NUS Donated Scholarships: 2026 Profile for Full-Term and Mid-Term Scholars
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)03 Oct 2025, 12:58 Z
TL;DR
NUS Donated Scholarships provide S$3,000+ annual funding, often with mentorship or donor engagement, for high-achieving incoming or current undergraduates. Keep your GPA at B+ or higher, craft discipline-specific statements, and respond quickly when shortlisted to align with each donor's expectations.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Freshmen are auto-considered during admissions; current undergraduates apply via the Applicant Portal (17 Jan - 31 Jul) (last verified 2025-10-03)
- Official Listing: NUS Donated Scholarships
- Who It Supports: Singapore Citizens, PRs, and eligible international students on subsidised tuition with strong academics and leadership records
- Award Tenure: Typically one academic year with possible renewals when donor criteria continue to be met
- Bond: Bond-free, though some donors host compulsory enrichment, networking, or service-learning sessions
Award Components
- Scholarship quantum starting at S$3,000, applied toward tuition or maintenance expenses
- Potential enrichment provisions (conference grants, overseas exposure top-ups) specified by individual donors
- Access to donor networking, mentorship programmes, and alumni communities
- Recognition at university-level ceremonies and inclusion in NUS Scholars' community initiatives
Eligibility Highlights
- Freshmen assessed on admissions portfolio (A-Level/IB/NUS High) with no separate application; offers released August-September
- Current undergraduates must hold a minimum GPA of 4.0/5.0 or B+ aggregate, plus strong CCA/service participation
- Applicants who reject the MOE Tuition Grant or pay non-subsidised fees are ineligible for NUS-administered scholarships
- Students may apply once per cycle; shortlisting triggers targeted document requests or interviews tied to donor requirements
- Scholars must remain in good standing, continue co-curricular contributions, and accept donor-specific terms (e.g., event attendance)
Application Roadmap
- Freshmen: ensure admissions essays and references highlight leadership and community service; scholarships may be awarded automatically.
- Current students: monitor the Applicant Portal opening (mid-January) and prepare transcripts, resume, service portfolio, and financial need declarations if applicable.
- Submit the online application before 31 July, ranking up to three faculty preferences or donor-aligned awards where available.
- Respond to interview or essay invitations from donors-prepare to articulate alignment with each organisation's mission.
- Upon selection, review award letters for renewal criteria, exclusivity rules, and mandatory engagement events before acceptance.
Preparation Playbook
- Maintain a accomplishments log linking academic modules, community projects, and leadership roles to potential donor themes.
- Seek endorsements from faculty mentors who can attest to both academic excellence and character.
- Prepare short narratives on impact-how your work benefits NUS, Singapore, or specific communities-to tailor to donor expectations.
- Plan semester schedules to accommodate donor networking sessions or community initiatives tied to the scholarship.
Useful Resources
- mailto:ugscholarships@nus.edu.sg
