NUS-MINDEF Cyber NSF Work-Learn Scheme

MINDEF/SAF has launched the Cyber NSF Scheme, a national effort to train and advance the cyber security capabilities of full-time national servicemen (NSF) enlisted with the SAF under the Cyber NSF Scheme. Eligible NSFs can serve either 3 or 4 years with MINDEF/SAF as Cyber Specialists, and undergo cyber security training under a Work-Learn Programme (WLP) which MINDEF/SAF has established with NUS Computing.

Under the Cyber NSF scheme, NSF who have been admitted to the School of Computing’s Bachelor of Computing in Information Security (InfoSec) programme may enrol NUS courses under Non-graduating, Non-Exchange (NGNE) student status before they matriculate as full-time undergraduates at NUS for the Bachelor of Computing in Information Security Co-operative programme.

The Cyber Specialists would first enrol for one full semester as a full time NGNE student (typically soon after enlistment). In subsequent semesters, until the end of their contract service with MINDEF/SAF as Cyber Specialists, they will enrol up to two NUS courses per semester.

• The Information Security Co-operative programme involves 3 internship stints:
  a. IFS2200 Information Security Immersion Programme (6 units, 3 months)
  b. CP3880 Advanced Technology Attachment Programme (12 units, 6 months)
  c. IFS4202 Information Security Practicum Programme (6 units) plus IFS4201 Information Security Industry Capstone Project (8 units, 7 months)
• Students who have signed three-year Cyber Specialist contracts with MINDEF/SAF will complete the first two (a and b) of the above internships at MINDEF/SAF.

• Students who have signed four-year Cyber Specialist contracts with MINDEF/SAF will complete all three internships (a, b and c) at MINDEF/SAF.

• Under this scheme, 3 year/4 year Cyber Specialists will do their first internship during second year NS, second internship during third year NS, and third internship at 4th year NS (for those in the 4 year Cyber NSF scheme/WLP programme).
• MINDEF will pay the tuition fees of the academic programme until completion of the Cyber Specialist’s contract. Fees paid for courses undertaken in NUS will be according to the Cyber Specialist’s status as NGNE or full-time students. Thus, whilst the Cyber Specialists are NGNE students, NUS will charge NGNE fees for the NUS courses taken by the Cyber Specialists, including the internship courses.

• Upon completion of their short-term contract with MINDEF/SAF, these Cyber Specialists will matriculate as full-time undergraduate NUS students in the InfoSec programme. They are expected to opt for the Co-op programme after matriculation to obtain relevant Advanced Placement Credits with grades (APGs)  in addition to the prevailing exemption policy or advance placement scheme that is applicable to diploma holders or non-diploma holders respectively.

• All NUS courses taken during their NGNE status under this scheme will be transferred  to the undergraduate candidature and their grades would be included in the computation of Grade Point Average (GPA) for the InfoSec Co-op programme unless the NSFs choose to exercise clean slate option for joining the undergraduate programme during matriculation.

• These students are allowed to exercise S/U option on some of the courses subjected to School of Computing/NUS rules governing the S/U options.

• The curriculum requirements for these students are the same as information security students in the Co-op programme. In the event that the students drop out of co-op programme they will need to complete the regular information security programme requirements. 

• If the students choose not to participate in the Co-operative (Co-op) programme upon matriculation into the InfoSec programme, they will be regular non Co-op InfoSec student. The APGs granted will be subjected to the applicable rules of the InfoSec (non Co-op) programme.

• If the students choose to transfer to another (non InfoSec) programme, the transfer of APGs will be subjected to the rules applicable to current NUS students seeking a transfer to another NUS course, at the discretion of NUS.