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Ministry of Defence
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  4. MINDEF/SAF Scholarships
  5. The SAF Scholarship

The SAF Scholarship

Lead our people. Secure our future.

Last updated 27 July 2025

On this page

Eligibility criteria
Value of award
Course of study
Universities
SAFOS banner with two soldiers on the foreground, battle ship and fighter jets on the background.

Groomed for greatness through a series of key appointments

Second in prestige only to the President's Scholarship, The SAF Scholarship (formerly known as SAF Overseas Scholarship - SAFOS), is for those who see the honour in service and duty - the noble purpose of being there where it matters most. It provides excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as grooming for the highest levels of command and management.

The SAF Scholarship offers scholars opportunities to be involved in operations that directly contribute to the peace and security of Singapore. Through a series of command, instructional and staff appointments, scholars will hone their skills as a leader, manager, planner and strategist.

Eligibility criteria

Two Singaporean soldiers in camouflage uniforms and berets.

  • Singapore citizens at the point of application

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

  • Good co-curricular activities (CCA) records

  • Strong leadership qualities

  • Qualify for and excel in Officer Cadet School

  • Possess a strong interest in a military career

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

Note: The eligibility period for all mid-term applicants is from the start of your undergraduate studies up until the penultimate year of your undergraduate degree.

Value of award

  • Full salary for the duration of overseas studies (including bonuses)

  • 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

People in camo uniforms, white hoods, and headsets work at computer consoles.

Course of study

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

  • Arts / Social Sciences

  • Computer Science

  • Economics

  • Engineering

  • International Relations

  • Law*

  • Life Sciences

  • Mathematics

  • Philosophy, Politics and Economics

  • Political Science

  • Psychology

  • Science / Natural Sciences

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

Note: You can choose your course of study with the exception of professional courses such as architecture, medicine, dentistry, etc.

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

Note: The above lists are not exhaustive. You may also apply if the universities you're interested in are not listed, but applications are subject to approval.