SMU Merit Scholarship Programme: 2025 Profile
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)18 Feb 2025, 08:30 Z
TL;DR\ The SMU Merit Scholarship pays your tuition, provides annual allowances, and opens doors to overseas exposure and leadership labs—without locking you into a bond.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Application Cycle Closed (last checked 18 Feb 2025)
- Official Listing: SMU Merit Scholarship Programme
- Who It Targets: JC/IB or polytechnic achievers admitted to SMU who demonstrate academic excellence, character, and leadership potential
- Eligibility: Strong grades, active co-curricular portfolio, and alignment with SMU's collaborative learning culture
- Tenable Institutions: Singapore Management University
- Bond: Bond-free; renewal depends on GPA and scholar engagement
Award Components
- Full tuition coverage for standard programme duration
- Yearly living allowance and book grants to support student life
- Funding support for global exposure programmes such as exchange, internships, or study missions (subject to approval)
- Invitations to SMU Scholars' events, mentoring circles, and leadership development workshops
- Access to internships or projects with SMU partners and alumni networks
Eligibility Highlights
- Excellent pre-university academic results and strong performance in SMU's admissions exercises or selection tests
- Demonstrated leadership and service in CCAs, non-profits, or entrepreneurial endeavours
- Positive referee endorsements that highlight teamwork, resilience, and initiative
- Commitment to actively participate in the SMU Scholar community and maintain top academic standing
- Willingness to mentor juniors or contribute to SMU outreach initiatives as part of scholarship duties
Application Roadmap
- Apply to SMU and signal interest in scholarships during the admissions process.
- Submit supporting documents (resume, personal statement, references) showcasing leadership, community impact, and achievements.
- Attend scholarship interviews or selection activities featuring group discussions and scenario tasks.
- Receive the scholarship offer, review terms, and accept by the stated deadline.
- Enrol in SMU and liaise with the Scholars' Programme Office to plan enrichment and overseas experiences.
- Track GPA and engagement each term to ensure continued renewal of the award.
Preparation Playbook
- Build a succinct highlight reel of achievements and reflections to articulate during interviews.
- Research SMU's pedagogical approach—seminar-style classes, case discussions—to show readiness for active participation.
- Plan how you will utilise global exposure funding (e.g. double degree modules overseas, short-term internships).
- Join leadership forums or social enterprises before matriculation to maintain momentum in service projects.
- Set academic and co-curricular KPIs per term to stay on track for renewal.
- Engage early with career services to convert internship opportunities into career outcomes.
