The Dr Goh Keng Swee (GKS) Scholarship is a private sector scholarship administered by The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS). It was set up by the financial community in Singapore in honour of former Deputy Prime Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee, who fostered Singapore’s economic development and growth as a reputable international financial centre.

From 2026 acadamic year, the scholarship will henceforth be undertaken through a single university, namely National University of Singapore (NUS). This approach provides efficiencies and economies of scale that will enable the programme to expand and offer more scholarships annually. The Board has also agreed to work with NUS on taking over the administration of the scholarship programme, incorporating the existing award criteria within the institution.

Each year, 3 to 4 scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from 15 Asia Pacific economies (Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam) to pursue undergraduate studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Candidates will serve a 3-year bond upon completion of their studies.

Application for the scholarship will be through National University of Singapore (NUS). Applicants who are eligible will be automatically considered for the scholarship. Application procedures and further details of the scholarship are enclosed.

ELIGIBILITY

The Dr GKS Scholarship is open to students who are citizens/passport holders of Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Singapore citizens and PRs are not eligible to apply for the Dr GKS Scholarship.

Applicants should:

• Have an interest in pursuing their undergraduate studies in Singapore at the National University of Singapore (NUS), and fulfil the respective universities’ admission criteria for AY2026/2027;
• Not already studying in National University of Singapore (NUS); and
• Possess strong leadership qualities, good academic and co-curricular activities (CCA) achievements.

The scholarship is open to all applicants who fulfil the above criteria. Successful candidates do not necessarily need to pursue a career in banking and finance after graduation.

DURATION & TERMS OF AWARD

The scholarship will support a maximum of 4 years of full-time undergraduate study (may include Honours) at NUS. It provides the following:

• Tuition (based on subsidised rates under MOE Tuition Grant) and other compulsory fees;
• Airfare (to Singapore and return to home country upon completion of study);
• Annual leaving allowance;
• Hostel allowance based on institution of study; and
• Settling-in allowance (one-off expense) upon arrival in Singapore.

The scholarship award will be reviewed annually and is subject to satisfactory performance and academic results.

BOND

Successful candidates will be required to work for 3 years upon the completion of their studies in either:

1. a company in Singapore; or
2. a Singapore-based company in their home country

that is approved by the Dr Goh Keng Swee Scholarship Fund. Scholarship holders are not allowed to defer their bond for postgraduate studies or other reasons.

The Dr GKS Scholarship bond can be served concurrently with the MOE Tuition Grant bond.