A Singapore Government Agency WebsiteHow to identify 
Official website links end with .gov.sg

Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg website
(e.g. go.gov.sg/open). Trusted websites  

Secure websites use HTTPS

Look for a lock (lock) or https:// as an added precaution.
Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Last Updated:  03 Sep 2026

Overview

Learn about the aims of the NUS-MOE HSSR programme, exemption in NUS, who can apply, programme timeline and fees.

The NUS-MOE Humanities and Social Sciences Research (HSSR) programme is jointly offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), National University of Singapore (NUS), and the Gifted Education Branch, Curriculum Planning and Development Division, MOE.

It is a H3 option for students who demonstrate outstanding aptitude and ability for these 6 A-Level examination subjects:

  • Chinese Language and Literature
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History
  • Literature in English
  • Malay Language and Literature

Aims of the programme

  • To expand your understanding of the individual and society through explorations of different dimensions of the world in the areas of research arising from specific Humanities or Social Sciences subject disciplines.
  • To equip you with some knowledge of research methods which you will be able to apply to the different kinds of problems in your research areas.
  • To provide you with opportunities to think creatively and critically with greater breadth and depth about complex concepts and issues in your research areas.
  • To develop passion and cultivate values for independent learning in you.

What you can expect

Under this programme, you will:

  • Work on an area of interest beyond the A-Level curriculum that will deepen and/or broaden your exposure to the Humanities and Social Sciences.
  • Carry out independent study and research in consultation with an academic staff from FASS, NUS.
  • Write an Extended Essay, which will be assessed as part of your A-Level examination.

The curriculum time is approximately 120 hours of independent work and consultation with a NUS Supervisor.

Click here to watch a video by a NUS Supervisor on his HSSR experience.

H3 exemption in NUS: Advanced Placement Credit (APC)

A-Level students who have completed the NUS-MOE HSSR programme may be granted APC in NUS. APCs can count towards the FASS degree requirements (under Unrestricted Electives).

You will be given more information on APCs through the NUS student portal upon matriculation into FASS, NUS.

Who can apply

To take the NUS-MOE HSSR as a H3 option, you must:

  • Be a student taking the A-Level examination.
  • Have demonstrated outstanding aptitude and ability in any one of the 6 subjects offered.
  • Have taken the corresponding H2 subject in JC1/IP Year 5/Pre-U 2, and continue to take the same subject in JC2/IP Year 6/Pre-U 3.
NUS-MOE HSSR as a H3 option Corresponding H2 subjects
Chinese Language and Literature

Chinese Language and Literature
Economics

Economics
Geography  Geography
History  History
Literature in English  Literature in English
Malay Language and Literature  Malay Language and Literature

Timeline for HSSR 2027 (Application starts in 2026)

Application typically starts in August or September, when the topics for application will be published. We will inform all junior colleges, centralised institute and schools with Integrated Programme (IP) offering the A-Level examinations.

After the applications are open, the key dates are reflected below.
Dates for HSSR 2027 Cycle Activity
Friday, 23 October 2026, by 5.00 p.m. Deadline for submission of applications.
Tuesday, 10 November 2026 Shortlisted applicants will be notified.
Wednesday, 11 November to Tuesday, 17 November 2026 Shortlisted applicants to complete their online applications through the NUS Admissions Portal.
Wednesday, 18 November 2026 NUS sends offer notifications by email to shortlisted applicants.
Friday, 20 November 2026 Deadline for shortlisted applicants to accept their offers through the NUS Admissions Portal.
Tuesday, 24 November to Friday, 27 November 2026 Shortlisted applicants to complete NUS online registration procedures, including Check-In and Onboarding.
Thursday, 7 January 2027 (Online)

Students must:

  • Attend the NUS–MOE HSSR briefing.
  • Attend the online familiarisation tour of the NUS Libraries.
  • Meet their NUS Supervisors to discuss schedules and expectations.

Teacher Coordinators and NUS Supervisors must attend the relevant briefing.
January to May 2027 Research mentorship and consultation period with NUS Supervisors.
Tuesday, 4 May to Friday, 14 May 2027 Students must complete the HSSR Student Feedback exercise through the online form.
Friday, 14 May 2027 Selected students, if notified, must attend the mandatory online HSSR student feedback session.
Friday, 30 July 2027 Deadline for submission of Extended Essays for assessment. Teacher Coordinators must compile and submit the essays with the completed summary sheet.

Programme fees

The NUS-MOE HSSR programme costs $648 per student. You need to pay only $60 and the rest will be covered by an MOE grant. If selected, your school will collect the $60 from you, download the MOE grant and liaise with NUS on the payment.

Find out more about HSSR programme components and HSSR application process.