IRAS Overseas Undergraduate Scholarship: 2026 Global Tax Leadership Track
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)01 Oct 2025, 16:40 Z
TL;DR
IRAS's overseas scholarship sends you to top universities abroad for business, economics, IT, or real estate degrees, covers every major expense, and returns you for a six-year bond driving Singapore's tax policy and digital transformation agenda.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Application Cycle Closed (last checked 2025-10-01)
- Official Listing: IRAS Scholarships
- Who It Targets: Outstanding A-Level, IB, NUS High, or polytechnic graduates pursuing overseas degrees aligned with tax administration and analytics
- Eligibility: Stellar academics, leadership in CCAs/community, and commitment to public finance careers with an international perspective
- Tenable Institutions: IRAS-approved overseas universities renowned for business, economics, statistics, IT, or real estate programmes
- Bond: Six years with IRAS upon graduation
Award Components
- Full tuition and compulsory fees paid directly to the university
- Monthly maintenance stipend, setting-in allowance, winter clothing allowance, and medical insurance
- Return economy airfare at the start and end of studies, plus approved home leave trips
- Allowances for books, computer equipment, and compulsory study materials
- Funded overseas exchange, internships, and professional development activities
- Vacation attachments with IRAS headquarters to maintain organisational familiarity
Eligibility Highlights
- Singapore Citizens with excellent pre-university credentials in relevant disciplines
- Demonstrated leadership, community service, and global outlook (competitions, Model APEC, fintech, policy forums)
- Evidence of adaptability and resilience to thrive overseas and in high-accountability public service roles
- Willingness to live abroad for multiple years and subsequently serve six years with IRAS
- Satisfactory medical and security clearance prior to deployment
Application Roadmap
- Identify overseas universities and courses aligned with IRAS-approved disciplines; prepare admissions dossiers in parallel.
- Submit scholarship application via IRAS/PSC portal during the annual cycle (usually late year to March), flagging overseas preference.
- Complete aptitude tests, essay tasks, and panels evaluating your analytical skills, cultural adaptability, and public service ethos.
- Receive conditional scholarship offer pending university admission; liaise with IRAS on pre-departure allowances and visa requirements.
- Undergo pre-departure briefings, mentorship pairing, and internship planning for summer breaks.
- While overseas, maintain academic standing, stay engaged with IRAS mentors, and plan bond rotations ahead of your return.
Preparation Playbook
- Sharpen your understanding of global tax trends (BEPS, digital services taxes, cross-border compliance) to shine during interviews.
- Practise cultural intelligence and scenario responses about living abroad and representing Singapore's public service.
- Build quantitative skills (data analytics, coding, econometrics) that complement policy-making in a digital tax environment.
- Engage with IRAS alumni or scholarship ambassadors to learn how overseas exposure translates into local postings.
- Develop a long-term career roadmap that includes professional accreditation (e.g., CA (Singapore), CFA, data science certs) and leadership milestones within IRAS.
