The idea of having your tertiary education
sponsored is appealing. But the competition for scholarships is
strong.
As the A levels loom and the final semester of
polytechnic commences, Mr Sam Ng, Managing Director of
CareerBuilders Singapore, parent company of scholarship portal
BrightSparks, explains what you should know when applying for
scholarships.
Most scholarships are offered by either government or
government-linked organisations, educational institutions and
private companies.
They typically cover school fees for the students'
years in university, as well as living expenses and other costs,
like textbooks. Some may even cover air travel, if the scholar's
institution is overseas.
Most scholarships require the scholars to be bonded -
usually for four years if the institution is local or for six years
if it is overseas, said Mr Ng.
According to the BrightSparks Scholarship and Education
Survey, the Public Service Commission, National University of
Singapore and Nanyang Technological University remain the top three
scholarship providers among 1,800 respondents this year. Changi
Airport Group comes in at fourth place.
Going abroad will grant scholars "cultural exposure",
said Mr Ng. Though intimidating, much growth happens out of comfort
zones where opportunities to foster international friendships are
plentiful.
Meanwhile, most scholarships cover all living expenses
for students.
Read the scholarship criteria carefully and do not miss
the closing date for the application, said Mr Ng, who recommends
that a student set aside at least a week to put together the
application.
Mr Ng says that an appeal letter should be your first
option - you can explain why the organisation or institution is of
interest to you.
You can also consider a mid-term scholarship, after you
have already started classes. This gives you time to discover what
you're really interested in.
Mr Ng also suggests "creating your own
opportunities".
This could include internships or volunteer work in
your field of interest.
"An unsuccessful attempt does not ruin your chance to
work in the organisation," he said.
"If you set your mind to serve there, take great
strides towards your goal or find means to contribute to its
overall purpose wholeheartedly."
TNP