The Public Service Division (PSD) runs the Civil Service Internship Programme (CSIP) annually. The objective of the programme is to provide outstanding local and overseas undergraduates a first-hand feel of what working in the civil service is like. The 6 to 8-week long experience will give you an insight into the challenges of a civil service career. We hope such experiences will give you more reasons to consider joining the Civil Service after graduation.
What Can You Expect from CSIP?
Challenging Projects
As the objective of the CSIP is to provide outstanding undergraduates an experience of working in the Civil Service, the projects available are varied, challenging and dynamic. Interns will be expected to submit a project report with tangible deliverables at the end of the internship.
Learning Journeys to Government Agencies
CSIP interns will have the opportunity to visit selected public sector agencies during their internship. These learning journeys will allow interns to gain invaluable exposure to the workings of the Civil Service.
Participating Agencies in 2008
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be Singapore citizens, or Singapore permanent residents;
- Have a good Co-Curricular Activities record;
- Have excellent university and high school academic results;
- Meet any requirements as specified by the ministries; and
- Not be recipients of any scholarships with a specified bond obligation.
Application Process
When does CSIP take place?
CSIP is an annual programme that takes place from May to September.
When does the application for CSIP begin?
Application for the 2009 CSIP will open in November/December 2008. Once the application opens, you need to apply for an user account online and bid for your preferred project. If you have any queries concerning the CSIP, please email us at psd_csip@psd.gov.sg.
Internship Allowance
Postgraduate Students : S$750 per month
Undergraduate Students : S$750 per month
Airfare Subsidy : For students studying in Australia/China - S$500 & for students studying in UK/US/France/Germany/Japan : S$750
Past Feedback on CSIP
Read what past year interns have to say about CSIP.
"I definitely feel as if I have a better understanding of working life in the Singapore Civil Service, and the kinds of work and projects civil servants deal with and are exposed to. The projects I handled were very exciting and held personal significance to me as I am deeply invested in Singapore’s arts scene.
The internship programme exceeded my expectations, as in the course of my internship I was not only given the opportunity to involve myself to a greater extent than I expected, I left with several takeaways in terms of gained knowledge in performing projections and finance related work, to name a few."
~ Teh Su Ching
Yale University, USA
Ministry: MICA / Project Title: International Comparative Study of Cultural Policies
"I have a clearer idea of what working life of a civil servant is like by experiencing it myself and observing others. I have a better understanding of the organizational structure of a ministry and its relationship with stat boards. This internship opportunity has made me more inclined to taking up a civil service employment after I graduate."
~ Wang Jia
Johns Hopkins University, USA
Ministry: MEWR / Project Title: Review of Alternative Energy in Singapore
"I certainly managed to gain a good exposure to the working life in Civil Service and the different issues handled by the various ministries. This gave me a better understanding of the programme. I was also able to get a detailed idea of the role of the Ministry of Finance in the country."
~ Desai Samrat Suketu
Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA
Ministry: MOF / Project Title: Centre for Shared Services Case Study
"My internship experience was overall a good one, as the culture of work was one that nurtured and encouraged inputs from all members in the relatively flat hierarchy, allowing for meaningful interaction with colleagues and superiors."
~ Wong Kai Ting
Cambridge University, UK
Ministry: MTI / Project Title: Online Business Licensing Service