ASEAN scholarship

About the Scholarships

The ASEAN Scholarships aim to provide opportunities to the young people of ASEAN to develop their potential and equip them with skills that will enable them to confidently step into the new millennium.

The ASEAN Scholarships lead to the award of the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education 'Advanced' (GCE 'A') Level (or equivalent) certificates. Outstanding students who perform well in the GCE 'A' Level (or equivalent) Examination may apply for the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarships offered by the National University of Singapore or the Nanyang Technological University.

The ASEAN Scholarships are offered in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao P.D.R., Malaysia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Life as a Scholar - Life in Singapore

Singapore has one of the most advanced and recognised education systems in the world, with excellent infrastructure and human resource support. Singapore has invested heavily in teacher training, curriculum development and information technology to prepare its students to face the challenges of competing in a knowledge-based economy. Scholars will have an exciting journey awaiting them when they arrive in Singapore.

ASEAN Scholars in Singapore

As ASEAN Scholars, there are various programmes in place to ensure that scholars will be able to adjust to life in Singapore. These programmes also aim to develop scholars to their full potential.

Our objectives are to

1. Ensure the physical and emotional well-being of scholars
2. Support proper character development of scholars
3. Maximise scholars' potential
4. Encourage outstanding academic performance of scholars

Studying in Singapore

Singapore is one of the premier education hubs in Asia. It offers a diverse and distinctive mix of educational opportunities in a safe, cosmopolitan, comfortable and competitive environment. The educational system in Singapore covers a broad-based curriculum and includes a global perspective to equip students for the challenges ahead. Our educational institutions are also equipped with the most advanced educational tools and facilities to aid them in their mission.

In Singapore, we value education as the most important means of helping our young to realize their potential. Students will acquire the relevant skills and abilities to survive in competitive environments and be equipped for a brighter future.

Living in Singapore

Singapore is a multi-racial and multi-religious society. Here you will find a wide spectrum of religions, cultures and languages co-existing harmoniously.

This vibrant mix of ethnic and religious groups offers international students a wide spectrum of choices for living and playing in Singapore.

Singapore has a warm and humid climate all year-round, with temperatures ranging from 23 to 33 degrees centigrade, with occasional rain especially at the end of the year. Light and summer clothing is the preferred dress code. Students in primary and secondary schools as well as junior colleges wear school uniforms prescribed by the schools.

Singapore's low crime rates and high standards of living are world-renowned and offers scholars a most conducive environment for study. A myriad of sports, entertainment and attractions are available for all students to pursue in their leisure time.

Question and Answer

1. What criteria do I have to fulfill in order to apply for the scholarships?

Students who are ASEAN nationals (except Singaporeans) can apply for
the scholarships. The eligibility criteria for the scholarships are given at the
respective pages for each country.

2. Can I apply for the scholarships if I am already studying in Singapore
schools?

No. Students studying in Singapore schools are not eligible to apply for the
scholarships.

3. When are applications open for the scholarships?

The application periods for the scholarships are different for every country.
The application periods for the scholarships are given at the respective
pages for each country.

4. How do I apply?

You can obtain the application forms by downloading them from the
respective pages for each country (except Myanmar & Vietnam) during
the application period.

To be considered for the selection test and interview, please submit
the completed application form along with photocopies of supporting
documents (indicating the relevant SCHOLARSHIP and COUNTRY on the
top right hand corner of the envelope) before the application closing
date to:

Officer-in-charge
School Placement & Scholarships Branch
1 North Buona Vista Drive
Singapore 138675

The application process for the students from Cambodia, Laos P.D.R.,
Myanmar and Vietnam would defer from the above. Please refer to their
relevant webpages for details.

5. What is the application process like?

Short-listed applicants have to go through a selection test. Candidates who
perform well in the selection test will be invited to undergo a selection
interview. Students who have done well in the selection interview will then be
awarded the scholarship.

6. How will I know if I have been short-listed for the selection test and/or
interview?

You will be notified by post a week before the selection test and interview
dates whether you have been short-listed for the selection test or interview.
If you have not been short-listed for the selection test or interview, you will
also be notified by mail.

7. How many scholarships are given out every year in each country?

The number of scholarships given in each country for every year varies from
less than 5 to around 50. Scholarships will be offered to all students who
achieved outstanding performances in the selection test and interview.

8. How will I know if I have been awarded the scholarship and how
much time do I have to decide whether to accept it?

You will be notified by post whether you have been awarded the scholarship.
You will be given approximately 1 week to decide whether you would
like to accept the scholarship.

9. Can I choose the secondary school/junior college and hostel I am
posted to?

The choice of the secondary school/ junior college and hostel scholars are
posted to will be decided by the Ministry of Education. Scholars will be
posted to the selected secondary schools or junior colleges. The Ministry
will try as far as possible to post scholars to hostels close to their
school/junior college.

10. What is the medium of instruction in Singapore schools?

All subjects (except Mother Tongue eg. Chinese, Malay and Tamil) are
taught in English.

11. If I have studied another language in my home country and it is
not offered in Singapore, do I still have to take up a Mother
Tongue language?

You might not have to offer a Mother Tongue language in this case. However,
it is subject to approval based on the circumstances.

12. Where can I get more information about secondary school/junior
college education and the syllabuses in Singapore?

Click on the following links for more information

Secondary school education
Pre-university (junior college) education
Subject syllabuses

13. Will the scholarship allowance be sufficient for all my expenses in
Singapore?

Please refer to the page on the Cost of Living to find out more. You should
also note that scholars are required to pay any miscellaneous fees that the
school may charge.

14. Will the hostels provide meals for the scholars? Will special food
requirements such as halal/Indian/vegetarian food be available at the
hostels?

Generally, the hostels provide breakfast and dinner for the scholars.
Meal provisions are available for Indian vegetarians and Muslims.

15. How often can I visit my home country while holding the scholarship?

As often as you like at your own cost during the school vacations, if you do
not have any school activities. During the school term, you will need the prior
approval of the principal of the secondary school/junior college that you are in
before returning to your home country.

16. Do you offer ASEAN scholarships for university studies?

For information on the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarships for studies at
the National University of Singapore (NUS) or Nanyang Technological
University (NTU), visit the following websites:

ASEAN Scholarships at NUS
ASEAN Scholarships at NTU

Application

For Prospective Students
Application for scholarships is made at the same time as application for admission to the University. Please click here for details on application for admissions.

For Current Students
Application opens annually about 1 week before Term 2 examinations. Students will be notified via email to file their on-line applications.

Other Sponsored Scholarships
There are other externally sponsored scholarships which SMU students may apply for to finance their studies in SMU. These are not exclusive to SMU students, and applicants have to apply for them in competition with students from other universities. Enquiries and applications should be directed to the respective organisations. Applications generally close two to four weeks after the release of the GCE A-Level results. Click here for a list of the sponsoring organisations.