K S Sandhu Graduate Scholarship: 2025 Profile & Research Commitments
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)02 Mar 2025, 11:45 Z
TL;DR\ The K S Sandhu Graduate Scholarship funds a one-year master's in Southeast Asian studies, attaches you to ISEAS as a Graduate Student Assistant, and includes a one-year research bond—prepare a sharp proposal and highlight regional expertise to stand out.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Application cycle closed (last checked 2 Mar 2025)
- Official Portal: K S Sandhu Graduate Scholarship
- Who It Targets: Outstanding honours graduates pursuing humanities or social science master's programmes focused on Southeast Asia
- Eligibility: Singapore Citizens or PRs admitted to anthropology, economics, geography, history, international relations, political science, sociology, or Southeast Asian studies in a local university
- Bond: One-year service as a Research Associate with ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute after graduation
Funding & Development Pathway
- Financial package: Monthly stipend plus tuition and compulsory fees for one year of full-time study.
- Graduate assistantship: Scholars contribute up to 8 hours per week on institute projects—expect exposure to archival research, policy analysis, and event programming.
- Post-graduation role: After completing the degree, scholars join ISEAS for a year, supporting flagship publications, regional forums, or fieldwork.
- Research network: Access the institute's researchers, library collections, and conferences to hone your regional expertise.
Application Timeline & Selection Flow
- Prepare materials: Assemble a compelling research proposal, statement of purpose, CV, two reference letters, and certified transcripts.
- Submit to ISEAS: Email the full application before the annual deadline (typically Q1) once admission offers are in hand.
- Interview & presentation: Shortlisted candidates may present their proposed research direction and discuss how it advances ISEAS priorities.
- Offer & placement: Award letters outline stipend details, assistantship expectations, and the bond, followed by onboarding with supervising researchers.
Preparation Playbook
- Sharpen your proposal: Define research questions, methodology, and contribution to Southeast Asian scholarship.
- Demonstrate language and field readiness: Highlight regional language proficiency or prior fieldwork to signal that you can execute the project.
- Engage with ISEAS outputs: Reference recent Trends in Southeast Asia monographs or Perspective briefings relevant to your topic.
- Plan for the bond year: Explain how you intend to support institute programmes post-graduation—policy analysis, archival curation, or regional outreach.
- Line up referees early: Approach professors familiar with your research ability and share drafts of your proposal for stronger recommendations.
