Survey Highlights

For over a decade, the BrightSparks Scholarship & Education Survey has provided an in-depth examination into student mindsets, priorities and sources of information and guidance. This year, too, the results of the survey provide a wellspring of insights into how GCE-A Level and International Baccalaureate (IB) students, as well as polytechnic students and graduates think and feel about the educational and employment landscape. With the survey findings as a basis, scholarship providers can better formulate marketing, communication and outreach efforts that connect deeply with their target audience. We thank you for your continued support of BrightSparks.

Intention to Pursue Further Studies

Similar to last year, top JC/IB students showed a strong preference for local studies. The slight decline in preference for overseas education has continued this year.

Intention to Pursue Scholarship

Over half of top JC/IB students are already on scholarships, consistent with last year’s figures. Additionally, there was a slight increase in those intending to apply for one, suggesting a growing interest in and intention to pursue scholarships.

Reasons for Not Applying for a Scholarship

Similar to the previous year, the top three reasons top JC/IB students do not apply for scholarships are concerns about being bonded, a lack of interest in pursuing a career with the bonded organisation, and the bond length. They have fewer concerns about academic requirements. This suggests that addressing these concerns, especially by increasing communication about the bond and scholarship continuation requirements, can help enhance scholarship application rates among this student group.

Scholarship Provider Rankings

NUS has remained the top preferred scholarship provider for six consecutive years. The Defence Science and Technology Agency and GIC Private Limited have each risen one place to become the 2nd and 7th preferred scholarship providers this year, while NTU and SMU dropped one place to 3rd and 8th respectively. The rest of the rankings remain unchanged, reflecting a consistent preference among students for these scholarship providers.

Acceptable Bond Duration

In 2024, discernible trends have emerged among students regarding their preferences for bond durations, shedding light on a greater acceptance of two- to four- year bond periods for full local scholarships. For top JC/IB students, there is a slight decrease in preference for 5-year bonds but a slight increase in preference for 6-year bonds. Regarding partial local scholarships, students generally prefer shorter bond periods (1–2 years) or no bond at all, with a bond-free partial scholarship remaining their top choice.

Factors Important to a Scholarship Application

An intriguing shift has emerged among top JC/IB, with the course of study surpassing career opportunities as the most important factor. Among these students, the value of the award has risen to second place, while the job security remains the fourth most important factor.

Preferred Sector to Work in (Top 10)

Top JC/IB students have shifted their industry interest towards Computer Software, now their top choice. Preferences for Healthcare and Engineering have also increased, rising to third and fifth places. Interest in banking has slightly decreased, with Banking & Financial Services and Investment Banking dropping to second and sixth places.

Attributes of an Ideal Job

In 2024, top JC/IB students increasingly prioritise Career Growth and Opportunities and Salary & Benefits. They also value Job Security, Acceptable Work Demands, Attractive Workplace Culture, and Work-Life Balance, showing a preference for stability and well-being. Growing interest in Flexible Work Options suggests it is an attractive factor when choosing an organisation.