Acquiring new skills and qualifications can open up new job opportunities for you and help you advance in your career. But furthering your studies can be costly, which is why SAFRA introduced the SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme. Formed in 1994, the scheme provides opportunities for SAFRA members to upgrade themselves educationally, offering sponsorships for diploma, degree and master programmes from a range of partner institutions such as Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), James Cook University (Singapore), SIM Global Education (SIM GE), PSB Academy and more. For a full list of institutions, click here.
There are two sponsorship application periods a year, with the current one ending on 31 March 2024; the next application period runs from 1 August to 30 September 2024. Applicants must have completed full-time National Service and be a valid SAFRA Ordinary A, Ordinary B or Life member. Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) under Ordinary A seeking to apply for study in any of the stated educational institutions will also be considered if they are in their last year of service and/or whose Operationally-ready Date (ORD) fall at least three months before the start date of the applied course.
To learn more, go to safra.sg/promotions/bond-free-education-scheme. Remember to apply before the respective schools’ sponsorship application deadlines and check the eligibility criteria.
Since its launch, the SAFRA Bond-free Education Scheme has helped hundreds of awarded applicants offload some financial burdens in their journey of lifelong learning. Find out how some of our recent awardees benefitted from this scheme.
Ong Wei Ren, Senior Game Designer and Data Analyst
PSB Academy
How did you hear about the SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme?
I learnt about it on the SAFRA and PSB Academy websites.
What was the application experience like?
Being interviewed for this scholarship was an eye-opening experience and I got to reflect on my previous academic and career achievements.
What do you think clinched the sponsorship for you?
The course I wanted to do was closely aligned with my aspirations, plus, I was determined to complete my undergraduate studies and further my knowledge in data analysis. I managed to convey all this to the interviewers.
How has being an award recipient made a difference to your career prospects?
It puts me in a better standing. Right now, I’m in the process of developing my data analyst skills, and the sponsorship gives me the opportunity to bridge potential knowledge gaps through further education.
How has the award enabled you to re-learn and upskill?
With the cost of living increasing and my parents newly retired, this award has lightened my financial load, giving me the opportunity to learn new skills without the financial burden.
How were you able to strike a work-life balance and switch careers all at the same time?
I made it a point to manage my mental health by working out regularly and participating in fun physical activities like basketball, bouldering and jogging. No matter how hectic my days got, I always made time for myself.
What’s your advice for SAFRA members who are thinking about furthering their studies?
Set a goal to work towards that will bring out the best in you. Furthering your studies should form part of that goal.
Has your experience with the scheme made you more excited to check out other SAFRA member benefits?
Yes. I constantly browse the SAFRA mobile app for member benefits.
What other benefits have you enjoyed as a SAFRA member?
I’ve really enjoyed the facilities and amenities that members are eligible to book.
Hear what our previous SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme awardees have to say about their sponsorship.
Daniel Soh, Network Engineer/Cloud Engineer
Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
How did you hear about the SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme?
I came across it on the SUSS website.
What was the application experience like?
I knew that I had what it took to qualify for the sponsorship, so I put a lot of effort into my application. I was keen to present myself in the best way in order to secure the scholarship.
What do you think clinched the sponsorship for you?
I believe it was a combination of my past achievements and my commitment to my life and career goals.
How has being an award recipient made a difference to your career prospects?
It’s opened more doors for me. Thanks to the financial assistance, I’ve also been able to take up an additional professional certification, directly related to my field of interest. The recognition and support from SAFRA have also boosted my motivation to do my best.
How has the award enabled you to re-learn and upskill?
It gave me more financial breathing room, allowing me to fully focus on my academic journey without having to worry about my finances.
How were you able to strike a work-life balance and switch careers all at the same time?
It was important to set clear priorities and spend my time wisely. I also I leveraged various learning resources and opportunities, notably SAF’s ePREP credits and NLB’s free Udemy account, to bridge the knowledge gap in the IT field. I engaged in self-study, online courses, and workshops to acquire foundational IT knowledge and relevant certifications.
Adapting to a new industry required me to be resilient and open to learning from both good and bad experiences. This meant being kinder to myself, especially when I experienced setbacks along the way.
What’s your advice for SAFRA members who are thinking about furthering their studies?
Furthering your studies is an investment in your personal and professional growth. It’s a transformative experience that can enrich your life and present new opportunities. Embrace the journey with enthusiasm, determination, and a willingness to acquire knowledge and face challenges.
Has your experience with the scheme made you more excited to check out other SAFRA member benefits?
I’ve yet to fully explore and take advantage of all the benefits available but I hope to, soon.
What other benefits have you enjoyed as a SAFRA member?
I’ve mostly enjoyed the discounts at dining outlets and cinemas. I’ve also participated in some of the recreational activities offered at SAFRA outlets.
Find out what career paths our previous awardees are forging now.
Aaron Wee, Business Strategy Manager
Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
How did you hear about the SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme?
I first became aware of the scheme five years ago, when I was an active SAFRA member. I chanced upon it again when I renewed my SAFRA membership and decided to apply for it.
What was the application experience like?
It was rushed. I was on my honeymoon when I saw the electronic direct mailer about the scheme and realised that I had just two days after returning to Singapore to submit my application.
What do you think clinched the sponsorship for you?
I believe my earnestness at the interview and my years of work experience put me in good stead with the panel.
How has being an award recipient made a difference to your career prospects?
It gave me the confidence to develop further in order to have more career options after I graduate.
How has the award enabled you to re-learn and upskill?
It’s allowed me to learn new and relevant skills without having to worry about money. As a newlywed with financial commitments, the award is especially meaningful to me.
How were you able to strike a work-life balance and switch careers all at the same time?
It’s not easy juggling school and work. It helps to have understanding bosses, who’ve allowed me to go on study leave as and when I need to.
What’s your advice for SAFRA members who are thinking about furthering their studies?
If you’re financially stable and have the support of your loved ones, you should take that leap.
Has your experience with the scheme made you more excited to check out other SAFRA member benefits?
Yes, I want to see if there’s anything else that might interest me.
What other benefits have you enjoyed as a SAFRA member?
Getting discounts and freebies and using various facilities.
Read about how the SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme made a difference to our previous awardees.
Find out how you too can benefit from the SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme. Apply here.
Save more with SAFRA! Enjoy special deals and discounts on dining, entertainment, travel, fitness and more from over 1,500 merchant outlets islandwide. Sign up or renew your SAFRA membership for one year at $43.60 inclusive of GST) and get two years FREE! Plus, get your spouse and children on board to enjoy the same privileges too at $5.45/year. Visit safra.sg/savemore for more details.
Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!
Main photo: Polina Zimmerman from Pexels
