Supporting future mental health professionals in Singapore.
The Daniel & Joy Scholarship supports students from lower-income backgrounds who are pursuing counselling, psychology, social work, mental health nursing, or related fields. Scholars receive financial support and mentoring as they prepare to care for others.
S$3,000 per year · Renewable up to four years · Financial support and mentoring
Scholarship at a glance
S$3,000 per year
Renewable up to four years
Up to S$12,000 across four years
Singapore citizens or permanent residents
Counselling, psychology, social work, mental health nursing, and related fields
Financial support and mentoring
A limited number of scholarships will be awarded each cycle
Applications for the next cycle will open soon. Key dates will be announced on this page.
Why this scholarship exists
We believe financial barriers should not prevent capable, compassionate students from entering the mental health field. The Daniel & Joy Scholarship exists to support students who are preparing to bring care, healing, and hope to individuals, families, and communities in Singapore.
Daniel and Joy believe that care for the mind, heart, and relationships is part of how individuals, families, and communities flourish. This scholarship grew out of a desire to support students who may feel called to the mental health field but face financial barriers along the way.
Joy's journey in Marriage and Family Therapy has deepened the conviction that Singapore needs compassionate, well-formed mental health professionals who can serve with both skill and heart. The Daniel & Joy Scholarship is one small but meaningful way to invest in that future.
Why this matters in Singapore
Mental health is becoming an increasingly important part of Singapore's national conversation. There is a growing need for compassionate, well-trained mental health professionals who can offer earlier support, expand access to care, and walk alongside individuals and families through difficult seasons.
A growing need
More people in Singapore are seeking support for stress, anxiety, and mental health concerns. Capable professionals are needed to meet that need with skill and care.
A national priority
Singapore is strengthening its mental health ecosystem — widening access to care, supporting earlier identification, and promoting overall well-being.
MOH's National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy sets out a whole-of-society plan to strengthen care, prevention, and the mental health workforce.3
Ministry of Health, 2023
An important role
Future mental health professionals have a meaningful role to play in shaping how individuals, families, and communities receive care for the years ahead.
The Daniel & Joy Scholarship was created as one small but meaningful response: to support students who may become part of Singapore's future care ecosystem.
Sources & further reading
- 1.Institute of Mental Health (IMH) — National Youth Mental Health Study — press release (2024)
- 2.The Straits Times — Depression, anxiety, stress: 1 in 3 youth in S'pore reported very poor mental health (2024)
- 3.Ministry of Health, Singapore — National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy (2023)
- 4.CNA — Singapore faces shortage of psychologists amid rising demand for mental health services (2024)
- 5.The Straits Times — NTU, NHG Health launch work-study programme to boost number of clinical psychologists (2026)
- 6.The Straits Times — Singapore to register psychologists to safeguard patient safety, boost public confidence (2025)
Two forms of support
Financial Support
S$3,000 per year, renewable for up to four years, to help reduce the financial pressure of university study.
Mentoring
Personal guidance, encouragement, and support as scholars grow in their studies, confidence, character, and future service.
Through mentoring, scholars are encouraged to grow not only academically, but also in confidence, character, and a heart for service.
This scholarship may be for you if…
You are a Singapore citizen or permanent resident
You are enrolled in, or applying to, a recognised university in Singapore
You are pursuing a mental health-related course of study
You have financial need
You are committed to learning, growing, and serving others through mental health work
You do not need to have a perfect academic record to apply. We are looking for honesty, commitment, resilience, character, and potential.
How the application process works
- 01
Prepare your documents
- 02
Submit the application form
- 03
Upload supporting documents
- 04
Application review
- 05
Shortlisted conversation or interview
- 06
Scholarship decision
- 07
Scholar onboarding
Applications
Applications for the next cycle will open soon. Key dates will be announced on this page.
Notification
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email after review. Final decisions will be communicated directly to applicants.
Your information will be handled with care
Application information will be used only for scholarship administration, eligibility assessment, selection, communication, mentoring, award administration, and related record-keeping.
Personal, academic, and financial details will be reviewed confidentially by authorised reviewers appointed by the Foundation. Your information will not be sold or used for unrelated purposes.
Read our Privacy & Data Protection Notice →Partner with us
The Foundation welcomes conversation with universities, mentors, mental health organisations, and partners who share a commitment to widening opportunity and supporting future mental health professionals in Singapore.
Frequently asked
Do I need perfect grades to apply?
No. Academic commitment matters, but the Foundation also considers financial need, resilience, character, service, and commitment to the mental health field.
What courses are eligible?
Psychology, counselling, social work, mental health nursing, family therapy, psychotherapy-related training, psychiatric rehabilitation, and other directly relevant pathways.
Is there a service bond?
The scholarship is designed to support students, not to add unnecessary burden. Any formal service expectations, if applicable, will be stated clearly before a scholarship offer is accepted.
What documents do I need?
Proof of citizenship or PR status, university admission or enrolment documentation, course information, academic records, financial need documentation, a personal essay, and any other documents requested.
When will applicants be notified?
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email after review. Final decisions will be communicated directly to applicants.
What does mentoring involve?
Mentoring is intended to provide encouragement, perspective, and guidance as scholars grow personally, academically, and professionally.