Public Service Commission Scholarships

What you get

The scholarship covers your full tuition and other approved fees, as well as a monthly living allowance and other grants for the standard duration of your degree programme. If you are studying abroad, your return flights will also be covered. The scholarship applies for the duration of your Bachelor’s degree: up to 3 years in the UK, 4 years in the USA, 2 years in other countries and a variable period in Singapore. Additional years are possible for a Master’s degree. Under the ‘Uniformed Service’ programme (armed forces or police), you will receive a full salary with allowances instead of the grant. You will also take part in support programmes, work placements in a ministry or government department, a pre-sessional course, and a structured leadership programme. The scholarships are awarded by the Public Service Commission (PSC), Singapore’s national scholarship authority, and pave the way for a career in the civil service. In return, you will sign a service commitment, which means that you must subsequently work in the civil service for a specified number of years: 6 years for English-speaking countries, 5 years for other countries, and 4 years if you are studying in Singapore.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a Singaporean citizen.
• Qualification: You must hold GCE A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, a NUS High School Diploma, a Polytechnic Diploma with a ‘Merit’ grade, or an equivalent school-leaving qualification.
• Grades and activities: You have achieved excellent academic results and can demonstrate a wide range of extracurricular activities.
• Leadership: You can demonstrate leadership experience, for example through a role in a club, a team or a student council.
• Field of study: Any subject is fine. For a career-oriented degree programme (e.g. engineering, law or medicine), you must study a subject relevant to that profession.
• Timing: You must apply either before the start of your degree programme or, if you are already enrolled, no later than the penultimate year of your degree. Students who are already enrolled must provide at least one semester transcript from their university.
• Commitment: You are prepared to work in the Singapore Civil Service and to accept the terms of service.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the ‘PSC Gateway’ online portal, for which a SingPass account is required. The application deadline is 15 March. You will submit your application form, an essay and your supporting documents, and then take part in a video interview within 7 days. You will receive initial feedback by June. If you are shortlisted, you will undertake psychometric and game-based tests, a psychological assessment and a panel interview before the selection panel.

How realistic are your chances?

This is Singapore’s most prestigious government scholarship, awarded on the basis of merit; consequently, competition is fierce and the selection process is lengthy. Academic results alone are not sufficient. The PSC places great emphasis on leadership qualities, character and well-rounded achievements, and expects a genuine commitment to a career in the civil service as well as adherence to the associated obligations. If you are a top Singaporean graduate with proven leadership qualities and apply early with a well-reasoned essay, you stand a real chance – but be prepared for stiff competition.