CIMB ASEAN Scholarship: 2025 Singapore Profile
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)03 Oct 2025, 15:40 Z
TL;DR
CIMB's ASEAN Scholarship funds tuition, living costs, travel, and devices for high-performing Singaporeans headed to NUS, NTU, or SMU, pairs each scholar with mentorship plus internship rotations, and carries a post-graduation employment bond with the bank.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: 2025 intake closed on 25 Apr 2025; monitor for next cycle (last checked 2025-10-03)
- Official Listing: CIMB ASEAN Scholarship — CIMB Careers
- Latest Application Window: 2 April 2025 – 25 April 2025
- Who It Targets: Singapore citizens aiming for banking careers who have secured or are pursuing places at top-tier universities (e.g., NUS, NTU, SMU) with at least one academic year remaining
- Eligibility: Age ≤ 25, strong academic track record, active co-curricular leadership, an unconditional (or pending) offer from a recognised top-tier university, and intent to pursue finance or banking
- Tenable Institutions: Top-tier universities across ASEAN or globally; Singapore applicants typically enrol at NUS, NTU, or SMU
- Bond: Yes — employment with CIMB upon graduation (bond duration confirmed in the award package)
Award Components
- Full scholarship coverage: Tuition fees, laptop, books, visa charges, flights, and allowances for accommodation and living expenses
- Global study access: Funding applies to approved programmes across ASEAN and beyond, enabling placements at world-class universities
- Mentorship programme: Dedicated mentors guide scholars through academic decisions and professional development milestones
- Experiential rotations: Internships and management trainee attachments, including The Complete Banker™ programme, expose scholars to priority banking projects
- Guaranteed role: Employment with CIMB after graduation so scholars transition directly into regional banking careers
Eligibility Highlights (Singapore Track)
- Singapore citizen aged 25 or below at the point of application
- Aspires to build a career in the financial and banking industry
- Either about to start an undergraduate degree or already enrolled with at least one full academic year remaining
- Holds or expects an offer from a top-tier university in Singapore or overseas before the award is confirmed
- Not holding any other scholarship or sponsorship with contractual obligations
- Demonstrated academic excellence (competitive A-Level/IB/polytechnic results or GPA) alongside leadership and community impact
Application Roadmap
- Track the launch: Note the April application window and prepare documentation before the portal opens.
- Choose the right form: Singapore applicants (and other non-Malaysian candidates) apply via CIMB's All other applicants pursuing studies within ASEAN/Overseas form.
- Package your evidence: Upload academic transcripts, co-curricular records, leadership testimonials, and proof of university admission or application status.
- Submit early: Complete the online form well before 25 April 2025 to accommodate any clarifications.
- Prepare for assessments: shortlisted candidates complete CIMB's online assessments, panel interviews, assessment centre, and a final management interview.
- Review the bond offer: Upon selection, scrutinise the scholarship agreement for service duration, role placement, and relocation requirements before acceptance.
Selection Journey
- Stage 1: Screening for baseline eligibility and completeness of submissions
- Stage 2: CIMB online assessments covering aptitude and behavioural fit
- Stage 3: Panel interview rounds with scholarship assessors
- Stage 4: CIMB ASEAN Scholarship Assessment Centre (group exercises and presentations)
- Stage 5: Final interview with CIMB Group senior management prior to award confirmation
- Core traits assessed: Change-readiness, impactful communication, leadership in academics and activities, and creative problem-solving
Preparation Playbook
- Maintain grades above the required benchmarks and build a narrative showing progression toward banking or finance impact.
- Catalogue co-curricular leadership stories with measurable outcomes that reinforce teamwork and community service.
- Practise case-based and behavioural interviews, highlighting how you respond to change and deliver innovation in team settings.
- Connect with CIMB mentors or alumni where possible to understand rotation expectations and bond commitments.
- Plan financially for living arrangements abroad even with the stipend—have contingency budgets ready for unforeseen costs.
