MENDAKI Scholarship (University): 2026 Profile
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)12 Oct 2025, 04:30 Z
TL;DR\ MENDAKI's flagship university scholarship rewards top Malay/Muslim students heading to NUS, NTU, SMU, SUSS, SIT, or SUTD with fully funded tuition and leadership support—stand out with stellar academics, service-heavy CCAs, and a clear plan to give back to the community.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Application Cycle Closed (last checked 2025-10-13)
- Official Portal: MENDAKI Scholarship (University)
- Who It Targets: JC/IP and polytechnic graduates matriculating into autonomous universities, plus current undergraduates seeking mid-term funding
- Eligibility: Singapore Citizens or PRs of Malay/Muslim heritage with strong Year 12 or diploma results, leadership track record, and household income within MENDAKI aid limits
- Tenable Institutions: NUS, NTU, SIT, SMU, SUSS, SUTD (local autonomous universities)
- Term: Full-term award covering the entire undergraduate duration once accepted
Funding & Support
- Covers full tuition fees and compulsory university charges
- Monthly living allowance that scales with year of study, plus book and resource grants at the start of each academic year
- Access to MENDAKI leadership camps, mentorship pairings, and career seminars tailored to public and private-sector pathways
- Scholars may apply for one-off overseas exchange or study mission stipends subject to prior approval, even though the scholarship is primarily local
Eligibility & Selection Focus
- Consistent academic excellence (generally As at JC/A-level, GPA ≥ 3.6 at polytechnic, or CAP ≥ 4.2 for current undergraduates)
- Proven leadership in CCAs, community projects, mosques, or ground-up initiatives serving Malay/Muslim communities
- Demonstrated financial need within MENDAKI's income ceilings or extenuating circumstances if slightly above thresholds
- Commitment to volunteer with MENDAKI programmes (e.g., Empowerment & Resilience Network) during the scholarship period
Application Timeline
- Jan–Feb: Gather documents—JC/Poly transcripts, university offer letter or matriculation proof, CCA records, and income statements.
- Mar: Submit the MENDAKI Scholarship e-application with a personal statement detailing your contribution plans.
- Apr: Shortlisted applicants sit for written exercises on community leadership and produce a service proposal.
- May: Panel interview with MENDAKI board members and industry partners covering academic goals, community impact, and financial circumstances.
- Jun: Offers released; recipients attend a bonding and orientation session before term starts.
Selection Tips
- Showcase sustained service: highlight long-term roles (e.g., tutoring younger students, organising Ramadan drives) rather than one-off hours.
- Articulate how your chosen course empowers the Malay/Muslim community or Singapore's broader progress.
- Prepare a realistic financial plan demonstrating how the scholarship fills the gap between aid and actual costs.
- Bring referees who can speak to both academic rigour and character; MENDAKI values role models who can mentor peers.
Life as a Scholar
- Maintain the required CAP/CGPA each semester; submit transcripts to MENDAKI promptly.
- Participate in community outreach, mentoring, or MENDAKI's SkillsFuture-aligned workshops every vacation cycle.
- Expect networking with MENDAKI partners, including corporate sponsors and government agencies keen on inclusive talent development.
- Graduates join the MENDAKI alumni network and are encouraged to mentor future applicants even though no employment bond applies.
Staying Updated
- Watch MENDAKI's announcements at https://www.mendaki.org.sg for the next application window.
- Subscribe to MENDAKI's newsletter or Telegram channel to catch info sessions and clinic dates.
- If you already hold a bursary, declare it—MENDAKI will advise whether the awards can be stacked.
