Upgrading your educational qualifications can maximise your earning potential and take your career to the next level. But while a lack of financial resources might hold some people back from signing up for a course, it doesn’t have to be that way for you.
The SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme can help SAFRA members realise their dream of furthering their studies. Since launching the Scheme in 1994, SAFRA has partnered with various renowned institutions to offer bond-free sponsorships that subsidise 50% to full-course fees for Diploma, Degree and Master courses.
Educational partners include the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), James Cook University (Singapore), SIM Global Education (SIMGE), PSB Academy, Singapore Raffles Music College, Kaplan Higher Education Institute and Aventis Graduate School, to name a few. For the full list of institutions, visit safra.sg/promotions/bond-free-education-scheme/sponsorships.
There are two sponsorship application periods a year. Don’t miss the next one, which runs from 1 August to 30 September, 2022. 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 find out 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.
Over the years, 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.
Timothy Ng, 26, Teacher Aide
James Cook University, Master of Guidance and Counselling
What was the application process like for you?
It was really smooth. The team at SAFRA explained all the sponsorship details, the interview process was enjoyable, and I had fruitful conversations with the interviewers.
How has receiving the sponsorship helped you?
It relieved some of the financial burden. Instead of working full-time to help pay for my Master’s programme, I now only have to work part-time and am able to spend whatever extra time I have acquiring new skills, such as leaning dialects, so that I can better serve my clients in the future.
Is it hard juggling work and your studies at the same time?
I’ve learnt how to manage my time. It takes a lot of discipline to stick to the schedules I’ve set for myself, and I try not to think about work during my down-time.
Do you have any advice for SAFRA members who want to further their education?
Go for it. Set realistic goals and work hard to achieve them. If you fail or struggle along the way, look at it as an opportunity to learn, grow and be better.
Find out what career paths our previous awardees are forging now.
Adam Koh, 39, IT Strategy Manager
Aventis Graduate School, Master of Business Administration
What do you think clinched the sponsorship for you?
I truly believed in my abilities and I showed the interviewers that I was committed to seeing my dreams through.
How will receiving the sponsorship improve your career prospects?
I’ve yet to start the course, but I’m certain that it will open some new career pathways for me.
How has the sponsorship changed your perception of upskilling or re-learning?
I used to think that getting a postgraduate education was expensive and thus out of reach, but this sponsorship is the bridge that connects people like me with their career dreams and goals.
Has your experience with the SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme made you more aware of other benefits for SAFRA members?
Yes, the networking activities are pretty useful and important in helping me expand my industry connections.
Read about how the SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme made a difference to our previous awardees.
Leong Hao Wen, 26, Accounts Officer
Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), BSc Business
How did you hear about the SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme?
I chanced upon it while checking out study grants on the SUSS website.
What was the interview process like for you?
I made the shortlist after sitting for the initial interview. The interviewers – all from SAFRA – were wonderful. I got to tell them about my life goals and career and educational aspirations. The interview session turned out to be engaging and fun.
How will receiving the sponsorship improve your career prospects?
I dream of a fulfilling career in accounting and finance, and this sponsorship has allowed me to take that first step and make a meaningful advancement into the field. I’m grateful to SAFRA for helping me achieve this goal.
Do you have any advice for SAFRA members who want to further their education?
I’d encourage them to apply for the sponsorship. It’s not just about seizing the opportunity to upskill; along the way you’ll also learn a lot and get the chance to apply that knowledge within your community.
Hear what our previous SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme awardees have to say about their sponsorship.
Jerald Koh, 26, IT Audit Consultant
Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Master of Management
How did you hear about the SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme?
I found out about it while browsing the eNSMan magazine. I had no idea that sponsorships existed for part-time graduate programmes, so of course I went for it, and now I’m pursuing my Master’s degree part-time.
What do you think clinched the sponsorship for you?
I spent a great deal of time reflecting on why I wanted the sponsorship, and I guess it showed. To me, this sponsorship represents a new pathway for me, not just as a business leader but someone who’s qualified to coach others and guide them in realising their potential.
How will receiving the sponsorship improve your career prospects?
There’s prestige attached to receiving this sponsorship. I believe it’ll make an impressive addition to my resume as well as open me up to more opportunities within and outside my organisation. I’m sure my clients will be more confident about my abilities too, once they realise that I received this award.
How has the sponsorship changed your perception of upskilling or re-learning?
If I hadn’t known about the sponsorship, I probably would’ve delayed my studies until I was more financially stable. It helped me see that anything is possible and that opportunities are everywhere.
See how the SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme helped open doors and our previous awardees fulfil their dreams.
Find out how you too can benefit from the SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme. Apply here.
