Here are some Frequently Asked Questions for the DesignSingapore Scholarship. Please read through these questions before applying for the scholarship, and write to us at scholarship@designsingapore.org if you have further queries.
General Queries
Q1: Does the DesignSingapore Scholarship support part-time courses?
A1: The scholarship supports only full-time courses.
Q2: Does the DesignSingapore Council have an approved list of design institutions?
A2: We do not have an approved list of design institutions. Courses in any country and institution (both public and private) are acceptable, as long as the institution is reputable and accredited or certified by the respective country’s education board.
Q3: Can DesignSingapore Scholarship recipients remain employed during their studies?
A3: DesignSingapore Scholarship recipients are not to engage in any occupation or business, whether on a full-time, freelance or part-time basis during the course of studies, unless otherwise approved by the Council.
Q4: Can DesignSingapore Scholarship recipients accept other scholarships or bursaries?
A4: DesignSingapore Scholarship recipients must declare any other scholarships, bursaries or grants offered by other organisations and these are subject to the Council’s approval.
Q5: Is there a session for potential applicants to find out in greater detail about the DesignSingapore Scholarship?
A5: There will be an annual scholarship briefing session. Potential applicants who are keen to find out more about the DesignSingapore Scholarship and the application process are strongly encouraged to attend the session. The briefing session will be held over Zoom Webinar on 23 February 2023 (Thu), 4pm – 5pm. Click here to register.
Scholarship Support
Q6: What is the maximum number of academic years that the scholarship covers?
A6: The maximum number of academic years that the scholarship can cover is four years (which must be pursued in consecutive years with no breaks) as stipulated by the institution. For applications submitted after the course has begun, please refer to Q8.
Q7: What is the amount of allowances that the scholarship covers?
A7: The amount of allowances accorded is dependent on the scholarship recipient’s course of study, country of study and duration of support.
Application
Q8: My course has started. Can I still apply for the scholarship?
A8: Yes, you may still apply for the scholarship. However, the tuition fees, as well as annual living allowance and travel allowance will only be for the outstanding semesters, excluding the current one, from the time of award. Candidates will not be eligible for the pre-studies allowance.
Q9: I am a fresh graduate with no working experience. Can I apply for the scholarship?
A9: Yes, fresh graduates may apply.
Q10: I am currently serving National Service. Can I apply for the scholarship?
A10: The scholarship is awarded to successful applicants who have completed full-time National Service before the commencement of studies. Full-time national servicemen can still apply for the scholarship but must complete their national service obligations (without deferment from service) before the commencement of studies.
Q11: For the submission of portfolio/project case studies, can I indicate a direct link to my online portfolio website within my scholarship application?
A11: No. You are expected to consolidate your portfolios by putting forth your best works to showcase your creative ability, design process and potential for the scholarship application. Portfolios submitted as a link for access or download in the “Website, Large Files and Videos” section of the application form will also not be considered. Do take note to keep to the overall file size of 20 MB for document uploads on the BrightSparks portal.
Q12: For the submission of academic records and transcripts, how far back should the records go?
A12: Where applicable, please include your GCE ‘O’ Levels results or equivalent, GCE ‘A’ Levels results or equivalent, polytechnic certificate and transcript, university certificate and transcript and any other tertiary results.
Q13: I have applied for a course, but am still awaiting a reply on my admission status from the institution. Can I still apply for the scholarship?
A13: Yes, applicants who are awaiting admission into the course may apply for the scholarship concurrently, but proof of application to the course and institution must be submitted during the online application for the scholarship. You may attach a receipt or official statement from the institution indicating that your application is received, and that acceptance is pending. Do note that proof of admission into the institution must be produced by the time of the second interview. As a general guide, the scholarship is awarded in July.
Q14: I am planning to apply for a course which commences in January/February of the following year. When should I apply for the scholarship?
A14: Applicants who plan to pursue courses that commence in January/February (e.g. courses in Australia) should make their application a year before the commencement of the course.
Q15: Can multiple letters of admission to institution(s) be included within my scholarship application?
A15: Yes. If you are applying/have applied to multiple courses and/or institutions, do also rank your preference of courses and/or institutions, state the country, duration of study and acceptance status for each course and/or institution, and label your files clearly. Applicants are also advised to consider courses that are best aligned to their area of interest and design practice.
Q16: What document is required to be submitted for the information on the proposed course of study?
A16: This can be a detailed course syllabus provided by the institution and/or a print-out of the course description from the institution’s website.
Q17: Who should my referees address the Letter of Recommendation to and what should the letter cover?
A17: The Letter of Recommendation should be addressed to the DesignSingapore Scholarship Secretariat. If a referee prefers to send the letter in confidence, it can be emailed to scholarship@designsingapore.org stating the full name and email address of the applicant.
The Letter of Recommendation should be a recent letter (i.e. dated six months from date of application) that is specific to your application for the DesignSingapore Scholarship. As a general guideline, a referee can highlight the qualities and achievements of the applicant, provide reasons to why he/she is willing to support the application, give views on how the applicant will benefit from this scholarship and his/her potential contributions back to design sector, etc.
Selection Process
Q18: Will the selection interviews be held in-person or virtually?
A18: Shortlisted applicants are required to attend up to two rounds of selection interviews in person at the National Design Centre. In the event that a candidate is currently based overseas, arrangements will be made for him/her to dial in virtually.
Bond Period
Q19: What is the penalty for a DesignSingapore Scholarship recipient who does not fulfil the bond period?
A19: All scholarship recipients must fulfil the bond period set out in the agreement. In the event that a recipient fails to do so, the recipient and/or his or her sureties must refund all fees which have been paid, in addition to the compound interest according to the terms stipulated in the agreement.
Applicants who do not wish to be employed in Singapore immediately upon graduation should not apply for this scholarship.
Q20: What is the role of a DesignSingapore Associate?
A20: A DesignSingapore Scholarship recipient is designated a DesignSingapore Associate for life. He or she may be assigned to work on DesignSingapore Council projects and initiatives that are developmental in nature. He or she will need to participate in DesignSingapore Associates Network events.
