School of Health Sciences , Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore

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http://www.healthcarescholarships.sg

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced the Integrated Nursing Scholarship (INS) as of 7th of January 2015. In announcing the INS, MOH described it as:

"The INS is a new premier public healthcare scholarship scheme that aims to nurture the next generation of nurse leaders. It is offered to outstanding ‘O’ level graduates who demonstrate leadership potential and wish to pursue a career in nursing.

The INS scholars will undergo the 3-year nursing diploma programme at either Nanyang Polytechnic or Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Upon completion of the nursing diploma course, the INS scholars are required to matriculate into an approved nursing degree course, and will be further sponsored for their degree course… Upon completion of the nursing diploma course, the INS scholars are required to matriculate into an approved nursing degree course, and will be further sponsored for their degree course. Scholars who choose to continue with the scholarship after their diploma and matriculate into the Singapore Institute of Technology’s (SIT) 19-month nursing degree programme will serve a 3-year bond in the public healthcare sector, after they complete their university studies. Outstanding scholars can apply for a 1-year post-registration nursing degree programme in reputable overseas universities and will serve a 3-year bond in the public healthcare sector."

The Scroll down to read the full FAQ sent out by MOH on the INS programme:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Integrated Nursing Scholarship (INS)

1. Scholarship

Q1 Why is MOH introducing this new integrated nursing scholarship (INS)?

Nurses form the backbone of the healthcare system. As at end 2014, there were about 37,600 nurses in Singapore, an increase of close to 100% as compared to 19,300 nurses in 2004. With an ageing population, demand for nurses will continue to rise.

With Singapore’s growing and ageing population, our healthcare needs are expected to rise significantly in the coming years. By 2030, close to one million or 1 in 5 Singapore residents will be above the age of 65. We will therefore need to expand public healthcare services and build a strong core of healthcare professionals, including nurses, so as to continue to provide quality and affordable care for all Singaporeans.

A growing nursing workforce will need more talent at the leadership level, as nursing managers, clinicians and educators and beyond. The INS is a new premier public healthcare scholarship to attract outstanding ‘O’ level students, with leadership potential, to pursue nursing diploma and an approved nursing degree.

Q2 What is the INS?

The INS is a new premier public healthcare scholarship scheme that aims to nurture the next generation of nurse leaders. It is offered to outstanding ‘O’ level graduates who demonstrate leadership potential and wish to pursue a career in nursing.

The INS scholars will undergo the 3-year nursing diploma programme at either Nanyang Polytechnic or Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Upon completion of the nursing diploma course, the INS scholars are required to matriculate into an approved nursing degree course, and will be further sponsored for their degree course. For instance, they can continue with the INS scholarship to matriculate into the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)’s 19-month post-registration nursing degree course. The SIT nursing degree course is designed for nursing diploma graduates to further their knowledge and skills. Top 10% of INS scholars with strong leadership and other whole person qualities will be considered for 1-year overseas post-registration nursing degree programme. All INS scholars will only need to serve a 3-year bond in the public healthcare sector upon completion of their degree programme.

Q3 How does the INS work?

The INS is a premier integrated scholarship programme that supports nursing studies from the polytechnic to the university level. The scholarship covers the cost of nursing studies for up to five years, including tuition fees, monthly allowances, and scholar developmental programmes, with a total prevailing scholarship value of $120,000. The 5-year scholarship comes with a 3-year bond.

Upon completion of the nursing diploma course, the INS scholars are required to matriculate into an approved nursing degree course, and will be further sponsored for their degree course. Scholars who choose to continue with the scholarship after their diploma and matriculate into the Singapore Institute of Technology’s (SIT) 19-month nursing degree programme will serve a 3-year bond in the public healthcare sector, after they complete their university studies. Outstanding scholars can apply for a 1-year post-registration nursing degree programme in reputable overseas universities and will serve a 3-year bond in the public healthcare sector. This means that there is no bond for the nursing diploma programme as long as scholars successfully matriculate and complete their nursing degree programme from an approved university.

Over the course of their nursing studies and after they commence work in the public healthcare sector, nursing scholars will have opportunities to undertake internships at the Ministry of Health, MOH Holdings and public healthcare institutions, as well as participate in dialogues and networking sessions with healthcare leaders, to acquire first-hand insights into nursing and healthcare work. They will also be supported for relevant seminars and exchange programmes, to further enhance their professional and personal development.

Q4 What is the target number of scholarships that MOH will offer?

The INS is awarded on merit to outstanding ‘O’ level students, with leadership potential, who are keen to pursue nursing studies and there is no quota on the number of scholarships awarded each year.

Q5 What is the value of the scholarship?

INS Scholars will be sponsored for the following during their diploma and degree courses, where applicable:

• Tuition and compulsory fees

• Monthly allowances

• Pre-studies allowance

• Commencement and Distinction awards

• Sponsorship for scholar development programmes

The total value of the full diploma and degree scholarship is about $120,000.

Q6 Why is the degree sponsorship only for SIT’s nursing programme?

The SIT’s 19-month nursing degree programme is a post-registration nursing degree, designed specifically for students with prior diploma nursing qualification. Hence, INS supports nursing degree studies at SIT.

Q7 What types of overseas post-registration nursing programmes are available?

Scholars would be sent to reputable overseas universities such as King’s College, London in UK.

2. Other scholarships and sponsorships

Q1 What is the difference between INS and HMS/HMA?

Currently, HMS/HMA is not open to ‘O’ level students but nursing diploma students with at least one semester of results can apply for a Mid-Term Scholarship (MTS).

INS is a new premier scholarship programme that is aimed at grooming future nursing leaders and is targeted at outstanding ‘O’ level students who demonstrate leadership potential and wish to pursue a career in nursing. The INS will allow outstanding ‘O’ level students to choose nursing as a course of study early from polytechnic through to university, supported by an integrated scholarship.

Q2 What will happen to the current midterm scholarship (MTS)?

Current mid-term HMS/HMA will not be affected by the INS scheme. HMS/HMA scholars will continue with their sponsorship until degree graduation.

Q3 What is the difference between the INS and sponsorships by the healthcare institutions?

Our public healthcare institutions offer sponsorships for nursing studies at the diploma level. Upon completion of their diploma course, nurses are required to serve a 3-year bond with their institution. Sponsored students who wish to pursue degree studies after their diploma training can seek approval from their sponsoring institutions for bond suspension, and apply to their sponsoring institution if they would like to obtain a sponsorship for their degree studies.

The INS is an integrated scholarship which offers scholars the opportunity to be sponsored for their nursing studies from the polytechnic to the university level. Scholars can pursue their nursing degree after completion of their nursing diploma studies and National Service (NS) for males. Graduates will start work in the public healthcare sector after completing their university studies.

3. Application

Q1 What is the selection process?

For 2016, applications will open on 11 January 2016 and close on 31 January 2016. Shortlisted applicants will undergo a panel selection interview. Interviews will be conducted between February and March 2016 and successful applicants will be informed between March and April 2016.

Q2 How do I apply for the INS?

The application process will start on 11 January 2016 and close on 31 January 2016. To apply, please submit your application through the Brightsparks Scholarship website (http://student.brightsparks.com.sg/profile/mohh/index.php).

To find out more visit our website at healthcarescholarships.sg or email talent@mohh.com.sg.

Q3 What information do I need before I start my online application?

You will require the following documents:

• GCE ‘O’ Level certificate or results slip

• Secondary school CCA and CIP Records

• List of academic prizes and awards

• List of non-academic qualifications obtained (e.g. ABRSM Pianoforte)

• School Graduation Certificates and Teachers’ Testimonials (where available)

Q4 Do I have to fill out all my particulars in one sitting?

No. You can save the information you have entered in draft setting, and continue with the application at the next login. However, you will be automatically logged out of the system if you have not saved your data for the past 20 minutes. We also strongly encourage you to check that you have submitted your draft application eventually as we would not be able to process any applications that are saved in draft mode.

Q5 How can I be sure that my application form has been successfully submitted to BrightSparks Portal?

You will receive an online acknowledgement immediately upon successful submission of your application, and be redirected to the relevant page stating the status of your application. You will be informed of the outcome of your application (regardless of whether you are shortlisted for an interview) between March and April 2016.

4. Interview

Q1 How many rounds of interviews must I undergo?

Applicants will undergo one round of interview. Please bring the original copy of the supporting documents for verification before interview.

Q2 How soon will I be notified of the outcome after interview?

MOHH is committed to informing successful candidates of their interview outcome within 2 working days from the date of interview, so as to facilitate their scholarship planning and decision-making. Successful candidates will also be invited to attend consultation sessions with MOHH scholarship officers, where they can take the opportunity to seek direct clarification on any queries on their scholarship offer, universities’ application, career matters, etc. We also welcome parents to join in the consultation sessions.

Q3 How should I prepare myself for the interview?

As part of the interview preparation, candidates should read up on the latest developments in Singapore’s public healthcare sector, particularly, for nursing. In this regard, candidates can leverage on useful resources such as the CARE TO GO BEYOND websites or speak to their school’s alumni/seniors who are nursing scholars.

The interview is typically chaired by a CEO or Chairman of Medical Board (CMB) of public healthcare institutions, with Nursing representatives, healthcare cluster and MOH/MOHH representatives as panel members.

During the interview, the selection panel will further assess the candidate’s interest and fit for public healthcare, suitability for nursing, as well as their leadership qualities. It will help if you demonstrate that you know why and what you want in applying for INS, and how your personality and strengths would render you suitable for nursing.

5. Eligibility

Q1 What are the eligibility criteria?

Applicants must:

• Be a Singapore Citizen

• Have a passion for nursing and desire to pursue a nursing career

• Have applied for entry into the nursing diploma programme at Nanyang Polytechnic or Ngee Ann Polytechnic

• Have outstanding GCE ‘O’ level results of L1R2B2 of 10 points and below

• Have strong Co-Curricular Activities record

Q2 I am a Singapore Permanent Resident. Can I qualify for the INS?

No. The INS is available for Singapore Citizens only.

Q3 I have 11 points for my ‘O’ level results. Can I be considered for the scholarship?

MOHH takes a holistic approach when assessing a candidate for INS. Beyond academic excellence, we will also consider your interest in public healthcare and other relevant information, in competition with the other applications received. The INS is aimed at outstanding ‘O’ level graduates and one of the requirements is having an outstanding GCE ‘O’ level results of L1R2B2 of 10 points and below. The selection panel will consider the application holistically and ‘O’ level graduates who may miss the academic cut-off marginally but have strong other compensating factors such as participation in co-curricular and community activities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Q4 I am an ‘A’ level holder, can I apply for this scholarship?

No. The INS is aimed at outstanding ‘O’ level graduates. ‘A’ level graduates can apply for Healthcare Merit Scholarship or Healthcare Merit Award to study nursing at the degree level.

Q5 The INS is only available for top ‘O’ level students. While I did not do well in my ‘O’ levels, I am passionate about nursing. What are the sponsorships available to me?

Nursing diploma students who do well in their nursing course can apply for sponsorships from the public healthcare institutions. Outstanding nursing diploma students or graduates can also apply for the Healthcare Merit Scholarship or Healthcare Merit Award to pursue their nursing degree studies locally or overseas.

Students in need can apply for financial assistance from the polytechnics if they require financial support.

Q6 I am a current Mid Term Scholarship (MTS) holder. My bond is four years and my sponsorship started after one year of nursing diploma studies. The INS seems more attractive than the midterm scholarship as the bond is shorter. Can I switch over?

No. The INS is an integrated scholarship targeted at outstanding ‘O’ level students, with leadership potential, who wish to pursue a nursing career. Selection will be at the outset. MTS scholarship holders will continue with their current scholarship.

Both groups of scholars will benefit from developmental opportunities over the course of their studies and subsequently when they start their nursing career.

Q7 Is the scholarship for the post-registration nursing degree programme only tenable at local universities?

Q8 Will I be disrupted from National Service (NS) if I am awarded an INS?

Similar to Ministry scholarships, male candidates awarded the INS will need to fulfil their NS obligations before commencing their Nursing Degree.

6. Service Commitment

Q1 Can scholars choose which public hospital to work in?

INS scholars will be matched to a public healthcare cluster at the point of award. They can indicate their preferred clusters for deployment and MOH Holdings will take this into account as well as the talent needs in the different public healthcare institutions when doing the matching.

Q2 What are the terms and obligations of the scholarship?

Scholars are required to meet a cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.5 throughout their nursing studies. If they take up the degree sponsorship to pursue nursing degree studies at SIT, they will be required to serve a 3-year bond in the public healthcare sector after their university studies.

Top 10% of INS scholars with strong leadership and whole person qualities (eg good CCA performance and/or involvement in community work) will be considered for 1-year overseas post-registration nursing degree programme. Scholars who are sponsored for 1-year overseas post-registration nursing degree programme will serve a 3-year bond in the public healthcare sector. This means that there is no bond for the nursing diploma programme as long as scholars successfully matriculate and complete their nursing degree programme from an approved university.

Scholars who have completed their nursing diploma course but who do not subsequently matriculate and complete a nursing course will have to serve a 3-year bond in the public healthcare sector, or pay liquidated damages.

Q3 Are scholars guaranteed a place to do nursing at the university?

No. Scholars need to meet the admission requirements to study nursing at SIT on their own merit.

Q4 Can I study nursing at NUS or overseas after my diploma studies? Will I be sponsored?

INS scholars will not be sponsored for the NUS nursing programme as it is designed for those with no prior nursing qualifications/training. The INS provides an integrated scholarship to pursue nursing from polytechnic to the university level. The SIT’s 19-month nursing degree course is specially designed for nursing diploma graduates. The course aims to equip graduates with an ability to analyse personal and professional values, make sound, evidence-based and ethical decisions and prepare them for leadership roles to take nursing forward to meet the health care challenges of the 21st century.

Q5 If I take up an INS, does it mean that I will be guaranteed a nursing leadership position?

The INS will provide scholars with opportunities for growth and development. Progression in their nursing career will be based on merit.

Q6 If I take up the INS and decide to switch out of nursing after six months, do I have to pay back Liquidated Damages?

Yes. If the scholar accepts the scholarship and decides subsequently to change course at the polytechnic level or degree level at any time, he/she will be liable to pay back the full scholarship costs with interest that have been paid out.

Q7 If I take up the INS and fail to meet the cGPA requirement after my first year, do I have to pay back?

To remain on the scholarship programme, INS scholars have to have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) of 3.5. If they do not meet the cGPA, their scholarship may be withdrawn and they may be liable to pay back the costs of the scholarship incurred, with interest.

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