The Margaret Wang Memorial Master’s Scholarship is a prestigious research scholarship offered by the National University of Singapore (NUS) through the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS). Professor Wang Gungwu established the scholarship in memory of his wife, Mrs. Margaret Wang, to support outstanding Master’s by Research students pursuing research in literature and Sinology. The scholarship encourages high-quality research on Southeast Asian writers who write in English or Chinese, as well as broader studies related to Southeast Asia and Sinology. Moreover, it helps talented students pursue advanced research while receiving substantial financial support.
Background and Purpose
The scholarship aims to promote original research in literature, Southeast Asian studies, and Sinology. Therefore, it supports scholars who examine Southeast Asian writers, literary traditions, languages, cultures, and related humanities disciplines. Students conduct research under the guidance of experienced faculty members within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. In addition, the program encourages interdisciplinary scholarship that strengthens academic understanding of Southeast Asia and Chinese studies while contributing to research excellence at NUS.
Margaret Wang Memorial Master’s Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship provides generous financial support for up to two years. As a result, recipients can focus on their research without significant financial concerns. The award offers funding of up to SGD 20,000 per year to cover tuition fees, and the University credits any remaining balance directly to the student’s bank account. Furthermore, departments may approve a monthly Graduate Teaching Fellowship (GTF) stipend of approximately SGD 2,300 to SGD 2,400. Each scholar also receives a research grant of SGD 3,000 during the candidature to support conference participation, fieldwork, books, research materials, and other approved academic activities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must enroll as full-time Master’s by Research students in eligible programs within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Eligible candidates include students from the Department of Chinese Studies or the Department of English, Linguistics and Theatre Studies who research Southeast Asian literature, as well as deserving Master’s by Research students in Sinology from any FASS department. In addition, applicants of all nationalities may apply. However, the University gives preference to candidates from Singapore and Malaysia.
Margaret Wang Memorial Master’s Scholarship Application Process
Applicants must apply for admission through the NUS GradApp system. They should indicate their interest in the scholarship by uploading the prescribed scholarship application form together with their graduate admission application. Afterwards, the University evaluates eligible candidates based on their academic achievements, research proposal, and overall suitability for the scholarship. The scholarship is initially awarded for one year and may be renewed each semester based on satisfactory academic progress for a maximum of two years.
Opportunities for Scholars
The scholarship enables students to pursue advanced research in literature and Sinology within a supportive academic environment. Moreover, scholars receive funding for conferences, fieldwork, and research resources that strengthen the quality of their work. They also collaborate closely with experienced faculty members and contribute to research on Southeast Asian literature, culture, language, and Chinese studies. Consequently, graduates develop strong research expertise and prepare for careers in academia, education, research institutions, publishing, and other humanities-related professions.
