Defence Merit Scholarship

Pave your way to a brighter future with a world-class education

The Defence Merit Scholarship (DMS) is a top-tier scholarship offered by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for civilian appointments in the organisation. Awarded to a select number each year, the DMS paves the way to a world-class education at some of the world's most eminent universities. More importantly, DMS recipients enjoy a highly rewarding and challenging career serving the nation within MINDEF upon graduation. As a Defence Executive Officer (DXO), you will play a strategic role and contribute towards the defence and security of Singapore through exciting job opportunities in diverse domains such as:

MINDEF

1. Defence Diplomacy where you will formulate policies to advance our strategic interest.

2. Formulating Manpower, National Service, Finance and Audit policies/plans to enhance the welfare and development of our people as well as oversee financial governance and optimisation of our defence budget.

3. Communications where you will learn the art of relaying key messages to both our internal audience (such as our national servicemen) and external audience (e.g. members of public).

4. Cyber Defence and Technology where you will be responsible for acquiring advanced capabilities to ensure that MINDEF/SAF maintains our technological edge as well as develop policies to build our cyber resilience to deal with future challenges.

Eligibility criteria

• Good GCE 'A' Level or International Baccalaureate results, Polytechnic Diploma (with Merit) or equivalent

• Good co-curricular activities (CCA) records

• Singapore citizens or permanent residents intending to take up citizenship

• All MINDEF/SAF scholarships are open for application to both genders

Value of award

• Full tuition fees and other approved academic charges

• Maintenance and other allowances, e.g. books, clothing, computer

• Return airfare

• One-time sponsorship for summer exchange programmes

• Sponsorship for up to 6 years of studies, inclusive of Master’s if applicable

Course of study

You can choose to pursue your studies in any of the following disciplines:

• Arts / Social Sciences

• Business Administration / Management

• Economics

• Engineering*

• International Relations

• Law**

• Mathematics

• Philosophy, Politics & Economics

• Political Science

• Psychology

• Science / Natural Sciences

• Supply Chain Management

*Specialisation in particular fields of Engineering are considered on a case-by-case basis

**Applicants intending to pursue a degree in law should note that they will not be called to the Bar while serving in MINDEF/SAF

Universities

Our scholars typically go to top and renowned universities in the UK or USA.

United States of America

• Carnegie Mellon University

• Harvard University

• Johns Hopkins University

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Princeton University

• Stanford University

• University of California, Berkeley

• University of Chicago

• University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

• Yale University

United Kingdom

• Imperial College London

• London School of Economics and Political Science

• University College London

• University of Cambridge

• University of Oxford