Foreign Service Scholarships

"I took up the MFA Scholarship because I love Singapore and want to contribute to our foreign policy. Five years studying overseas taught me that our world was vast yet intimate. Trekking in Sichuan, my guide's fourteen-hour drive from his village to the provincial capital put my five-hour flight from Singapore into perspective. Interning at Singapore’s Permanent Mission to the UN, I witnessed the Small Island Developing States rallying the world towards climate action. In revealing our shared humanity and common destiny, I learnt that the good we do lives after us—and that Singapore is truly not an island."

Singapore Government Scholarship (Foreign Service) Dragon Chew

Human, Social, and Political Sciences, BA (Hons), University of Cambridge
Master Degree Program in International Relations, Peking University

Overview

The Foreign Service Scholarships are for outstanding and driven young Singaporeans who aspire to secure Singapore’s interests on the international stage. As a Foreign Service Scholar, you are given the opportunity to continually grow, develop and broaden your horizons through an overseas education. This helps you develop insights into the world and prepares you for the challenges of the Foreign Service.   

There are two types of scholarships:

• PSC Scholarship (Foreign Service): Administered by the Public Service Commission

• Singapore Government Scholarship (Foreign Service): Administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Service Scholarships

Quality education

The Foreign Service Scholarships support studies in most disciplines at top universities overseas.  As we value diversity, we encourage the adventurous seeking an unconventional experience to study in non-English speaking countries such as China, France, Germany and Japan. You may also pursue a Master's degree.

Enrich your experience

Complement your studies with the vast possibilities of doing summer programmes, Study Abroad semesters, or exchange programmes in another country of choice.

Be in the thick of action

Create your own unique experiences when you intern at headquarters in Singapore and our Overseas Missions worldwide.  Witness firsthand the challenges involved in trying to achieve consensus at ASEAN meetings, see how International Organisations grapple with issues like climate change, and get a ringside seat to history in the making.

Be part of the family

With a dedicated mentor who works in our Overseas Mission in the same country, you can be sure to get the full support you need throughout your journey as a Foreign Service Scholar. After all, you are part of the family that transcends borders right from the moment you take up the scholarship.

Requirements

• Interested in pursuing a career with MFA

• Strong leadership qualities and interest in public diplomacy and international relations

• Singapore citizens or permanent residents intending to take up citizenship

• Possess GCE A Levels, International Baccalaureate, Polytechnic diploma with merit, or equivalent

Sponsorship

• Tuition fees

• Maintenance and other allowances

• Return airfare

• Exchange programme and Master’s degree (if eligible)

Application process

All applications for the PSC Scholarship (Foreign Service) and Singapore Government Scholarship (Foreign Service) have to be submitted via the PSC Gateway Portal. Applications for this cycle are now closed.

If you are interested to study in a non-English speaking country, you may apply for the Foreign Service Scholarships in December, ahead of the main scholarship selection cycle. Contact us at mfa_scholarship@mfa.gov.sg to indicate your interest during the early selection cycle or to find out more.

Bond period

• 6 years for English-speaking countries

• 5 years for non-English-speaking countries

Hear from our Scholars

Lee Tat Wei

Public Service Commission Scholarship (Foreign Service) and President's Scholar

Lorraine Ong

Public Service Commission Scholarship (Foreign Service) Scholar

Gautum Balasubramaniam

Singapore Government Scholarship (Foreign Service) Scholar