Bursaries

The bursaries are grouped into two main categories:

• Government-Funded

• Private Donors

Each category has its own eligibility criteria and application process.

General Eligibility Criteria

(Effective AY2026)

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a full-time Diploma student

• Be a Singapore Citizen

• Not a recipient of a full scholarship or sponsorship*

• For diploma students: Gross Monthly Household Per Capita Income (PCI) ≤ $3,000 or Gross Monthly Household Income (GHI) ≤ $12,000

• For Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) students: PCI ≤ $1,000 or GHI ≤ $4,000

If you want to be considered for a government-funded bursary, you'll need to apply every academic year, even if you were eligible in previous years.

*Note: If you're receiving the Mendaki Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS), you’re still eligible to apply for a government-funded bursary.

Income Criteria

(Effective AY2026)

Assessment of Eligibility for Bursary

• Your bursary eligibility will be assessed using the Household Means Eligibility System (HOMES), which reviews your family’s income.

• To proceed, HOMES needs your consent to extract household and income information from official government sources like CPF, IRAS, ICA, and others.

• If there are any changes to your household structure or a family member’s employment, a HOMES Ops officer will contact you.

Note:

• Since a bursary covers the entire academic year, if you’re awarded one in Semester 1, you won’t be eligible to reapply in Semester 2.

• For private bursaries, additional eligibility criteria may apply depending on the sponsor.

Important: Advisory for Newly Enrolled Students in AY2026

To apply for bursaries through the Financial Assistance, Scholarship System (FAST), you must complete Steps 1 to 3 below.

You should also complete Step 4 to configure your laptop for access to RP’s intranet and RP SA.

• Step 1: Download SNApp to access your student services.

• Step 2: Acknowledge the IT Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) to activate your student account.

• Step 3: Reset your password to enable access to RP systems, including FAST.

• Step 4: Configure Your Laptop*. Click here for instructions or IT-related enquiries.

*Please perform the configuration only after you receive an email from Help-IT@rp.edu.sg with the subject: “Preparation of laptop for use in RP”

Government Funded Bursary

Application Procedure for Full-Time Diploma Students (AY2026 Bursary Application)

If you’re thinking about applying, it’s best to do so in Semester 1 (April). Submitting your application early gives you the chance to be considered for additional financial assistance that may be offered later in the academic year.

*A bursary is meant to support your studies for the entire academic year. If you’re awarded one in Semester 1, you won’t be eligible to apply again in Semester 2.

Mode of application

You’ll need to submit your application and consent online. Refer to the key application steps below.

Please note that hardcopy or email submissions will not be accepted.

Download the FAST User Guide (PDF).

Important details:

• If you’re asked to submit supporting documents, make sure they are complete, not cropped, and all details are clear and legible.

• Always stay contactable via your RP email and mobile number after submission.

• While RP’s assessment of your eligibility for financial assistance is based on government-sourced data, an RP bursary staff or HOMES Ops officer may still reach out if they need further clarification.

Notes:

• You can only be awarded one bursary per academic year—apply in Semester 1 if possible.

• Your bursary eligibility is based on your family’s financial situation at the time of application.

• The bursary (Higher Education Community Bursary or Higher Education Bursary) may go toward outstanding fees, with any excess credited to your bank account registered with RP.

• You’ll be required to refund the full or partial bursary amount if you are dismissed, choose to withdraw or defer from your course, or if you receive a full scholarship or bursary that covers your tuition fees and includes an annual or monthly living allowance.

• From AY2024, if you graduate early after meeting your graduation requirements (for example, by studying only one semester in the academic year), you’ll be eligible to receive 50% of the annual bursary amount.

• If your household income worsens due to unforeseen circumstances, you can reach out to the Office of Student Support to request a reassessment.

Diploma Foundation Programme Bursary

If you’re a Singapore Citizen enrolled in RP’s Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP), you can apply for the Diploma Foundation Programme Bursary. If you qualify, you’ll receive a one-time cash payout of $1,750 (effective AY2026) which covers your full year in PFP.

Learn more about PFP course fees, bursaries, and financial aid options here.

Application Procedure for PFP Students (AY2026 Bursary Application)

You are encouraged to apply for bursaries during the mass application exercise in Semester 1 (April). If you’re eligible, you may also be invited to apply for other types of financial assistance offered later in the academic year.

*Note: A bursary is meant to support your studies for the entire academic year. If you’re awarded one in Semester 1, you won’t be eligible to apply again in Semester 2.

Mode of application

You’ll need to submit your application and consent online. Refer to the key application steps below.

Please note that hardcopy or email submissions will not be accepted.

Download the FAST User Guide (PDF).

Important details:

• If you’re asked to submit supporting documents, make sure they are complete, not cropped, and all details are clear and legible.

• Always stay contactable via your RP email and mobile number after submission.

• While RP’s assessment of your eligibility for financial assistance is based on government-sourced data, an RP bursary staff or HOMES Ops officer may still reach out if they need further clarification.

Notes:

• You can only be awarded one bursary per academic year—apply in Semester 1 if possible.

• Your bursary eligibility is based on your family’s financial situation at the time of application.

• The bursary (Higher Education Community Bursary or Higher Education Bursary) may go toward outstanding fees, with any excess credited to your bank account registered with RP.

• You’ll be required to refund the full or partial bursary amount if you are dismissed, choose to withdraw or defer from your course, or if you receive a full scholarship or bursary that covers your tuition fees and includes an annual or monthly living allowance.

• From AY2024, if you graduate early after meeting your graduation requirements (for example, by studying only one semester in the academic year), you’ll be eligible to receive 50% of the annual bursary amount.

• If your household income worsens due to unforeseen circumstances, you can reach out to the Office of Student Support to request a reassessment.

Private Bursary

Thanks to the generosity of industry partners, charitable organisations and philanthropists, you have access to private bursaries that can help ease your financial responsibilities. These bursaries are administered directly by RP and range from $600 to $3,000 per academic year.

General Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for these bursaries, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

• Good attendance

• Meet the income eligibility ceiling for MOE Higher Education Community Bursary Tier 2 (HECB Tier 2)

• You must not be receiving tuition fee sponsorship or another bursary (except for a government bursary) in the same academic year

Exceptions may apply, where eligibility is assessed based on financial needs and stricter income criteria.

Notes:

• Some private bursaries may have their specific eligibility criteria, which differ from the general eligibility criteria stated.

• If you’re shortlisted, you might be required to attend an interview with the Selection Panel.

• Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award. Approval is subject to available funds.

• Recipients may be invited to attend events to meet donors.

Other Financial Assistance Schemes

To see the full range of schemes available to support your studies, visit our Financial Matters section.

Need help or have questions? Feel free to contact us.