SMU Work-Study Grant

The SMU Work-Study Grant (WSG) Scheme provides undergraduate students with financial need the opportunity to earn income by working on campus, while gaining valuable skills and experience. Supported through the Grant, this initiative is part of the SMU Work on Campus Scheme, which aims to equip full-time students with real-world work exposure through meaningful on-campus roles.

The WSG Scheme is made possible through the generous support of Dr Lillyn Teh, whose contributions also fund the Lillyn Teh Endeavour Scholarship and the Lillyn Teh Endeavour Study Award.

• Students whose gross monthly household per capita income is $2,700 or less, or who can show proof of financial difficulties. Priority will be given to those with verified per capita income (PCI) and/or Gross Household Income (GHI)
• Students who receive scholarships, study awards, grants, or bursaries that cover their annual subsidised tuition fees and also receive monthly or yearly living allowances may still be considered, depending on individual circumstances

Depending on the specific work activities, payment may be made on an hourly, lump sum, or monthly basis. The tables below show the payment terms for different types of work activities under the Work on Campus Scheme.

Payment Terms for Research Assistants, Student Assistants, Graduate Instructors, and appointments under the Work Study Grant.

1. Students may work a maximum of 16 hours per week under the Work on Campus Scheme in Terms 1 and 2 (for UG) and Terms 1, 2 and 3 (PGP and PGR).  
2. Outside these terms, students may work 36 hours per week under the Work on Campus Scheme, provided they are not enrolled in any courses. If they are enrolled in any course, including internships, the same lower limit of a maximum of 16 hours per week would apply.  
3. These caps on the number of hours apply regardless of the number of work activities a student takes in the Work on Campus Scheme.  

• After being successfully selected or interviewed by the hiring office, the applicant must complete the Student Employment Form (SEF) and email it directly to the hiring office.

• PCI (Per Capita Income) Eligibility Assessment
  PCI eligibility is assessed through the annual bursary application submitted via OASIS under the “Financial Aid Application” section. Application windows are as follows:

  - Prospective freshmen (before matriculation): 1 May – 31 May (Applicant's Self Service)
  - Prospective freshmen (after matriculation): 1 June – 31 July (All Apps)
  - Current students: 1 January – 31 March (All Apps)

• Important Note:
  Foreign students and Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR) are not eligible for government bursaries. However, they are still required to submit the bursary application solely for income assessment and PCI eligibility in support of their WSG application.

Centre for Student Financial Assistance
Office of Admissions and Financial Assistance
Email: finasst@smu.edu.sg