The Margaret Wang Master’s Scholarship in Literature is a prestigious research scholarship offered by the National University of Singapore (NUS) Graduate School through the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS). Professor Wang Gungwu established the scholarship in honor of his wife, Mrs. Margaret Wang, to support outstanding students pursuing research in literature. The scholarship focuses particularly on studies related to Southeast Asian literature and encourages high-quality research in the humanities. Moreover, it enables talented students to undertake full-time Master’s by Research studies while receiving valuable financial and academic support.
Background and Purpose
The scholarship aims to promote advanced literary research on Southeast Asian writers who write in English or Chinese. Therefore, it supports research that explores literature connected with Southeast Asia and its diverse cultural, historical, and linguistic traditions. Scholars conduct research under the guidance of experienced faculty members within the Department of Chinese Studies or the Department of English, Linguistics and Theatre Studies. In addition, the program encourages original scholarship that strengthens the understanding of Southeast Asian literature, language, culture, and the humanities.
Margaret Wang Master’s Scholarship in Literature Benefits
The scholarship provides financial support of up to SGD 13,000 per year, mainly to cover tuition fees. As a result, recipients can focus more fully on their academic and research activities. Furthermore, departments may award a monthly Graduate Teaching Fellowship (GTF) stipend of approximately SGD 2,300 to SGD 2,400, subject to approval. Each scholar also receives a research grant of up to SGD 3,000 during the candidature. This grant supports conference participation, fieldwork, research materials, and other approved academic activities that enhance research quality.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must enroll as full-time Master’s by Research students in eligible programs within the Department of Chinese Studies or the Department of English, Linguistics and Theatre Studies. They should research Southeast Asian writers, literature connected with Southeast Asia, or related literary topics. In addition, the scholarship welcomes applicants of all nationalities. However, the selection committee gives preference to Singaporean and Malaysian applicants.
Margaret Wang Master’s Scholarship in Literature Application Process
Applicants must apply for graduate admission through the NUS GradApp system. They should submit the prescribed scholarship application form together with their admission application before the deadline. Afterwards, the University evaluates candidates based on their academic achievements, research proposal, and overall suitability for the scholarship.
Opportunities for Scholars
The scholarship enables students to pursue meaningful literary research in a supportive academic environment. Moreover, scholars receive funding to attend conferences, conduct fieldwork, and access important research resources. The scholarship also provides opportunities to work closely with experienced faculty members and contribute to the study of Southeast Asian literature and culture. Consequently, graduates strengthen their research expertise and prepare for careers in academia, education, publishing, research institutions, and other humanities-related fields.
