Bursaries and Grants in Singapore: Financial Aid Map from Primary to University

Bursaries and grants ensure students can focus on learning—even when household finances are tight. This guide maps the major means-tested aid schemes from primary school through university, highlights eligibility benchmarks, and shares documentation tips so applications clear quickly.

Primary School (P1-P6)

Application tips: Prepare NRIC/birth certificates, recent payslips or CPF statements, and rental agreements. Submit by Term 1 Week 2 to activate textbook vouchers before the school year peaks.

Secondary & Integrated Programme (Sec 1-4 / IP Years 1-4)

• Independent School Bursary (ISB) — Covers up to 100% of school and miscellaneous fees for students in independent schools; confirm the latest PCI tier with MOE or the school before applying (MOE ISB).
• Opportunity Fund — Principals may tap this MOE fund for enrichment trips or devices when families cannot co-pay.
• CCA / Talent grant-in-aid — Schools often subsidise competition travel costs when students qualify for national/international events.

Pair financial applications with academic planning: use https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/ip-maths-lower-sec-notes and https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/ip-combined-sciences-lower-sec-notes to keep grades high while support kicks in.

Junior College (JC1-JC2)

Emergency relief: The UPLIFT Community Network provides casework and temporary financial support when families face sudden unemployment (UPLIFT). Schools can escalate cases to Social Service Offices for expedited help.

Polytechnics & Universities

Documentation kit:

1. Latest IRAS Notice of Assessment for parents/guardian.
2. CPF contribution statements (past 12 months).
3. Rental or mortgage statements.
4. Medical letters or retrenchment notices (if applying under extenuating cases).

Staying Eligible Across Levels

• Academic standing: Most bursaries expect a pass grade; some require minimum GPA/CAP (e.g., NUS bursaries require CAP ≥ 3.0).
• Attendance: Maintain ≥ 90% attendance unless supported by medical proof.
• Conduct: Avoid disciplinary records; update coordinators promptly if circumstances change.

References

1. MOE Financial Assistance Scheme
2. MOE FAS factsheet (PDF)
3. Independent School Bursary
4. ComCare Student Care Subsidies
5. Temasek Foundation Pioneers of Possible
6. UPLIFT Community Network
7. Higher Education bursary factsheet (PDF)