Looking for a scholarship can feel overwhelming. What scholarships are you eligible for? When should you apply? Do you need perfect grades? What does a scholarship bond mean?
We’ve answered some of the questions students, parents and teachers commonly ask about scholarships and the scholarship application process.
About Scholarship Guide
What is Scholarship Guide?
Scholarship Guide is a Singapore-based scholarship information portal that helps students discover scholarships and study awards offered by organisations across different industries.
The platform brings together scholarship opportunities from government organisations, companies, foundations, institutions and other scholarship providers, together with articles, interviews and practical advice to help students understand the scholarship process.
How can Scholarship Guide help me find a scholarship?
You can use Scholarship Guide to search for scholarships based on factors such as your education level, course of study and other eligibility criteria.
Subscribe with Scholarship Guide with your email address and you will receive the latest information and articles.
Our articles and guides provide additional information on choosing scholarships, preparing applications, writing personal statements and preparing for interviews.
The Scholarship Guide Notice Board features the latest announcements, news and updates from scholarship providers, government agencies, educational institutions and other organisations. It includes scholarship announcements, award ceremonies, education news, events and other information that may be useful to students, parents and teachers.
Does Scholarship Guide award scholarships?
No. Scholarship Guide is an information platform and does not award the scholarships listed on the site.
Scholarships are awarded by the respective scholarship providers. When you click Apply, you may be redirected to the provider’s website to complete the application.
Always read the provider’s official eligibility criteria, terms and conditions before applying.
Finding the Right Scholarship
What types of scholarships are available?
Scholarships come in many forms. Depending on the provider, you may find:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Career- or industry-specific scholarships
- Government and public-sector scholarships
- Corporate scholarships
- Foundation and organisation scholarships
- Need-based or financial assistance scholarships
- Sports, arts and other talent-based scholarships
- Bond-free scholarships
- Scholarships for local or overseas study
- Full-term, mid-term and other study awards
The eligibility requirements and benefits can differ significantly between scholarships, so look beyond the scholarship title and read the individual requirements carefully.
Do I need excellent grades to get a scholarship?
Not necessarily.
Some scholarships have specific academic requirements or minimum grades, while others consider a broader range of qualities and achievements.
Depending on the scholarship, providers may consider factors such as leadership, co-curricular activities, community involvement, communication skills, interests, achievements and your motivation for applying.
If you do not meet a stated minimum requirement, check with the scholarship provider before applying, as eligibility criteria and exceptions can vary.
Can I apply if I am not sure what I want to study or what career I want?
Yes, you can start exploring scholarships while you are still deciding.
In fact, researching scholarships can help you understand different industries, careers and study options. However, some scholarships are tied closely to particular courses, professions or organisations, so make sure you understand the commitments before applying.
A scholarship should fit your education and career plans — not determine them for you.
Can Polytechnic students apply for scholarships?
Yes. There are scholarships and study opportunities specifically for Polytechnic students and diploma holders, including scholarships for those progressing to university.
Eligibility varies by provider, so check the education level and academic requirements for each scholarship.
Can university students apply for scholarships?
Yes. Some scholarships are available to students before they begin university, while others are intended for students who are already pursuing their degree.
These may include mid-term scholarships, faculty- or course-specific awards, and scholarships offered by companies or other organisations.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
In general, you can apply for multiple scholarships, provided you meet the eligibility requirements of each one.
Applying to several suitable scholarships can give you more opportunities to find one that fits your academic plans and career goals.
However, pay close attention to each provider’s conditions. Some scholarships may have restrictions on holding other scholarships or financial awards at the same time.
What is the difference between a bonded and bond-free scholarship?
A bonded scholarship usually comes with a commitment to work for the scholarship provider, or another specified organisation, for a certain period after graduation.
A bond-free scholarship does not normally require you to work for the scholarship provider after graduation.
The length and conditions of a bond vary between providers. Before accepting a scholarship, make sure you understand:
- The length of the bond
- When the bond begins
- Where you are required to work
- What happens if you leave before completing the bond
- Whether there are repayment or other financial consequences
Do not choose a scholarship based solely on the amount awarded. Consider the commitments that come with it.
What does a scholarship usually cover?
There is no standard scholarship package.
Depending on the provider, a scholarship may cover some or all of your tuition fees and could include allowances for items such as living expenses, accommodation, books or other educational costs.
Some scholarships provide a fixed monetary award rather than covering every expense.
Always check the individual scholarship’s benefits and terms before applying.
Applying for a Scholarship
When should I start applying for scholarships?
Start researching early.
Scholarship application periods vary widely. Some scholarships open well before university admission periods, while others open around the time examination results are released. Some opportunities may remain open for longer periods.
Do not assume that all scholarships follow the same calendar.
Check the individual scholarship listing and, where appropriate, the provider’s official website for the latest opening and closing dates.
Can I apply before receiving my final examination results?
Some scholarships accept preliminary, predicted or other available academic results, while others require final results.
The answer depends on the individual scholarship’s eligibility criteria.
If you have not received your final results, check the scholarship requirements carefully to see which results or supporting documents are accepted.
What documents do I need for a scholarship application?
Requirements vary, but a scholarship application may ask for:
- Academic results or transcripts
- School testimonials
- Co-curricular activity records
- Community involvement or volunteering records
- Certificates and achievements
- Recommendation or reference letters
- A personal statement or essay
- Details of your course and university choices
- Other documents specified by the provider
Prepare commonly requested documents early so you do not have to search for them at the last minute.
What should I write in my scholarship personal statement?
Your personal statement should help the scholarship provider understand who you are, what motivates you and why you are applying.
Rather than simply listing achievements, explain the experiences, interests and goals behind them.
Consider questions such as:
- Why have you chosen this field of study?
- What are you passionate about?
- What experiences have shaped you?
- What have you contributed to your school or community?
- What do you hope to achieve?
- Why are you applying for this particular scholarship?
- How does the scholarship fit into your future plans?
Most importantly, tailor your statement to the scholarship. Avoid submitting exactly the same statement to every provider.
What if my grades are not very good?
Do not automatically rule yourself out.
First, check whether the scholarship has a stated minimum academic requirement. If you meet the requirement, your application may be assessed on other factors as well, depending on the provider.
If your grades are below the stated minimum, however, look for scholarships whose requirements better match your profile.
Your application can also highlight your interests, experiences, leadership, community involvement, achievements and other qualities that are relevant to the scholarship.
How can I stand out in my scholarship application?
Start by answering the provider’s questions clearly and specifically.
A strong application should show more than a list of achievements. It should give the provider a sense of your motivations, experiences, personality and future goals.
Research the organisation and understand why you are applying to that particular scholarship. Then make sure your personal statement and interview answers reflect that understanding.
Proofread your application carefully and give yourself enough time to review every section before submitting it.
What happens after I submit my application?
The process varies between scholarship providers.
You may receive an acknowledgement after submitting your application. If you are shortlisted, the next stage could involve an interview, assessment, aptitude or personality test, group discussion, or other selection exercises.
Some providers may contact applicants who are not shortlisted, while others may not provide individual feedback.
There is no universal timeframe for hearing back, so check the provider’s information and be patient after submitting your application.
How should I prepare for a scholarship interview?
Start by reviewing your own application.
Be prepared to discuss your academic interests, activities, achievements, personal statement, future plans and reasons for applying.
You should also research the scholarship provider and understand its organisation, work, values and expectations.
Practise answering common interview questions, but avoid memorising a script. Your answers should sound natural and reflect your own experiences.
Some providers may also use group discussions, case studies, aptitude tests or other assessments, so check the specific selection process where this information is available.
What if I am rejected?
Being unsuccessful in one scholarship application does not mean you are unsuitable for scholarships in general.
Scholarship providers have different eligibility criteria and selection processes, so use the experience to improve your future applications.
Review what you could have done better, seek feedback where it is available, and continue looking for other scholarships that match your profile.
Scholarship Guide and Scholarship Applications
Why am I redirected to another website when I click “Apply”?
Scholarship Guide provides information about scholarships, but applications are generally handled by the scholarship provider.
When you click Apply, you may therefore be redirected to the provider’s official website or application portal.
Follow the provider’s instructions and check that you are submitting your application through the correct channel.
Are the scholarship details on Scholarship Guide guaranteed to be the latest?
Scholarship information can change. Application dates, eligibility requirements, benefits and other conditions may be updated by providers.
Use the information on Scholarship Guide as a starting point, but always verify important details — particularly application deadlines and eligibility requirements — with the scholarship provider before submitting your application.
How do I keep track of scholarship deadlines?
Start by shortlisting scholarships that interest you and recording their application deadlines.
It is also a good idea to check the provider’s official website before applying, particularly if you found the scholarship information some time ago.
Parents and Guardians
Can parents help their children apply for scholarships?
Yes. Parents can support students by helping them research opportunities, understand scholarship terms, organise documents and prepare for interviews.
However, students should take ownership of their applications and decisions. The application is ultimately about the student’s interests, achievements, goals and suitability for the scholarship.
Still have a question?
If you cannot find the answer here, contact Scholarship Guide at info@scholarshipguide.sg and we will do our best to help.
For scholarship-specific questions — such as eligibility, application deadlines, benefits or bond conditions — please contact the scholarship provider directly, as these requirements are determined by the provider.