Syed Isa Semait Scholarship (SISS)

About

The Syed Isa Semait Scholarship (SISS) aims to nurture aspiring Madrasah graduates who are looking for a meaningful career in leading and shaping the future of the Singapore Muslim community. It offers full scholarships for undergraduate Islamic Studies at international universities, exciting development programmes, and prepare the awardees for key leadership positions within the religious sector.

Background

In 2015, the Syed Isa Semait Scholarship (SISS) award was established to honour the former Mufti of Singapore, Sheikh Syed Isa Semait for his scholarly work, profound religious leadership to the community and contributions towards engendering greater inter-faith understanding. This award serves to preserve the legacy of Sheikh Syed Isa’s outstanding contributions and to inspire younger generations towards rendering their service to the Muslim community and the nation.

SISS was formerly awarded in the form of a grant for research work or to conduct a study on asatizah or religious matters affecting the Singapore Muslim community. In 2022, the award was reviewed and expanded to provide scholarships to full-time madrasah graduates of Singapore to pursue their undergraduate studies in Islam at Islamic universities overseas.

Benefits

Attractive stipends

• Mandatory Tuition Fees

• Return Airfare

• Monthly Allowances

• Books and Laptop Allowances

• Student/ Travel Insurance

• Development Programmes Expenses

Job postings upon graduation

Structured local & overseas development programmes:

• Intellectual Development

• Religious Career Immersion

• Social & Community Involvement

Opportunities for postgraduate scholarships upon graduation

Eligibility criteria

• Full-time madrasah graduates of Singapore. The eligibility is within 5 years of their graduation from their madrasahs.

• Singaporeans or Permanent Residents who have resided in Singapore for at least 5 years before the date of application.

• Consistent and outstanding track record of academic performance during studies at full-time madrasah and excellent O/A-Levels or IB Diploma results.

• Applicants must also possess leadership potential, exemplary conduct and character.

Application

What our scholars say

"I am hopeful of the many opportunities that the SISS could provide for my growth as a Muslim, with an eventual transition in me being able to contribute back to the Muslim community."

- Alfawzul Kabir, Year 2, Al-Azhar University (Islamic Theology)

"Job stability is something very much sought after in the Asatizah line of work. Furthermore, this scholarship gears and prepares its scholars to fill up the key leadership positions for the Malay/Muslim community through summer programs at other universities and mentorship with other Islamic scholars.'

- Hakeem Samsuri, Year 2, Al-Azhar University (Islamic Jurisprudence)

"I selected this scholarship due to it catering to both short-term and long-term objectives. This scholarship provides a platform for me to enhance my knowledge and skills through valuable experiences and exposure. Additionally, it presents an opportunity for me to extend my service to the broader community."

- Nur Zahratul Humaira Hilmi, Year 2, Al-Azhar University (Islamic Theology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Click here to access frequently asked questions on Syed Isa Semait Scholarship.