As November's open house season approaches, families can visit many secondary schools over the next four weekends. These are more than tours. They are opportunities to experience each school's culture firsthand. Parents should ask critical questions about subject availability at upper secondary levels and CCAs, as these choices will impact eligibility for JC subjects, polytechnic courses and university majors.

Passing AEIS is just the start for international students. Singapore’s education system uses three key exams as gatekeepers: PSLE, the new SEC (replacing O-Levels and N-Levels from 2027) and A-Levels. Early entry allows students develop better language skills and more time to adapt and excel. Understanding these stages helps families plan effectively and support children’s success and integration into Singapore’s rigorous academic landscape.

SkillsFuture is transforming education in Singapore by promoting lifelong learning and skills mastery. For students, portfolio building complements strong academic foundations, helping them demonstrate practical skills alongside grades. This balanced approach prepares them for competitive admissions and future job markets, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and creative application for holistic success.

Join us for two community sessions designed to guide families through critical education decisions. Learn about post-PSLE secondary school selection (AL scores vs DSA pathways) on Nov 1 at Siglap South CC, and university admissions strategies for local, US & UK institutions on Nov 23 at Thomson CC. Open to all parents and students seeking expert guidance on Singapore's education system.

When Secondary 1 student Ng See Jen found her new school had no chess CCA, she didn’t accept it. She rallied peers, formed a WhatsApp group and pitched a detailed proposal to the principal. That initiative led CHIJ St Nicks impromptu team to become national runners-up and zonal champions, with individual awards for members. This story exemplifies the excellence DSA looks for: leadership, problem-solving, perseverance and chess mastery all rolled into one student-driven succe

Singapore may wish to ease its focus on grades, but the truth is global universities still demand them. For ambitious students, standardised exams like the A-Levels remain a crucial leveller as a way to match brighter peers and reach top institutions. The challenge is not to deny grades, but to expand success to include networks, presence, and purpose as launchpads for lasting careers.

DSA was designed to recognise genuine talents beyond exam results, but many parents already use it to "try their luck," especially as AL scoring makes entry to selective IP schools harder. Allowing post-PSLE acceptance of DSA offers will worsen this trend, turning DSA into a free-for-all gaming system, increasing inequality and undermining the scheme’s original purpose.

DSA selection goes beyond top scores. Schools build a balanced cohort based on interests, potential, and fit with their missions. Portfolios, interviews, and trials assess qualities like curiosity and leadership. Programmatic fit is key to admission, not just school prestige. Navigating this complex process can be challenging, but expert guidance helps families make strategic decisions for successful outcomes.

NTU's career support is welcome, but let's be honest: Singapore's open economy means graduates compete globally for local jobs. Most desirable industries offer minimal citizen advantage. Success now requires uniquely human skills (creativity, empathy, cultural intelligence) that our academic system undervalues. Students need strategic guidance on becoming irreplaceably human in an AI-driven, globally competitive market.

The US new proposal on 4-year cap on F-1 student visas ends decades of 'duration of status' admissions, creating unprecedented uncertainty for international students. With 80% of Asian students relying on informal guidance, professional educational consultants like Ryse Education become critical for navigating policy volatility and developing strategic alternatives across Asia's rising education destinations.

A Primary 5 student from Maris Stella became a medallist at the International History Olympiad even though history isn’t taught in primary schools in Singapore. This highlights how educational consultants help students access and prepare for prestigious global competitions. With the timeline right, this student is well-positioned for P6 DSA next year under the humanities track, showcasing how competitions complement self-initiated projects in DSA preparation.

Singapore’s educational philosophy now goes far beyond grades, focusing on character, values, and holistic growth. Scholarship boards and universities increasingly seek students who show leadership, resilience, and a commitment to serving others. Key qualities for thriving in today’s volatile, complex world. At Ryse Education, we train future-ready students by nurturing character and whole-person development, preparing them to excel and lead with purpose.

Engineering Innovation Challenge judge shares key tips: Build a functional prototype, manage budget smartly, master Arduino and IoT app programming, hone soldering skills, and utilize CAD and 3D printing. Leverage makerspaces, build a diverse team, and seek mentorship early. These efforts build impactful projects and strengthen university applications, especially for Ivy League and Oxbridge hopefuls.

A student stands out by launching a science journalism contest funded from his own high school scholarship award, empowering youth and boosting science literacy. His initiative exemplifies authentic leadership and community impact. This are qualities that top universities like MIT and Harvard seek in outstanding student portfolios. It’s a powerful example of how real-world action and generosity create lasting impressions beyond grades or accolades.

As Singapore launches Mandarin-taught university programmes to attract Chinese postgraduate students, local undergraduates increasingly head overseas for broader networks and opportunities. This post unpacks how context and ambition shape educational choices in both directions, reminding us that smart decisions are about finding the right fit, not just following the crowd.

Singapore's brightest students, including PSC scholars, choose top overseas universities over NUS and NTU. Discover how global exposure, powerful networks, and strategic portfolio-building give them the edge in securing elite scholarships and international careers. Ambitious parents and students: learn why stepping beyond local shores is the secret to world-class success.

A 16-year-old’s DSA-JC Humanities journey: blending scale modelling, history book prizes, and WWII research. My 1/72 Eastern Front diorama and essay showcase passion, creativity, and deep historical understanding. Ideal for a unique DSA portfolio.

Discover AI-resilient skills like investment coaching, martial arts and financial literacy. These future-proof abilities help students stand out in a changing job market and create unique, monetizable opportunities beyond traditional education.

A Primary 6 student’s proudest achievement was serving as chief editor of his class magazine. This simulated case study shows how to turn that experience into a compelling DSA portfolio. We highlight leadership, creativity, and teamwork to prove that authentic storytelling will make any application stand out.

Singapore’s universities are more competitive than ever, with 36,800 applicants vying for 18,500 places in 2024, a 2:1 ratio, and NUS College seeing 10,000 applicants for just 400 spots. Holistic admissions now require portfolios showcasing achievements beyond grades: research projects, leadership roles, creative and technical works, and personal statements. Early preparation, diverse experiences, and DSA-style practice are essential to stand out in this selective landscape.