Branded

Looking for bond-free scholarship? Here’s one for graduating S’porean students from IHLs

It also includes a one-year leadership programme, which includes overseas learning opportunities.

clock

January 18, 2025, 10:59 AM

Many Singaporeans know the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) as having been around for more than 60 years, championing labour rights and providing help to workers even beyond work.

But do you know that the benefits of being part of NTUC don’t have to start when you are a working adult?

In fact, if you or anyone you know is currently studying at an Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) and aspires to pursue further studies or travel abroad for personal growth, NTUC has something to offer.

40 students received bond-free scholarships from NTUC

In 2024, NTUC gave out bond-free scholarships to 40 students at Temasek Polytechnic (TP), the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT).

Under the pilot NTUC Starter Awards, each student will receive S$2,000 to S$4,000 per academic year.

Not only that, they will also go through a one-year leadership programme, which includes overseas learning opportunities, designed to nurture them into future leaders for the labour movement.

Aspirations of an equal workplace for all

One recipient, 17-year-old Prithikka Divyashini, is currently in her first year studying Chemical Process Technology at ITE College East.

Image via NTUC

While she has not graduated yet, she said she knew about NTUC’s importance through her part-time work experience and hearing her father’s fears of job insecurity and workplace injustices.

“A lack of support or protection can lead to undue stress and anxiety to workers,” she said.

She said that as she learnt more about labour rights, economic inequality, and social justice in school and through her own research, she became more determined to advocate for workplace fairness.

With the award, she said she is excited to be able to be part of the labour movement and contribute to a better future for workers.

“I look forward to the day when every individual has work that allows them to receive equal respect and fair wages regardless of their origins,” she said.

Prithikka’s leadership journey started when she was appointed president of her secondary school’s drama club and she was a school councillor.

Her leadership skills will be further developed through the leadership programme included with the scholarship, which includes personalised mentorship, community engagement, and overseas immersion opportunities.

Aspirations for a better life for all workers

Another recipient, 17-year-old Ng Jun Min, said he was inspired to help make a difference in workers’ lives after witnessing their struggles when working part-time at a fast-food restaurant.

“Many of them were juggling multiple jobs or family responsibilities. But despite their efforts, some continue to struggle to make ends meet or find time for personal growth.”

He believes in NTUC’s mission to help workers earn a better living and live better lives.

With his experience as a young scout leader in secondary school, Ng hopes that this opportunity to further his leadership skills, combined with what he will learn from his accounting studies, will help him promote transparency in workplaces, make a difference in workers' lives, and contribute to a more equitable society.

Bond-free scholarship is just one of many NTUC Starter membership’s benefits

To be eligible for the NTUC Starter Awards, one must be a Singapore citizen, between 18 and 25 years old, not in the last year of studies, and also be an NTUC Starter or Union member. The current pilot NTUC Starter Awards are only available for a selected number of institutes of higher learning.

The next application date for the NTUC Starter Awards is tentatively in September and will be announced on Young NTUC's social media channels.

The NTUC Starter membership comes with various perks and benefits specifically designed to support young Singaporeans transitioning from school to work.

Members can get free access to Young NTUC’s career and financial literacy programmes and enjoy up to S$200 upskilling credits.

In addition, there is a wide range of exclusive member-only benefits available, such as discounted mobile phone plans and movie tickets.

You can sign up for the NTUC Starter Membership here. Read more about the NTUC Starter Awards here. Read about NTUC’s other scholarships here.

This article was brought to you by NTUC.

Top photo via NTUC.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates.

  • image
  • image
  • image
  • image

MORE STORIES

Events