Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)

IRAS Scholarship FAQs (Jul 2013) Page 1

Frequently Asked Questions - Scholarships Q1: What is the role of IRAS? A1: Our mission is to act as an agent of the

Government and provide service in administering, assessing, collecting and enforcing payment of taxes. We also advise the Government and represent Singapore internationally on matters relating to taxation.

Q2: Why should I consider taking up the IRAS

Undergraduate Scholarship?

A2: We believe that it is only through Our People that we can achieve our Vision. While we recognise that every officer is different, we believe that everyone matters and that it is important for every officer to feel that he contributes to achieving the Vision.

IRAS scholars will be mentored by a Senior Management and will be assigned a buddy (a IRAS fellow scholar).You will be given opportunities to sharpen and demonstrate your leadership skills to have a well-rounded career.

Q3: What are the prerequisites for

scholarship application? A3: Individuals with excellent academic results

and CCA records, leadership qualities and a strong interest in a career with IRAS are welcome to apply for the scholarship. Applicants should be Singapore citizens or permanent residents.

Existing undergraduate with good university

results, outstanding co-curricular records and display leadership qualities can apply for our Mid-Term Undergraduate Scholarships.

Q4: What types of scholarships does IRAS

offer? A4: IRAS offers merit and overseas scholarships.

The Merit scholarship gives you the flexibility to pursue either a local or overseas course. You will receive full sponsorship based on a local programme.

For Mid-Term Undergraduate Scholarship, IRAS will back-pay the tuition fees and respective allowances for the completed years of study.

Q5: What can I expect in a career with IRAS? A5: You can look forward to being challenged in

various tax-related roles such as the following areas:

Compliance & Research work Tax Assessment Tax Services Tax Policy Tax Compliance & Audit Legal work Information Technology Corporate Areas

There are also opportunities for you to develop leadership and organising skills through both work and non-work related projects and committees. IRAS provides a vibrant work environment as well as a culture that supports work-life balance.

Merit Scholarship

Overseas Scholarship

Universities NUS, NTU, SMU or approved overseas universities

Approved overseas universities

Bond Period

4 years 6 years

Benefits Sponsorship to overseas exchange programme

Maintenance & Hostel allowances (local)

Pre-studies allowance

Computer allowance

Tuition & other compulsory fees (local)

Return air passage

Sponsorship to exchange programme

Maintenance allowance

Pre-studies allowance

Computer allowance

Miscellaneous allowance

Tuition and other compulsory fees.

Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)

IRAS Scholarship FAQs (Jul 2013) Page 2

Q6: What are the career prospects in IRAS?

A6: In IRAS, we offer two career tracks - Management Track or Specialist Track. We have an in-house Accreditation Scheme (specifically for Income Tax, Goods & Services Tax and Property Tax) which provides a structured programme for officers to gain technical knowledge.

Q7: Which course may I pursue? A7: With the diverse jobs available in IRAS, you

may pursue courses that match your interest. Below are some examples of the courses which are relevant to our jobs:

Accountancy Business Economics Real Estate Information Technology Statistics Law

Q8: May I take up a double degree? A8: Yes, you may pursue a double degree

programme. Q9: May I pursue a direct Masters degree

upon completion of my undergraduate studies?

A9: Yes, you may pursue a direct Masters

degree if you obtain a Good honours degree of 2nd Upper and above (or equivalent). The Bachelor and Masters programmes are to be completed within 4 years.

Q10: Do I need to have an internship with IRAS during term break?

A10: You are required to complete at least 4

weeks of internship with IRAS during one of your school vacations

Q11: May I take up internships from private firms?

A11: Yes, you may take up an internship from a

private firm as long as you have completed an internship in IRAS.

Q12: How do I apply for the IRAS Scholarship? A12: You may apply online at

http://student.brightsparks.com.sg/ from February to March each year. Shortlisted applicants will be notified by May. Successful candidates will apply to the respective universities on their own for admission.

Q13: What is the selection process like? A13:

For further information, kindly log on to our Career Portal on the IRAS homepage at

www.iras.gov.sg or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/irassg. You may also

write to us at careers@iras.gov.sg

Screening interview by the Human Resource Branch

Essay and personality tests

Briefing and tea session with returned scholars

Panel interview by Senior Management