more information, please click here.

1. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
2. Faculty of Engineering
3. Faculty of Law
4. Faculty of Science
5. School of Computing
6. School of Design & Environment
7. Division of Graduate Dental Studies
8. Division of Graduate Medical Studies
9. Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

6. Details of the designated graduate degrees and the administrators are given in these web pages. 

Applying for a designated graduate degree 
7. To obtain the application material please write (by post, fax or E-mail) to the appropriate Administrator. Candidates must clearly state their full name, postal address and the designated graduate degree they are interested in and send it to the following address:

Administrator
Department of XXX
Faculty/School of XXX
<Mailing Address>

Please click here for a list of the mailing address of all the Faculties/Schools.

8. Candidates should carefully read the instructions and conditions in the application material for the designated graduate degree. A candidate must ensure that the application form, supporting documents and other requirements are fulfilled, completed and submitted before the due date for the designated graduate degree. 

1. an excellent academic record and has been or will be admitted by a NUS Faculty/School to pursue a designated graduate degree: 
   1. A candidate should be in the top 10% of the class. 
   2. Admission may be in either Semester 1 (commencing in July) or, where available, Semester 2 (commencing in January). 
2. a good command of the English language: 
   1. A candidate's English language proficiency will be determined by 
      
      1. the Test of English as a Foreign Language [TOEFL] score of at least 550 for the paper-based test or 213 for the computer-based test or 80 for the internet-based score; or 
      2. the International English Language Testing System [IELTS] result of at least 6.0; or 
      3. such other qualifications as determined by the NUS Faculty/School. 
         
   2. If the NUS Faculty/School specify a higher TOEFL score (e.g. 600 for the paper-based test or 250 for the computer-based test) or IELTS result (e.g. 7.0) as a minimum requirement for a designated graduate degree, the higher score or result will apply. 
      
   3. (iii) The organisations conducting the respective tests are: 
      
      TOEFL 
      Educational Testing Service [ETS] 
      PO Box 6151 
      Princeton NJ 08541-6151 
      USA 
      Tel: (609) 951-1100 
      or contact your local United States Information Service 
      
      IELTS 
      University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate [UCLES] 
      1 Hills Road 
      Cambridge CB1 2EU 
      United Kingdom 
      Tel: (01223) 55-3311 
      or contact your local British Council
      
   4. The TOEFL and IELTS are internationally established standards to compare the English language proficiency of candidates from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. This is regardless of whether the English language is the native language or medium of instruction for the candidate, as these do not ensure that the candidate: 
      1. has a very good command of the English language; 
      2. will cope and benefit from the designated graduate degree (usually conducted in the English language); and 
      3. is an outstanding candidate for the NUS GSA. 
         
   5. Except where other qualification has been determined by the NUS Faculty/School, the TOEFL score or IELTS result is required since the NUS GSA is awarded on a competitive basis, where all candidates are compared against a common benchmark. 
      
   6. Please note that: 
      1. other English language 'proficiency tests' are unacceptable, as they are inconsistent and are not of international standards or comparable to TOEFL or IELTS; 
      2. tests that claim to be predictions, estimations, simulations, equivalents, practices, etc. of the TOEFL or IELTS are invalid; 
      3. the ETS Institutional Testing Program cannot be used for admission; and 
      4. TOEFL score or IELTS result are only valid for 2 years after the test and should be valid at the beginning of the application period for the designated graduate degree. 
         
3. a minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience as at the application due date: 
   
   1. The years of working experience may be cumulative over different periods of time; and 
      
   2. (ii) The scope of working experience should be within the discipline of the designated graduate degree.

10. A candidate will not be considered for the NUS GSA if: 

1. the candidate does not fulfil the nationality and the 3 eligibility requirements at items 9(a), (b) and (c); or 
2. the candidate's application is incomplete or received after the due date.

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Graduate Degrees & Administrators for the  NUS Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN Nationals

Only full-time course-work graduate degrees are designated for the National University of Singapore's [NUS] Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN* Nationals [GSA]. Application for the NUS GSA is incorporated into that for each of the designated graduate degree. 

*(ASEAN is the abbreviation for the Association of South East Asian Nation and it comprises the 10 nations of South East Asia - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, as on 1 May 1999.) 

Prospective candidates must contact the respective Administrator of a designated graduate degree for clarification and to obtain the application material. Details of the designated graduate degrees and the respective Administrators are listed under the appropriate Faculty or School. 

Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Science
School of Computing
School of Design & Environment
Division of Graduate Dental Studies
Division of Graduate Medical Studies
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

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Rules of the NUS Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN Nationals

Introduction  1.    The Scholarship is available annually for award to citizens or permanent residents of member countries of ASEAN*, except Singapore citizens and permanent residents.    *(ASEAN is the abbreviation for the Association of South East Asian Nation and it comprises the 10 nations of South East Asia - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, as on 1 May 1999.)    2.    To be eligible for an award, a candidate must have been admitted or have been offered admission to a full-time course-work study leading to one of the following graduate degrees and such other graduate degrees as may be approved by the Vice-Chancellor: Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences Master of Arts in one of the following disciplines: Chinese Studies; Language Studies; Literary Studies; Southeast Asian Studies. Master of Social Sciences in one of the following disciplines: Social Work.   Faculty of Engineering Master of Science in one of the following disciplines: Chemical Engineering; Civil Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Environmental Engineering; Geotechnical Engineering; Industrial & Systems Engineering; Intellectual Property Management (Part 2 only); Management of Technology (for student intake from AY 2009/2010); Materials Science and Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Mechatronics; Safety Health & Environmental Technology; Systems Design & Management (for student intake from Sem II, AY 2008/2009); Transportation Systems & Management; Faculty of Law Master of Laws. Faculty of Science Master of Science in Mathematics School of Computing Master of Computing. School of Design & Environment Master of Architecture. Master of Arts (Urban Design) Master of Landscape Architecture Master of Science in one of the following disciplines: Building Science; Project Management; Real Estate. Division of Graduate Dental Studies Master of Dental Surgery in one of the following disciplines: Endodontics; Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery; Orthodontics; Periodontology; Prosthodontics. Division of Graduate Medical Studies Master of Public Health. Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Master in Public Policy

Provisions of the Scholarship  4.    Each scholarship will provide for the following:  A monthly stipend of S$1,350.00;  A one-time book allowance of S$500.00;  Tuition, health insurance, examination fees sports fee and other approved fees, allowances and expenses at NUS and throughout the period of the award;  Cost of economy travel directly from the home country to Singapore on award of the scholarship; and  Cost of economy travel directly from Singapore back to the home country on successful completion of the course of study leading to the award of the degree. 5.    The scholarship is normally awarded for 2 semesters or the equivalent of an academic year in the first instance. In exceptional cases, the scholarship may be awarded for 1 semester only. The scholarship may be extended for an additional semester on the basis of the scholar's performance in the previous semesters (maintain a minimum CAP of 3.5 or should not have any grade below "C" for any module/subject) and the recommendation of the appropriate Faculty/School. 6.    There is no bond or obligation for the scholar to be employed by NUS or in Singapore. The scholar is, therefore, expected to complete the designated graduate degree and return to the home country.

7.    No award will be made unless there is a candidate of sufficient merit.

Other Conditions  8 .    A scholar may request to extend the scholarship over the minimum period of candidature to complete the graduate course of study. The extension is subject to the scholar's performance and the recommendation of the respective Faculty/School. The Selection Committee may terminate an award if the progress or conduct of the scholar has not been satisfactory.  9. The scholarship may not, without the prior approval of the Senate, be held concurrently with any other award.

Applications  10. The Registrar will invite applications at the appropriate time. Applications must be submitted on prescribed forms available from the respective Faculty/School.  Back to top Reimbursement, payment and extension of the  NUS Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN Nationals Introduction The provisions of the National University of Singapore [NUS] Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN Nationals [GSA] are only with effect from the date of the award and will be reimbursed after the NUS GSA recipient has registered at NUS for the designated graduate degree. All living and personal expenses/matters are the responsibility of the NUS GSA recipient.  Initial award of scholarship The NUS GSA recipient must initially arrange and pay for the following items (retain the original receipts, etc.) and submit the Claim for Reimbursement/Payment Form (download at the end of this page) after being registered for the designated graduate degree:     (i)  Fare/ticket for economy travel by the most direct route from the home country to Singapore, by aircraft, train, ferry, etc.; (ii) Tax (non-deductible/non-refundable) for travel to Singapore; (iii) Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA); (iv) ICA's immigration student pass fee; (v) Medical examination fees in relation to the student pass application   Report to the Student Service Centre located at Yusof Ishak House, Level 1, any time after registration to submit the claim for reimbursement.   The NUS Student Bill will be directly debited to the NUS GSA Fund only after the NUS GSA recipient has registered for the designated graduate degree. The items that are approved in the Student Bill would include fees for tuition, registration, student activity, medical and personal accident insurance, examinations, compliance with copyright law and the use of academic related facilities. Submit the original "NUS Student Bill" to the Registrar's Office.    The book allowance and monthly stipend will be credited to the NUS GSA recipient 's bank account.    A NUS GSA recipient must consult the Administrator at the Faculty/School to determine the degree requirements, study plan and enroll for an average course workload for each semester.  He/she is expected to take a minimum of 3 modules per semester and must maintain a minimum C A P of 3.5, with no grade below "C" for any module/subject.      Continuation and extension of scholarship At the end of each semester the examination results must be submitted to the Registrar's Office. The NUS GSA Selection Committee may terminate an award if the progress or conduct of the scholar has not been satisfactory.    A scholar may request to extend the scholarship beyond the minimum period of candidature to complete the graduate course of study by completing an application form. The extension is subject to his/her performance in the previous semesters and the approval of the respective Faculty/ School. Please download the Application for Extension of NUS Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN Nationals Form.    Completion and award of degree The following items (retain the original receipts, etc.) will be reimbursed to the scholar, only upon completion and award of the designated graduate degree and return to the home country:    (i) Fare/ticket for  economy travel by the most direct route from Singapore to the home country, by aircraft, train, ferry, etc.;  & (ii) Tax (non-deductible/non-refundable) for travel from Singapore.    Submit the final examination results or notice of graduation to the Registrar's Office together with the claim for reimbursement (the original receipts, etc. must be attached).     Claim Form for NUS Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN Nationals Back to top Frequently Asked Questions on the NUS Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN Nationals 1. What is the National University of Singapore [NUS] Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN Nationals [GSA]?  Each academic year the NUS GSA is offered to a limited number of outstanding candidates admitted to a designated graduate degree by full-time course-work. The designated graduate degrees are conducted by a NUS Faculty or School.   The NUS GSA scholar:  (a) is subject to the Rules of the NUS GSA and any other instructions and conditions decided by the NUS GSA Selection Committee;  (b) must fulfill the degree requirements of the designated graduate degree at the NUS Faculties or School; and  (c) is not permitted to participate in any overseas programme that is not a component of the designated graduate degree, such as the University's student exchange programmes [SEP].      2. What does the NUS GSA provide?  The NUS GSA will provide each successful scholar with:  (a) A monthly stipend of S$1,350.00 throughout the period of the award (inclusive of the University's vacations);  (b) A one-time book allowance of S$500.00;  (c) Cover tuition, registration fees, health insurance, student activity fees and other academic related fees such as examination fees and class fee and other approved fees and expenses at NUS and throughout the period of the award;  (d) Cost of economy travel directly from the home country to Singapore upon award of the scholarship; and  (e) Cost of economy travel directly from Singapore to the home country upon successful completion of the course of study leading to the award of the degree.  The provisions do not cover any fees, expenses or costs borne by the candidate prior to the award of the NUS GSA (e.g. application fee, fares or expenses to attend any interview for the designated graduate degree).      3. Who is eligible for the NUS GSA?  Only citizens or permanent residents of a member country of ASEAN* are eligible. However, citizens or permanent residents of Singapore, and those of non-member countries of ASEAN, are ineligible.  *(ASEAN is the abbreviation for the Association of South East Asian Nation and it comprises the 10 nations of South East Asia - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, as on 1 May 1999.)    4. Are there any other eligibility criteria for the NUS GSA?  The NUS GSA are awarded on a competitive basis and only to exceptional individuals. In addition to the eligibility requirement of nationality, outstanding candidates to be considered for the NUS GSA must have:  (a) an excellent academic record and has been or will be admitted by a NUS Faculty or School to pursue a designated graduate degree;  (b) a good command of the English language; and  (c) at least 2 years of relevant working experience.  Candidates who do not fulfill the nationality and these 3 eligibility requirements will not be considered for the NUS GSA.      5. When are applications for the GSA invited?  The NUS will invite applications sometime between mid- to end-September each year.  Application for the NUS GSA is decentralised to each NUS Faculty and School and integrated into the application for each designated graduate degree. Therefore, the application period and due date for the designated graduate degree is applicable to the NUS GSA.  There are, however, different application periods and due dates for each designated graduate degree.      6. Where does the invitation to apply for the NUS GSA appear?  Applications for the NUS GSA will appear under the NUS GSA webpage.   7. Where can I get details about the designated graduate degree?  Please carefully read the "Details of the Designated Graduate Degrees & Administrators" in the NUS GSA web page.      8. Is there an application form for the NUS GSA?  There is no separate application form for the NUS GSA.      9. So how do I apply for the NUS GSA?  Application for the NUS GSA is decentralised to each NUS Faculty and School. Application for the NUS GSA is integrated into the application form for each designated graduate degree. Candidates must submit an application for the designated graduate degree and indicate that they wish to be considered for the NUS GSA.  The application period and due date of the NUS GSA will be concurrent with the respective designated graduate degree the candidate is applying for.  Candidates should note that there are different application periods and due dates for each designated graduate degree.  To obtain the application material for a designated graduate degree and the NUS GSA, candidates should write (by post, fax or E-mail) to the appropriate Administrator. Candidates should state their full name, postal address and designated graduate degree they are interested in and send it to the following address:  Administrator Department of XXX Faculty/School of XXX <Mailing Address> Please click here for a list of the mailing address of all the Faculties/Schools.     10. Which graduate degrees are designated for the NUS GSA?  The following NUS Faculties and Schools conduct graduate degrees designated for the NUS GSA:  Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences Faculty of Engineering Faculty of Law Faculty of Science School of Computing School of Design & Environment Division of Graduate Dental Studies Division of Graduate Medical Studies Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Details of the designated graduate degrees and the administrators are given in these web pages.      11. If I am considered for the NUS GSA will I have to attend an interview?  Candidates for the NUS GSA will not be interviewed by the NUS GSA Selection Committee.  However, candidates may be interviewed for the designated graduate degree. This may be conducted at the respective capital city of the member country of ASEAN or in Singapore. The candidate will be informed by the respective NUS Faculty or School, if necessary.      12. When will I know whether I am successful in my NUS GSA application?  The results for the award of the NUS GSA will be concurrent with that for the respective designated graduate degree.      13. What is the duration of the NUS GSA? The scholarship is normally awarded for 2 semesters or the equivalent of an academic year in the first instance. For exceptional cases, the scholarship may be awarded for 1 semester only. The scholarship may be extended for an additional semester on the basis of the scholar's performance in the previous semesters (maintain a minimum CAP of 3.5 or should not have any grade below "C" for any module/subject) and the recommendation of the appropriate Faculty/School. A scholar may request to extend the scholarship beyond the minimum period of candidature to complete the graduate course of study. The extension is subject to the scholar's performance, and, if necessary, the recommendation of the respective NUS Faculty or School.      14. How do I claim for reimbursement for the initial award or extended award?  Complete the reimbursement form. Attach the original receipt, invoice, bill, etc. and submit these to the Student Service Centre (Registrar’s Office counter) located at Block E3A, Level 1, Engineering Drive 1. The Student Bill will be charged directly to the GSA Fund (please attach it if one was issued to you). The stipend will be credited to your bank account every month. Attach a copy of the particulars page of your passport and bank account for an initial award, or a copy of your examination results for the extended award.      15. Can I claim for reimbursement for expenses incurred while on a field trip overseas? If the field trip is an integral part of the requirement for your course of study, you can claim for reimbursement for the following items of expenditure: Economy return airfare from Singapore to the country where the fieldtrip is conducted and back. Airport tax from both points of departure. Local travel only for approval itinerary for the field trip You will have to retain all original receipts and submit these to the Registrar's Office with the Claim Form for NUS Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN Nationals.     16. What performance-level must a NUS GSA Scholar maintain?  A Scholar must have a sensible study plan (to read a minimum of 3 modules per semester), enroll for the average module/course workload per semester. The Scholar must maintain a minimum C A P of 3.5 and should not have any grade below "C" for any module/course. At the end of each semester the Scholar must submit the notification of examination results to the Administrator NUS GSA.      17. Will the NUS GSA be withdrawn if I perform below the required grade?  The Selection Committee may terminate an award if the progress or conduct of the scholar has not been satisfactory.      18. Is there a bond I have to serve if I am awarded the NUS GSA?  There is no bond or obligation for the scholar to be employed by NUS or in Singapore. The scholar is, therefore, expected to complete the designated graduate degree and return to the home country.      19. Can I participate in the Student Exchange Programme? NUS GSA scholars are disqualified from the Student Exchange Programme.     20. When in Singapore how should I save on expenses?  Stay in the NUS Halls of Residence - or at Gillman Heights.  Use the shuttle bus (free of charge) or the public bus (SBS96 or SBS151).  Have meals at the canteens on campus or Halls of Residence.      21. Is the NUS GSA sufficient for living expenses?  The NUS GSA monthly stipend or allowance is sufficient for accommodation, personal and other living expenses, but is insufficient to support a spouse or dependants.      22. Can a NUS GSA recipient obtain employment?  A NUS GSA recipient cannot obtain employment (full-time or part-time) or participate in internships during the normal terms (Semester 1 and/or Semester 2). However, a NUS GSA Recipient may be appointed as graduate student researcher or a graduate student tutor under the part-time appointment scheme   during the normal term by the Faculty/School subject to the appointment: not making an impact on the NUS GSA Recipient's full-time course-work;  not being grounds for the performance of the NUS GSA Recipient falling below the minimum requirement for the NUS GSA; and  not exceeding a maximum of 16 hours per week for teaching and all other work.  A letter of consent is not required from the University or from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Please refer to the OSA's website for more information. A NUS GSA recipient may only obtain full-time employment or participate in internships during the University's vacations and Special Term.      23. Where can I get more information about NUS and living in Singapore?  The University has a Home page.  The NUS Office of Student Affairs [OSA] issues a guide book for foreign students. The OSA has a web page that covers areas of interest and concern to candidates admitted to NUS e.g. accommodation, immigration matters, students services, etc. Back to top