SMU-MINDEF Work-Learn Scheme (WLS@SMU)

Key Benefits of WLS@SMU

WLS@SMU students enjoy the following benefits (Years 1–4):

  • Skills development from Day #1 of National Service (NS) — vocational training and specialised on-the-job training with opportunities to take on advanced operational roles.
  • Seamless transition to university — no more 2-year study gap between JC/Poly and university; complete up to 50% of your degree while serving the WLS contract.
  • Tuition fees covered (bond-free) — for courses taken during the WLS contract.
  • Timely graduation — finish your degree and NS obligations in six years, similar to the conventional NS-plus-study path, but with added real-world experience.

The SMU-MINDEF Work-Learn Scheme (WLS@SMU) offers a distinctive opportunity for Cyber and Digital Specialists to pursue a computing degree at SMU while serving National Service (NS). From the outset, the scheme integrates hands-on work with MINDEF, allowing students to contribute to real-world projects and national defence operations as part of their NS commitments.

Structured as a 4+2 model, WLS@SMU enables students to study part-time from Years 1 to 4 while serving NS, before transitioning to full-time study in Years 5 and 6. This pathway allows participants to graduate within the same six-year timeframe as the conventional route, but with the added advantage of on-the-job training, practical experience, and a significant head start in their careers. Tuition fees for modules taken during NS are fully covered by MINDEF, and MOE subsidies apply during the full-time study phase.

Contact Us

For questions regarding academic matters, please send an email to the SCIS Undergraduate Programme Office (scis_ugrad@smu.edu.sg).

For questions regarding the CySpec and DigiSpec WLSs, please send an email to disworklearn@defence.gov.sg.

Choosing WLS@SMU means joining a vibrant city-campus university known for its close industry connections and strong emphasis on applied learning. The scheme is fully integrated into SMU’s undergraduate programmes in Computer Science (CS), Information Systems (IS), and Software Engineering (SE), and fulfils the internship requirement for graduation. Beyond earning a prestigious SMU degree, students play a vital role in advancing Singapore’s digital defence by developing operational tech solutions with the SAF’s Digital and Intelligence Service. WLS@SMU is a compelling option for those seeking to serve with purpose while building a strong foundation for future leadership in technology.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To join the WLS@SMU programme, you must successfully apply to both the MINDEF Work-Learn Scheme (either CySpec WLS or DigiSpec WLS) and a compatible SCIS degree programme at SMU. 

Interested pre-enlistees may apply for the CySpec and DigiSpec WLSs one year before enlistment (application windows are indicated at the given links). Successful applicants will be offered before enlistment. 

Separately, information regarding SMU admissions for compatible SCIS degree programmes is available here.

The Computer Science (CS) Degree is compatible with:

  • CySpec WLS: Students will be expected to declare Cybersecurity as a track specialisation.
  • DigiSpec WLS: Students will be expected to declare AI or Software Systems as a track specialisation.

The Information Systems (IS) Degree is compatible with:

  • DigiSpec WLS: Students will be expected to declare Business Analytics, Product Development, or Smart-Cities Management and Technology as a track specialisation.

The Software Engineering (SE) Degree is compatible with:

  • DigiSpec WLS.

During the WLS contract, you will complete 7 terms of study. Your first term will be full-time (4-5 courses), whereas your subsequent terms will be part-time (2 courses per term). Each SMU course is taught in a single 3hr 15 minute block (including a break) per week. Hence, you can expect to be on campus for two half-days per week during part-time terms.

JC graduates will start taking SMU courses in Year 1 Term 1 (August). Poly graduates will start taking SMU courses in Year 1 Term 2 (January).

You will take the same courses as a regular CS, IS, or SE student (click to access the respective programme pages).

During the WLS contract, you will be assigned mostly to Major Core courses and some University Core courses. After your WLS contract, in Years 5–6, you will clear your remaining Major Electives and University Core modules.

MINDEF will cover your tuition fees and miscellaneous annual fees during the WLS contract. You will pay the subsidised tuition fees in Years 5 and 6 after the MOE tuition fee grant.

Yes, you will be able to fulfil your degree’s internship requirement using the hands-on work at MINDEF. You will be contacted in Year 3 with instructions on how to formally register this.

Yes, you are free to do additional internships and participate in Work-Study Electives after your WLS contract has been completed.

Yes, you can plan to go on overseas exchange in Year 5 or Year 6, after your WLS contract has been completed. Note that Global Exposure is a graduation requirement.

In the first four years, MINDEF funds your tuition fees, and you are not to hold on to any scholarship. 

You are eligible for merit-based scholarships to cover tuition fees and more in Years 5–6. For SMU scholarships, you will need to attain a cumulative GPA of 3.4 before commencing your Year 5 studies.

For questions regarding academic matters, please send an email to the SCIS Undergraduate Programme Office (scis_ugrad@smu.edu.sg).

For questions regarding the CySpec and DigiSpec WLSs, please send an email to disworklearn@defence.gov.sg.