The Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarship is the premier government scholarship awarded based on merit. Recipients of the PSC Master’s Scholarships will pursue a career in Public Administration in the Singapore Public Service.
This career track is for you if you are willing to take on different roles in the Public Service and explore the wide spectrum of public governance work, from policy formulation to implementation. You will be posted to a ministry or statutory board, depending on the needs of the Service and your suitability.
Applicants may choose between the (i) PSC Master's Scholarship or (ii) PSC Master's Scholarship (Sustainability).
The PSC Master's Scholarship (Sustainability) would be an apt choice if you have an interest in sustainability and circularity (S&C). Recipients of both PSC Master's Scholarships have similar offerings and career pathways, except that those on the PSC Master's Scholarship (Sustainability) would be developed to hone their perspective in S&C and have a first posting in an S&C related role.
If you’re ready to make the commitment to begin a career in the Public Service and better the lives of our people, we welcome you to apply for the PSC Scholarships. Come join us to shape a better Singapore!
Click to learn more about the Singapore Public Service or get inspired by the diversity of the Public Service through our stories.
When can I apply?
Applicants are welcome to apply during the final year of your undergraduate studies; or as a fresh graduate with no more than 3 years of working experience (including part-time or contract work) in the private or non-government sector only. Candidates must be prepared to start their Master’s programme in the immediate academic year following the offer of the scholarship.
Am I eligible to apply?
Applicants must:
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Be a Singapore Citizen
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Demonstrate Strong Leadership Qualities and Potential
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Present themselves as well-rounded individuals, possessing good academic and non-academic records.
What are the academic requirements?
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GCE A-levels; or
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International Baccalaureate; or
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NUS High School Diploma; or
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Polytechnic Diploma; or
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Other high school diploma or equivalent; and
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University results.
Where and what can I study?
PSC Master’s Scholarship holders may study at local or overseas universities; and choose to read from a diverse range of courses relevant to the Public Service (subject to PSC’s approval). MBA programmes are not allowed. Those applying for the PSC Master's Scholarship (Sustainability) should be intending to read a Master's in a field related to sustainability and circularity.
Tuition fees and other approved charges. For overseas degrees, return airfare will be provided.
Maintenance and other allowances.
A series of sponsored development programmes, including student exchange and summer opportunities, to prepare scholarship holders for a career in the Public Service.
| PSC Master's Scholarships* | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Country of Study |
Duration of Study [Maximum No. of Years] |
Duration of Bond [Years] |
| Any country |
2 |
3 |
PSC Master’s Scholarship holders are given opportunities to participate in curated development programmes to acquire critical knowledge and skills for a future career in the Public Service.
Scholarship holders may participate in the Gap Year programme after completing their university studies (including master’s) and National Service obligations (where applicable), and before they join the Public Service.
Through the programme, scholarship holders will be attached to an organisation in the people or private sector, either locally or overseas, for a duration of six months to a year. These attachments allow them to learn about the company’s ethos, business operations, and challenges. Subsequently, they will take this valuable experience and best practices back to the Public Service.
The PSLP is a structured programme focused on developing talent in specialised areas or industries. The PSLP aims to develop officers to their fullest potential for leadership roles in the Public Service.
Click to read more about the PSLP.
Upon graduation, scholarship holders will be emplaced on the Public Service Leadership Programme and developed for multi-sectoral or sectoral leadership positions within the Public Service. Scholarship holders will embark on their Public Service career at an appropriate ministry or statutory board depending on the Public Service’s manpower needs and their suitability for the position. For those on the PSC Master's Scholarship (Sustainability), their first posting would being a sustainability and circularity role.
The application process consists of submitting an online application, complete with the necessary supporting documents, an essay, and a video interview. If shortlisted, candidates will be informed on the next stages to attend and steps to be taken. Check out the Apply page for more information on our application process.
Before working on your application form, it is recommended that you gather all the supporting documents required, for ease of uploading and cross-checking them. The documents required for the PSC Master's Scholarships application are:
Secondary 4/Year 4 Year End School Academic Reports (including results and teachers' comments)
Secondary 4/Year 4 Co-curricular Activities (CCA) and Community Involvement Programme (CIP) Records
Pre-tertiary CCA and CIP Records
Certificates of Academic Qualification Obtained (e.g. GCE O-level, GCE A-level, International Baccalaureate Diploma, NUS High School Diploma, Polytechnic Diploma, other high school diploma or equivalent). You need not include your preliminary examination results.
University Academic Transcripts
University CCA Records
Employment Testimonials (if applicable)
NS Certificate of Service and Testimonial (if applicable)
Public Service Internship Testimonials (if applicable)
You are required to have a valid Singpass account to access* and submit the scholarship application form.
Ensure you have the following information on hand, which are required fields of the application form.
Personal and Family Members' Particulars (e.g. Name, NRIC no., Date of Birth, Occupation)
GCE O-level Results
Pre-tertiary Academic Results (e.g. GCE A-level, International Baccalaureate Diploma, NUS High School Diploma, Polytechnic Diploma, other high school diploma or equivalent). You need not include your preliminary examination results.
University Results for Each Semester
Co-curricular Activities Records, Prizes, and Awards
University Application and Outcomes
*With effect from 21st December 2023, the scholarship application portal will not be supported on mobile devices and tablets. You are advised to access the portal using a laptop or desktop computer instead.
Your application form consists of the following sections:
Personal & Family Details
Education History
Achievements
Career and Course Preferences
University Applications
Other Details
Declaration
You are also required to submit an essay to accompany your application form.
Once uploaded, submit your application. Your application is only considered complete when you have (i) furnished all the details required in the application form and submitted it; (ii) completed and submitted your essay; and (iii) uploaded and submitted all your supporting documents.
After successful submission of your application, you will receive a video interview link within 7 days. Follow the instructions provided carefully.
You should receive an application outcome by June.
if shortlisted
Congratulations! If shortlisted, you will receive information on the next assessment rounds.
Psychometric Assessments – these are meant to assess your general, verbal and numerical reasoning abilities.
Game-Based Assessments – these provide an understanding of your natural attributes. At the end of the assessment, you will receive your own report for your review and use in self-development.
Psychological Interview – this provides an in-depth report of your motivations, interests and values, to give the board a sense of who you are.
Your performance in the various assessments would be taken into consideration when deciding on further shortlisting. Only candidates who complete all assessments will undergo a panel interview with the Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarships Selection Board (PSSB).
Assessments and interviews run from August each year to June in the following year.
You may receive your outcome within two weeks after your interview. Some evaluations take longer, so please do not worry if you do not receive an outcome within the timeframe stated. All outcomes should be received by June.
You may receive the following interview outcomes:
Not suitable for PSC Scholarship (reflected as Unsuccessful in the Scholarship Portal) – don’t be disheartened if you receive this outcome. There are other routes to the Public Service!
Offered PSC Scholarship – Congratulations! We will get in touch with you on follow-ups and what you can expect next.