Author: Michael | Published: August 2, 2026
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National University of Singapore (NUS)
The National University of Singapore (NUS) offers the NUS Merit Scholarship to incoming freshmen who demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership potential. This award supports full-time undergraduate students across most faculties, with some exceptions for joint degree or transfer programs.
NUS Merit Scholarship Value and Financial Coverage
- Tuition Coverage: Full coverage of subsidized tuition fees after applying the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) Tuition Grant.
- Living Allowance: S$6,000 per academic year, paid directly to the scholar.
- Computer Allowance: A single S$2,000 payment provided upon initial university enrollment.
- Guaranteed Overseas Exchange: Guaranteed placement in the Student Exchange Programme (SEP) for one semester with a partner university abroad.
NOTE: Students enrolled in Medicine and Dentistry receive the financial allowances but are excluded from the guaranteed overseas exchange placement due to clinical curriculum constraints. The award carries no additional bond beyond the standard MOE Tuition Grant agreement.
Eligibility and Qualification Standards
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Results: Excellent performance in Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘A’ Levels, local polytechnic diplomas, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diplomas, NUS High School Diplomas, or equivalent Year 12 qualifications.
- Enrollment: Applying for full-time first-degree undergraduate admission at NUS.
- Citizenship: Primarily open to Singapore Citizens. Permanent Residents and international applicants are considered for other awards such as the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship or Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship.
- Co-Curricular Record: Verified participation in school activities, community service, or sports.
Please Note that transfer students from local or overseas universities are not eligible. Applicants holding other scholarships must declare them during the review process.
Academic Continuation Requirements
- Scholars must maintain strong academic standing throughout their studies.
- Performance is reviewed each semester. Failure to meet expectations may result in withdrawal of the award.
NUS Merit Scholarship Required Documents
- NUS Admission Application Number (generated after submitting the undergraduate application).
- Official Academic Transcripts from high school or diploma programs.
- Co-Curricular Certificates verifying leadership, service, or sports involvement.
- Referee Recommendation Form completed online by a school principal, junior college tutor, or polytechnic lecturer.
Steps: How to Start Your Application
- Submit your undergraduate application through the NUS admissions portal to obtain your application number.
- Log into the NUS scholarship portal and select the NUS Merit Scholarship option.
- Upload all required documents, including transcripts and co-curricular certificates.
- Contact your referee immediately to ensure they complete the online recommendation before March 19.
- Monitor your email regularly between March and May for interview invitations.
NUS Merit Scholarship Selection Timeline
- Admission Application Window: October – February
- Scholarship Application Opens: February 1
- Application & Referee Deadline: March 19
- Interview Notifications: Late March – May
- Final Outcome Release: Late May
Shortlisted candidates are invited to interviews between March and May. Missing an interview without prior approval results in automatic withdrawal.
For full details and direct access to apply, Visit the National University of Singapore Scholarships Official Page Here.
Also explore other scholarship opportunities that you may find helpful to increase your chances to finding global funded opportunities, see our KWI Research Scholarship Fellowship, Florida State University Scholarship and Bond University Hdr Scholarship in Australia detailed guides.
Michael – Founder and Editor at Suretripacademia, your dedicated resource for unlocking global mobility and international educational opportunities. WhatsApp l Facebook l TikTok