URA Undergraduate Scholarship: 2026 Profile for City-Shaping Strategists

Q: What does URA Undergraduate Scholarship: 2026 Profile for City-Shaping Strategists cover?
A: Funding coverage, rotation pathways, and readiness tips for the Urban Redevelopment Authority's full-term undergraduate scholarship supporting future urban planners and place-makers.

TL;DR
URA funds your local or overseas planning degree, adds overseas exchanges and internships, and expects you to lead city-shaping projects through a multi-year bond. Anchor your application on a passion for urban policy, demonstrate analytical and design strengths, and show how you will contribute to Singapore's long-term planning agenda.

Scholarship Snapshot

• Status: Applications typically open December-March ahead of AY25/26 admissions (last verified 2025-10-03)
• Official Listing: URA Scholarships Overview
• Who It Supports: Singapore Citizens entering approved built environment, urban planning, geography, economics, or related degrees in local or overseas universities
• Development Pathway: Structured attachments across URA's conservation, urban design, policy, and research teams with mentorship from senior planners
• Bond: 4 years for local study; 6 years for overseas pathways

Award Components

• Full tuition and compulsory fees at approved local or overseas universities
• Monthly maintenance allowance and pre-departure grant (for overseas scholars)
• Return economy airfare, insurance coverage, and funding for approved study trips or exchanges
• Vacation internships and job shadowing across URA divisions, plus cross-agency attachments with MND family agencies when relevant
• Sponsorship for leadership courses, GIS certifications, or overseas fieldwork connected to planning practice

Eligibility Highlights

• Strong A-Level, IB, NUS High, or Polytechnic records with evidence of analytical and spatial reasoning capability
• Demonstrated passion for city-making through studio work, urban research, design competitions, or community placemaking initiatives
• Leadership experience in CCAs, service-learning, or civic projects that reflect resilience and collaboration
• Clear alignment with URA's mission to plan for a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant Singapore
• Willingness to undertake psychometric assessments, written tasks, and multi-round interviews with senior planners

Application Roadmap