Community Bursaries Singapore 2026: CDAC vs MENDAKI vs SINDA vs LBKM Comparison
Study guideUpdated 21 Mar 2026
Q: Which community bursary should I apply for in Singapore?
A: Each scheme targets a specific community - CDAC for the Chinese community, MENDAKI for the Malay/Muslim community, SINDA for the Indian/South Asian community, and LBKM for the Malay/Muslim community (alongside MENDAKI). You apply to the one matching your community. All stack with government HECB/HEB and MOE FAS.
TL;DR Singapore's 4 community bursary schemes serve different communities but share a common goal: supplementing government financial aid. You can only apply to the one matching your community. All community bursaries stack with government schemes (MOE FAS, HECB/HEB, Edusave). You cannot hold two community fund bursaries (e.g., CDAC + SINDA) simultaneously.
Status: Checked 2026-03-21. Income thresholds and quanta from each organisation's website. Confirm exact figures with the administering body each year.
Quick links: Bursaries hub, 2026 bursary application guide, Scholarship & Bursary Matcher
Quick financial-aid map
- TL;DR: Apply to the community scheme that matches your NRIC community.
- Which Scheme Is for You: Pick the correct self-help group first.
- Stacking Rules: Apply for government aid and community aid without double-counting incompatible schemes.
Which Scheme Is for You?
Use this quick decision tree:
- Chinese community → CDAC/SFCCA Bursary
- Indian/South Asian community → SINDA Bursary (school-level) or SINDA/SIET (tertiary)
- Eurasian community → Eurasian Association ECF
Your community affiliation is based on ethnicity as recorded on your NRIC. If you are unsure, check with the relevant self-help group.
Reviewed by
Marcus Pang·Managing Director (Maths)
