Transformative Support for Education and Opportunities
Starting in August, the National University of Singapore (NUS) will fully fund tuition fees for full-time Singaporean undergraduates from households with a per capita income of up to S$1,000. This initiative complements the existing Government Bursary by bridging gaps in funding.
Students from households earning less than S$690 per capita will also receive additional aid, including support for living expenses, on-campus accommodation, and overseas programmes.
Enhanced Financial Support to Address Living Costs
To further assist low-income students, NUS has allocated S$15 million annually to enhance financial aid. Eligible students will receive up to S$4,000 annually to cover living expenses through the NUS Bursary. Additionally, a new Opportunity Enhancement Grant will provide S$10,000 over four years, ensuring access to essential university experiences, such as studying abroad or staying on campus.
Significant Impact on Students
Approximately 3,300 students are expected to benefit from these measures, designed to make higher education more accessible and enriching. NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye emphasised the university’s commitment to social mobility, stating that the new financial aid scheme addresses gaps in funding and ensures a holistic education for low-income students.
Philanthropic Support for Sustainability
To sustain this initiative, NUS is seeking philanthropic contributions to establish an endowment fund. Among early supporters is Quantedge Foundation, whose board member Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin lauded the programme as a “game-changing initiative” that guarantees comprehensive financial support for Singaporean students in need, promoting equal access to transformative education.
This expanded financial aid underscores NUS’s dedication to ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to quality education and opportunities for Singaporean students.
