Do I need to apply for the Edusave Merit Bursary (EMB)?

No. From November 2025, MOE auto-assesses shortlisted nominees using the latest household income records in government databases. Use MOE’s income reassessment form only if your family’s income details need a manual review.

How would I know if my child has been awarded the Edusave Merit Bursary (EMB)?

MOE states successful EMB awardees receive an EMB congratulatory letter and either a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) or Certificate of Learning Achievement (CLA), plus a CO invitation to the awards presentation ceremony.

My child received EMB last year but not this year—why?

MOE explains EMB depends on academic performance, good conduct, and household income. If your household income or household members changed, you can request a financial criteria reassessment.

What is included in “household income” for the EMB means test?

MOE’s FAQ states household income includes employment and trade income, averaged over the most recent available 12 months based on CPF/IRAS records.

When will the EMB money be credited (PayNow)?

MOE notes award monies are typically triggered via PayNow (NRIC) within about 1 week after the awards ceremony once the CO submits the attendance listing. If your PayNow is linked only to a mobile number, link your child’s NRIC/birth certificate number instead.

Edusave Merit Bursary (Singapore): Eligibility, Amounts & PayNow Payout

TL;DR

Automatic MOE bursary for Singapore Citizens who rank in the top 25% and meet income cut-offs (GHI ≤ $9,000 or PCI ≤ $2,250); no application—link PayNow to the student’s NRIC/birth cert to receive the payout.

Sponsor: Ministry of Education (Edusave Programmes)Bond: Bond-FreeOverseas: Primarily Singapore

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03 Oct 2025, 15:38 Z

Reviewed by

Marcus Pang·Managing Director (Maths)

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Q: What does Edusave Merit Bursary (EMB): Eligibility, Amounts & PayNow Payout cover?
A: Key eligibility, award amounts, and disbursement timelines for the Edusave Merit Bursary across primary, secondary, JC/MI, polytechnic, and ITE levels.

TL;DR Automatic MOE bursary for Singapore Citizens who rank in the top 25% and meet income cut-offs $GHI \leq $9,000 or PCI \leq $2,250$ ; no application-link PayNow to the student’s NRIC/birth cert to receive the payout.

Bursary Snapshot

Status: Auto-assessment in effect; award notifications run by mid-December each year (verified 2025-11-29; MOE update 18 Nov 2025)
Administered by: Ministry of Education via the Edusave Programme
Who It Supports: Singapore Citizen students in MOE-funded schools and institutions (including JC/MI, polytechnics, and ITE) who meet both the Edusave means test and academic excellence requirements
Income Cut-Offs: Gross household income <= $9,000 or per-capita income <= $2,250, validated each award year
Merit Requirement: Students must be within the top 25% of their level or course and demonstrate good conduct
Award Quantum: $200-$ 500 depending on level, deposited into the student's bank account
Nomination Route: Schools/institutions shortlist eligible students; from Nov 2025 MOE uses government income records for EMB and disburses via CO/PayNow without a public application portal

Award Breakdown

Primary school levels

Primary 1 to 3: $200 each award year
Primary 4 to 6: $250 each award year

Edusave Merit Bursary (Singapore): Eligibility, Amounts & PayNow Payout

Bursary Snapshot

Award Breakdown

Primary school levels

Secondary school levels

Junior college & Millennia Institute

ITE & polytechnic

Eligibility & Staying Eligible

Timeline & Disbursement (What to expect)

Income Criteria & Reassessment

FAQ

Useful Links

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