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 safeguard and advance 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 will deepen your understanding of the world and prepare you for the challenges of the Foreign Service.

There are two types of Foreign Service Scholarships:

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

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

Both are offered under 2 categories:

• Undergraduate Scholarships: For applicants who have yet to commence and will be pursuing their undergraduate degree.

• Undergraduate Scholarships (Mid-Term): For current undergraduates, up to their penultimate year of study.

Foreign Service Scholarships

Pursue 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.

Broaden your horizons

Take your learning beyond the classroom through opportunities such as foreign language training, student exchange programmes and postgraduate studies. Opportunities are subject to eligibility.

Gain firsthand experience

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

Receive guidance and mentorship

With a dedicated mentor from one of our Overseas Missions, 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 MFA family 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, NUS High School Diploma, Polytechnic Diploma with merit, or equivalent. You may apply prior to receiving your final examination results. A provisional scholarship offer may be made if you are found suitable, subject to confirmation upon release of final results.

• Mid-Term applicants must apply before the final year of your undergraduate studies and possess at least one semester of university results

Sponsorship

• Tuition fees

• Maintenance and other allowances

• Return airfare

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

• Mid-Term Scholars will receive sponsorship from the point of award, including back-payment of tuition and other compulsory fees incurred for their undergraduate degree prior to the award.

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 ↗ (opens in new tab). Applications for this cycle are now open and will close on 15 March 2027.

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

Explore Public Service Scholarships on Scholarships@Gov