SUTD Global Distinguished Scholarship: 2026 Profile
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)20 Oct 2025, 09:50 Z
TL;DR\ SUTD's Global Distinguished Scholarship waives eight terms of subsidised tuition, grants S$7,000 annually, and sets aside up to S$9,000 for overseas programmes—no bond, but scholars are expected to lead campus initiatives and give back 20 service hours each year.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Application Cycle Closed (last checked 2025-10-20)
- Official Listing: SUTD Undergraduate Scholarships
- Who It Targets: Exceptional A-Level, IB, NUS High, or polytechnic graduates (including international Year 12 equivalents) admitted to any SUTD undergraduate pillar
- Award Value: Full tuition for eight terms, S$7,000 annual allowance, and up to S$9,000 funding for approved overseas programmes (summer, exchange, or research attachments)
- Bond: None
Award Components
- Tuition waiver: Covers the full subsidised tuition fees for the normal programme duration (eight academic terms).
- Annual allowance: S$7,000 per year for living costs, project prototyping, or enrichment.
- Overseas grant: Up to S$9,000 for SUTD-endorsed overseas programmes such as GEXP exchanges, Global Leadership Programme, or design immersions.
- Leadership opportunities: Priority invitation to Fifth Row groups (University Ambassador Club, Social Innovators) and mentorship by senior faculty or alumni.
Eligibility Highlights
- Applicants must be admitted to SUTD for AY2026, excluding special tracks (STEP, SHARP, SUTD Duke-NUS) which have dedicated scholarships.
- Outstanding academic track record complemented by co-curricular excellence, design innovation, or community leadership.
- Male students must have completed National Service by matriculation.
- Scholars are required to uphold strong academic performance each term to renew funding.
Development & Expectations
- Complete at least 20 hours of community or ambassadorial service per academic year (e.g., outreach events, mentorship for juniors, admissions showcases).
- Join curated leadership workshops, entrepreneurship clinics, and global networking sessions run by the Office of Student Life.
- Access to SUTD's donor-sponsored awards may stack on top of this scholarship (excluding duplicate tuition benefits).
Application Roadmap
- Submit admissions application: Apply to SUTD during the relevant window (2 Jan–28 Feb 2025 for diploma/IB/overseas candidates; by 19 Mar 2025 for A-Level applicants).
- Indicate scholarship interest: Complete the scholarship section within the admissions portal and upload supporting achievements.
- Shortlisting: High-achieving applicants may be invited for interviews focusing on design thinking, resilience, and community contribution.
- Interview day: Expect portfolio sharing (where relevant), scenario discussions, and assessments of leadership potential.
- Outcome & acceptance: Offers are released with admissions decisions; confirm acceptance and plan for overseas programme opportunities early.
Preparation Playbook
- Curate a portfolio highlighting design projects, research posters, or competitions that showcase innovation and societal impact.
- Demonstrate versatility across academics, arts/sports, and community initiatives—SUTD values polymath profiles.
- Research SUTD's global programmes to articulate how you will use the overseas grant strategically.
- Prepare examples of teamwork, leadership, and resilience to discuss during interviews.
- Engage current scholars or ambassadors via open house events to calibrate expectations on service commitments.
