'Stellar grades not required': NTU launches new scholarship to help students develop non-academic strengths

SINGAPORE — A new scholarship has been launched by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) which aims to help students develop their talent in non-academic fields such as music, filmmaking, sport and community work.

The new NTU Talent Scholarship — the first of its kind for the university — comes amid Singapore’s push to expand the definitions of success beyond grades "towards a meritocracy of skills, where everyone is given the chance to fulfil their potential regardless of where they start in life", said NTU in a press release on Thursday (April 6).

It includes a S$5,000 grant, subject to approval, that recipients can apply for to take part in competitions or create social initiatives for the community, the university said. 

This is on top of other benefits which scholarship recipients can expect, such as full coverage of subsided tuition fees, a living allowance of S$6,500 every academic year, and an accommodation allowance of up to S$2,000 per academic year for those who stay on campus.

Those offered a full-term scholarship will also get a one-off computer allowance of S$1,750, NTU added. 

Generally, cultural and sports-related scholarships in Singapore, such as the National University of Singapore Performing & Visual Arts Scholarship or the Singapore Management University's Yip Pin Xiu Scholarship for sportsmen, require applicants to perform well academically. 

In its statement, however, NTU said that "stellar academic performance (is) not a requirement" for the award, which is open to undergraduates "of all qualifications". 

Applicants should be "outstanding in their own fields and have made a significant societal impact representing NTU Singapore or the country", it added.

This includes but is not limited to "musicians, filmmakers, and writers; sporting professionals, leaders, and community builders, which could include entrepreneurs, healthcare advocates, and active volunteers", NTU said. 

Students will be evaluated based on their personal statement and testimonials, and criteria such as:

• The scale of competitions, performances or exhibitions they have participated in
• The level of recognition, commendation or recommendation from external bodies
• Impact, originality and rigour of services offered
• Diversity and scope of service beneficiaries 
• Demonstration of leadership or entrepreneurship

The scholarship will be offered in January 2024 as a mid-term scholarship, while the full-term option will be available from August next year.

For a start, 30 scholarships will be awarded during the mid-term offering, with the number expected to increase for the full-term scholarship.

Commenting on the scholarship, NTU’s acting president, Professor Ling San, pointed out that the university has been going beyond a focus on grades to broaden its range of learning programmes outside the classroom.

This is in hopes that it will offer students both experiential and unique learning opportunities, he said.

"The NTU Talent Scholarship complements these efforts by developing and celebrating our students’ passions, interests, and strengths, and recognising them through meritorious yardsticks that go beyond success in academic achievements," said Prof Ling.