SMU offers a wide range of scholarships for both local and international students. These include merit-based, leadership-based, sports scholarships, and financial need-based awards. Some of the prominent ones include the SMU Merit Scholarship, Lee Kong Chian Scholars’ Programme (LKCSP), ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship, and SMU International Scholarship. Each has different eligibility criteria, benefits, and application procedures.

The LKCSP is SMU’s most prestigious scholarship. It covers:

• Full tuition fees (up to four years)

• S$5,000 annual living allowance

• S$1,800 one-time computer allowance

• S$16,000 global enrichment allowance (for overseas exchange, summer programs, study missions, etc.)
  It is offered to high-achieving students who exhibit strong academic records, leadership potential, and community involvement.

Yes, SMU offers several scholarships specifically for international students. The ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship is for ASEAN nationals (excluding Singapore), while the SMU International Scholarship supports students from developing countries in Southeast Asia. These scholarships typically cover full or partial tuition, and may also include living or accommodation allowances.

Most SMU-administered scholarships do not require a bond, meaning you are not obligated to work for SMU or Singapore post-graduation. However, if you receive the Ministry of Education (MOE) Tuition Grant, a bond of 3 years (working in Singapore) may be applicable for international students. Always check the terms for each scholarship carefully.

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of an ASEAN country (excluding Singapore)

• Be applying for a full-time undergraduate program at SMU

• Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and active co-curricular involvement

• Accept the MOE Tuition Grant, which includes a 3-year bond

When applying for admission to SMU, you must indicate your interest in applying for scholarships within the online application form. Some scholarships may also require you to submit additional essays, recommendation letters, or attend interviews. There is no separate application for most of the merit-based scholarships—they are evaluated alongside your university admission.

Most SMU scholarships are renewable annually based on academic performance. You typically need to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher (depending on the scholarship). Falling below the required GPA or violating university policies may result in termination of the scholarship.

• SMU Merit Scholarship: Covers full tuition + S$12,000 growth allowance. It focuses on academic performance and leadership potential.

• LKCSP: Includes more extensive benefits such as living and global enrichment allowances and is considered more competitive and prestigious. Both are renewable based on performance but LKCSP also offers mentorship and special learning opportunities.

Yes, SMU offers scholarships to current students as well. If you didn’t secure a scholarship at the time of admission, you can apply for in-course scholarships after your first year. These include donor-funded awards, faculty-specific scholarships, and merit or financial-need-based awards. You can apply through the Office of Advancement & Alumni or School Offices.

Generally, students can only hold one full scholarship at a time. However, some scholarships can be held concurrently with bursaries or external awards, depending on the scholarship’s terms. SMU evaluates each case individually, so students must seek prior approval if they wish to combine multiple funding sources.