Mid-Term Scholarships in Singapore: Conversion Guide for University Students
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)06 Dec 2025, 02:25 Z
Mid-term scholarships let students apply after matriculating—ideal for those who wanted time to explore courses before committing to a sponsor. Awards typically start from Year 2 onward, cover remaining tuition, and may provide back-pay stipends in exchange for a bond. This guide breaks down major mid-term options, preparation milestones, and how to mobilise academics plus internships to stand out.
Why Mid-Term Scholarships Matter
- Proof of fit: Students apply with concrete evidence—CAP, CCA impact, internships—so sponsors can better assess alignment.
- Flexibility: Candidates can compare bond-free pathways first, then commit when career clarity improves.
- Acceleration: Many mid-term scholars still receive overseas exchange support, mentorship, and fast-track leadership opportunities.
Common Eligibility Signals
- CAP / GPA thresholds: Typically ≥ 3.75/4.0 (local) or ≥ 4.3/5.0, with no grade below B.
- Competency evidence: Research projects, internships, hackathons, or service leadership tied to the sponsor's mission.
- Character references: Faculty recommendations and testimony from internship supervisors.
- Citizenship: Most Singapore-based mid-term scholarships require Singapore citizenship.
Key Mid-Term Scholarships
| Scholarship | Sponsor | Bond | When to apply |
| DSTA Mid-Term Scholarship DSTA | Defence Science & Technology Agency | Remaining study years + 4-6 years | After completing ≥ 1 year in approved STEM degree |
| SAF Merit Scholarship (Mid-Term) MINDEF (SAF Scholarships portal) | Ministry of Defence | Up to 6 years | Apply from university Year 1 Semester 2 onwards |
| Healthcare Merit Scholarship (Mid-Term) MOH Holdings | MOH Holdings | 4-6 years | Eligible from Year 2 of medicine, nursing, allied health programmes |
| GovTech Mid-Term Scholarship GovTech | Government Technology Agency | 4 years | After first year in computing/data fields |
| Singtel Mid-Term Local Undergraduate Scholarship Singtel | Singtel | 4-6 years | After Year 1 for engineering/business/IT students |
| SP Group Mid-Term Scholarship SP Group careers site | SP Group | 4-6 years | Open to Year 2 engineering students |
Application Timeline
| Stage | When | Action items |
| Discovery | Semester 1 Year 1 | Attend scholarship fairs, informational interviews, and agency webinars |
| Portfolio build | Semester 2 Year 1 | Secure internships (e.g., GovTech Tech for Public Good), lead project teams, draft reflections |
| Application prep | Vacation break | Compile transcripts, testimonials, update CV; request recommendation letters at least 6 weeks before deadline |
| Submission & interviews | Semesters 1-2 Year 2 | Complete personal essays, run mock interviews, review bond terms with family |
Building a Competitive Portfolio
- Academic depth: Maintain CAP ≥ 4.3; use revision frameworks from https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/h2-maths-notes and https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/h2-physics-notes for J2 bridging so university modules feel manageable.
- Internships & attachments: Target government or industry programmes (e.g., DSTA attachments, IMDA apprenticeship) in the first long vacation.
- Leadership & service: Run faculty clubs, hackathons, or community labs; quantify impact (participants, funds raised, deployments).
- Research outputs: Present posters or write technical briefs; upload to GitHub or institutional repositories with context.
Due Diligence Before Signing
- Understand bond mechanics — Note liquidated damages, pro-rated repayments, and leave policies.
- Compare conversion vs. fresh scholar benefits — Some sponsors back-pay allowances to match full-term scholars; confirm details.
- Clarify posting options — Discuss preferred departments, overseas postings, and further study sponsorships.
- Map long-term goals — Align scholarship rotations with desired specialisations (cybersecurity, data science, healthcare practice).
References
- MINDEF — SAF Careers scholarship portal (navigate via mindef.gov.sg > Careers > SAF Scholarships)
- SP Group Scholarships (see spgroup.com.sg > Careers > Scholarships)