Source: www.ns.sg
DISRUPTION
FOR TERTIARY STUDIES FOR FULL-TIME NATIONAL
SERVICEMEN (NSFs)
MINDEF provides sufficient opportunities for NS-liable males to
attain up to
first education bar qualifications before enlistment, subject to
the deferment
cut-off age criteria*. A first education bar is defined as GCE 'A'
level, Polytechnic
diploma and equivalent qualifications. Disruption will hence be
restricted only
for full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) to pursue a higher level
educational
qualification, such as an advanced diploma, associate degree or
degree course.
Only courses conducted by the educational institutions which confer
their own
qualifications are allowed. For example, a NSF will not be allowed
disruption
to pursue a foreign degree course conducted by the Singapore
Institute of
Management (SIM) since the qualification is not conferred by
SIM.
Disruption is only considered on the basis of equity to allow
those from the
same school cohort but enlisted in the later intake, to proceed for
further studies
at the same university at the same time as those enlisted in the
earlier intake.
Disruption will not be granted to NSFs who are enlisted ahead of
their age
cohort with equivalent qualifications as the basis of disruption is
to maintain
cohort equity.
Disrupted NSFs are required to serve their remaining full-time NS
in
one continuous period immediately upon completion of studies.
NSFs must submit their applications for disruption, together with
documentary
proof, through their unit Manpower Officer to MINDEF/SAF HRSC for
approval
three months prior to their date of disruption. Late or incomplete
application
may be rejected.
Minimum Service Period
The earliest date that NSFs can disrupt is on the 1st of the month
that they
complete the minimum service period stipulated in the table below,
or one week
before the start of the official course term for local studies (two
weeks before
the start of the official course term for overseas studies),
whichever is later.
Approval will not be granted for NSFs to be disrupted for
orientation or other
pre-matriculation activities.
Disrupted NSFs are required to serve their remaining full-time NS
in
one continuous period immediately upon completion of studies.
NSFs must submit their applications for disruption, together with
documentary
proof, through their unit Manpower Officer to MINDEF/SAF HRSC for
approval
three months prior to their date of disruption. Late or incomplete
application
may be rejected.
MONTH OF
ENLISTMENT : MINIMUM SERVICE
PERIOD
December / June :
No Disruption
January /
July
: 24 months
February / August : 23
months
March / September : 22 months
April /
October
: 21 months
May/
November
: 20 months
Source: www.NS.sg
Disruption from full-time
National Service (NS) for university
studies
Disruption on Equity Basis
MINDEF provides sufficient opportunities for NS-liable males to
attain up to first education bar qualifications before enlistment,
subject to the deferment cut-off age criteria. A first education bar is
defined as GCE 'A' level, Polytechnic diploma and equivalent
qualifications. Disruption will hence be restricted only for
full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) to pursue a higher educational
qualification, such as an advanced diploma, associate degree or
degree course.
Only courses conducted by educational institutions which confer
their own qualifications are allowed. For example, a NSF will not
be allowed disruption to pursue a foreign degree course conducted
by the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), since the
qualification is not conferred by SIM.
Disruption is only considered on the basis of cohort equity to
allow those from the same school cohort but enlisted in the later
intake, to proceed for further studies at the same university at
the same time as those enlisted in the earlier intake. For example,
Polytechnic graduates enlisted in the Sep-Nov quarterly intake may
be granted disruption to pursue local university studies in Jul, at
the same time as their Polytechnic peers who were enlisted in the
Jun-Aug quarterly intake of the same year. Disruption will not be
granted to NSFs who are enlisted ahead of their age cohort with
equivalent qualifications as the basis of disruption is to maintain
cohort equity.
Local Medical Disruption Scheme (LMDS)
Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) who have successfully gained
admission into the NUS Medical School can be considered for
disruption in the first year of full-time NS, to complete their
medical studies, housemanship and hospital postings.
Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarships
NSFs awarded PSC Overseas Merit Scholarship (OMS) are granted
disruption in the first year of full-time NS to pursue their
university studies.
Application of Disruption
NSFs on disruption from full-time NS are required to serve their
remaining full-time NS in one continuous period immediately upon
completion of studies. NSFs must submit their applications for
disruption, together with documentary proof, through their unit
Manpower Officer to MINDEF/SAF Human Resource Services Centre
(HRSC) for approval three months prior to their date of disruption.
Late or incomplete applications will be rejected.
===============================================================
Extension of Disruption
NSFs on disruption from full-time NS may apply for extension of
disruption on the following grounds:
* Repeat of Studies due to course failure
Generally, extension of disruption for repeat of studies can be
granted for up to one year.
* Continuation of degree studies leading to a
Honours/Masters
If the original disruption period granted is less than 5 years, an
extension to pursue Masters may be granted for up to 5 years,
inclusive of the initial disruption period granted for the Basic
degree. If original disruption period granted for the Basic degree
exceeds 5 years, no extension for Masters will be granted. No
extension of disruption will be granted for Postgraduate Diploma or
PhD courses.
* Pursuance of Professional Courses
Extension of disruption to pursue essential professional courses
may be granted if NSFs on disruption from full-time NS need to wait
for more than 6 months after their ORD for the next intake, in the
event that they are not granted the extension of disruption, to
commence such courses.
* Switch of Course/Institution
Extension of disruption arising from a switch of course or
institution may be granted up till the maximum duration of 5 years
(inclusive of the original disruption period) if the original
disruption period is 5 years or less.
* Personal Administration (e.g. to attend convocation, to make
flight arrangements to return home from overseas)
Extension of disruption of up to 3 months may also be allowed for
personal administration (e.g. to attend convocation and to arrange
for flights home if the NSF on disruption was overseas).
PSC Scholars on disruption are to seek approval from PSC directly
for extension of disruption for studies.
You can apply for an extension of disruption by sending
your request to HRSC:
Personnel Management
Centre (PMC) for NSFs on disruption from full-time
NS
MINDEF/SAF
Human Resource Services Centre
(HRSC)
3, Depot Road #03-03
SINGAPORE 109681
Tel: 63731315/63731525
Email: [email protected]
Alternatively, you may also apply
for an extension of disruption through eTransaction.
Operating Hours:
Mon-Friday: 0800 - 1730
hrs
Important Note - All applications for the above are
subject to approval and is only applicable at the point the
serviceman submits his application, as policy may be changed from
time to time.
Q1. How do I apply for an extension of my disruption
period?
You can send your request through mail or fax to Human Resource
Services Centre (HRSC), stating the reason for your request eg;
repeat of studies etc and the required end date, together with the
relevant supporting documents. Alternatively, you may also apply
for extension of disruption online via www.ns.sg and send
the supporting document to us by mail, fax or email at [email protected].
Supporting document sent via email must be saved in word document
or PDF format. Application for extension of disruption is to reach
HRSC at least 3 weeks before the expiry of your disruption
period.
Q2a. Can I apply for an extension to pursue my
Honours/Masters degree after I have completed my Basic
degree?
Q2b. My disruption period as well as my exit permit is
expiring soon but I intend to do my Honours/Masters. However, the
outcome of my application for my Honours/Masters course will only
be announced at a later date. What should I do?
Extension of disruption for Honours/Masters degree may be allowed
only if it can be obtained within 5 years (inclusive of the
disruption period granted for the Basic degree). No extension for
Honours/Masters degree will be granted if the original disruption
period exceeds 5 years.
You may apply to extend your disruption for up to a maximum period
of 3 months while waiting for confirmation of acceptance by the
University. Your exit permit will also be extended upon extension
of your disruption. No re-disruption for Honours/Masters will be
allowed after resumption of service.
Q3. How do I know if my online application for an extension
has been successful?
You can choose how you wish to be notified (ie email or postal
service) of the outcome of your application under Preferred Means
of correspondence.
Q4. What will happen if I fail to resume service after my
disruption period has expired?
NSFs on disruption must return immediately to serve out the balance
of their Full-time NS as recalled, or upon
discontinuation/completion of their studies. Disciplinary action
will be taken against those who fail to do so. NSFs disrupted for
overseas studies will have their exit permit withdrawn by the
Central Manpower Base (CMPB) and be classified as exit permit
defaulters.
Q5. Can I switch to a different course of
study?
You are not allowed to switch courses or institution without the
prior approval of the Human Resource Services Centre (HRSC). You
are required to inform Human Resource Services Centre (HRSC) on the
switch of study with documentary proof of the details of the new
course. Approval may be granted if the switch does not lead to an
extension of the maximum 5 years duration or the original
disruption period. The switch must also be to a course that is at
least equivalent to that of the original course.
===============================================================
After Completion of Studies
Resumption NS Service Balance
Days
Q1. What should I do if I am not available for the
medical check-up that has been scheduled for me?
Human Resource Services Centre (HRSC) will contact you regarding
your medical check-up at the Medical Classification Centre (MCC)
located at the Central Manpower Base (CMPB). If you are not
available for the medical check-up that has been scheduled for you,
you are to inform HRSC so that another appointment can be arranged
for you.
Q2. Can I go for my medical check-up before I complete my
studies?
You may go for your check-up at MCC/CMPB before you complete your
studies. However, as the PES status accorded by MCC is only valid
for a year, we advised that you contact HRSC to arrange for a
medical appointment during your final year of study. This
arrangement will facilitate your resumption of service immediately
upon the completion of your studies.
Q3. Can I request for a medical review before I resume my
Full-time NS?
Yes. HRSC will arrange for you to have a medical check-up at
MCC/CMPB to ascertain your medical fitness once your application to
resume full-time NS is received. Alternatively, you may also
request for a medical review through your unit's manpower officer
after you have resumed service.
Q4. Can I choose to see my own Specialist or family doctor
instead of going to the medical check-up at
MCC/CMPB?
No. The medical check-up at the MCC/CMPB is required to facilitate
Medical Officers to review your medical conditions and to assign a
medical PES status to you based on the current criteria outlined in
the Medical Classification System. It is thus not possible for you
to see your own Specialist or family doctor for this purpose.
Nonetheless, you may ask your Specialist or family doctor for a
medical report on your condition and to forward it to the Medical
Officers who will then consider it in the assessment of your
medical PES status.
Q5. What are the documents that I have to bring along for
the medical check-up at MCC/CMPB?
You need to bring along your NRIC with any medical reports or
supporting documents that will assist the Medical Officers in
reviewing your medical condition and medical PES status.
Q6. When will I complete my full-time NS if I apply to
resume my service now?
It depends on the balance of your full-time NS and your annual
leave. You may contact Human Resource Services Centre (HRSC) to
find out the balance of your full-time NS.
Q7. Where would I be posted to upon my resumption of
service?
Usually for servicemen who have been trained in a specific vocation
and who have only a short balance of full-time NS remaining, they
would most likely be posted to their former units. However, there
may be occasions where servicemen are re-deployed to other units
due to organisational requirements.
Q8. Will my tertiary qualifications or individual
preferences be taken into consideration for
deployment?
The SAF's primary role is to build a fighting force that can defend
Singapore and secure our peace. Therefore, this is the main
consideration in deploying national servicemen to various
vocations. Where necessary, we do take into consideration the
national serviceman's education qualifications. But, the SAF will
train every national serviceman to be effective in their respective
vocations. Every vocation has a critical role to play in
Singapore's security and defence.
Q9. Can I request for a change in posting
unit?
You can forward your request to HRSC. However, please note that
while MINDEF would like to take your posting preferences into
account, any request will have to be considered vis-vis the
organisational requirements.
Q10. My uniform cannot fit me. Can I report for service in
civilian attire?
You can report in civilian attire if your uniform no longer fits
you. However, please check with your unit's Chief Administrative
Supervisor on the day of your reporting to arrange for a new set of
uniform. Those reporting for Medical Officer Cadet course (MOCC)
are required to put on white shirt and black pants.
Q11. Can I serve out my balance of full-time NS over more
than one vacation period?
No. It is the policy of MINDEF that servicemen who wish to serve
out the balance of their full-time NS during their school vacation
must do so in one continuous period. Therefore, your vacation must
be long enough for you to serve the balance of your full-time NS.
No re-disruption will be allowed.
Q12. Do I have to inform Human Resource Services Centre
(HRSC) of my intention to pursue my Honours or Masters course upon
completion of my basic degree?
Yes. You will have to keep HRSC informed of your intention.
Otherwise, you will be recalled to serve out the balance of your
full-time NS when your current disruption period expires.
Q13. When will I know the outcome of my application to
resume service?
Under normal processing, you will received a Notice to Render
Full-time National Service (NOR) sent to your local mailing address
within 6 weeks from the date of your application to resume service.
If you do not receive a reply after 6 weeks, your application may
have been forwarded to a higher authority and would therefore
require a longer processing time.
Q14. If I have not completed my combat course prior to
disruption, will I be sent for the same course on
re-enlistment?
If you are medically fit for combat vocations, you may be sent for
the same combat course upon your resumption.
Q15. I wish to resume my service during my vacation break.
Is this possible?
Yes. You should apply for the resumption of service at least 6
weeks in advance if you wish to serve the balance of service during
your vacation break. However upon resumption, you must serve the
balance of your full-time NS in one continuous period. You are not
allowed to serve your balance of full-time NS over 2 (or more)
vacation periods. Once service is resumed, you will not be granted
re-disruption. It is important therefore, that you ensure your
vacation period can accommodate your balance of full-time NS.
Q16. What should I do if I want to serve out the balance of
my full-time NS before my disruption expires?
You will need to notify Human Resource Services Centre (HRSC) of
your intention to resume service at least 6 weeks in advance.
Q17. I was given a few days of medical leave by a private
clinic before the effective date for me to report to unit to serve
out the balance of my full-time NS. Will the few days of medical
leave be counted towards the balance of my full-time
NS?
No. If you are not able to report to your unit because of a medical
leave not granted by an SAF doctor, the date of your resumption
will be postponed until you are medically fit to report to your
unit for service.
Q18. How can I check my leave balance?
Your previous unit maintains your leave records. You can check your
leave balance with them before your disruption from full-time
NS.
Q19. Can I use my annual leave to request for an early ORD
to enable me to start work earlier/return and complete my
study?
No, you are not allowed to use your annual leave or Off to request
for an early ORD.
Source: www.ns.sg
Under the Enlistment Act, NS-liable persons are enlisted at
the earliest opportunity upon turning 18 years old. For those who
are studying, MINDEF does allow some flexibility for them to
complete their full-time studies up to the GCE 'A' Levels or
Polytechnic Diploma (or their equivalent), both locally and
overseas, before enlisting for NS. Those who have already embarked
on their full-time studies but who do not meet the deferment
conditions, will have to disrupt their studies and be enlisted for
NS at the earliest opportunity scheduled by the Central Manpower
Base (CMPB), including those who take up Singapore Permanent
Residency in the midst of their studies.
Local Studies in
Government Schools
GCE 'A' Level Studies and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Studies
NS-liable persons will be granted deferment for GCE 'A' Level and
IB studies (and their equivalent) at Junior Colleges/ Millennia
Institute/ Integrated Programme (IP) schools if they are able to
commence the course* before 19 years old (for Secondary 4 students)
or 20 years old (for Secondary 5 students), as at 1st January of
the course commencement year.
* For NS-liable persons who are pursuing their GCE 'A' Levels or IB
in the IP schools, the deferment cut-off age will apply to the 5th
year of study.
Exceptions may be considered for students who do not meet these
deferment cut-off ages, but are able to gain admission into Junior
Colleges/ Millennia Institute/ IP schools.
NS-liable persons who are returning from overseas and who wish to
pursue studies in Junior Colleges/ Millennia Institute/ IP schools
must seek prior approval from CMPB. They must do so before applying
through the Ministry of Education (MOE)'s School Placement Exercise
for Returning Singaporeans - Junior Colleges and Millennia
Institute (SPERS-JC/MI), or before applying directly to the Junior
Colleges/ Millennia Institute/ IP Schools. Persons who are deemed
to have already attained a first education bar qualification
(defined as GCE 'A' Levels, Polytechnic Diploma or equivalent
qualifications), be it locally or overseas, will not be granted
deferment to pursue another first education bar qualification or
another qualification below first education bar.
Persons who have failed their General Paper (GP)/ Knowledge &
Inquiry (KI) or obtained less than 3 H2 passes (excluding KI) in
one sitting of the GCE 'A' Level examination will be considered for
further deferment to repeat their GCE 'A' Level studies on a
full-time basis, subject to one repeat only. Persons who have
failed to attain the IB qualification will also be considered for
further deferment to repeat their IB studies on a full-time basis,
subject to one repeat only.
Polytechnic Diploma Studies
NS-liable persons will be granted deferment for Polytechnic Diploma
studies and its equivalent qualifications (e.g. courses at the
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) or the LaSalle College of the
Arts) if they are able to commence the course before 19 years old
(for Secondary 4 students) or 20 years old (for Secondary 5
students), as at 1st January of the course commencement year.
NS-liable persons who graduated with NITEC/Higher NITEC
qualification from ITE Colleges will be granted deferment for
Polytechnic Diploma studies and its equivalent qualifications if
they are able to commence the course before 21 years old as at 1st
January of the course commencement year. Applications for deferment
from ITE graduates who are above 21 years old as at 1st January of
their course commencement year will be considered on a case-by-case
basis.
NS-liable persons who are returning from overseas and who wish to
pursue Polytechnic Diploma studies and its equivalent
qualifications must seek prior approval from CMPB before applying
for their intended course of study. Persons who are deemed to have
already attained a first education bar qualification (defined as
GCE 'A' Levels, Polytechnic Diploma or equivalent qualifications),
be it locally or overseas, will not be granted deferment to pursue
another first education bar qualification or another qualification
below first education bar.
Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Diploma
Studies
NS-liable persons who completed NITEC or Higher NITEC studies at
ITE Colleges, will be granted deferment to pursue the Technical
Engineer Diploma (TED) or Technical Diploma (TD) programmes at ITE
Colleges if they are able to commence the course before 21 years
old, as at 1st January of the course commencement year. They will
be granted deferment to complete the academic phase only, and will
be enlisted for full-time NS at the earliest opportunity upon
completion of the academic phase. Deferment will not be granted for
work attachments and internships. Applications for deferment from
ITE graduates who are above 21 years old as at 1st January of their
course commencement year will be considered on a case-by-case
basis.
NS-liable persons who are returning from overseas and who wish to
pursue ITE Diploma studies must seek prior approval from CMPB
before applying for their intended course of study. Persons who are
deemed to have already attained a first education bar qualification
(defined as GCE 'A' Levels, Polytechnic Diploma or equivalent
qualifications), be it locally or overseas, will not be granted
deferment to pursue another first education bar qualification or
another qualification below first education bar.
NITEC and Higher NITEC Studies
NS-liable persons will be granted deferment for NITEC or Higher
NITEC courses at ITE Colleges if they are able to commence the
course before 19 years old (for Secondary 4 students) or 20 years
old (for Secondary 5 students), as at 1st January of the course
commencement year.
NS-liable persons who graduated with NITEC qualification from ITE
Colleges will also be granted deferment for Higher NITEC courses if
they are able to commence the course at ITE Colleges before 20
years old, as at 1st January of the course commencement year.
NS-liable persons who are returning from overseas and who wish to
pursue NITEC or Higher NITEC studies at ITE Colleges must seek
prior approval from CMPB before applying for their intended course
of study. Persons who are deemed to have already attained a first
education bar qualification (defined as GCE 'A' Levels, Polytechnic
Diploma or equivalent qualifications), be it locally or overseas,
will not be granted deferment to pursue another first education bar
qualification or another qualification below first education
bar.
GCE 'O' and 'N' Level Courses
NS-liable persons will generally be granted deferment to pursue GCE
'O' and 'N' Level studies at government, government-aided or
independent secondary schools.
An extension of deferment may be granted for those who wish to
repeat their GCE 'N' or 'O' Level studies on a full-time basis,
subject to one repeat only.
Local Private Courses
NS-liable persons who graduated before September 2011 may be
granted deferment to pursue full-time studies (up to the GCE 'A'
Levels, Polytechnic Diploma or equivalent qualifications) at
private institutions registered with the Council for Private
Education (CPE), if they are able to commence the course before 18
years old, as at 1st January of the course commencement year.
NS-liable persons graduating from September 2011 onwards may be
granted deferment to pursue full-time studies (up to the GCE 'A'
Levels, Polytechnic Diploma or equivalent qualifications) at
private institutions registered with the CPE, if they are able to
commence their courses before 19 years old (for Secondary 4
students) or 20 years old (for Secondary 5 & ITE students), as
at 1st January of the course commencement year. The higher cut-off
age will apply to courses commencing from 1st January 2012
onwards.
Deferment for private courses will be considered on a
stage-by-stage basis (i.e. a Certificate course and a Diploma
course, if packaged together, will be treated as separate courses
for the purpose of granting deferment). A new application for
deferment must be made before the commencement of a new stage of
studies. Deferment for the new stage of studies will be subject to
the same cut-off age stated in the preceding paragraph.
Overseas Studies
NS-liable persons who graduated before September 2011 may be
granted deferment to pursue full-time overseas studies (up to the
GCE 'A' Levels, Polytechnic Diploma or their equivalent
qualifications) if they are able to commence the course before 18
years old, as at 1st January of the course commencement year.
NS-liable persons graduating from September 2011 onwards may be
granted deferment to pursue full-time overseas studies (up to the
GCE 'A' Levels, Polytechnic Diploma or their equivalent
qualifications) if they are able to commence their courses before
19 years old (for Secondary 4 students) or 20 years old (for
Secondary 5 & ITE students), as at 1st January of the course
commencement year. The higher cut-off age will apply to courses
commencing from 1st January 2012 onwards.
NS-liable persons will be required to apply for an exit permit for
overseas trips of 3 months and longer and will be required to
furnish a bond of $75,000 or an amount equivalent to 50% of the
combined annual gross income of both parents for the preceding
year, whichever is higher.
Application for Deferment
NS-liable persons may apply for deferment online at the NS portal
(http://www.ns.sg) during NS registration and pre-enlistment
documentation.
Those applying for deferment to pursue local studies may be
required to furnish documentary proof for verification upon CMPB's
request. Upon CMPB's request, they will be required to submit to
CMPB a letter from their school certifying their enrolment, their
course of study, as well as their course commencement and
completion dates.
Those applying for deferment to pursue overseas studies must submit
to CMPB a letter from their school certifying their enrolment,
their course of study as well as their course commencement and
completion dates. In addition, they must submit their parents'
Income Tax Notices of Assessment (both local and overseas) for the
preceding year.
Those who subsequently wish to pursue or switch to a new course
or institution must seek prior approval from CMPB.
Notes: The information provided in this website are general
guidelines. For further details, you may wish to contact the NS
Call Centre at [email protected] or Tel: 1800-3676767
(eNSNSNS).