Scholarships in Innovation
Background
The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of independent countries spread over every continent and every ocean, containing some 30% of the world’s population. Both the UK and Singapore are Commonwealth countries. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of the Commonwealth.
Since their inception in 1959 nearly 30,000 individuals have benefited from the award of Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships to pursue advanced academic study in other Commonwealth countries. The vast majority of award holders have returned to make a significant contribution to their home countries, in many cases at the highest level, making the scheme one of the largest and most prestigious in the World.
During the state visit of President Tony Tan to the UK in October 2014, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth announced that the Royal Commonwealth Society of Singapore would be re-established to promote the Commonwealth and to help establish a new strand of Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships for Singaporeans. With the initial assistance from the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the first new Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships will be for Singaporeans to study innovation subjects in the UK.
The Singapore Commonwealth Scholarships in Innovation were launched in 2016, and are managed by the Royal Commonwealth Society of Singapore with the support of Commonwealth Scholarships Commission in the UK (CSCUK)
What is a Singapore Commonwealth Scholarship in Innovation?
This Scholarship will support the successful applicant to undertake a fixed term placement in the UK at a university or in another body providing post-graduate courses.
Applicants may find and arrange the placements themselves. The placement should include an aspect of research or development in an innovation related area.
What does ‘Innovation’ Mean for the Purpose of the Singapore Commonwealth Scholarships in Innovation?
Innovation means new and improved products and processes. It can also means the investments that develop and implement them along with changes in business structures, management and marketing practices.
Why Innovation?
Innovation is a particular strength of the UK, and a really important facet of its partnership with Singapore. Innovation and reinvention have been at the heart of the Singapore story. Both countries believe science is inherently valuable in its own right, but it is through innovation - the practical application of new discoveries and developments - that we are able to address challenges and drive economic growth.
There is much that both countries can learn from each other.
Eligibility
Singapore Commonwealth Scholarships in Innovation
To apply for a Singapore Commonwealth Scholarship in Innovation candidates should:
• Be citizens of Singapore
• The quality of the proposal
• The benefits of the proposal to Singapore and to UK-Singapore collaboration
Applications are considered on the Following basis:
• Academic merit and/or the career achievements of the candidate
• The quality of the proposal
• The benefits of the proposal to Singapore and to UK-Singapore collaboration
Value of The Awards
A Scholarship award will cover the cost of a return economy flight air ticket to the UK plus living expenses in the UK to a maximum of £7,500 per year for the duration of the postgraduate programme
All Singapore Commonwealth Scholars will become part of the alumni network of Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows in Singapore, and have opportunities to network with the alumni of other prestigious scholarship schemes, such as the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Chevening Scholarship Scheme.
