The Humanities Scholarship and Programme (HSP) is one of Singapore’s most sought-after academic opportunities for students passionate about literature, history, economics, and the social sciences. Designed to nurture the next generation of leaders and critical thinkers, this programme invites the brightest young minds to embark on a rigorous and rewarding pre-university journey.
About the HSP
The HSP is a two-year scholarship awarded to students entering Pre-University 1 who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and leadership potential. Established to develop well-rounded scholars with a deep appreciation for the humanities, the programme provides both academic and financial support.
Successful recipients receive:
- An annual allowance of SGD $1,000, and
- School fees coverage (based on Singapore Citizen’s rate) up to a cap of SGD $2,400 per year,
as long as renewal criteria are met.
This scholarship continues for two years, provided the student maintains academic excellence, good conduct, and remains enrolled in the HSP.
Who Can Apply?
The Humanities Scholarship is open only to Singapore Citizens who meet the following criteria:
- Enrolled in the Humanities Scholarship and Programme (HSP)
- Have shown strong academic performance with outstanding GCE O-Level results or equivalent based on internal school assessments
- Have achieved at least a B3 in English Language or its equivalent
- Possess a good co-curricular activities record
- Display an excellent conduct record
The HSP seeks students who embody intellectual curiosity, civic awareness, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to society.
What Scholars Study?
For GCE A-Level Track Students: HSP scholars pursuing the A-Level pathway must study the following subjects:
H1 subjects (compulsory):
-
- General Paper
- Mother Tongue Language (MTL) or Mother Tongue Language and Literature (MTLL)
- Project Work
H2 subjects:
- Compulsory: Literature in English
- Choose one from: China Studies (in English or Chinese), Economics, Geography, or History
- Choose one more from the list above or from other approved humanities such as:
- Knowledge and Inquiry
- English Language and Linguistics
- Art, Music, Theatre Studies and Drama
- Translation (Chinese), French, German, or Japanese.
A contrasting subject (from Math’s/Science group or Knowledge & Inquiry) is also required.
For IB Diploma Track Students: Students taking the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) must include the following:
- Core components: Theory of Knowledge, Creativity-Action-Service, and an Extended Essay
- 3 Higher Level (HL) subjects: English A: Literature, plus two others from History, Geography, or Economics
- 3 Standard Level (SL) subjects: A Second Language, one Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics), and Mathematics.
Note: HSP scholars cannot hold any other MOE scholarship concurrently, except the Edusave Scholarships for Independent Schools (ESIS).
Schools Offering the HSP
The Humanities Scholarship and Programme is available at the following top junior colleges in Singapore:
- Anglo-Chinese Junior College
- Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)
- Eunoia Junior College
- Hwa Chong Institution
- National Junior College
- Raffles Institution
- Temasek Junior College
- Victoria Junior College
These institutions provide a world-class environment for cultivating intellectual rigor, leadership, and creativity.
Why You Should Apply?
The Humanities Scholarship and Programme is not just financial aid — it’s a pathway to join Singapore’s most vibrant intellectual community. As an HSP scholar, you’ll gain access to advanced coursework, leadership opportunities, and mentorship that prepare you to shape society’s future.
It’s your chance to explore the humanities with depth, passion, and purpose — and to grow into a confident voice for the next generation of global thinkers.
Application Timeline
Applications for the Humanities Scholarship and Programme (HSP) 2026 will open on 13 October 2025, giving students ample time to prepare their SingPass setup, required documents, and essay submission. The deadline to apply is 12 November 2025 at 11:59 PM, after which no applications will be accepted.
For students in the Integrated Programme (IP) track, interviews will be held in late January 2026, while those from Non-IP schools will undergo interviews in end March 2026. Successful candidates can expect to receive their results between February and April 2026, marking the beginning of their journey as Humanities Scholars in Singapore.