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National Council of Social Service

Social Service Scholarship

Start a meaningful career in social service with NCSS’s Social Service Scholarship.

Last updated 17 September 2025
A woman smiling while talking to another lady.NCSS about social service scholarship.

Overview

The Social Service Scholarship, administered by NCSS, is a prestigious award designed for outstanding individuals who possess a deep passion for social service and exhibit strong leadership qualities.

Qualifying courses of study

NCSS social service scholarship qualifying courses.

Scholarship coverage

NCSS social service scholarship coverage.

Scholars can explore various roles across the five main social service areas: Disabilities & special needs, Children & youths, Families, Mental health, and Seniors.

Scholars can also anticipate engaging sessions and networking opportunities with sector leaders and seasoned social service professionals. You will receive support to enhance your professional skills and leadership capabilities, enabling you to make a significant impact in the social service sector.

Eligibility criteria

Full term

  • Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents intending to take up citizenship

  • Full-time undergraduate or postgraduate students at a local or overseas institution recognised by professional associations

  • String passion for helping those in need

  • Possess leadership qualities with good character and conduct

  • Excellent academic results with good co-curricular activity records

  • Currently not receiving any scholarships or sponsorships

  • Willing to serve a bond period upon graduation

Mid term

In addition to fulfilling the full-term scholarship eligibility criteria, you should also meet the following requirements:

  • Have completed at least one academic semester of studies

  • Have at least one academic year remaining at the point of application

  • Possess good university results to date

Bond duration

Durations for different studies

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

  • 4 years bond (Local studies)

  • 6 years bond (Overseas studies)

  • 3 years bond (Local studies)

  • 4 years bond (Overseas studies)

How to apply

Social service scholarship application period. Two calendar icons showing application periods.

Applications open twice a year, from 1 January to 31 March, and from 1 to 30 September.

As part of your application, complete and submit the Additional Question on Community Involvement form [DOCX, 29 KB].

Application enquiries

Find out more about the available scholarships in our comprehensive Social Service Scholarship FAQ [PDF, 217 KB]. Alternatively, you may visit the BrightSparks website for more details on the available scholarships and application procedure.

For further scholarship-related inquiries, please email us at socialservicescholarships@ncss.gov.sg.

For social service agencies: Partner us

The Social Service Scholarship program empowers social service agencies to cultivate a robust talent pipeline. Supported by NCSS funding, partner agencies can provide study awards to dedicated full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students passionate about advancing their careers in social service. Awardees are also to commit to serving their sponsoring agency upon graduation, ensuring a continuous flow of talent and commitment to the sector.

For social service agencies interested to find out more about the program, please contact sector_capability@ncss.gov.sg.