The National University of Singapore ADB Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue an MBA and advance their careers within Asia’s top-ranked institutions. This in-depth guide covers all essential aspects of the scholarship, ensuring maximum visibility and SEO relevance for applicants searching for top MBA scholarships in Singapore.
Basic Information and Application Deadline
The NUS ADB Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded MBA scholarship offered by the National University of Singapore, funded by the Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP). The application deadline for consideration is 15 January 2026, and only applicants who apply by this round can be considered for ADB funding.
University/Institution Details
- Name: National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Location: Singapore
- Program Duration: 17 months (full-time MBA)
- Reputation: NUS is ranked among the top institutions globally for business education, offering world-class faculty, research facilities, and a global network.
Study Areas (Available Programs)
The scholarship is dedicated to full-time MBA studies at NUS. Key study areas and specializations include:
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership and Strategy
- International Business
National University of Singapore ADB Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the NUS ADB Scholarship receive comprehensive financial support:
- Full tuition fees covered
- Monthly living allowance, including housing
- Books and instructional materials allowance
- Medical insurance
- Travel expenses (to and from Singapore)
Benefits Not Included
Certain costs are not covered by the ADB scholarship, such as:
- Personal entertainment or discretionary spending
- Family expenses if dependents accompany the student
- Visa and immigration fees not specifically listed
- Expenses above the subsistence allowance limit
Eligible Countries
Be a National of any one of these countries: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.
Eligibility Criteria for the National University of Singapore ADB Scholarship
Applicants must meet both the NUS MBA program requirements and ADB scholarship criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum two years of full-time work experience
- Good GMAT/GRE scores
- TOEFL minimum 100 or IELTS minimum 7.0 (if education was not fully in English)
- Under age 35
- Must be a national of an ADB borrowing country (list available in scholarship details)
- No dual citizenship
- Must agree to return and work in their home country post-graduation
Required Documents for the Application
Prepare and submit the following documents when applying:
- Resume/CV
- Bachelor’s degree scroll and transcripts
- English proficiency results (IELTS/TOEFL)
- GMAT, GRE, or EA score report
- Two referee reports
- Passport or suitable personal identification
- Passport-sized photo
- Latest salary slip or bank statement (if applicable)
- Company sponsorship letter (if applicable)
National University of Singapore ADB Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Submit Application for MBA Admission at NUS:
- Access the official NUS MBA application portal.
- First, apply now for admission into the MBA Program at NUS. (Link: https://mba.nus.edu.sg/apply-now/)
- Fill out the required sections and upload necessary documents.
- Pay the application fee (S$ 100).
2. Apply Separately for the ADB Scholarship:
- Complete the dedicated ADB Scholarship Application Form.
- Fill out the ADB Scholarship Application Form
- Attach supporting documents as required for scholarship consideration.
3. Nominate Referees:
- Provide email contacts for referees to submit recommendation letters directly.
4. Await Application Review:
- NUS reviews the submission and shortlist candidates.
- Successful applicants will receive notifications for interviews or additional steps.
5. Accept Scholarship Offer:
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start preparations well before the deadline and ensure all required tests and documents are available.
- Personalize essays and achievements reflecting leadership, excellence, and community impact.
- Select referees who can strongly endorse professional and academic abilities.
- Double-check details for accuracy and completeness before submission.
- Apply before the Round 2 deadline for full scholarship consideration.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (USD)
Living costs in Singapore for NUS MBA students generally include:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 900 – 1,600 |
| Food | 300 – 600 |
| Transportation | 70 – 150 |
| Utilities & Misc | 150 – 300 |
| Total | 1,420 – 2,650 |
These figures can vary depending on personal lifestyle and accommodation choice.
Why Choose This Scholarship? (Minimum 5 Reasons)
- Prestigious and globally recognized institution.
- Comprehensive financial coverage, reducing stress of funding education.
- Diverse and talented cohort, with networking opportunities from across Asia.
- Increased employability and career growth in Asia-Pacific business sectors.
- Direct support and mentoring from experienced faculty and global practitioners.
- Personal and professional development, with access to cutting-edge business curriculum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can students choose specializations within the MBA?
Is the scholarship open to all nationalities?
What test scores are accepted?
How competitive is the scholarship?
- Highly competitive, with selection based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and work experience.
What is the deadline for application?
Do students need to apply separately for the scholarship?
Are family/dependent expenses covered?
Is post-study work permitted?
- Scholars must return and work in their home country after graduation, as per ADB requirements.