Congratulations! You’ve just received the scholarship you’ve worked so hard for, and you deserve a pat on the back.
So, what comes next?
While every scholarship is different, most scholars share common early experiences. Here’s what you can expect and how to make the most of each step!
1. Know What You’re Signing Up For
Once you accept a scholarship offer, you’ll usually need to sign a formal agreement, often called a “Letter of Undertaking”. This document lays out your responsibilities, including minimum academic requirements, reporting duties, and rules around changing your course or university.
Scholars must return the Letter of Undertaking by a set deadline and maintain the required academic standards throughout their studies. If you’re thinking of changing your course of study, you’re expected to consult your sponsor organisation beforehand. Skipping this step can lead to penalties or, in some cases, the scholarship being withdrawn.
It’s equally important to know what not to do. Actions that can lead to penalties or withdrawal include:
- Accepting multiple scholarship offers
- Holding another undergraduate scholarship concurrently
- Declining the scholarship after signing the Letter of Undertaking
Some scholarships, like the Smart Nation Scholarship, also require a Sureties Form, a third party agrees to be legally responsible if obligations aren’t met.
2. Orientation and Onboarding: Your First Taste of Scholar Life
All set with the paperwork? Great! Now it’s time for the exciting part: meeting other scholars, getting to know your programme, and starting this new chapter.
Many scholarship programmes organise orientation or onboarding sessions to help new scholars begin their journey on the right foot. These sessions typically cover expectations, reporting requirements, and available support systems. You’ll often hear from programme managers, alumni, and seniors, and take part in workshops, career talks, or introductions to mentorship schemes.
Just as importantly, orientation is where you connect with other scholars who are starting the journey alongside you. Through team-building activities to academic briefings and social sessions, you’ll begin forming friendships and support networks that last throughout university and beyond.
3. Mentorship, Internships and Professional Development
Many scholarships provide much more than financial support; they go a step further to help you grow professionally even before you graduate.
Take the BCA Undergraduate Scholarship, for example. Scholars complete a minimum eight-week internship with the Building and Construction Authority, experience job rotations, take on attachments with private firms or public agencies. They’re paired with mentors or buddies who support their career planning and development and take part in structured training and milestone programmes tailored to their field.
4. Academic and Cultural Preparation
If your scholarship takes you overseas, early preparation can make the transition a lot less stressful. Make sure your visa, travel plans, medical checks, and insurance are all sorted before you go.
Tip: Attend all pre-departure briefings, double-check your medical and insurance requirements, and spend more time researching about life and study in your host country. It’ll make the first days much smoother!
5. Being Part of a Bigger Community
Being a scholar often means joining a wider community of current recipients and alumni. Scholarships like the Singapore-Industry Scholarship organise events, forums, and community engagement activities that allow scholars to connect, share experiences, and support each other through challenges and milestones. It’s a space where you grow alongside fellow scholars, celebrating achievements and learning from each other every step of the way.
6. Keeping Up With Academics
Most scholarships require you to meet academic benchmarks each semester or academic year. Sponsors may also request transcripts or progress updates to ensure that you’re coping well and progressing as expected. Falling short of academic requirements can lead to reviews, or in some cases, withdrawal of the scholarship. So, it’s important to stay organised, ask for help early, and keep your studies on track.
7. Getting Ready for Life After Graduation
Many local scholarships are designed with clear post-graduation pathways in mind. For example, NTUC scholars typically begin their careers as Industrial Relations Officers and rotate across different functions within the NTUC ecosystem. Similarly, Public Service Commission (PSC) scholarships prepare graduates for leadership tracks in the public sector, with postings to ministries, statutory boards, or other public service agencies depending on their scholarship track.
These opportunities help you transition smoothly from university to the workplace, equipping you with real experience, professional confidence, and a clear direction for your career.
