Singapore's Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay framed against an overcast sky.

Singapore Applications open Closes 31 March 2027

SMU Global Impact Scholarship

The SMU Global Impact Scholarship is a competitive merit + impact award for outstanding international students joining a Singapore Management University postgraduate programme. Awards range from 25% to 50% tuition fee reduction (typically SGD 10,000 – SGD 20,000 / LKR 2.4M – 4.8M depending on programme), plus a one-off SGD 5,000 settlement allowance. SMU is consistently ranked among Asia's top business schools, with strong programmes in Wealth Management, Applied Finance, Quantitative Finance, IT in Business, and Professional Accounting. For Sri Lankan finance / consulting / business analytics professionals, SMU offers proximity to Asia's regional headquarters network and a 12-month post-study work pass under Singapore's PEP scheme.

Open for August 2027 entry — applications close 31 March 2027. Dates follow the same annual pattern — confirm the current round before applying.

Singapore Management University

University-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

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Value

25–50% Tuition + SGD 5,000 (LKR 4.8M+)

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Duration

Full Programme (1-1.5 yrs)

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Selection

Competitive, by Statement

info How this award actually works

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Who awards it

Singapore Management University — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.

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How you are considered

Through your admission application. Awards like this are usually assessed automatically from the application you already submit — there is typically no separate scholarship form to fill in.

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What it covers

Up to 50% Tuition + SGD 5,000 Stipend. This is a reduction in tuition, not a full ride. You still fund the remainder, plus living costs and the balance your visa requires you to show.

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Where we come in

We make the admission application strong enough to be competitive — course choice, documents, references and deadlines. The funder makes the decision.

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Offer for an SMU Master's

You must hold an offer for a full-time SMU postgraduate programme — Master of Applied Finance, MSc Wealth Management, Master of IT in Business, Master of Quantitative Finance, MSc Professional Accounting, or other eligible PG programmes. The MBA and EMBA have separate scholarship pathways.

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Outstanding Undergraduate Record

Typically a first-class or upper-second undergraduate degree (GPA 3.5/4.0 or higher). For Sri Lankan applicants this means a first-class from Colombo, Moratuwa, Peradeniya, Sabaragamuwa, NSBM, or a strong overseas Bachelor's. GMAT / GRE results, where required for the programme, should be in the top 30%.

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International Applicant

Open to applicants of any nationality who are not Singapore citizens or permanent residents. Sri Lankan citizens applying from Sri Lanka or any third country are eligible. The award is on top of any negotiated agent-led discount and stacks with employer sponsorship.

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Demonstrated Impact Profile

Selection emphasises a track record of social, community, or sustainability impact alongside academic merit. Examples: founded a not-for-profit, led a CSR initiative, sustained voluntary work, sustainability-focused work experience, environmental research, or financial inclusion projects.

account_tree Application Process

Apply to SMU postgrad by February

Submit your SMU postgraduate application via the SMU online portal. Application typically requires transcripts, two recommenders, a 1,000-word statement of purpose, work experience documentation, and (for some programmes) GMAT / GRE results.

Submit scholarship application by 31 March

Within the postgraduate application portal, complete the Global Impact Scholarship form. Submit a 600-word impact essay describing a sustained social or community initiative, your role, the measurable outcome, and how SMU will advance the work.

Shortlisting and interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited for a 20-30 minute online interview with the scholarship committee in April / early May. The interview probes the impact statement, post-graduation plans, and intended return contribution to your home region.

Final outcome

Selected scholars are notified by late May. The tuition reduction is applied at enrolment; the SGD 5,000 settlement allowance is paid into your Singapore bank account in the first month of study. The Singapore Student's Pass is then applied for against the reduced cost.

Why SMU?

Singapore Management University is one of three publicly-funded autonomous universities in Singapore. It's consistently ranked among Asia's top business schools — its MSc Finance and MSc Accounting are routinely top-3 in Asia (FT). SMU's downtown city campus places students within walking distance of Raffles Place, where most regional banks, consultancies, and asset managers have offices.

Top 3

Asia for Finance Master's

QS #511

World Ranking 2026

12 months

Post-Study Work Pass

Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?

Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.

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