All You Need To Know About MOE Edusave Awards

The pursuit of progress and the embodiment of the spirit of learning can have a profound impact on a child's development, shaping them into well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges and opportunities that life presents.

To celebrate and honour this spirit, Singapore rewards a child's achievements with the MOE Edusave Awards. These awards recognise and encourage academic excellence, as well as outstanding contributions to the community and beyond.

Purpose of MOE Edusave Awards

Established in 1994 as part of the Edusave scheme, the MOE Edusave Awards recognise and reward outstanding students in Singapore. Presented to students who demonstrate excellence in academics, co-curricular activities, and community service, the awards motivate students to strive for excellence and contribute to society.

The Edusave scheme itself encourages parents to save for their children's education. The MOE Edusave Awards are funded by this scheme, and the award amounts have increased over the years to keep pace with the rising cost of education.

The MOE Edusave Awards are presented at various education levels, from primary school to junior college. There are two main categories:

• Academic awards: for students who excel in their studies.
• Non-academic awards: for students who display exceptional leadership, character, and community service.

How to Get an Edusave Award

It's important to note that MOE Edusave Awards are not something you can directly apply for. These awards are based on merit, recognising students who have excelled in specific areas. However, understanding the eligibility criteria can help you support your child in their education journey towards potentially receiving one.

To be considered for an Edusave Award, a student must meet specific eligibility criteria. These differ depending on the award type, but generally include:

• Citizenship: Your child must be a Singapore citizen.
• Good Conduct: Your child should exemplify and maintain good conduct in school.
• Academic Performance: This varies depending on the specific award. Some awards, like the Edusave Scholarship, require students to be in the top percentage of their cohort, while others, like the Edusave Good Progress Award, recognise significant academic improvement.
• Income (for some awards): Some awards, like the Edusave Merit Bursary (EMB), have specific income criteria to ensure that financial assistance reaches those who need it most.

By understanding these criteria, parents can better support their children in their academic and personal development, increasing their chances of being recognised with an MOE Edusave Award.

Types of Edusave Merit Awards

Singapore offers various Edusave Awards to recognise and reward students for their academic achievements, personal qualities, and contributions to the community. Let's delve into the different types of awards:

Edusave Scholarship (ES)

The Edusave Scholarship (ES) is a prestigious award that recognises top-performing students who consistently demonstrate academic excellence and good conduct. It aims to motivate students to continue striving for academic success.

• Eligibility Criteria: Top 10% of the level and course, good conduct
• Award Amount:
  • Primary 5 to 6: $350
  • Secondary/Specialised School: $500

Edusave Merit Bursary (EMB)

The Edusave Merit Bursary (EMB) is an award that supports students who excel academically and come from households with a gross monthly income not exceeding $7,500 (or per capita income not exceeding $1,875). It aims to provide financial assistance to help students focus on their education.

• Eligibility Criteria: Top 25% of the level and course, good conduct, income criteria
• Award Amount:
  • Primary 1 to 3: $200
  • Primary 4 to 6: $250
  • Secondary School: $350
  • Specialised School: $500
  • JC/Millennia Institute: $400
  • ITE/Polytechnic: $500

Edusave Good Progress Award (GPA)

The Edusave Good Progress Award (GPA) acknowledges students who have shown significant improvement in their academic performance throughout the year. It encourages students to continue their efforts and progress in their studies.

• Eligibility Criteria: Top 10% improvement in the level and course, good conduct
• Award Amount:
  • Primary 2 to 3: $100
  • Primary 4 to 6: $150
  • Secondary School: $200
  • Specialised School: $400
  • JC/Millennia Institute: $250
  • ITE/Polytechnic: $400

Edusave Award for Achievement, Good Leadership and Service (EAGLES)

The EAGLES award recognises students who have demonstrated a well-rounded profile, excelling in academics, leadership, community service, and co-curricular activities. It celebrates students who contribute positively to their school and community.

• Eligibility Criteria: Good conduct, demonstrated leadership, service to community, excellence in non-academic activities, 21st Century Competencies (for some levels)
• Award Amount:
  • Primary 1 to 3: $200
  • Primary 4 to 6: $250
  • Secondary School: $350
  • Specialised School, Crest Secondary, Spectra Secondary: $500
  • JC/Millennia Institute: $400
  • ITE: $500

Edusave Character Award (ECHA)

The Edusave Character Award (ECHA) is presented to students who consistently display exemplary character and outstanding personal qualities, demonstrating values such as respect, resilience, responsibility, and care.

• Eligibility Criteria: Exemplary character and outstanding personal qualities, good conduct
• Award Amount:
  • Primary 1 to 3: $200
  • Primary 4 to 6: $350
  • Secondary/Specialised School: $500
  • JC/Millennia Institute: $500
  • ITE: $500

Receiving Awards

Receiving an Edusave Award is an exciting moment for both students and their families. Here's what you can expect:

How Will I Know If My Child Is Nominated for an Edusave Award?

If your child is selected for an Edusave Award, you'll receive official notification. This includes a letter from the Ministry of Education (MOE) informing you of the award, along with a separate letter from your respective Constituency Office (CO). The CO's letter will provide specific details about the upcoming award ceremony.

When Will I Receive My Edusave Award Money?

The good news is that by the time you receive the notification, the Edusave award money will likely already be on its way. If your child registered for PayNow before the award ceremony, the funds are automatically transferred through that platform.

If your child isn't registered for PayNow or if there are any issues with the disbursement, MOE will contact you for your child's bank account details. In this case, the money will be credited to their account roughly two weeks after MOE receives the information. You'll receive a confirmation letter by mail once the transfer is complete.

It's important to ensure that your child's bank account details are updated with MOE to avoid any delays in receiving the Edusave award money.

Achieve Educational Success with Illum.e

As parents, we always want to see our children thrive academically and unlock their full potential. At illum.e, we understand the importance of strong academic foundations, and our tuition programmes are designed to help students excel in their studies.

Our unique approach to teaching focuses on developing critical thinking skills, effective study habits, and a genuine love for learning. With our experienced educators and comprehensive curriculum, we aim to equip students with the tools they need to achieve academic excellence – and potentially become eligible for Edusave Awards based on their academic results.

Whether your child is looking for primary school English tuition, humanities tuition in secondary school, or tackling JC Economics, our passionate educators are committed to nurturing their academic growth. We believe that every student can succeed with the right guidance and support. Partner with illum.e and empower your child to reach new heights in their academic journey!