Getting close to ORD already, can taste the "ORD Mood"...!
Please share knowledge/ experience/ know-how on NS disruption of full-time NS to pursue overseas studies just prior to ORD whilst NSF?
My formation got one NSF disrupting to go SMU.
I wish to know how many hurdles and hoops I have to jump over.
Cheers
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).