Many undergraduate scholarships in Singapore are notorious for their long bonding period — 4 years for those studying locally, and 6 for those overseas. After my A Levels, I knew I wanted to pursue my Bachelor’s in the United States but still wasn’t sure of my future plans, and didn’t want to tie myself to a particular career track.
Thankfully, the Loke Cheng-Kim Scholarship is a bond-free scholarship open to undergrads studying locally or overseas. I was fortunate enough to be awarded the scholarship in 2021.
I remember feeling quite frustrated during my application process because there’s not many details about the scholarship online, so here’s a post explaining more about my experience. I hope it’ll be helpful for future applicants!
Disclaimer: All information listed is accurate as of December 2021. Check the Loke Cheng-Kim Foundation website for the most recent updates. This post is based on my personal experience alone.
In terms of the scholarship itself, the Foundation website captures pretty much everything you need to know:
- The scholarship is open to Singapore citizens or PRs.
- (This changes from year to year!) The Board is looking for applications from candidates intending to study Natural and Environmental Sciences, as well as Pure Sciences. They are looking for applicants who are “committed to pursuing a life path in conservation, sustainable development or otherwise betterment of life on earth in all its aspects, whether as scientists, innovators, field workers or other appropriate professionals.”
- The scholarship covers fees and book allowances, initial clothing allowance, maintenance allowance and a one-time return economy class airfare. The scholarship is awarded in a lump sum at the start of each academic year. For my freshman year, the amount was based on my college’s estimated cost of attendance.
What sets the LCK Scholarship apart is that it truly comes with no strings attached. It’s not mandatory for awardees to return to Singapore after our undergraduate years, though the Directors did mention that they hope we’ll use our higher education meaningfully to contribute back to Singapore — which I definitely hope to do so!
The scholarship letter of offer also stated that it would be “subject to yearly review by the Foundation based upon satisfactory performance and examination results”. However they didn’t specify what “satisfactory” means and I think there’s quite a bit of flexibility granted in that aspect.
Here’s what my application timeline looked like for the 2021 cycle:
- 12 March: Deadline to submit application (Mail it in or drop it off!)
- 7 April: Received a phone call informing me of interview
- Shortly after, I received a letter via mail with interview details
- 22 April: In-person interview with the entire Scholarship Board, comprising about 6-8 members (I can’t remember the exact number)
- 24 April: Received a phone call from the Foundation Director informing me I got the scholarship!
- May: Coffee session with Scholarship Directors along with the other 2021 awardees
I’m not sure how many applications they receive in total, but I think 1-2 awardees are selected each year. In 2020 the Foundation decided not to award any scholarships due to the pandemic, and in the 2021 cohort, there were 3 awardees including myself.
Regardless, it’s always good to keep your options open! Here is a comprehensive list of bond-free scholarships in Singapore compiled by Scholarship Guide.
As far as I know, the LCK Scholarship is the only private, bond-free one open to Singaporean undergrads studying overseas. If you’re applying to Oxbridge, the Jardine Scholarship is another option.
Overall, being a LCK scholar has been incredible freeing and I feel so, SO blessed to have been given this opportunity. Definitely consider applying, especially if you’re thinking of studying overseas! And if you have more questions about the scholarship, feel free to drop me a message.
All the best! 😊
Kate Yeo 
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