NIS Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the National Infocomm Scholarship (NIS)?

   The National Infocomm Scholarship is a programme in which IDA partners with the infocomm industry to develop a pool of future leaders for the industry. It aims to:

   a. make infocomm a career of choice among top students;

   b. create 'industry-ready' scholars to be injected into Singapore infocomm industry; and

   c. ensure that the industry has a fair share of top talents to sustain and grow its future.

2. Why is there a need for a National Infocomm Scholarship programme?

   Even as we hone the skills of current infocomm manpower, we need a constant inflow of bright, young people to build the future of the industry.

3. How is the National Infocomm Scholarship different from the other local scholarships already available in the market?

   Some of the distinctive features of the National Infocomm Scholarship are the opportunity for the scholars to be nurtured by leading MNCs, local companies or IDA during their course of study through mentorship, as well as the opportunity for the scholars to be attached to these sponsoring organisations' overseas offices and/or laboratories for 6 months in their final year of study.

   The programme also includes the opportunity to go through a sponsored postgraduate study after the undergraduate study for those who perform well.

   In addition, the scholars need to serve a 3 years bond (Local scholarship) or 5 years bond (Overseas scholarship) or 4 years bond (Flagship Infocomm Master's scholarship) with the sponsoring organisation instead of the normal 4 or 6 years bond imposed by the other scholarships.

4. What will the scholarship cover?

   The scholarship is meant for top overseas or local university (NTU, NUS or SMU) study sponsorship and will sponsor the tuition and exam fees, hostel fees, annual allowance, airfare, insurance etc. the cost of up to 6 months overseas attachment as well as post-graduate study for top-performing scholars.

5. Who is eligible for the National Infocomm Scholarship?
   • The full scholarship will be offered to outstanding 'A' or Poly students wishing to study at top overseas or local universities.
     
     
   • Outstanding Singaporean or PR undergraduates pursuing an infocomm-related degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, or a hybrid combination of information technology and another non-infocomm subject at NTU, NUS or SMU and advancing to their final year of studies in academic year 2006/07 are also eligible for the partial scholarship.
6. Is the National Infocomm Scholarship available to foreigners?

   Foreigners who are selected under the full scholarship are required become a Singapore PR and apply for Approval In-Priniciple (AIP) Permanent Residency prior to the departure to country of study. We will provide the support letter for the application of the AIP PR. The duration of the AIP PR is tied to the period of study offered under the scholarship award and final approval* is given after graduation and upon securing local employment.

   (*subject to approval of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority)

7. What are the degree courses supported for 'A' level & Polyechnic graduates?
   • Computer Engineering
   • Computer Information Systems
   • Computer Science
   • Computing
   • Communications & Media
   • Computational Biology
   • Electronic Commerce
   • Electrical & Electronic Engineering
   • Information Systems Management
   • Law (applicable for IDA only)
   • Economics (applicable for IDA only)
8. Who are the sponsoring organisations?

   For the list of sponsoring organisations, please click here.

9. What are the selection criteria?

   NIS considers various factors in determining an applicant's suitability. Academic excellence, good CCA track record, passion and interest in a career with the infocomm sector are some of the attributes we are looking for.

10. What are the selection processes and schedule?

    Candidates are required to undergo a series of interviews. Shortlisted candidates will go through interviews jointly conducted by IDA & the sponsoring organisations from May till early June.

11. Would I be given disruption from NS to pursue my studies under the National Infocomm Scholarship?

    There is no special disruption from NS for NIS scholars. Under the current NS policy, candidates with less than 6 months remaining in NS may disrupt from NS for their studies.

12. Can I switch course in the midst of my undergraduate studies? Will there be any penalty or will the scholarship be withdrawn?

    We strongly encourage you to make an informed decision on the choice of your course. Apart from your interest, you should have a good understanding of the types of job challenges in the infocomm sector. Switching of courses to an unrelated discipline of study will not be allowed. Requests to switch to a related infocomm course will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

13. Can scholarship holders go on to pursue a post-graduate degree?

    We provide further sponsorship to top performing scholars to pursue a 1 year post-graduate studies. Application for postgraduate study is subject to the approval of the sponsoring organisation and IDA.

14. How many National Infocomm Scholarships are being offered annually?

    We do not have a quota on the number of scholarships awarded. So far we have awarded 107 scholarships. Last year, 39 scholarships were awarded and given the vibrancy of the Infocomm sector and the demand of infocomm talents, we hope to award even more this year.

15. Am I required to serve any bond?

    Yes. You will be required to serve a:

    • 5 year bond with sponsoring organisation or as an infocomm professional for overseas scholarship.
    • 3 year bond with sponsoring organisation or as an infocomm professional for local scholarship.
    • 4 year bond with sponsoring organisation or as an infocomm professional for Flagship Infocomm Master's scholarship.
    • 1 year bond with sponsoring organisation or as an infocomm professional for partial scholarship.
16. What if I break the bond?

    Similar to all other scholarships, you will be required to pay a calculated amount of Liquidated Damages back to IDA and the sponsoring organisation.

17. As a National Infocomm scholar, can I still go on an attachment programme with other companies?

    Attachments can only be done with the sponsoring organisation assigned unless approval is obtained from both IDA and the sponsoring organisation.

18. Which are the countries that the scholar will be attached to?

    Countries of attachment vary according to companies and will include USA, Australia, China, etc.

19. Do I have a choice as to the country of attachment?

    The country of attachment will depend on your sponsoring organisation and the project you're undertaking.

20. Can I choose the organisation which I want to be mentored by and attached to?

    You will be required to indicate the organisations of your preference in your application form submitted. Efforts will be made to allocate you to your preferred organisation if you are selected. However, you may ultimately be placed with an organisation that is not within your choices.

21. What are my career prospects as a National Infocomm Scholar?

    As a National Infocomm Scholar, you have the opportunity to work for a leading MNC, local company or government agencies like IDA and CSIT.

22. Will I know the jobs that would be offered to me?

    The jobs offered would depend on the sponsoring organisation's assessment of your performance during your studies and the work attachment as well as your preference & the market needs at the time of your graduation.

23. How do I apply and when is the closing date?

    Applications will open on 19 January 2008 and close on 23 March 2008. For enquiries, please call 1800 752 6669 or email manpower@ida.gov.sg.