PSC Scholarships and the Case for Overseas Study

Even though the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are among the world’s top ranked institutions, Singapore’s brightest students (especially Public Service Commission (PSC) scholars) continue to favour overseas study. Their choices send a clear message: for Singaporeans aiming to become the country's next generation of leaders, the benefits of studying abroad often outweigh those of choosing to be educated locally.

1. PSC’s Deliberate Overseas Emphasis

The PSC scholars' list of universities illustrate a strategic focus by the government on global exposure for their scholars. For the 2025 batch of scholars, 87 percent (or 52 out of 60) of them are bound for universities overseas: 28 to Britain, 19 to the US and five to other countries including China’s Tsinghua University.

Coordinating Minister Chan Chun Sing explained that the PSC sends scholars abroad “not for academic rigour” (Singapore’s universities already excel globally) but “for them to appreciate the diversity and complexity of the world” and to “gather fresh perspectives that challenge our own assumptions”. 

2. Even Local Scholars to be given ‘top-up’ Overseas Opportunities

A 2014 response by the PSC Secretariat to a TODAY Forum letter underlined that NUS and NTU do deliver “high quality global education.” Yet, it reaffirmed that only about one in five PSC scholarships is awarded for local study, with such recipients given “well-rounded local undergraduate education with opportunities for overseas exposure” and “the same grooming and development opportunities as their overseas counterparts”. 

Across the wider public sector, four in ten scholarships (a minority) support local undergraduate study, supplemented by structured overseas attachments. This hybrid model recognizes the strength of Singapore's universities while preserving the PSC’s overarching aim: to build leaders with robust international networks and cross-cultural agility.

Our local institutions have great aspirations to become world-class institutions. At the same time, our brightest young minds have great aspirations to avoid studying locally.

Despite NUS and NTU’s rising reputations, the allure of overseas study for personal growth, prestige and broader experiences continues to outshine local options.

3. Rethinking “World-Class” for Singaporean Students

a. Network Capital & Influence

Studying at globally renowned universities like Tsinghua, MIT or University College London embeds students in powerful alumni networks, research ecosystems and innovation hubs. These connections often translate into leadership roles in international organisations, start-ups or multinationals. Let’s be honest: these paths are less accessible when educated solely at home.

b. Specialised Programmes & Ecosystems

Overseas institutions frequently offer niche interdisciplinary programmes and direct pipelines into industry clusters, be it Silicon Valley tech incubators or European policy centres, that Singapore’s campuses are still developing.

c. Cross-Cultural Leadership

Immersion in diverse classrooms and societies fosters adaptability, cultural intelligence and the ability to navigate complex global challenges. These are qualities essential for careers that span borders.

4. “Follow the Money”: Signals in PSC’s Scholarship Destinations

PSC scholars' university allocations speak volumes: sending its top talent overseas, even to institutions ranked below NUS/NTU, signals where real-world value and network capital lie. As the old adage goes, “follow the money”. When Singapore’s premier scholarship body invests its human talent in overseas study, local rankings matter less than the global ecosystem of innovation, collaboration and influence.

5. Crafting an Unbeatable Profile: The Edge That Secures PSC Scholarships

By the time PSC scholarship panels convene, successful candidates don’t simply rely on stellar grades. They present fully curated portfolios brimming with leadership initiatives, community-impact projects, interdisciplinary research, creative undertakings and authentic personal narratives. Each element is carefully selected by the candidates to demonstrate depth of purpose, proven impact and readiness for global challenges. The prospective scholars then navigate a rigorous multi-stage assessment, from psychometric testing and psychologist interviews to high-stakes board interviews, where they must articulate their vision with confidence and clarity, drawing on concrete examples from their portfolios to “wow” panelists.

This is precisely where education strategy consultants like Ryse step in. By partnering with Ryse, ambitious students and supportive parents gain:

• Early Portfolio Blueprinting: A strategic road map that identifies high-leverage experiences in CCAs, internships, community projects and research that align with PSC’s selection criteria and begin building one’s narrative well before applications open.

• Personal Brand Development: Coaching to help students “own” their stories, refine their personal statements, and craft compelling interview responses that convey vision, values and potential.

• Communication Mastery: Intensive practice in articulating one’s journey under pressure, ensuring students not only meet but exceed the expectations of admissions and scholarship panels.

For every parent who dreams of seeing their child standing alongside future leaders like PSC scholars, the message is clear: when every advantage counts, strategic mentorship transforms good candidates into unforgettable ones.

Join the ranks of those who “follow the money” and enlist expert guidance to build a portfolio that gets you shortlisted, how to ace the interviews and secure your place among Singapore’s future changemakers.