06 May 2020
Singapore Management University has set up a relief fund worth $2.5 million to assist students facing financial difficulties.
Called the SMU Resilience Fund, it comprises of contributions from SMU’s own resources as well as from the broader SMU community, including donors.
SMU undergraduates whose gross monthly household per capita income does not exceed $500 and whose family members’ livelihoods have been adversely affected can obtain help from the Undergraduate Supplementary Assistance Plan. The scheme will help up to 1,000 undergraduates with a one-off $500 grant for each student.
SMU had in April set up a Global Exposure Contingency Fund to defray the financial costs of students affected by the cancellation of overseas programmes. The fund covers irrecoverable expenses associated with air tickets, accommodation, local transport, mobile or data plans and visa or entry fees.
Existing emergency grants are also available for undergraduates in need of urgent financial aid. These grants range from $500 to $5,000 each, and are supported by donors.