NLB Undergraduate Scholarship: 2025 Profile
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)18 Feb 2025, 09:50 Z
TL;DR\ The NLB Undergraduate Scholarship equips you to reimagine libraries and knowledge services, funding local or overseas study in relevant disciplines and bonding you to drive literacy, archives, and digital learning initiatives.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Application cycle closed (last checked 18 Feb 2025)
- Official Listing: NLB Undergraduate Scholarship
- Who It Targets: JC/IP and polytechnic students who want to shape public libraries, archives, or knowledge services careers
- Eligibility: Singapore Citizens or PRs with excellent academics, passion for reading/learning, and strong community engagement track record
- Tenable Institutions: NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, and approved overseas universities in information science, communications, heritage, or learning design
- Bond: Four to six years depending on study location
Award Components
- Full tuition coverage plus compulsory fees for approved courses (library science, information management, communications, etc.)
- Monthly allowance, book grants, and overseas cost-of-living support where applicable
- Sponsorship for internships, study missions, and conferences related to libraries, archives, or learning innovations
- Structured rotations post-graduation across public libraries, National Archives, corporate services, and digital engagement units
- Mentorship by senior NLB leaders and access to professional certifications or postgraduate support after bond
Eligibility Highlights
- Strong language and writing skills with evidence of critical thinking and curiosity
- Experience organising community programmes, literacy initiatives, or digital engagement projects
- Comfort with technology and data—NLB values candidates who can integrate analytics or UX into library services
- Service-oriented mindset, adaptability, and willingness to work weekends or evenings as required in library operations
- Team player who thrives in collaborative, cross-disciplinary environments
Application Roadmap
- Prepare academic transcripts, co-curricular records, and a resume showcasing community or knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Submit an online application with essays detailing your passion for libraries, archives, or digital learning.
- Shortlisted candidates complete written exercises that test policy analysis, communication, or programme design skills.
- Attend panel interviews with NLB leaders to discuss your vision for library innovation and service excellence.
- Receive award notification, confirm your university placement, and sign the bond agreement.
- Plan pre-university attachments at libraries or archives to understand operational realities before starting studies.
Preparation Playbook
- Visit different library branches and note innovations in space design, digital services, and community programming.
- Volunteer at reading clubs, archives projects, or NLB programmes to gain frontline experience.
- Stay updated on NLB's LAB25 masterplan, digital library initiatives, and National Archives projects.
- Develop data literacy—basic analytics, UX research, or content strategy skills strengthen your candidature.
- Reflect on how you'll bridge physical and digital experiences for diverse audiences; craft concrete ideas for interviews.
