Part 1: Wah, Funding From Schools

Some schools have their in-house scholarship programmes that are worth looking into if you are not interested in applying to third parties for scholarships or serving a bond after graduation. These scholarship programmes often come with some form of extracurricular commitments or programmes.

Generally you can find information about school scholarships on the school website. Make sure to pay special attention to the criteria for eligibility (Citizenship? Degree programme? Academic performance? Residential commitments?) and the application requirements and deadline.

Below is a quick overview of scholarships and how to research them for each location.

1. Singapore

Typically, funding for Singaporean university students comes from a) the university and/or b) the Singaporean government. However, eligibility for such financial aid differs based on whether you are a Singaporean, Permanent Resident, or International Student.

How to research financial aid from Singaporean schools

1. Visit University Websites: They should have a dedicated page for scholarships and funding. Additionally, look for the contact person on the website to call and/or email with questions

2. In-person Options:

   1. Your school’s higher education counsellor

   2. Attend university open houses

Scholarships

• Tuition Grant from the Singapore Government: Eligibility and conditions differ between Singaporeans, PRs, and international students. Find out more at this FAQ.

• NTU scholarships

• NUS scholarships

• SMU scholarships

• SUTD scholarships

• SUSS scholarships

• SIM scholarships

• SIT scholarships

• LASALLE Scholarships

• Yale-NUS scholarships

  • *Tip: Yale-NUS is more likely to give you a merit-based scholarship if you apply in the earlier rounds of the application process as it shows stronger interest in the school.

2. US

Financial aid in US schools is slightly more complicated. It’s fairly common for US university students to be on financial aid (even middle/upper-middle class students) due to the high cost of American higher education.

Types of financial aid

Schools broadly offer two forms of financial aid: need-based and merit-based. Generally for international students, public universities only offer merit scholarships while private colleges have more options.

• Need-based financial aid is offered on the basis of your financial situation, meant to make up the difference between what you can afford to pay and the full cost of university.

  • Conditions: Usually this financial aid arrangement comprises some combination of grant, merit scholarship, student loan or work-study arrangement.

  • Application: A separate application for need-based financial aid must be submitted

  • Examples: Typically, wealthier schools like Ivy Leagues and Liberal Arts Colleges with smaller Singaporean populations are more generous with financial aid

• Merit-based financial aid is offered on the basis of academic and/or extracurricular achievement.

  • Conditions: Some have strings attached (maintenance of academic performance), others may not.

  • Application: Differs from school to school. Some require a separate application, while others automatically consider your candidacy when you apply to the school

  • Examples: Wesleyan University’s Freeman Asian Scholarship

  • *Note: It is possible for a non-need blind school to offer a merit scholarship if they decide they really want you. e.g. University of Chicago

Does financial aid affect your admission chances?

You must apply for most forms of financial aid at the point of application, and some universities are “need-aware” in admission for international students, which is to say that your ability to afford tuition affects your admission chances, as the school has some quota on aid they give out to international students. Conversely, “need-blind” schools do not consider the amount of financial aid you require as a factor in admissions.

Will my financial needs be met?

Even after applying for financial aid, not all schools can commit to meeting 100% of demonstrated need. While there are ways to appeal your financial aid offer, there is the possibility that the financial aid package offered could be insufficient.

How to research financial aid from US schools

1. Visit University Websites

   1. Double check the admission policy you are looking at applies to international students

   2. Is the school need-blind or need-aware in admissions?

   3. Does the school promise to meet 100% of demonstrated need?

   4. Check specific departmental websites

2. Use Other Websites

   1. Filter and search for schools that offer financial aid for international students and meet full or a significant portion of demonstrated need.

   2. The Incomplete Guide to Financial Aid for Singaporeans: check the “Undergraduate” section *NOTE information is slightly outdated

   3. Education USA has a bank of financial aid options for international students and resources to better understand the financial aid system

   4. This website is informative in navigating not just financial aid but how to reduce other costs in applying for US schools.

3. Go to higher education fairs: Talk to school representatives about financial aid and other specific funding arrangements that can be made

4. Talk to higher education counselors/teachers/seniors who know about/are on financial aid: If you can’t find anyone you know, consider applying to talk to a WahUniversity Senior here.

3. UK

Financial aid from schools is less common in the UK, and is rarely offered to international students. Check individual school and departmental websites, as well as The British Council’s page on scholarships and financial support.