How to Apply

NAA 2026 is open for submissions from 1 Jul 2026 to 31 Jul 2026 2359 hours. Submissions received after this deadline will NOT be considered for the awards.
To ensure a smooth application process, please read the General Eligibility Criteria and respective categories' Application Information which outlines the information and supporting documents required.
Please download the necessary supporting document templates required by each category. Ensure that you have the completed supporting documents on hand when you click 'Apply' as there is no option to save drafts.
A separate application is required if you are keen to apply for more than one category. If there are duplicate entries within the same category, OSA will only consider your latest submission.
For team/group awards, please appoint only one representative to submit the application. The representative will become the sole point-of-contact of the team/group for all communications leading up to NAA.

Arts

This category seeks to celebrate artistic excellence in NUS, and recognise significant contributions to the arts and arts management at NUS and the wider community.

There are four sub-categories:

Original Artistic Work of the Year
Arts Production of the Year
Arts Group of the Year
Performing Arts Student of the Year

Supporting documents may include:

A downloadable link for the full production / artwork
Production Schedule
Marketing Plan & Materials
Budget Statements
Feedback from audience
Testimonial*
List of collaboration with other group(s)
Summary of activities and initiatives

Each sub-category requires specific supporting documents. Do look through each sub-categories' questions carefully before starting your application submission.

*For testimonials, Staff Advisors are endorsers of your application and will be prompted to provide us reasons for their support towards your application. Hence, the testimonial or letter of recommendation should come from another referee.

Apply here

Campus Engagement

This category seeks to recognise inspiring projects that have elevated NUS campus vibrancy in the following areas:

Cultural/Arts Events: Initiatives that have enriched campus life through diverse cultural expressions, fostering an appreciation for the arts/multiculturism among the campus population.
Community Building: Projects that have successfully created a sense of belonging and community among the campus population, encouraging inclusivity, accessibility, collaboration and mutual support.
Sustainability Initiatives: Efforts that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices, innovative use of spaces, contributing to a greener and more eco-friendly campus.
Health and Wellness: Programmes that promote physical and mental well-being among the campus population, encouraging an active, balanced and healthy lifestyle

To ensure a smooth application process, please read the Campus Engagement Application Information, which outlines the information and supporting documents required. We strongly recommend that you prepare all necessary materials before starting your application.

Apply here

Community Service

This category recognises outstanding projects that have made a meaningful and lasting impact on communities beyond NUS (local and/or overseas).

Projects are evaluated based on the following areas:

Project Conceptualisation including Outcomes Planning and Engagement Approaches
Impact to Students and Community
Innovation and Enhancement
Accessibility and Inclusion

Please note that some areas require specific supporting documents as part of the submission.

To ensure a smooth application process, please read the Community Service Application Information, which outlines the information and supporting documents required. We strongly recommend that you prepare all necessary materials before starting your application.

Apply here

Competitions (General)

The Competitions (General) category recognises individuals or teams who have represented NUS in a single competition and have excelled at the international, regional and/or national level. This includes, but is not limited to, non-varsity sports-based competitions as well as Hackathons, Moots or Debates.

Eligibility:

Results should be within the top 3 of the competition at the final stage.
There should be at least 5 other competing teams.
Each application should be for a single competition.

Completed applications should include supporting documents to verify competition details and results. Lack of supporting information provided will result in disqualification from award consideration.

To ensure a smooth application process, please read the Competitions (General) Application Information, which outlines the information and supporting documents required. We strongly recommend that you prepare all necessary materials before starting your application.

*All varsity sports teams are not eligible to apply for this award - please apply under the Sports Category instead.

Apply here

Leadership

The Leadership category seeks to recognise Student Leaders who have significantly enhanced Student Life through their leadership qualities and the embodiment of the core values of NUS: Innovation, Resilience, Excellence, Respect and Integrity.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate leadership qualities aligned to the following key considerations:

Demonstrated Impact
Ethical Leadership & Integrity
Leadership in Practice (People & Influence)
Strategy, Governance & Sustainability
Resilience & Responsible Self-Management

Necessary supporting documents include:

Portfolio of supporting documents
List of members of team led, including each member’s name and leadership position
Screenshot of NUSync roster on portal verifying leadership position (for official student organisations)

Applicants will also need three testimonials from the following individuals:

Staff Advisor
Student Organisation EXCO member
Team member under applicant's leadership

Applicants will be required to provide the details of their designated endorsers when completing the application form. After the application is submitted, an email with instructions for submitting testimonials will be sent to the designated endorsers.

Applications will be evaluated based on 2 separate categories:

NUSSU & Clubs/Hostels
Interest Groups/Registered Societies/Other student groups

To ensure a smooth application process, please read the Leadership Application Information, which outlines the information and supporting documents required. We strongly recommend that you prepare all necessary materials before starting your application.

Apply here

Sports

This category seeks to recognise high-performing male and female sporting individuals with an exceptional track record of achievements. It is only open to varsity athletes and sports teams who have represented NUS in competitions.

There are three sub-categories:

Sports Team of the Year
Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year
President Sports Award of the Year

All applicants must submit all their competition results achieved and additional information on your contribution during the qualification period. Individuals and teams who have contributed to NUS in community sports events, community service and other initiatives will be considered more favourably.

Apply here

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Q1: My project, event, or leadership position has not ended as of 31 July 2026. Can I still apply for the NAA?

A: We recommend that you apply for next year’s NAA, since one of the evaluation criteria is the outcome and impact of your project or position.

Q2: Can I submit a project, event, or leadership position that was not under NUS? For example, a leadership position in an external organisation or a project completed during an internship.

A: No, such submissions are not eligible for the NAA. Only projects, events, and leadership positions undertaken under the name of NUS or within NUS are eligible.

Q3: My contributions as a leader or my project were completed between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026, but I have just graduated in July 2026. Can I still apply for the NAA?

A: Yes, as long as you were a NUS student in AY25/26, you are eligible to apply.

Q4: My group is a sub-group or sub-club of a larger student organisation (e.g., a cultural interest group under a hostel, or a project group under NUS Students’ Community Service Club). Can we apply for the NAA?

A: Yes, however you must seek the endorsement from the President of the parent student organisation. Each official student organisation may submit only up to three applications per award category.

Q5: My group or project is not part of an official student organisation. Can I apply for the NAA?

A: Yes, non-official NUS student organisations may apply for all categories, except for Sports. Your group or project must have represented NUS and supported by an NUS Staff Advisor who has worked directly with your group.

For the Sports category, only varsity sports teams are eligible to apply.

Q6: My project was an extension of a project I submitted as part of my coursework for my academic course. Can I still apply for the NAA?

A: Yes, your project is eligible only if there has been a significant change or further development beyond the original version submitted for your academic course. You must clearly demonstrate how the project has evolved or expanded since the initial submission.

Award Categories

Q7: What is the difference between Community Service and Campus Engagement categories?

A: The Campus Engagement category recognises projects that actively engage the NUS student and/or staff community, promoting inclusion and enhancing campus vibrancy across themes such as culture, sports, sustainability, and health and wellness (e.g., hostel productions, integration events). The Community Service category recognises projects that have made a meaningful and lasting impact on communities beyond NUS (local and/or overseas).

Q8: What is the difference between Competitions (General) and Sports categories?

A: The Sports category is for varsity athletes and teams representing NUS in sports competitions. The Competitions (General) category is for non-sports competitions such as hackathons, moots, and debates; varsity sports teams are not allowed to apply for the Competitions (General) category.

Q9: For the Leadership category, three testimonials are needed. Do I need to get the testimonials prior to submitting my application and upload the testimonials as supporting documents?

A: No. When submitting the application form, you will have to fill in the details of your endorsers; an email will be sent to your designated endorsers for them to send their testimonials to the committee. It is recommended that you submit your applications early to give your designated endorsers sufficient time to submit their testimonials.

Q10: For Competition category, my student organisation participated in more than one competition, achieving stellar results. Should we submit one more than one application?

A: Yes, each competition should be a unique application. Do note that official student organisations are limited to 3 applications per award category; applicants should select their best performance for their applications.

Application Limits

Q11: Can I submit more than one application under the same award category for different projects or leadership positions?

A: Yes, you may submit multiple applications for different projects or leadership roles, as long as each submission meets the eligibility criteria and your student organisation does not exceed the limit of three applications per award category.

Q12: Can I submit the same project for multiple award categories?

A: Yes, you may submit the same project across multiple award categories, as long as your submission meets the eligibility criteria for each category.

Submission Requirements and Process

Q13: What supporting documents do I need to submit with my application?

A: As each award requires different supporting documents, please refer to the application information document for the specific award you are applying for. Links to these documents can be found in the general eligibility criteria document here.

Q14: Who can be my Staff Advisor or Endorser?

A: For official NUS student organisations, your designated Staff Advisor should endorse your application. For ad-hoc projects or competitions, the NUS staff member most directly involved with your group should serve as your endorser.

Q15: How will my Staff Advisor and/or Student Organisation President submit their endorsement for my application?

A: Upon submission of your application, your designated endorsers will receive an email containing your application details and instructions on how to submit their endorsements. We recommend submitting your application early to ensure your endorsers have sufficient time to respond.

Q16: What happens if my endorsers do not submit their endorsements by the deadline?

A: Endorsements by your Staff Advisor and Student Organisation’s President are an integral part of the assessment process. If any required endorsement is not received by the deadline, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

Q17: Can I edit my application after submission?

A: No, once your application is submitted, you will not be able to make further edits. Please ensure all information is accurate and complete before submitting it.

Q18: For group applications, should we submit only one application or each individual of the team should submit an application.

A: The group only needs to submit one application; if the application is shortlisted for an award, details of the organising committee/competing team will be collected.

Results

Further Enquiries

NAA Info Session Resources

Prior to the application period, OSA held two online info sessions to address common queries that students may have on the application process, timeline or requirements. Click here to recap what was covered in the briefing

How to Apply

Arts

Campus Engagement

Community Service

Competitions (General)

Leadership

Sports

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Award Categories

Application Limits

Submission Requirements and Process

Results

Further Enquiries

NAA Info Session Resources

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