DiscoverNUS and NUS ASEAN Master’s Scholarship Programme 2025–2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
If you are an ambitious student from the ASEAN region looking to study at one of Asia’s most prestigious universities, the DiscoverNUS and NUS ASEAN Master’s Scholarship Programme 2025–2026 is now open for applications. This unique two-stage pathway—starting with a one-semester undergraduate exchange at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and continuing with a Master’s scholarship—offers students the opportunity to gain world-class academic training, cultural exposure, and professional development in Singapore.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Singapore
Host Institution: National University of Singapore (NUS)
Study Level: Undergraduate (exchange) + Master’s degree
Target Group: Citizens of ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam)
Fields of Study: Wide range of disciplines across engineering, sciences, social sciences, business, computing, design, and the arts (full list below)
Value & Coverage:
DiscoverNUS: Full tuition fee waiver, priority access to on-campus housing, and possible housing financial support based on need
NUS ASEAN Master’s Scholarship: Full tuition fee waiver, priority to subsidized housing, and potential financial support for accommodation
Duration:
DiscoverNUS: 1 semester (AY 2025–2026, Semester 2)
NUS ASEAN Master’s Scholarship: Up to the full duration of the chosen Master’s programme
Application Deadline: 1 September 2025 (23:59 local time)
Start Date: Semester 2, AY 2025–2026 (January 2026)
Eligible To: Full-time undergraduates in their penultimate year from NUS partner universities across ASEAN
🌍 Programme Overview
1). DiscoverNUS (Undergraduate Exchange)
DiscoverNUS allows selected undergraduate students from ASEAN countries to spend one semester studying at NUS. Students benefit from:
Full tuition fee waiver
Priority housing at NUS residences
Financial aid for housing (needs-based)
Participants are responsible for their travel to Singapore, personal expenses, and other academic costs. Admission is competitive and requires nomination by the home university.
2). NUS ASEAN Master’s Scholarship Programme
Students who successfully complete DiscoverNUS are eligible to apply for the NUS ASEAN Master’s Scholarship. This scholarship covers:
Full tuition fees for the Master’s programme
Priority housing with subsidized rates
Additional financial support for housing (subject to demonstrated need)
This pathway enables students to transition seamlessly from undergraduate exchange into postgraduate studies at NUS.
Note: Admission does not grant employment or permanent residence rights in Singapore. Student visas are strictly tied to the study period.
📚 Areas of Study
Students in the DiscoverNUS exchange programme can choose from a wide range of courses across NUS faculties, subject to prerequisites:
College of Design and Engineering
Biomedical Engineering, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Industrial Systems Engineering & Management, Materials Science & Engineering, Engineering Science, and Technology Management
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
Chinese Studies, Communications & New Media, Economics, English & Theatre Studies, Geography, History, Japanese Studies, Malay Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, South Asian Studies, Southeast Asian Studies
Faculty of Science
Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics & Data Science, Pharmacy, Food Science & Technology, Materials Science
School of Computing
Computer Science, Information Systems & Analytics
NUS Business School
Strategy & Policy, Analytics & Operations, Finance, Marketing, Management & Organisation, Human Resource Management, Finance & Accounting
Note: Only students selecting “Business” as their area of study are eligible for Business School courses.
School of Design & Environment
Architecture, Built Environment, Real Estate, Industrial Design
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Music programmes (through YSTCM Dean’s Office)
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
Full tuition waiver (both at exchange and Master’s level)
Priority on-campus accommodation (with subsidies and possible extra support)
Access to world-class academic resources at NUS
Networking and cultural exchange opportunities with international peers
Academic foundation to progress into postgraduate study at NUS
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be a citizen of an ASEAN country (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam)
Be a full-time undergraduate in their penultimate year at a partner university
Have strong academic performance and outstanding high school/pre-university qualifications
Demonstrate English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
Be nominated by their home university
📝 Application Procedure
Interested students must apply via their home university’s international office and submit the following documents by 1 September 2025:
Latest English academic transcript (official)
English proficiency test results (TOEFL/IELTS)
Curriculum Vitae (CV) including:
Education history (high school & university GPA)
Leadership, volunteer, and work experience
Extracurricular activities
Academic awards and scholarships
Language skills, talents, or special interests
Valid passport
Financial Guarantee Letter (template provided)
Health Guarantee Letter (template provided)
Recommendation Letters from Head of Study Programme and Academic Advisor
Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.
💡 Final Note
The DiscoverNUS and NUS ASEAN Master’s Scholarship Programme 2025–2026 provides a life-changing opportunity for ASEAN students to experience Singapore’s vibrant academic and cultural environment. It not only opens doors for undergraduate exchange but also offers a funded Master’s pathway, shaping future leaders and innovators of the region.