Are you a pre-university student looking for scholarship opportunities? The Ministry of Education, as well as other agencies, have provided several scholarship opportunities for pre-university students. Apart from the commonly known MOE Pre-U Scholarship, there are also many other programme-specific scholarships.
MOE Pre-University Scholarship
The MOE Pre-U Scholarship is offered to top-performing Pre-University 1 students who have achieved outstanding academic results and excelled in extracurriculars. The scholarship is awarded for 2 years, provides the recipient with an allowance of $750 annually, and covers the school fees based on Singapore Citizen’s rates. Selected applicants will have to go through an interview as part of the selection process. Application for 2022 cycle starts on Wednesday, 12 January and ends at 11.59pm on Monday, 28 February 2022. For more information, click here.
Programme-specific scholarships
- Art Elective Scholarship (only for students in the Art Elective Programme)
- Bicultural Studies Programme (BSP) Scholarship (only for students in BSP)
- Humanities Scholarship (only for students in the Humanities Scholarship and Programme)
- Language Elective Scholarships (only for students enrolled in the respective Language Elective Programme)
- Music Elective Scholarship (only for students in the Music Elective Programme)
- Regional Studies Programme (RSP) Scholarship (only for students in RSP)
Do note that not all schools offer the above programmes, so please select your schools wisely if you are interested in applying for these scholarships. Application for 2022 cycle starts on Wednesday, 12 January and ends at 11.59pm on Monday, 28 February 2022. For more information, please click here.
DSTA JC Scholarship
The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) provides scholarships to JC1 students who are interested in discovering opportunities in defence science and engineering, with engineers and scientists. The scholarship is open to all JC1 Singapore Citizens who have achieved excellent results in Science and Mathematics and have a strong passion for science and technology. The award is an allowance of $1,000 which will be provided per year, tenable for two years. Additionally, award holders will be provided with an opportunity to participate in activities and internships. The application period is open until 21 Feb 2022, Mon. To apply, click here.
A*STAR SCIENCE AWARD (JC)
If you are interested in becoming a scientist or researcher, the A*STAR Science Award (JC) allows you to obtain first-hand experience working on a research project for 5 weeks at an A*STAR research institute. You even get to work alongside an A*STAR scientist or researcher!
The award provides an allowance of S$1,000 per year, tenable for 2 years. However, a continuation of the award in JC 2 depends on excellent academic performance in the JC 1 promotional examinations and continued interest in science and mathematics. Only Singaporeans are eligible for this award. Applications are invited through nominations by schools only. For more information, click here.
SAF Young Leader Award
The Singapore Armed Forces awards about 20 recipients a year. Applicants must submit an essay on a defence-related topic and shortlisted candidates will attend an interview and a one-day assessment session. Only Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents intending to take up citizenship who are in JC1 are eligible to apply.
Successful candidates will be people who demonstrate academic excellence as well as strong leadership qualities through co-curricular activities (CCAs). They should also be passionate about defence-related issues.
They will receive a $2500 cash award, internship opportunities with MINDEF/SAF, and even opportunities to attend MINDEF/SAF functions, scholarship talks as well as engagement activities and a scholarship interview for overseas studies upon application. Application for the SAF Young Leader Award 2022 has closed but the 2023 intake will most likely open in Nov 2022. Click here to find out more.
How should you approach the scholarship application?
Firstly, only apply for the scholarships that you are genuinely interested in. Especially for the scholarships provided by agencies, the interviewers will be able to tell whether you are truly interested in their organisation’s mission or not.
Secondly, if you are selected to attend an interview, make sure that you practise as much as possible. It will be hard to predict all the questions but there are certain questions like ‘Why are you interested in taking up this scholarship?’ that will most likely surface during the interview.
As much as possible, prepare some concrete points for these questions and link your experiences and abilities to increase the depth of your responses. Although it is good to be prepared, there is no need to memorise answers word for word.
Lastly, treat the interview like a conversation, it will help you feel a lot more comfortable and confident!