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Teaching Scholarships & Awards: Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are the undergraduate teaching scholarships available?

    MOE and PSC offer a wide range of attractive teaching scholarships and awards to ‘A’ level and Polytechnic Diploma holders with outstanding academic and co-curricular records.

    • PSC Teaching Scholarships:
      • Overseas Merit Scholarship (Teaching) [OMS(T)]
      • Local-Overseas Merit Scholarship (Teaching) [L-OMS(T)]
    • MOE Scholarships and Awards:
      • Education Merit Scholarship (EMS)
      • MOE Teaching Scholarship (MOE TS)
      • MOE Teaching Award (MOE TA)

  2. What is the difference between PSC and MOE Teaching Scholarships and the difference between the OMS(T) and the EMS?

    Students who have been awarded a PSC Teaching Scholarship will automatically be placed on the Management Associates Programme (MAP). Upon graduation from university, all scholars will go through NIE for a year, and then serve out their bond in their parent ministry for the first two years. They can look forward to a posting to another ministry for their next two years in service. Thereafter, they could either return to MOE or serve in the Administrative Service. Male PSC scholars will also be granted NS disruption to pursue their undergraduate studies.

    MOE Teaching Scholarship / Award holders will serve out their bond in MOE, but they will be given opportunities to experience challenging and meaningful work both in schools and MOE HQ. Male scholars will have to complete their NS before proceeding for their undergraduate studies.

    All scholars will be given comprehensive development programmes that will be geared towards the teaching profession. This will stand them in good stead when they return to the Teaching Service upon graduation.

  3. Is there a cap on the number of teaching scholarships and awards offered every year?

    There is no cap. We will offer as many teaching scholarships and awards as there are good candidates. MOE has offered more than 200 teaching scholarships and awards each year over the last 2 years.

Development and Career Opportunities

  1. What programmes are available to develop me as a scholar?

    All teaching scholars and award holders can look forward to participating in a wide array of interesting and exciting programmes and activities, before and during their undergraduate studies.

    For a start, all newly awarded scholars and award holders will attend an Induction Course where they will have an opportunity to learn more about the Singapore Education System as well as the latest developments/initiatives. Teaching scholars will also attend a 3 to 4 day course at Outward Bound Singapore.

    In addition, the overseas scholars will get the chance to attend a specially tailored Pre-Departure Course (including workshops and a cooking class!) where they will learn useful life-skills on how to cope with living and studying overseas, as well as interact and bond with returning seniors.

    During their undergraduate studies, scholars and award holders will also have the opportunity to participate in various activities that will enhance their exposure and interaction. These include attachments to schools, attending overseas conferences, student exchange programmes, and engaging in regular dialogue sessions with senior MOE officials. Teaching scholars will also attend a 1-week Development in Public Policies Seminar which serves to equip scholars with broader perspectives on policy-making in the wider Civil Service, and to better appreciate the challenges faced by the various Ministries, including MOE.

    OMS(T), L-OMS(T) and EMS scholars can also look forward to challenging and fulfilling attachments to MOE Headquarters and Overseas Attachments to foreign educational institutions, during their vacations.

    Apart from MOE programmes, scholars and award holders are often encouraged to broaden their horizons and experiences through active participations in Student Exchange Programmes, Field Trips, Community Involvement Projects, just to name a few. We will also consider sponsoring some of these activities, to support our scholars‘ participation.

  2. What is the career path like for a teaching scholar / award holder?

    Upon completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme at NIE, a teaching scholar/award holder would be posted to a secondary school or junior college to teach for about 2 to 3 years, to gain useful and relevant experience in a school environment. He/she can apply and look forward to a posting to MOE HQ for the next 2 to 3 years to gain greater exposure in other areas, such as policy formulation, planning and curriculum work. With both school and HQ experiences, the scholar/award holder would be more ready to take on positions of higher responsibility, along the Teaching, Leadership or Senior Specialist Track.

  3. Will I have opportunities to pursue postgraduate studies immediately after my first degree?

    Scholars/award holders who obtain at least 2nd Upper Honours can apply to pursue a Master’s degree in a local or overseas university immediately after obtaining their first degree. Scholars with 1st Class Honours can also apply for a MOE Master’s Sponsorship for their postgraduate studies.

    Another option that is popular among serving teachers is to apply for a MOE Postgraduate Scholarship or to consider other Professional Development Schemes (e.g. Study Leave, Study Loans) to pursue a further degree after they have gained a few years of teaching experience. This option allows them to tap on their teaching experience to better appreciate what they learn when pursuing their postgraduate degree. Also, the range of subjects available is wider – scholars can consider studying pure content subjects, or others like Educational Policy and Administration.

  4. Will I be placed on the MAP if I am an EMS / TS scholar?

    EMS / MOE TS scholars with outstanding performance, co-curricular records and achievements will be recommended by MOE to be placed on the MAP.

Application Details

  1. How can I apply for a PSC / MOE scholarship if my preliminary results are not out yet?

    Candidates are encouraged to apply during their 2nd year in JC, around September, when the online applications open. Candidates will be shortlisted based on their other school and academic records, such as co-curricular activities and psychometric test scores. PSC will approach the JCs directly for the preliminary results of shortlisted candidates towards the end of their JC2, as interviews will only be conducted from January of the following year.

  2. How does a student go about applying for a scholarship/award? Does he have to indicate his choice of scholarship or award in his application?

    Students who are interested in a PSC or MOE Teaching Scholarship should submit their applications online via the PSC Gateway from 1st September to 10 days after the release of the ‘A’ Level results. Students would only need to indicate the type of Service they wish to apply for (e.g. Teaching, Legal Service, Foreign Service, etc.) in the online application.

    Students who are keen on the MOE Teaching Award should download the application form and submit it with all supporting documents. The Ministry will then assess the applicant’s suitability for the various types of teaching scholarships and awards, at the interview.

  3. Will I be called up early for my interview if I apply for the scholarship before the release of the ‘A’ Level results?

    As far as possible, MOE tries to interview applicants early. However, given the large number of scholarship applications that we receive annually, we may interview some of the applicants only after the release of the GCE ‘A’ Level results. Nevertheless, we would still encourage interested candidates to submit their applications early.

  4. When is the closing date for scholarship and award applications?

    All applications must be made through the internet. The closing date is about 10 days after the release of the GCE ‘A’ Level results. Please check the PSC Gateway and MOE TEACH websites during the release of the GCE ‘A’ Level results to find out the deadline for applications.

  5. Can a student apply for both the MOE Teaching Scholarship and MOE Teaching Award?

    Students who apply for the MOE Teaching Scholarship via the PSC Gateway need not separately apply for a MOE Teaching Award through MOE. They will be shortlisted for the most suitable scholarship/award that they qualify for.

  6. When should I indicate my preference for local or overseas studies?

    Applicants can indicate their choice of study in the application form. If they are unable to decide at the point of application, they can always indicate their preference for local or overseas studies at the interview.

  7. If I was not shortlisted or was rejected by PSC for a PSC Teaching Scholarship, does it mean that I have to re-apply to MOE for the other scholarships / awards?

    Students who were not shortlisted or were rejected by PSC need not re-apply to MOE. PSC will pass the applicant’s information to MOE, whereupon we will consider the applicant for other types of teaching scholarships.

  8. If I had previously rejected MOE’s offer of a Teaching Scholarship/Award, will I be considered if I re-apply subsequently?

    As long as you meet the requirements for a teaching scholarship / award, you will be considered in competition with the other applications received.

Scholarship Criteria

  1. Do a student’s preliminary results affect the selection process/shortlisting?

    A student’s preliminary results will affect the selection process/shortlisting if he / she applies for the scholarship before the release of the GCE ‘A’ Level results. The offer for a scholarship is subject to the applicant obtaining good academic results in the GCE ‘A’ Levels. Preliminary results will not affect the selection process/shortlisting for students who apply after the release of the GCE ‘A’ Level results.

  2. Would MOE consider a candidate for a teaching scholarship if his results or CCA records are not very outstanding?

    We take a holistic approach when considering a candidate. MOE will consider his / her academic qualifications, CCA records and other relevant information, in competition with the other applications received.

  3. Is it possible to obtain the MOE Teaching Award if an applicant does not have any ‘S’ papers?

    Yes. It is not a prerequisite for applicants of the MOE Teaching Award to have ‘S’ papers.

  4. What qualities does the interview panel look for in a candidate during the interview?

    Candidates who are shortlisted for the interviews would have obtained good academic results. The panel would further assess their CCA records, leadership skills, career interests as well as passion for teaching and the education service during the interview session.

  5. Are Diploma holders eligible to apply for a teaching scholarship/award?

    Diploma holders who are applying to enter a local university to read teaching subjects are welcome to apply for a teaching scholarship/award. We will consider their application in competition with other applications that we receive.

  6. If an applicant wants to study Music in NUS, but only has relevant certificates in Music and Theory (e.g. Grade 1-8 and Diploma), is he still eligible to apply for the MOE Teaching Scholarship?

    Applicants will be considered in competition with the other students who may have taken the Music Elective Programme at ‘A’ Level. The interview panel will also take the applicant’s interests into consideration when deciding on the scholarship to offer and the subject to study in university.

  7. Are psychometric tests and the SAT compulsory for teaching scholarship applications?

    Students who have been shortlisted for PSC or MOE teaching scholarships will be required to sit for psychometric tests, if they did not take the tests previously. SAT is not a prerequisite for scholarship application.

Bond

  1. What is the bond period?

    Local awards: 4 years

    Overseas awards:

    • 6 years (for those who study in English speaking countries)
    • 5 years (for those who study in non-English speaking countries)

  2. Is the period of NIE training counted towards the discharge of my bond?

    Yes, the period of NIE training will be counted towards the discharge of your bond, provided that you have served for a certain number of years as a trained teacher.

National Service

  1. Can I disrupt National Service (NS) to pursue my undergraduate course and re-enlist after the completion of my undergraduate course?

    Only those who are offered the Overseas Merit Scholarship (Teaching) [OMS(T)] and Local-Overseas Merit Scholarship (Teaching) [L-OMS(T)] will be granted NS disruption.

    Students awarded the Education Merit Scholarship, the MOE Teaching Scholarship or the MOE Teaching Award will have to first complete their NS before proceeding for their undergraduate studies. These students will be given a provisional scholarship/award if selected. MOE will then confirm their provisional award upon the completion of NS, subject to good NS performance and medical clearance.

  2. Does NS count towards the discharge of the scholarship bond?

    Yes. Part of the NS period can be counted towards the discharge of the scholarship bond.

University Application

  1. Would MOE advise male JC students to apply for a university now, as they might have to complete their NS before commencing their university course?

    For male JC students who are interested in a PSC teaching scholarship, they should apply for a university soon as they would be eligible for NS disruption. For other male teaching scholars/award holders, they should apply for university admission as early as possible, bearing in mind that some overseas universities will only allow them to defer their placement for one year.

  2. Which countries does MOE send its scholars to?

    MOE has sent teaching scholars to Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, the UK and the US. We are always on the lookout for good universities in other countries (e.g. New Zealand and Canada) and welcome you to further discuss your choice of university and country of study with our scholarship officers.

  3. Does MOE have a list of recognised universities? Do I have a choice with regard to the university I attend?

    MOE does not have such a list as we are not the authority to assess or grant recognition to qualifications obtained from foreign and local institutions. MOE does not mandate your choice of university, as long as the course offered by the university is relevant and prepares you well for your future career with the Education Service.

  4. Does PSC or MOE apply to the universities, on behalf of its scholars?

    Generally, students are strongly encouraged to apply to the local or overseas universities of their choice, concurrently with their scholarship/award application. This is to ensure timely admission into university, upon confirmation of the scholarship or award. For students who are keen to study in Japan or China, PSC / MOE will assist you with your university application, after your acceptance of the scholarship.

  5. Can I study Science subjects or Maths in countries like Japan, France or Germany?

    The Ministry is supportive of sending teaching scholars to pursue Humanities or Science subjects in non-English speaking countries, as long as they demonstrate good ability and confidence to cope with the rigour and challenge of pursuing their studies in the country’s native language.

  6. How would students find out about the application deadline for these overseas universities?

    Students are encouraged to refer to the respective universities’ websites for the application deadlines.

  7. If I decide to take up a teaching scholarship/award after my first year of undergraduate studies at NUS, will MOE grant me back-payment for the first year and will the bond period be pro-rated?

    No. There will not be any back-payment for the first year of study. MOE will sponsor you from your second year onwards. The bond period for a local scholarship/award will remain as 4 years.

Curriculum Matters

  1. What are the subjects offered for applicants who want to take up the scholarship? Do scholars need to pursue a degree in a specific teaching subject?

    Teaching Scholarship/Award recipients can offer subjects in the Humanities (Geography, History and Literature), Sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Life Sciences), Languages (English, Mother Tongue Languages), Mathematics, Foreign Languages (French, German, and Japanese), Psychology, Music and Fine Art.

    This is to equip the teaching scholar/award holder with the relevant content mastery afforded by a degree in that subject, to better prepare him/her to teach in our schools.

  2. Will scholars have to choose the subjects that they want to teach or will MOE assign the subjects for them?

    MOE will assign the teaching subjects for our scholars/award holders after considering the needs of the Education Service, as well as the individual’s proficiency in the subject. However, scholars/award holders may also indicate his / her preferences to MOE for the assignment of subjects.

  3. If I am majoring in one teaching subject in university, would I be eligible to apply for the MOE Teaching Award?

    You are eligible to apply for the MOE Teaching Award. However, you will be required to take up four modules of a second teaching subject that we will assign to you when you accept the Teaching Award.

  4. Is it possible for scholars to pursue a degree in two very different subjects, such as Life Sciences and Geography?

    Scholars must first demonstrate that they are able to cope with the demands of both subjects. Also, the combination must be one that is approved by the university.

  5. Can I pursue one teaching subject and one non-teaching subject during my undergraduate studies?

    You may indicate your preferred subjects to the interview panel for consideration. We would prefer our scholars/award holders to pursue 2 teaching subjects (either as double majors or a major and minor) to ensure that they have the content mastery to teach at the secondary or junior college level. If you are interested in a particular non-teaching subject in your university, you can pursue it as an elective instead of a major/minor.

  6. Can a student pursue a degree in Engineering, given that he is interested to pursue a career in teaching later on? What are the choices available?

    We would prefer students to major in a teaching subject such as Physics or Mathematics. The breadth and depth of content knowledge will enable him/her to better contribute to the Education Service. An Engineering graduate would not have sufficient mastery of subject content and expertise to teach Physics or Mathematics at the secondary or JC level.

  7. Can a graduate in Psychology teach Chemistry or Maths in secondary schools or junior colleges?

    A graduate in Psychology would not have the mastery to teach at the secondary or JC level, if he / she has not read these subjects as a major in university. Instead, he / she will be posted to teach English/ Science/ Maths in primary schools. He/she could be considered for teaching in secondary schools or junior colleges only if he / she has read psychology and has majored in another relevant teaching subject in university.

  8. Would a degree in Early Childhood Education be relevant to teaching, especially in primary schools?

    No. A degree in Early Childhood Education would not contain the breadth and depth of knowledge required for teaching. Scholars and award holders should pursue Psychology instead.

  9. Can I request for a change of course/subject during my undergraduate studies?

    We do not encourage scholars/award holders to change their course/subject during their undergraduate studies. You will need to provide very good reasons to justify such a request. Approval will be subject to the needs of the Education Service.

  10. Can I apply to be a PE teacher under the MOE Teaching Award?

    At this point in time, MOE does not offer Teaching Awards for the study of PE. For those who wish to apply to become a PE teacher, they may consider applying for a teaching position upon graduation and taking the required Physical Proficiency Test (PPT).