ASEAN Scholarship
“ASEAN Scholarship” Is Actually Two Different Programs — Know Which One You Need
Most searches for “ASEAN Scholarship” lead to confused results mixing two completely distinct programs. Before anything else:
The ASEAN Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded program offered by the Ministry of Education Singapore to bright young students from ASEAN member countries. It provides opportunities for secondary and pre-university education in selected Singapore schools.
This is the secondary school level ASEAN Scholarship for students approximately aged 14-17.
Separately, the National University of Singapore (NUS) offers the:
The ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship at NUS for citizens of ASEAN member countries (excluding Singapore) applying for undergraduate studies at NUS, providing 100% coverage of subsidized tuition fees, an annual living allowance of S$5,800, a one-time computer allowance of S$1,750, and an annual accommodation allowance of S$3,000.
This is the undergraduate university level ASEAN Scholarship for university applicants.
Both are real, both are valuable, and both target the same nine countries:
Eligible countries include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Singapore citizens are not eligible for either program, both exist specifically to attract talent from Singapore’s ASEAN neighbors.
Program 1: MOE ASEAN Scholarship — Secondary and Pre-University Level
What It Is
The ASEAN Scholarship is administered by the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) and aims to promote goodwill and understanding among youth from different countries and Singapore. It develops cross-cultural skills and a global outlook for both international and local students.
The MOE ASEAN Scholarship is Singapore’s flagship secondary education exchange program placing exceptional young students from ASEAN countries into Singapore’s world-renowned school system. Students attend selected Singapore secondary schools and junior colleges, studying alongside Singaporean peers and gaining exposure to one of Asia’s most competitive and internationally recognized education systems.
Who It Is For
Students at approximately secondary school age (around 14-17) from ASEAN countries. The scholarship targets young, academically outstanding students at the beginning of their secondary education journey not university students.
Entry Points — Different by Country
The scholarship covers Secondary 1, Secondary 3, or Pre-university 1 in selected Singapore secondary schools or junior colleges, depending on the applicant’s country of origin.
| Country | Entry Points Available |
|---|---|
| Brunei | Secondary 1, Secondary 3, Pre-University 1 |
| Indonesia | Secondary 1 or Secondary 3 |
| Malaysia | Secondary 1, Secondary 3, Pre-University 1 |
| Thailand | Secondary 3 or Pre-University 1 |
| Philippines | Secondary 3 |
| Vietnam | Secondary 3 |
| Cambodia | Check MOE |
| Lao PDR | Check MOE |
| Myanmar | Check MOE |
Full Financial Package
The MOE ASEAN Scholarship is genuinely comprehensive for its level:
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| School fees | Full coverage |
| Boarding accommodation | Free at school boarding house |
| Meals | Provided at boarding house |
| Annual allowance | S$2,200/year |
| Settling-in allowance | S$400 (one-time) |
| Return airfare | Economy class, home country ↔ Singapore (annually) |
| Medical insurance | Accident and medical coverage |
| Examination fees | Covered |
No Bond
Scholarship renewal is based on academic performance and conduct. No repayment is required upon successful completion, as there is no bond.
Application Timeline
Applications for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam typically open January-February. Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar typically open April. Country-specific application periods apply check MOE official announcements.
Applications are submitted through the Singapore Embassy/High Commission in each country, or through selected Singapore schools. Different countries have different application windows.
For 2027 academic year: Applications typically open January 2027. Check: moe.gov.sg for country-specific dates.
Program 2: ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship at NUS — University Level
What NUS Is
The National University of Singapore (NUS) consistently ranks as Asia’s #1 or #2 university (QS World Rankings 2026: top 8 globally). It is one of Asia’s premier research universities, with strong programs across engineering, computing, business, law, medicine, science, arts and social sciences.
Studying at NUS on the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship is one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious undergraduate opportunities access to a world-top-10 university experience with substantial financial support.
Full Financial Package
The scholarship provides 100% coverage of subsidized undergraduate tuition fees (after the MOE Tuition Grant), an annual living allowance of S$5,800, a one-time computer allowance of S$1,750 upon enrolment, and an annual accommodation allowance of S$3,000.
Detailed Breakdown:
| Benefit | Amount | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees | 100% | After MOE Tuition Grant subsidy |
| Annual living allowance | S$5,800/year (~S$483/month) | For daily expenses |
| Annual accommodation | S$3,000/year | For campus housing |
| Computer allowance | S$1,750 (one-time) | On enrollment |
The MOE Tuition Grant — The Bond You Must Know About
While the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship itself has no bond, recipients must take up the MOE Tuition Grant.
The scholarship has no bond, but the MOE Tuition Grant that subsidizes the tuition does carry an obligation: you must work for a Singapore-registered company for 3 years after graduation. This is not a scholarship bond, it is a Tuition Grant bond. But it means most ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship recipients end up working in Singapore for 3 years post-graduation.
For many ASEAN students, this is not a hardship, Singapore offers excellent career opportunities, competitive salaries, and a high quality of life. But students planning to immediately return home after graduation should factor this in.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are citizens of an ASEAN member country (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam) excluding Singapore. They must have outstanding high school results, strong leadership qualities, a good co-curricular record, and be applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at NUS. Transfer applicants are not eligible.
Application Process
Apply through NUS admissions, the scholarship is awarded as part of the NUS admissions process. Outstanding applicants are automatically considered. The NUS application typically opens in October-November for the following academic year, with final decisions in March-April.
Apply at: nus.edu.sg/admissions
Singapore as a Study Destination
Why Singapore
Singapore is one of Asia’s most developed, internationally connected, and safe countries. Its education system is consistently ranked among the world’s best. NUS, NTU, and SMU are all regularly ranked in the global top 100.
For ASEAN students, Singapore is particularly compelling:
- Familiar regional culture with strong English-language environment
- Political stability and personal safety
- Excellent career opportunities in a major Asian financial hub
- Gateway to regional and global networks
- ASEAN community on campus
Cost of Living Context
The scholarship allowances in context of Singapore costs:
- S$5,800/year living allowance = S$483/month
- S$3,000/year accommodation = S$250/month contribution
- Singapore living costs: approximately S$1,500-2,000/month total
- Gap: Students typically need S$800-1,300/month additional
The scholarship covers tuition and provides meaningful support but Singapore’s cost of living means additional personal funds or part-time work are helpful.
Quick Reference — Both Programs
| Element | MOE ASEAN Scholarship | NUS Undergraduate |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Secondary/Pre-University | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) |
| Age | ~14-17 years | High school graduate |
| Countries | 9 ASEAN (not Singapore) | 9 ASEAN (not Singapore) |
| University | Singapore schools/JCs | NUS only |
| Tuition | 100% covered | 100% (after MOE TG) |
| Living allowance | S$2,200/year | S$5,800/year |
| Accommodation | Free boarding | S$3,000/year |
| Computer | Not specified | S$1,750 one-time |
| Airfare | Annual return covered | Not specified |
| Bond | None | MOE TG = 3yr work bond |
| Renewal | Annual — by performance | By performance |
| Application | Via Singapore Embassy | Via NUS admissions |
| 2027 applications | January-April 2027 | October-April cycle |
FAQ
Which countries are eligible?
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Singapore citizens are not eligible for either program.
Is there a bond?
The MOE ASEAN Scholarship has no bond. The NUS scholarship has no bond either, but the MOE Tuition Grant (which subsidizes tuition) requires 3 years of work in Singapore after graduation.
What does the NUS ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship cover?
100% of subsidized tuition fees, S$5,800 annual living allowance, S$1,750 one-time computer allowance, and S$3,000 annual accommodation allowance.
Can transfer students apply for NUS?
No, transfer applicants are not eligible.
When do MOE ASEAN Scholarship applications open?
Country-specific generally January-April for the following academic year. Check moe.gov.sg for your country’s specific dates.
Is Nepal or India eligible?
No, Nepal is NOT part of ASEAN and is not eligible. India is not ASEAN either. Only the 9 ASEAN countries listed are eligible.
Free Application Tools
- Motivation Letter: Motivation Letter Generator
- SOP / Study Plan: SOP Generator
- CV: Free CV Builder
- Reference Letter: Reference Letter Generator
- MOI Certificate (if needed): MOI Generator
- Research Proposal (PhD): Research Proposal Generator