1. To be eligible for PSC Scholarships, what is the minimum subject combination that a student must attempt?

Under the revised A-level syllabus, the norm is for students to take 10 units¹ of subjects. To be eligible for PSC Scholarships, a student should generally offer 11 units or more. However, there is no requirement for students to offer the maximum of 12 units.

2. Are PSC scholarships open to students who attempt only 10 units?

Exceptional students who offer the norm of 10 units could be considered on a case-by-case basis if they are strongly recommended by their schools. Students who exhibited outstanding leadership qualities and achievements could still be surfaced to PSC Scholarships Selection Board for scholarships consideration when PSC invites the schools to nominate outstanding students for the provisional scholarships.

3. Will applicants who have graduated from the integrated programmes (IP) stand a better chance as compared to students who did not go through the IP?

PSC scholarships are awarded based on merit. Applicants who did not go through the Integrated Programmes would be considered together with those who have graduated from schools offering the IP. PSC will assess the student’s suitability for a PSC scholarship based on a student’s academic and non-academic achievements, leadership qualities, and interest in the public service. PSC scholars are expected to exhibit consistent excellence in these aspects.

4. Is Knowledge & Inquiry (KI) a requirement for PSC Scholarships? Will students who attempt KI be considered more favourably than students who attempt General Paper?

Although KI may be offered in lieu of General Paper, an attempt in KI is not compulsory for PSC Scholarships application. PSC would consider students who offer GP as well as those who offer KI.

5. PSC’s current scholarships requirement states that a student must attempt S-papers to be eligible for PSC scholarships. Do H3 subjects replace S-papers as a new requirement for PSC Scholarships?

H3 subjects are not compulsory for PSC Scholarships application. H3 subjects are designed to allow exceptional students to pursue a subject or area in which they have the interest and aptitude in. Therefore, students should pursue H3 subjects based on their passion in these subjects.

6. Will students who attempt H3 subjects be considered more favourably than students who did not attempt H3 subjects? Will attempting more H3 subjects increase the chances that a student has for PSC scholarships?

An attempt in H3 subject(s) is not a requirement for PSC Scholarships application. Students who have attempted H3 subject(s) would however be recognised for their achievements in the subject(s) in the same way as their achievements in other subjects.

7. PSC’s current scholarships requirements are:

Candidates offering GCE A-levels:
For Science Stream - Attempted 4 GCE A-level subjects and 2 S papers.
For Arts Stream - Attempted 3 GCE A-level subjects and 1 GCE AO level subject and 1 S paper;
or 3 GCE A-level and 2 S papers.

Are students in different streams expected to take different number of H2 and H3 subjects?

With the contrasting subject requirement under the revised A-level syllabus, the distinction between the streams has blurred. PSC will therefore not impose separate application criteria for Arts and Science stream students. To be eligible for PSC Scholarships, students must generally offer 11 units or more.

8. With the removal of the PEARLS point system, will PSC continue to emphasise CCAs achievement for scholarships purpose?

PSC scholars are expected to possess strong leadership qualities, an interest in a public service career and outstanding co-curricular activities records. Therefore, CCA achievements will continue to be used for scholarships selection even after the removal of the PEARLS point system. PSC encourages JCs/schools to surface candidates who exhibit such qualities for PSC scholarships considerations.