As a student in Singapore, the A-Levels is important because the results will determine where you can enrol for university and if you can enrol in the course you want.
Aside from being an integral part of your university application résumé, the A-Levels is also the time to start thinking about how to support your higher education. University is not cheap; hence you may need to consider getting a scholarship.
However, before you begin your scholarship search, ask yourself the following questions:
Why Do I Want a Scholarship?
Scholarships come in various types and benefits. Some scholarships only cover a part of your tuition fee, while others apply only to specific universities or local universities.
If these scholarships restrain your plans, you can opt for bond-free scholarships instead, so you can do the course you want without worrying about collateral or special conditions you have to fulfil.
However, if you wish to work for government or for non-profit organisations, you may consider government or corporate scholarships.
What Field of Study Am I Looking At? What Kind of Industries Do I Want to Work In?
Scholarships come in various types and benefits. Some scholarships only cover a part of your tuition fee, while others apply only to specific universities or local universities.
If these scholarships restrain your plans, you can opt for bond-free scholarships instead, so you can do the course you want without worrying about collateral or special conditions you have to fulfil.
However, if you wish to work for government or for non-profit organisations, you may consider government or corporate scholarships.
What Field of Study Am I Looking At? What Kind of Industries Do I Want to Work In?
Scholarship bodies have different scholarship plans for the various disciplines of study. Hence you should first decide on your course of study before locating the scholarships.
Who Are the Available Providers?
Once you know the course you will pursue, use Scholarship Guide to narrow down your list of scholarship providers. For example, if you are taking engineering courses, you can apply to JTC, BCA, URA or HDB.
Why Am I Interested in the Organisation?
When shortlisting scholarships, come up with a list of reasons for each organisation on why you chose them and ask yourself if you can work well with them throughout your time in university.
Read up about the organisation and look up reviews by their past scholars, employees, and customers/clients. Learning about their vision, mission, and company culture will also help you better understand if they can contribute to your personal and professional development.
What Are the Terms and Conditions?
Some scholarships come with terms and conditions that you have to fulfil or agree on before you are granted support. Usually, the bond period for local education in Singapore is four years, and six years for overseas education. Ask yourself if you can work for the organisation for four to six years and be aware of the implications should you not fulfil the bond.
If you break your bond, you will not just pay for the monetary losses incurred by the provider but also earn a black mark on your reputation. Additionally, should you change your mind about your course of study after you accept the scholarship, you would not be allowed to make changes.
What Developmental Opportunities Do I Get?
If you have a goal in mind, fight for it. Scholarships are a great way to pull in front of the pack and develop your CV. Some scholarships offer internships for their supported students to take on during their term break. And that’s great! Because internships can give you a glimpse of the internal workings of the organisation you wish to work with in the future and help you earn extra points when you graduate from university.
When Is the Best Time to Apply?
Keep up-to-date on the scholarship application opening and closing dates, as they vary by provider. Importantly, deciding on a scholarship shouldn’t be done in a rush, and you need to consider your financial situation before you apply for one.
What Is the Monetary Term of the Award?
Some scholarships do not just cover tuition fees but also living allowance and other expenses. If you wish to study abroad, find scholarships that would help you get by your school career. However, the more your scholarship covers, the larger your obligations are with the provider when you complete your education.
Does Your Scholarship Allow You to Apply for Other Grants?
Since university education is not cheap, students often look for scholarships that allow them to take on more than one. Some scholarships do not permit multiple scholarships and may even prevent you from performing sideline activities to help you fund your schoolwork. So do take note!
Am I Just Following the Crowd?
Before you apply for a scholarship, ask yourself if you need a scholarship or whether you are just following the trend started by your peers. Do not make peer-influenced choices and ensure that your scholarship decision matches your career goals and personal needs.
Conclusion
From as early as when you start Junior College or prepare for A-Levels, start thinking about what you want to do when you move up to university and how to fund it. Scholarships are not easy to attain, and you cannot simply avail yourself of them. Your A-Level grade should match your intended course and the requirements of the school you want to be in.
If your grades are currently not on par with your chosen school and course’s requirements, don’t hesitate to seek an A-Level tutor offering JC tuition to boost your chances.
This is for your future, so think carefully as early as today to prevent yourself from experiencing heartache by the time you go to university.