Yellow Ribbon Fund

Programmes

Select a programme to learn more about it and how to apply.

YRF STAR Bursary
Programmes 1

“No words can express my gratitude towards YRF. It has aided me during my entire polytechnic journey. Beyond the monetary value, YRF has provided me with essential emotional and moral support, a chance to study without financial concerns, and achieve my fullest potential.”

Mr Alvin Tan, Graduate of Republic PolytechnicRecipient of the YRF STAR Bursary Award

The Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF) STAR (Skills Training Assistance to Restart) Bursary provides financial assistance to low-income ex-offenders who wish to pursue tertiary education or skills-based training after their release.

YRF aims to support inmates and ex-offenders to build viable futures for themselves and their families through upgrading, which will enhance employability and encourage self-sufficiency. The beneficiaries of the YRF STAR Bursary may also serve as role models and inspire ex-offenders to rebuild their lives through education.

Yellow Brick Road
Programmes 2

“The YBR programme brought us closer as a family because it enabled us to communicate and understand one another. The tuition support is great as it reduced my financial stress and really helped my children to do well. I am very grateful for YBR’s support.”

Mdm Aishah, Mother-of-fiveBeneficiary of the Yellow Brick Road Programme

Given the multifaceted impact of parental incarceration, the children have many unaddressed needs such as academic performance and social-emotional development.

The Yellow Brick Road (YBR) Programme was conceptualised and developed in 2014 as a children-centric programme to address these needs for the children.

Key components of the programme includes case management and parenting workshops with the caregivers, groupwork and tuition for the children and family bonding activities.

Referrals to YBR are done during the incare phase.

Yellow Ribbon Enabling Fund
Programmes 1

“I am so thankful for the financial assistance from YREF, especially when faced with the multiple reintegration needs that I had to manage upon my release. The assistance has helped to tide over my finances as I worked to earn my very first salary. It took away one of the biggest burdens that I stressed over as I start my life anew.”

Thani (pseudonym), 51 years oldRecipient of the YRER

The Yellow Ribbon Enabling Fund (YREF) is an interim financial assistance scheme to help ex-offenders with their daily subsistence as they transition from prison to the community upon release.

This support is also extended to families who are impacted by the incarceration of their loved ones.

Academic Track

Qualifications Supported:

  • GCE N, O, A Levels

  • Nitec/Higher Nitec

  • Diploma

  • Degree

  • Graduate Diploma

Skills Track

Certifications Supported:

  • WSQ Suite Certifications
    (E.g. Certificate, Higher Certificate, Advanced Certificate, Diploma, Work-Study Diploma, Specialist Diploma, Graduate Diploma)

  • Industry-Accredited Certifications
    (E.g. Gym/Fitness course, Sports Climbing course, Fine/Culinary Arts course)

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Singaporean / Permanent Resident;
  2. Per capita income (PCI) not exceeding $1,500; PCI > $1,500, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis;
  3. Released from prisons for not more than 5 years; released > 5 years will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

*Applicants for Skills Track should utilise available SkillsFuture subsidies. The remaining balance, based on eligibility and funding components, could be funded by the YRF STAR Bursary. The funded amount is subject to approval by YRF.

YRF STAR Bursary Panel Dates 2025

Quarter

Panel Dates

Application Closing Dates

Panel 1

Friday, 11 April 2025

Friday, 21 March 2025 (closed)

Panel 2

Friday, 18 July 2025

Wednesday, 11 June 2025

Panel 3

Thursday, 4 September 2025

Monday, 28 July 2025

Panel 4

Thursday, 30 October 2025

Tuesday, 23 September 2025

Apply Now
 

For Academic Track Courses, applicants may submit the required documents to Ms Angela Swee at Angela_Swee@yellowribbon.gov.sg.

 

For Skills Track Courses, applicants may contact Ms Jaslyn Quek at Jaslyn_Quek@yellowribbon.gov.sg.

Only softcopy documents are accepted. For further enquiries please contact us at 8859 3599.

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Bursary Details and Obligations
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  • The bursary is open for application to inmates who are due for release soon and who wish to pursue tertiary education or skills-based training after release.
  • The bursary funds up to 100% of course fees. Course fees incurred prior to the award of the bursary will not be reimbursed.
  • The YRF STAR Bursary Committee reserves the right to revoke any bursary awarded if the progress, performance and behaviour of the student are deemed to be unsatisfactory.
  • Students must be registered as a Yellow Ribbon Project (YRP) volunteer and help out at Yellow Ribbon-related events as required.