MHA Civilian Scholarship
MHA Civilian (Generalist) or Civilian (Specialist) Scholarships
Last updated 16 March 2026
The Ministry of Home Affairs Civilian Scholarship is awarded to all-rounded individuals who are passionate about strengthening Singapore’s safety and security in a civilian appointment.
Depending on your interests and aspirations, you can choose from a range of meaningful and rewarding career options as a Generalist or Specialist (Commercial Affairs, Intelligence, Internal Security, Psychology).
This scholarship will allow you to kickstart your leadership journey in the Home Team. You will receive the opportunity to pursue your undergraduate studies at a prestigious local or overseas university. Upon your return, you can look forward to learning and development opportunities to equip you as a future leader in the Home Team.
Applications are open from 1 September 2026 to 15 March 2027.
Scholarship Details
Career Tracks
Generalist Track
Civilian Generalist
As a Generalist in the Home Team, you play an important role alongside our uniformed and specialist colleagues to ensure the safety and security of Singapore.
Through regular postings within the Ministry of Home Affairs Headquarters and across the Home Team agencies, you can embark on a wide-ranging career in different Home Team agencies and domains of work, ranging from policy and research to corporate functions such as communications, HR and finance. You can also choose to deepen your knowledge in your area of interest.
Learn more here.
Specialist Tracks
Commercial Affairs
Play an important role in safeguarding Singapore’s integrity as a world-class financial and commercial centre through vigilant and professional enforcement of the law. You can look forward to a varied and challenging career in financial crime investigation, intelligence and policy within the Commercial Affairs Department in the Singapore Police Force.
Learn more here.
Intelligence
As a specialist in the Singapore Police Force intelligence domain, you will analyse information by creating links and piecing seemingly unrelated data together to form a useful picture for law enforcement and policy formulation. You will also conduct research and produce actionable intelligence to support operations and investigations.
Learn more here.
Internal Security
Be part of a multi-disciplinary team of research, technology and operations officers in the Internal Security Department that confronts and addresses Singapore’s security issues and latent threats. You will ensure timely and accurate collection and analysis of intelligence, and make professional assessments and policy recommendations to the Government.
Learn more here.
Psychology
As a Home Team Psychologist, you play an important role in providing vital psychological interventions and contributions to operational and policy decisions for the Home Team. You will be responsible for identifying, planning, initiating and monitoring new and existing programmes and activities for Home Team officers and the organisations. You can look forward to posting opportunities in the Ministry of Home Affairs Headquarters and the Home Team departments.
Learn more here, under 'Roles' - 'Psychologist'.
Country of Study
Local or overseas universities
Course of Study
Most disciplines (except medicine, dentistry and architecture)
Applicants intending to pursue a degree in Law will not be called to the Bar while serving in the Home Team.
Bond Period
4 years for local studies
5 years for studies in non-English speaking countries
6 years for studies in English speaking countries
The bond period starts on the day Scholarship recipients assume official duty after completing their studies.
Scholarship Tiers
The Scholarship Board can decide to offer you the following Scholarship tiers - Singapore Government Scholarship (SGS), Local Merit Scholarship (LMS), Home Team Local Study Award (HTLSA)
Award Value and Benefits
Tuition fees and other approved charges
Monthly overseas or local maintenance allowance (including accommodation)
Pre-studies allowance e.g. settling in, warm clothing, computer
Return economy class airfare*
*for selected scholarship tiers
Sponsorship of Master’s and exchange programmes (if requirements are met)
Vacation Attachment Programme
Eligibility
Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident who is intending to take up Singapore Citizenship
Have strong leadership qualities and potential
Possess strong interest in safeguarding the safety and security of Singapore
Have good academic and Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) records
Have a GCE A-Levels, International Baccalaureate, Polytechnic, NUS High School, or other high school diploma/certificate
Current Undergraduate students (not in final year of studies) may also apply. Refer below for more details on a mid-term scholarship.
Your Leadership Journey
You will be exposed to various areas of work and leadership development opportunities throughout your career with the Home Team. Leadership and talent programmes are put in place to prepare MHA scholars to take up key appointments.
If you meet the criteria, you will be placed on the Home Team Leaders-in Development Programme, and be groomed as a future Home Team leader.
You may also be emplaced on the Public Service Leadership Programme (PSLP) where you will acquire knowledge and capabilities to take on key leadership appointments in the Home Team and the wider Public Service.
FAQs
Can I change specialisation or convert from Civilian to Uniformed scheme?
When awarded the scholarship, you will know if you are earmarked for a specific track, or for the Uniformed or Civilian scheme. This is to help you to make your decision.
If you wish to change to a different track or scheme, you would have to provide strong justifications and MHA will consider the appeal on a case-by-case basis.
Are there any preferred courses of study for the MHA Civilian Scholarship?
The scholarship is available for all fields of studies. If you choose the specialist track, you will have to choose the relevant discipline.
When do I get to choose my specialisation track?
You can indicate your preferred track at the point of interview.
Are the prospects for promotion different for overseas and local scholars?
There is no difference. Promotions are based on your potential and performance while in service.
How to Apply
Find out the steps in the MHA Scholarships application process, what to expect at each stage and how to prepare so you can do your best.
Mid-Term Scholarships
If you are a current undergraduate with excellent results and interested in MHA's mission, you may consider applying for a mid-term scholarship.
Tuition and compulsory fees you incurred before the award will be backpaid.
Award Value and Benefits
Return economy class airfare*
Monthly overseas or local maintenance allowance (including accommodation)
Full salary for the duration of your studies (includin bonuses)*
Sponsorship of Master's and exchange programmes (if requirements are met)
*for selected scholarship tiers
Eligibility
To be eligible for a mid-term scholarship, you need to:
Be pursuing full-time undergraduate studies
Be on track for graduation with at least 2nd Upper Honours or equivalent
Have completed at least 1 semester and not be in the final year of undergraduate study