ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship for Singapore: Eligibility and Application

What the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship is

The ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship is a single, named award offered by the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to outstanding freshmen from ASEAN member countries other than Singapore. It is one specific programme, not a general list of funding options.

This makes it different from a broad "scholarships in Singapore" overview: here there is one set of eligibility rules, one application route, and one set of conditions. Understanding those precisely matters, because whether you qualify at all is decided mainly by your nationality.

Both universities publish their own version of the award with their own pages and deadlines. Always read the specific university's official page for the version you are applying to, as terms differ between NUS and NTU and can change year to year.

Who is eligible — nationality is the main gate

The award is aimed at citizens (and in some cases permanent residents) of ASEAN member states other than Singapore. ASEAN's membership has changed — Timor-Leste was admitted as the 11th member state in October 2025 — so check the current list of eligible countries on the NUS or NTU scholarship page rather than assuming.

Because India is not an ASEAN member country, Indian nationals are generally not eligible for this specific scholarship. That is normal and not a reflection of your record — it simply means this particular award is not the right one for you, and you should look at scholarships that are open to all international students instead.

Beyond nationality, selection considers strong academic results, co-curricular involvement, and leadership potential. The exact academic qualifications accepted and any other criteria are set by each university, so confirm them on the official page.

• Open to nationals of ASEAN member countries other than Singapore.
• India is not an ASEAN member, so Indian nationals are generally not eligible.
• Selection also weighs academics, co-curricular records and leadership.
• Exact eligibility is set by NUS and NTU — verify on their official pages.

What it covers and the Tuition Grant bond

The scholarship is designed to support tuition and some living or accommodation costs, but the exact coverage differs between NUS and NTU and is revised periodically. Do not assume amounts from unofficial sources — read the current coverage on the university's official scholarship page.

A crucial condition applies: recipients are typically required to take up the Ministry of Education (MOE) Tuition Grant. While the scholarship itself may not add a separate bond, taking the Tuition Grant means signing the Tuition Grant bond — a commitment to work for a Singapore-registered company for a set period (commonly three years) after graduation.

Factor this service obligation into your decision from the start. The bond terms are set by MOE and can change, so verify them directly on the MOE website rather than relying on summaries.

How to apply

For both NUS and NTU, you are generally considered for the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship through your application for undergraduate admission, rather than via a wholly separate scholarship form. Shortlisted candidates are usually invited to an interview.

Selection interviews and outcomes follow the admissions calendar, and timelines vary by university and intake. Check the official page for the current application window, whether any additional step is required, and when decisions are released.

Apply only through the university's official admissions portal. No agent or third party can "arrange" this award for you, and any offer to do so for a fee is a warning sign.

If you are not eligible — what to consider instead

If you are an Indian national or otherwise fall outside the ASEAN eligibility rule, you are not out of options. NUS and NTU each offer merit and entry scholarships that are open to international applicants more broadly, and most international students also rely on the MOE Tuition Grant subsidy to lower tuition.

Our companion guides cover those university-specific scholarship schemes and the wider funding picture, so you can focus your energy on awards you can actually win.

Apply only to schemes whose eligibility you genuinely meet. Reading the eligibility section first saves time and avoids disappointment.

No guarantees — and staying safe

The ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship is highly competitive, and no one can guarantee it. Any service that promises a "guaranteed" scholarship or seat in exchange for a fee is a scam — legitimate scholarships are never sold.

This guide is general information, not financial or admissions advice. Eligibility, coverage and bond terms are decided by NUS, NTU and MOE and can change.

For anything specific to your situation, contact the university's admissions or scholarships office directly through its official contact details, and verify every figure on the official website before relying on it.