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

SAF Merit Scholarship

Develop your expertise. Fulfil your aspiration.

Last updated 27 July 2025

On this page

Eligibility criteria
Value of award
Course of study
Universities
Two Navy and Air Force soldier on the foreground and a fleet of helicopters on the background.

Gain valuable exposure and be equipped to meet any challenge

The SAF Merit Scholarship equips you with a world-class education and exposes you to training that will develop your operational know-how and expertise relevant to the organisation. You will be trained to meet the challenges of the new security environment and to lead your people to fulfil the mission.

Eligibility criteria

  • Singapore citizens or permanent residents intending to take up citizenship

  • 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 till within 6 months after graduation.

Value of award

  • Monthly salary for the duration of studies

  • 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

Female jet fighter in front of a fighter jet plane

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.