MENDAKI Talent Scholarship (University): 2026 Profile
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)12 Oct 2025, 04:50 Z
TL;DR\ MENDAKI's Talent Scholarship backs future Malay/Muslim trailblazers with full tuition, leadership immersions, and mentorship—win it by combining top grades with a compelling narrative about championing community progress across industries.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Application Cycle Closed (last checked 2025-10-13)
- Official Portal: MENDAKI Talent Scholarship (University)
- Who It Targets: High-achieving JC/IP, polytechnic, and undergraduate students accepting offers from Singapore's autonomous universities
- Eligibility: Malay/Muslim Singapore Citizens or PRs with CAP ≥ 4.3 / GPA ≥ 3.7 (or equivalent A-level distinctions), strong leadership portfolio, and clear community impact plan
- Tenable Institutions: NTU, NUS, SIM GE, SIT, SMU, SUSS, SUTD
- Award Tenure: Full-term coverage with leadership development built in
What the Scholarship Provides
- Full tuition and compulsory fees, alongside a monthly living allowance and annual book grants
- Funding for approved overseas exchange, leadership summits, or industry immersions aligned to the scholar's development plan
- Participation in MENDAKI Talent Development Programme: leadership retreats, executive coaching, and exposure to policy dialogues
- Dedicated mentor pairing from MENDAKI's alumni or partner organisations to support academic and career planning
Eligibility Checkpoints
- Demonstrated distinction in academic performance and critical thinking (e.g., research projects, Olympiads, entrepreneurial ventures)
- Record of leading initiatives that uplift the Malay/Muslim community or drive inclusive innovation in schools and society
- Clear articulation of career aspirations, showing how scholarship support accelerates long-term service to Singapore
- Readiness to commit time for MENDAKI Talent events, mentorship, and returning as a peer coach for future cohorts
Application Journey
- Jan: Indicate interest during MENDAKI's scholarship roadshows; gather recommendation letters early.
- Feb: Submit e-application with personal statement, development plan, and evidence of awards/initiatives.
- Mar: Shortlisted candidates complete leadership assessments (case study, debate, group facilitation) designed to test influence and empathy.
- Apr: Final panel interview with MENDAKI board leaders and industry mentors—expect questions on national issues, sector disruptions, and stakeholder engagement.
- May: Conditional offers released; scholars attend a pre-award retreat before signing the scholarship agreement.
Preparing to Impress
- Frame your achievements as part of a broader mission—how will your discipline drive community uplift or national resilience?
- Share measurable results (participants reached, funds raised, impact metrics) rather than generic involvement.
- Study current affairs and policy debates so you can discuss Singapore's socio-economic priorities with nuance.
- Practise reflective storytelling: demonstrate how setbacks shaped your leadership approach and future plans.
Scholar Life & Obligations
- Maintain top-tier academic results each semester; submit CAP/GPA updates to MENDAKI.
- Attend leadership residencies, mentorship check-ins, and community service projects as part of the Talent Development Programme.
- Access MENDAKI's partner networks for internships—finance, public service, tech, and creative industries.
- After graduation, continue mentoring and speaking at MENDAKI events to inspire future cohorts (no employment bond, but strong alumni obligations).
Staying in the Loop
- Track updates on https://www.mendaki.org.sg and MENDAKI's social channels for scholarship clinics.
- Join MENDAKI's mailing list to receive invitations to leadership masterclasses and industry dialogues.
- If you plan an overseas exchange, notify MENDAKI early to secure travel funding approval.
