Syed Isa Semait Scholarship (SISS): 2026 Profile
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)20 Oct 2025, 10:40 Z
TL;DR\ SISS fully funds overseas Islamic studies—tuition, airfare, living expenses, insurance, and development programmes—while grooming Madrasah graduates for future leadership roles in Singapore's religious sector under a multi-year service commitment to Muis.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Application Cycle Closed (last checked 2025-10-20)
- Official Listing: Syed Isa Semait Scholarship
- Who It Targets: Singaporean or PR Madrasah graduates (within five years of graduation) with exemplary academic performance and leadership potential pursuing recognised overseas Islamic studies degrees
- Award Value: Full tuition, return airfare, monthly living allowance, book and laptop grants, insurance coverage, and funding for structured development programmes
- Service Commitment: Multi-year leadership postings within Muis or affiliated institutions (duration confirmed upon award)
Award Components
- Comprehensive funding: Covers mandatory university fees, accommodation, and living expenses to focus on scholarship and community work.
- Equipment & resources: Provides allowances for books, a laptop, and other academic materials.
- Insurance & welfare: Includes travel and student insurance for the entire duration of study.
- Leadership development: Structured local and overseas programmes, mentorship, and pathways to postgraduate scholarships after graduation.
- Career placement: Guaranteed job placements upon return, supporting community leadership and religious guidance roles.
Eligibility Highlights
- Full-time Madrasah graduates with outstanding results (O/A-Level or IB equivalent) and strong conduct records.
- Demonstrated leadership qualities, community involvement, and commitment to serve the Singapore Muslim community.
- Applicants must be Singapore Citizens or PRs who have resided locally for at least five years prior to application.
- Acceptance into recognised overseas institutions specialising in Islamic studies is required; shortlisted applicants may be asked to secure conditional offers.
Development & Expectations
- Scholars remain engaged with Muis through mentorship, pre-departure training, and career planning dialogues.
- During studies, scholars may undertake internships or community projects administered by Muis.
- Post-graduation service includes roles in religious education, community leadership, mosque management, or policy development, with potential progression to postgraduate sponsorship.
Application Roadmap
- Gather documentation: Compile academic transcripts, testimonials, co-curricular records, community service evidence, and proof of university applications.
- Submit via Muis portal: Complete the online application within the announced window, including essays on leadership aspirations and community impact.
- Assessments: Shortlisted candidates may sit for interviews with religious leaders, undergo psychometric profiling, and present an articulation of their study plan.
- Offer & agreement: Successful applicants review funding terms, service commitment details, and professional development requirements before signing the deed.
- Pre-departure preparation: Attend orientation programmes, secure student visas, and plan development milestones with assigned mentors.
Preparation Playbook
- Build a track record of community leadership—teaching, youth initiatives, or mosque-based programmes demonstrate readiness for future postings.
- Strengthen Arabic proficiency and subject mastery to thrive in rigorous overseas Islamic studies curricula.
- Seek guidance from past SISS scholars regarding university choices, cultural transitions, and service expectations.
- Clarify long-term aspirations within the asatizah sector to show alignment with Muis' leadership pipeline.
- Prepare financial and logistical plans for overseas relocation despite comprehensive funding; exemplify resilience and independence.
