Scholarship Interview Preparation Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which scholarship interview guide should I start with?+

  Start with the PSC guide if you are applying for any government scholarship - it covers psychometrics, written exercises, group discussions, and panel themes that apply broadly across public-service awards. For university scholarships, go directly to the NUS, NTU, or SMU guide for your target institution. If you are applying for GKS or MEXT, read the overseas guide alongside the corresponding application guide.

• Do university scholarship interviews differ from government scholarship interviews?+

  Yes. PSC and DSTA interviews are more structured, with multiple assessment stages including psychometric testing and group discussions. NUS, NTU, and SMU interviews are typically 15–30 minute panel conversations that focus on intellectual curiosity, leadership beyond grades, and programme fit. University interviews tend to be more conversational; government interviews add formal competency assessments.

• How long before the interview should I start preparing?+

  Plan for two to four weeks of active preparation. Start by researching the organisation and its mandate (this applies to PSC, DSTA, and the overseas scholarship bodies). Prepare 8–10 personal stories that show leadership, resilience, values, and intellectual depth. Practice articulating your academic interests clearly and rehearse answers to common panel questions with a friend or in front of a mirror.

• Are there common question themes across all scholarship interviews?+

  Yes. Most scholarship panels ask about: (1) why you chose your field of study, (2) what leadership or service experience you have, (3) how you handle setbacks or disagreements, (4) current affairs or policy questions relevant to the scholarship body's mandate, and (5) your plans after graduation. The PSC interview adds structured competency-based questions; university scholarship interviews are more open-ended.