S$3 million Saverin Foundation gift expands NUS Medicine’s mental health training capacity
Singapore’s mental health sector is set for a significant uplift with a new scholarship designed to train more frontline professionals in clinical mental health and psychotherapy. The initiative strengthens the pipeline of specialists who can support rising mental health needs across the country and the wider region.
A Major Philanthropic Commitment
The National University of Singapore (NUS) announced a new scholarship funded by a 3 million SGD contribution from the Elaine and Eduardo Saverin Foundation. This marks the largest single scholarship gift ever received by the Master of Clinical Mental Health and Psychotherapy (MCMHP) program at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
Supporting the Next Generation of Specialists
Beginning in 2026, the scholarship will support up to 24 full-time students over three years. Recipients will receive full tuition coverage and a 3,000 SGD monthly stipend throughout the 18-month program. The scholarship is open to both local and international applicants, with no service bond, though scholars are encouraged to make a two-year moral commitment to work in mental health or related fields.
Strengthening Singapore’s Mental Health Ecosystem
Launched in 2024, the MCMHP program was developed in response to the rising need for trained mental health practitioners. The program aligns with the National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy and prepares graduates to support individuals with mild to moderate mental health concerns. Its inaugural cohort began in January 2025 with 34 students from healthcare, education, social services, and allied health sectors.
Donor Vision: Investing in Human Potential
Elaine Saverin emphasized that mental health is the foundation of human potential and that investing in those who care for others strengthens entire communities. The Saverin Foundation previously donated 11.5 million SGD to education, health, and sustainability causes in 2024 and ranked among Singapore’s largest private donors in 2025. Eduardo Saverin, a Singapore permanent resident and Facebook co-founder, was listed by Forbes in September 2025 as Singapore’s richest individual with a net worth of 56.2 billion SGD.
NUS Leaders Highlight Transformative Impact
NUS Medicine dean Professor Chong Yap Seng said the gift comes at a critical time, as mental health needs continue to grow. He noted that the scholarship will allow more individuals to gain the expertise needed to support vulnerable groups. Associate Professor Shefaly Shorey from the NUS Mind Science Centre added that the contribution will empower a new generation of professionals to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care across community and clinical settings.
Looking Ahead to Future Cohorts
Subsequent MCMHP cohorts will admit around 25 students each year. Applications for the next intake open on December 1, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, with classes beginning in August. Scholars will be selected jointly by NUS Medicine and the Saverin Foundation.
This scholarship marks a strategic investment in strengthening Singapore’s mental health workforce and advancing regional well-being. By expanding training opportunities for future therapists and counselors, the initiative supports both Singaporeans and Indonesians who benefit from a more resilient and skilled mental health ecosystem across Southeast Asia.
Sources: Straits Times (2025) , NUS Medicine (2025)
Keywords: NUS Scholarship, Saverin Foundation, Mental Health Workforce, Psychotherapy Training, Singapore Education
