ECDA Training Award (University)
ECDA Training Award (University)
The ECDA Training Award (University) is open to students undergoing the full-time Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (with Minor) programme at Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) [previously known as UniSIM].
What the ECDA Training Award (University) offers
Key support from the ECDA Training Award includes the following:
- Full course sponsorship of fees, capped at fees payable by Singapore Citizens
- Learning Resource Grant of $1,050 for study-related expenses
- Monthly study allowance of $800
- Professional Development Grant, capped at $1,000 per academic year
- Other professional development and networking opportunities provided by ECDA
Eligibility Criteria
- Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- First, second, third or fourth year student in the full-time Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (with Minor) programme at SUSS.
- Not concurrently hold or be serving out their bond for any scholarship, bursary or funding.
- Keen to start their career in the early childhood sector immediately after graduation.
How to Apply
- Interested applicants should first download the ‘Applicant’s Write-Up’. Please refer to the instructions in the write-up and ensure that you duly complete the questions before proceeding to the next step.
- After completing the above write-up, go to this link: https://go.gov.sg/apply-for-tauni to submit your Training Award online application on FormSG attaching
the write-up and required supporting documents stated. Please note that you will be required to log in to FormSG using your SingPass. (Note: If you do not have a Singpass account, you would need to register for an account. For more information
on your eligibility and how to register for a Singpass account, please refer to Singpass website.)
You are encouraged to complete the form in one sitting as incomplete forms cannot be saved. If you encounter any issue with filling up this form, please email us at ECDA_PP@ecda.gov.sg.
Important Dates
- All forms must be completed and submitted by the stipulated deadlines. Late applications will not be processed.
- All successful applicants will be contacted by ECDA via email and are required to attend a compulsory briefing.
| Year of Study in AY2024/25 | Application Deadline | Compulsory Briefing (for Successful Applicants only) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 2 and above | 29 March 2024, 1700 hrs | To be advised to shortlisted applicants |
| Year 1 | 31 May 2024, 1700 hrs | To be advised to shortlisted applicants |
<Application cycle for AY2024/25 will open from 1 Feb 2024.>
Funding Professional Development (PD) for Training Award Recipients
The Professional Development (PD) Grant of up to S$1,000 per academic year is given to every ECDA Training Award Recipient to attend Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and other professional learning courses conducted locally and supported by ECDA. The PD Grant is provided on a reimbursement basis and you are required to submit a claim upon completion of the courses. Please download the PD Grant prospectus for more details.
If you have any enquiries, please e-mail us at ECDA_PP@ecda.gov.sg
Additional References
The Induction Booklet for New Early Childhood Educators is developed to help ECDA Training Award recipients assimilate into the EC workforce. It provides an overview of the EC sector and relevant resources to help graduants as they begin their career as an EC professional. Please download a copy of the booklet here.
The e-Resource Guide for Early Childhood Employers is specially curated for employers in the EC sector to support new educators in their transition from school to work and career growth. It also contains links to other resources you may find useful for the educators’ professional development. You may download a copy of the guide here.
The ECDA Training Award (University) is for students undergoing the full-time Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (with Minor) at Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). The award aims to support students who are passionate about working with children and who wish to have a career in the early childhood sector.
Recipients will be eligible for funding support of up to $1,000 per academic year for Early Childhood Care and Education and other professional learning courses supported by ECDA (e.g. specialised courses in art, speech and drama and special needs.) This funding support aims to better support recipients to deepen their knowledge and interest in these areas and apply the relevant expertise in the course of their work with children in future. The PD Grant is provided on a reimbursement basis and recipients are required to submit a claim upon completion of the courses. Please download the PD Grant prospectus for more details.
ECDA requires our Training Award University recipients to start work immediately upon graduation. However, you may write in to us for our assessment of your appeal on a case-by-case basis.
Yes, Training Award recipients are required to sign an Agreement with ECDA to ensure that they are committed to fulfil the obligations of the Training Award. We will hold a briefing to share with you on the contents of the Agreement (i.e. the benefits you will receive and the obligations to be fulfilled) and how to sign it.
Yes. You will need to nominate either one or two sureties, with at least one parent as a surety. The Surety/Sureties must fulfil the following requirements:
One Surety
- Singapore Citizen/Singapore PR
- Gainfully employed and drawing a gross income of at least $5,000 per month; or
- Provide proof of asset
- Above 21 years old, but under 65 years of age
- Not party to an existing award, bursary, or study loan agreement.
- Not acting as a Surety or Guarantor in any capacity for any other person in an existing Award, bursary, or study loan agreement.
- Not an undischarged bankrupt
Two Sureties
- 1st Surety: Singapore Citizen
- 2nd Surety: Singapore Citizen/Singapore PR
- Gainfully employed and drawing a gross income of at least $2,500 per month each
- Above 21 years old, but under 65 years of age
- Not party to an existing award, bursary, or study loan agreement.
- Not acting as a Surety or Guarantor in any capacity for any other person in an existing Award, bursary, or study loan agreement.
- Not an undischarged bankrupt
No, ECDA Training Award recipients may choose to fulfil your bond at any ECDA-registered/licensed pre-school or MOE Kindergarten. While you may change employer/centre during your bond period, you are strongly encouraged to remain in the same centre/organisation in order to gain sufficient experience before moving to the next centre/organisation.
You and your surety will be jointly liable to pay for Liquidated Damages to ECDA if the Training Award is terminated or if you break the bond. The Liquidated Damages are calculated based on the total amount of benefits disbursed by ECDA plus compound interest per annum. The Liquidated Damages will be reduced proportionately if you have served part of the bond.