Financial Aid 101 at SMU: Accessible Bursaries, Grants, and Loans for Students
SMU offers a wide range of financial assistance programmes to help students cover tuition fees and living expenses, ensuring that financial challenges don’t stand in the way of their academic success. From scholarships to loan schemes, SMU’s support is designed to make education affordable and accessible for all.
Worried about paying for university? At Singapore Management University (SMU), the cost of higher education shouldn’t stand in the way of your dreams. SMU offers a wide range of financial assistance to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to a world-class education. From tuition fees to living expenses, SMU has the support you need to focus on what truly matters: your future.
SMU’s commitment to helping you succeed
Did you know that close to 40% of SMU students benefit from some form of financial aid? Whether it’s through scholarships, financial awards, or other types of assistance, SMU is committed to helping students make education affordable.
If you’re unsure about how to manage the costs of university, you’re not alone. Fortunately, SMU provides personalised support to help you understand your options. With tools like the Financial Aid Calculator, you can easily check if you’re eligible for financial aid and what kinds of support are available to you. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or returning for further studies, the financial support available at SMU ensures that you can focus on what’s most important: excelling in your academic journey.
SMU Access Plus: Unlock your potential
Among SMU’s most generous financial aid schemes is SMU Access Plus. This programme is designed to help students facing financial challenges by providing comprehensive support. If you qualify, SMU Access Plus could make a huge difference in reducing your financial stress and giving you the opportunity to focus entirely on your studies.
Who is eligible?
Full-time undergraduate students enrolled in any of SMU’s degree programmes with demonstrated financial need are encouraged to apply. If your household income falls within the specified income tiers, you may be eligible for the full range of benefits under this scheme.
What you get
- Full Coverage of Tuition Fees: For Singaporean students with a Per Capita Income (PCI) of up to $1,375, tuition fees are fully covered.
- $4,000 Annual Living Allowance: For those with a PCI of up to $1,000, this allowance helps with living expenses.
- $4,000 Global Experience Grant: Over four years, students can receive up to $4,000 to fund global learning experiences such as exchange programmes or internships.
- Bond-Free: SMU Access Plus is a bond-free scheme, which means you won’t have to commit to any post-graduation work requirements.
More financial assistance options
SMU offers several other financial aid programmes, each designed to support students in different ways:
- Higher Education Community Bursary and Higher Education Bursary: These government-funded bursaries help Singaporean students manage the costs of higher education.
- Mendaki Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy: Eligible for Malay students, this subsidy can cover up to 100% of subsidised tuition fees, ensuring education remains accessible to all.
- Donor-Funded Schemes: Thanks to generous contributions from donors, alumni, and well-wishers, SMU offers additional financial support to help with tuition fees, student activities, and even living costs.
Loan schemes to support your studies
If scholarships and bursaries aren’t enough to cover your full expenses, SMU also provides a variety of loan options:
- CPF Education Loan Scheme: This scheme allows you to use your CPF Ordinary Account savings to cover up to 100% of subsidised tuition fees.
- Tuition Fee Loan: This is a government-funded loan that covers up to 90% of subsidised tuition fees for Singaporean students.
- Study Loan: Another government-funded loan, it covers up to 20% of subsidised tuition fees and provides up to $3,600 annually for living expenses.
Additional financial support
In addition to scholarships, loans, and bursaries, SMU offers several other financial schemes to make university life more affordable:
- Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA): Singaporean students can use their own or their siblings' PSEA funds to pay for tuition fees or other approved programme costs.
- SMU Work-Study Grant: If you've exhausted other financial options and still need help, the SMU Work-Study Grant allows you to work on-campus to earn additional income, so you can continue focusing on your studies without worrying about financial strain.
Your financial freedom starts here
At SMU, the goal is simple: ensure that all students can pursue their academic goals without the constant worry of how to pay for it all. With a broad range of financial aid programmes, SMU is committed to supporting students in every way possible. Whether it’s through alleviating tuition fees, offering global learning opportunities, or providing help with on-campus work, SMU is dedicated to making your university experience as fulfilling as possible.
If you’re worried about how you’ll finance your education, take the first step by using SMU’s Financial Aid Calculator to explore what kind of financial assistance you may be eligible for. Remember, no matter your financial situation, SMU is here to guide and support you through every step of your education journey.
Start your journey and learn more about financial aid options at SMU here.