2 October 2009

NUS Scholarships Aim to Foster Closer Collaboration with Commonwealth Countries

First institution in Singapore to offer Commonwealth Scholarships, one of the world's most prestigious scholarship schemes

The National University of Singapore (NUS) will offer two graduate scholarships under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), one of the world's most prestigious scholarship schemes. The initiative will spur talent development, research collaborations and exchanges between Singapore and Commonwealth countries.

This was announced during the CSFP 50th Anniversary Reception at NUS, graced by His Royal Highness The Prince Andrew, Duke of York, KG. About 100 CSFP alumni representatives and friends gathered at NUS to celebrate the CSFP's longstanding tradition of recognising and promoting the highest level of intellectual development.

Since its inception in 1959, the central aim of CSFP remains true to its original intent, that is, to provide a network of study opportunities throughout the Commonwealth. Over the last 50 years, 26,000 Commonwealth citizens have benefitted from the CSFP awards.

Establishing the CSFP awards in NUS and Singapore this year is especially meaningful, as the CSFP celebrates its 50th Anniversary. NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan said, "NUS is delighted to offer graduate scholarships under the CSFP. Numerous NUS staff, including myself and other fellow Singaporeans, have benefitted from the CSFP awards. Fifty years since its inception, the CSFP continues to remain international, flexible and relevant. We are indeed privileged to contribute back to the Commonwealth by providing opportunities for students from the member countries to undertake research studies in Asia."

NUS will be offering two CSFP scholarships to attract highly talented students to undertake PhD studies in integrated research programmes at the NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering (NGS). Immersed in a vibrant, intensive and multi-cultural research environment, NGS students have the opportunity to transcend traditional discipline boundaries and apply their knowledge and skills in novel ways.

"A global University located at the heart of Asia, NUS offers a unique opportunity for outstanding researchers to pursue high-impact science while studying and working in a global and Asian environment," Prof Tan added.

"The CSFP is an important element in the work of the Commonwealth. Its recipients have made a huge impact over the past fifty years. I am delighted that Singapore, with its high educational standards, will be amongst the list of future hosts, and feel sure that the new scholarships will attract candidates of the highest standard," said Mr Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary-General.

"NUS enjoys a fine reputation worldwide, and this announcement further attests to her unstinting efforts in internationalisation. We are delighted to have facilitated this event, as it, together with NUS' announcement, is a reinforcement of what the British Council aims to do - to build engagement and trust amongst people around the world, through facilitating the exchange and knowledge and ideas amongst people worldwide" added Mr Kelly Koh, Director Education, British Council Singapore.

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan Award at NUS

The scholarship is open to students from Commonwealth countries. Applicants should have a passion for research, with at least Second Upper Honours, or equivalent qualifications. Each scholarship covers payment of full tuition fees up to 4 years of PhD or up to date of graduation, whichever is earlier. In addition, each scholarship recipient will receive a monthly stipend.

Application for the scholarship is currently open and will close on 15 November 2009. Up to two scholarships will be awarded each year.