2026 Freshmen Guide – SIM Undergraduate Scholarship Complete Application Handbook

October 9, 2025 - By CC

The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) offers a comprehensive scholarship system designed to support students from diploma to undergraduate studies. These scholarships aim to alleviate financial barriers and provide opportunities for academic excellence, leadership development, and global exposure. Notably, all scholarships are bond-free, allowing students the freedom to pursue their desired career paths without future service obligations.

This guide outlines SIM’s two primary scholarship schemes to assist you in identifying the most suitable financial support for your studies.

SIM Undergraduate Scholarship (STARRR) – Up to S$51,000

The SIM Undergraduate Scholarship (STARRR) is awarded to exceptional freshmen enrolling in SIM undergraduate programmes. This scholarship recognises outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and active involvement in co-curricular activities.

Eligibility Criteria:

Open to all nationalities: Both local and international students are welcome to apply.
Freshmen status: Applicants must have enrolled in a SIM undergraduate programme but have not yet received partner university examination results.
Holistic assessment: Demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership roles, volunteer work, and qualities such as adaptability, responsibility, and resilience.
Additional assessment: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to take the High Potential Trait Indicator (HPTI) test.

Scholarship Benefits:

The STARRR scholarship offers comprehensive support, including:

Tuition grant: Up to S$36,000 (disbursed by semester, covering the majority of tuition fees).
Living allowance: One-time grant of S$6,500 to support initial living expenses.
Accommodation grant: Up to S$5,000 (reimbursed with rental receipts).
Overseas exchange airfare grant: One-time S$1,500 to support participation in exchange programmes.
Laptop grant: One-time S$2,000 for academic equipment.

Total value: Up to S$51,000, fully bond-free – no service agreement required, providing freedom in your future career choices.

Application Timeline:

Round 1: 1 March – 20 March 2026
Round 2: 1 September – 20 September 2026

Round	Application Period	Deadline	Interview	Results Notification
Round 1	1 March – 21 March	3rd week of March	Late April – Early May	Late May – Early June
Round 2	1 September – 21 September	3rd week of September	Late October – Early November	Late November – Early December

Application Process:

Platform: Applications must be submitted via the BrightSparks platform.
Submission: Only one scholarship application per round is allowed. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Documents required:
- Academic records (secondary to higher education, with English translations).
- Co-curricular activity records & recommendation letters (from secondary school onwards).
- Certificates of achievement or competition awards (academic, sports, arts, etc.).
- Internship or National Service proof (if applicable, with English translation).

Key Terms:

No programme transfer: Awardees must remain in their chosen programme.
No double funding: Cannot receive other scholarships or tuition subsidies simultaneously.
Semester review: Academic performance is reviewed each semester; poor results or misconduct may lead to termination.
Termination refund: Students who withdraw must return the full scholarship amount received.

SIM Undergraduate Scholarship for Diploma Students – Exclusive for International Freshmen

SIM also offers scholarships for international students enrolling in diploma programmes. These scholarships aim to reduce tuition costs and ease the study journey for international students.

Eligible Diploma Programmes:

Diploma in Accounting
Diploma in Banking & Finance
Diploma in International Business
Diploma in Management Studies
Diploma in Information Technology

Scholarship Types:

Academic Excellence Scholarship (Diploma): 100% tuition fee waiver for students with top results in secondary/12th-grade studies, demonstrating strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Merit Scholarship (Diploma): 50% tuition fee waiver for students with good academic results in secondary/12th-grade studies, possessing basic communication skills. Note: If applying for both, only the Merit Scholarship will be awarded.

Scholarship	Coverage	Requirements
Academic Excellence Scholarship (Diploma)	100% tuition fee waiver	Top results in secondary/12th-grade studies, with strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills
Merit Scholarship (Diploma)	50% tuition fee waiver	Good academic results in secondary/12th-grade studies, with basic communication skills. (Note: If applying for both, only the Merit Scholarship will be awarded.)

Application Periods:

April intake: Apply between 1 October – 31 December (previous year).
October intake: Apply between 1 April – 30 June (same year).

Required Documents:

Academic records (with English translation).
English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or GCE O-Level English).
Co-curricular activity or award certificates (if any).
Personal statement (study goals and motivation).
Copy of passport.
SIM diploma admission confirmation letter.

Key Terms:

Completion requirement: Must complete the diploma within the minimum study period; no programme transfer allowed.
Performance review: Semester-by-semester performance review is required to renew the award.
Double funding: If receiving another scholarship, prior written approval from SIM (SIM GE) is required.

Application Tips for the SIM Undergraduate Scholarship

One application per round: Applicants may only apply for one scholarship each round. If applying for both, priority will be given to the Merit Scholarship.
Document formatting: All files must be named as “Name + Document Type”, saved in PDF, and submitted in one compressed package to avoid rejection.
Results notification: Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Final decisions are not open to appeal.

Conclusion

The SIM Undergraduate Scholarship provides a valuable opportunity for both local and international students to pursue their academic journey in Singapore with financial confidence. Whether through the STARRR scheme for undergraduates or the diploma scholarships for international freshmen, SIM offers comprehensive support that covers tuition, living allowances, accommodation, overseas exchange, and essential study equipment.

With its bond-free structure, students can pursue their education without being tied to future service commitments, allowing them to graduate with both global recognition and the freedom to shape their own career paths. By preparing your application early, following submission guidelines carefully, and demonstrating academic excellence alongside leadership and resilience, you can maximise your chances of securing one of these highly competitive awards.

The 2026 intake marks an excellent opportunity to tap into SIM’s scholarship ecosystem and ease the financial burden of higher education, enabling you to focus on what truly matters—building knowledge, expanding horizons, and preparing for a successful future.