The Goh Keng Swee Scholarship is a prestigious undergraduate award for outstanding international students from 15 Asia Pacific economies to study at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Established by The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) in 1993, it honors the late Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Goh Keng Swee and aims to foster future leaders and regional goodwill.
The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) is the leading voice for the banking industry in Singapore, representing over 150 local and foreign banks. In partnership with NUS, ABS administers this scholarship to support talent development and strengthen Singapore’s ties with the Asia Pacific region through education.
Goh Keng Swee Scholarship Benefits
- 100% coverage of subsidised undergraduate tuition fees (after MOE Tuition Grant – scholarship recipients must take up the MOE Tuition Grant)
- S$6,000 annual living allowance
- $1,750 one-time computer allowance
- S$5,000 annual accommodation allowance
- S$200 one-time settling-in allowance upon enrolment
- S$400 travel allowance to defray transport cost for incoming passage from home country to Singapore at the start of programme, and S$800 travel allowance for return passage between Singapore and home country after the completion of programme
Goh Keng Swee Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand or Vietnam. Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents are not eligible to be considered for the scholarship.
- Have strong leadership qualities and potential
- Have good co-curricular activities record
- Possess outstanding high school results
- Applying for admission to a full-time undergraduate degree programme at NUS, excluding Dentistry, Medicine and Music
- Transfer applicants from local or overseas universities are not eligible
How to Apply for Goh Keng Swee Scholarship?
- All eligible students applying for undergraduate admission to NUS will be considered for this scholarship. Click here for the application window and Application Form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Goh Keng Swee Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, terms, and the application process for this prestigious award for international students at the National University of Singapore.
Who is eligible for the Goh Keng Swee Scholarship?
Citizens of 15 Asia Pacific economies: Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, or Vietnam. Applicants must have strong leadership potential, good co-curricular records, outstanding high school results, and be applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at NUS (excluding Dentistry, Medicine, Music). Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are not eligible.
What does the Goh Keng Swee Scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides 100% coverage of subsidised undergraduate tuition fees (after MOE Tuition Grant), a S$6,000 annual living allowance, a $1,750 one-time computer allowance, a S$5,000 annual accommodation allowance, a S$200 one-time settling-in allowance, and travel allowances (S$400 incoming, S$800 return).
How do I apply for the Goh Keng Swee Scholarship?
All eligible students applying for undergraduate admission to NUS are automatically considered. No separate application is needed. Use the NUS undergraduate admission application form during the application window.
What are the terms and conditions of the scholarship?
The scholarship is tenable for the normal candidature period, renewable each semester if a GPA of at least 3.50 is maintained. Recipients must take up the MOE Tuition Grant, which includes a 3-year work bond in Singapore. It cannot be held with other awards without approval and may require repayment if terminated early.
Which degree programmes are covered by the scholarship?
It covers full-time undergraduate programmes at NUS, including Double Degree and Joint Degree Programmes, and the undergraduate portion of Concurrent Degree Programmes (up to 4 years). It excludes Dentistry, Law, Medicine, Music, and the specific Concurrent Degree Programme in NUS Bachelor of Science and University of Melbourne Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
What is the selection process for the scholarship?
Invited applicants are assessed based on their application strength. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews from January to July. Outcomes are informed by mid-July. NUS reserves the right not to award the scholarship if no candidate is of sufficient merit.
Can the scholarship be transferred between programmes?
Yes, the scholarship can be transferred across undergraduate programmes at NUS, except for Dentistry, Law, Medicine, and Music.
Are there any bonds associated with this scholarship?
Yes, recipients must take up the MOE Tuition Grant, which requires working for a Singapore-registered company for three years after graduation. Those admitted to Dentistry or Medicine have additional service bonds with the Singapore Ministry of Health for five or six years, respectively.
What are the academic requirements to maintain the scholarship?
Scholars must maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.50 (or equivalent) each semester and demonstrate good conduct to have the scholarship renewed.
Who administers the Goh Keng Swee Scholarship?
From 2026, the National University of Singapore administers the scholarship under its new name, The Association of Banks in Singapore – Goh Keng Swee Scholarship, in partnership with The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS).
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