At Lil’ but Mighty, we believe that every child’s journey is worth celebrating—whether it is a breakthrough in class, a show of good character, or a helping hand extended to others. In Singapore, this spirit of excellence and holistic development is recognised through the MOE Edusave Awards—a series of accolades that acknowledge students for their academic performance, personal qualities, and contributions to the school and community.
If you are a parent hoping to better understand how these awards work, read on—we have got you covered!
What Are MOE Edusave Awards?
First introduced in 1994, the Edusave Awards were designed to motivate students by recognising a wide range of achievements, both academic and non-academic. They are funded through the national Edusave scheme, which also encourages families to save for their children’s education.
These awards are not something you apply for directly. Instead, students are nominated based on set criteria including academic results, good conduct, character, leadership, and service. The awards are presented across all educational levels, from primary school to junior college.
Why Do They Matter?
Receiving an Edusave Award is more than just a pat on the back—it is a meaningful milestone that reinforces positive behaviours and inspires students to keep growing. Beyond academic excellence, the awards also value resilience, kindness, and leadership—traits we at Lil’ but Mighty champion in every classroom.
How Will I Know If My Child Is Nominated?
If your child has been nominated for an Edusave Award, you will receive a letter from MOE followed by one from your Constituency Office (CO), which will include details about an upcoming award ceremony. It is a lovely opportunity to come together and celebrate your child’s growth.
What If My Child Was Missed Out for an Award?
Sometimes, despite meeting the eligibility criteria for an award, a student may not receive an invitation or notification when expected. If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your child’s achievements are recognised:
- Reach out to your local Community Centre (CC) or Constituency Office (CO): Contact the staff and let them know about your child’s qualifications and previous certificates. They can clarify the process for your specific area, as certain awards—like the CCC-CDC Education Merit Award—are managed locally and subject to the constituency’s resources.
- Prepare supporting documents: It is helpful to have copies of your child’s academic or learning achievement certificates on hand. Bring these along when making enquiries to streamline the process.
- Submit the relevant forms if advised: In some cases, the CC staff may recommend submitting a form as a precaution, even if your household income is above the stated ceiling. This helps ensure your child’s eligibility is on record and considered if awards are still available.
- Stay patient and proactive: Award ceremonies can vary in their timing (often February to May), and sometimes letters or invitations may arrive later than expected. If in doubt, a polite follow-up with the CC or CO is perfectly appropriate.
Every community may have slight differences in how these additional merit awards are disbursed, but taking these steps will help ensure your child’s hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. And as always, we encourage you to celebrate every achievement, big or small, along the way!
A Breakdown of the Edusave Awards
There are several different types of Edusave Awards. Here’s a quick guide to the different award types:
🌟 Edusave Scholarship (ES)
This is awarded to the top 10% of students in their level or course and those who have also demonstrated good conduct.
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Award Amount:
- Primary 5 to Primary 6: $350
- Secondary/Specialised School: $500
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Focus: Academic excellence
- Eligibility: No income criteria; open to students in government, government-aided, and specialised schools.
- Note: Students who receive the Edusave Scholarship will not be awarded the Edusave Merit Bursary in the same year, as each child is only eligible for one Edusave academic award annually.
🌟 Edusave Merit Bursary (EMB)
Awarded to students in the top 25% academically in the level or course with good conduct and who meet income criteria (monthly household income ≤ $7,500).
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Award Amount:
- Primary 1 to Primary 3: $200
- Primary 4 to Primary 6: $250
- Secondary School: $350
- Specialised School: $500
- JC/Millennia Institute: $400
- ITE/Polytechnic: $500
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Focus: Academic merit + financial need
- Eligibility:
- Must be in the top 25% of their cohort in terms of academic performance (Primary 3–6) or demonstrate positive learning dispositions and good conduct (Primary 1–2).
- Income ceiling: For 2023 onward, gross household income ≤ $7,500 or per capita income ≤ $1,875. (Higher thresholds from Nov 2026: GHI ≤ $9,000 or PCI ≤ $2,250.)
What If Your Income Exceeds the Edusave Eligibility?
If your household income is above the qualifying ceiling for Edusave awards ($7,500 per month), your child won’t be eligible for the standard Edusave Merit Bursary (EMB). However, there’s still a possible recognition for academic effort.
Community Awards Still Possible
Some constituencies offer the CCC-CDC Education Merit Award (EMA), a community-based prize for students who excel academically but don’t qualify for MOE-funded bursaries due to income limits. Here’s what you should know:
- Who Qualifies?
- Students who have received an Edusave Learning Achievement or Academic Achievement Certificate (typically top 25%).
- Not current recipients of other major Edusave awards (such as the EMB or Edusave Good Progress Award).
- Gross household income exceeds the Edusave cap.
- Award Details:
- Amount typically ranges from $80–$120.
- May be issued as PayNow transfer, cheque, or Popular voucher.
- Comes with a certificate and is often presented at a ceremony between February and May, depending on your constituency.
- Application Process:
- Usually, there’s no need to apply. Eligible students may receive an invitation letter.
- However, if you suspect your child was overlooked, you can check with your local Community Club (CC) to ensure they have your details.
Note: As this award is constituency-dependent and not centrally funded, availability may vary. Not all areas offer the EMA every year.
In short, while MOE’s bursaries strictly observe the income ceiling, your hardworking student may still receive community recognition—even if your household income is above the limit.
🌟 Edusave Good Progress Award (GPA)
Given to students who have made significant academic improvement (Top 10% improvement in the level or course) over the year, even if they are not in the top scorers. Good conduct is also needed.
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Award Amount:
- Primary 2 to Primary 3: $100
- Primary 4 to Primary 6: $150
- Secondary School: $200
- Specialised School: $400
- JC/Millennia Institute: $250
- ITE/Polytechnic: $400
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Focus: Academic improvement
- Eligibility:
- For Primary 2 & 3: Awarded to those showing the greatest improvement in learning disposition and good conduct, who are not already receiving the Edusave Merit Bursary.
- For Primary 4–6: Top 10% in terms of academic improvement, and not a recipient of the Merit Bursary.
- Note: No income criteria apply.
🌟 Edusave Award for Achievement, Good Leadership and Service (EAGLES)
A holistic award recognising students with a strong balance of academic performance, leadership, co-curricular achievements, and service.
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Award Amount:
- Primary 1 to Primary 3: $200
- Primary 4 to Primary 6: $250
- Secondary School: $350
- Specialised School, Crest Secondary, Spectra Secondary: $500
- JC/Millennia Institute: $400
- ITE: $500
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Focus: Well-rounded excellence
- Eligibility:
- Up to 5% of P1–P3 and up to 15% of P4–P6 students per school.
- Recognises leadership qualities, service to community/school, excellence in non-academic activities, or 21st Century Competencies.
- Good conduct is a must, and students are nominated by teachers.
- Note: This award is independent of academic awards, so students who have received academic-based Edusave awards can still be eligible for EAGLES.
🌟 Edusave Character Award (ECHA)
Reserved for students who consistently display exemplary character and strong personal values such as integrity, care, and perseverance.
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Award Amount:
- Primary 1 to Primary 3: $200
- Primary 4 to Primary 6: $350
- Secondary/Specialised School: $500
- JC/Millennia Institute: $500
- ITE: $500
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Focus: Character development
- Eligibility:
- Up to 2% of students in each school.
- Nominated by teachers for outstanding character and behaviour.
How Are Students Nominated for the Edusave Character Award?
The Edusave Character Award isn’t just handed out to anyone—it’s reserved for a select group of students, typically up to 2% per school, who stand out for their unwavering values and positive actions. Nominees are chosen based on their day-to-day display of qualities like fairness, resilience, and compassion, both in and out of the classroom.
Nomination Process
- Who nominates?
Teachers observe students throughout the year and put forward those who embody exceptional integrity and character. - What are they looking for?
Key qualities include upstanding conduct, consistent good behaviour, and being a positive influence on peers. - What happens next?
Students who are selected will receive an official letter—usually between late November and early December—letting them know about their nomination.
Award Ceremony and Disbursement
- The award is formally presented during a school ceremony held between January and March.
- Most recipients get their award disbursed via PayNow, but for those who don’t, a cheque will be provided by May.
In short, the road to an Edusave Character Award starts with living out strong values every day, and being recognised by the trusted eyes of teachers who notice these qualities in action.
Can My Child Receive More Than One Edusave Academic Award?
It’s a common question among parents: if your child excels, can they bring home more than one Edusave academic award in the same year? The answer is no—each student is only eligible for one Edusave academic award annually. This means that if your child is selected for an Edusave Scholarship, for instance, they will not receive the Merit Bursary or the Good Progress Award for that year.
However, here’s something worth celebrating: while your child cannot stack multiple academic awards, they can still be considered for non-academic awards such as the EAGLES Award and the Edusave Character Award. These are independent of the academic pool and are awarded to students who shine in leadership, service, or character. So, there are still plenty of opportunities for your child to be recognised for their well-rounded achievements!
🏅 Other Edusave Recognition
Edusave Certificates (Non-monetary)
- Edusave Certificate of Learning Achievement (Primary 1–2): Awarded to the top 25% of the cohort who consistently show positive learning dispositions and good conduct.
- Edusave Certificate of Academic Achievement (Primary 3–6): Given to the top 25% for academic performance and good conduct.
- These certificates are a form of recognition and celebration—there’s no cash reward, but they arrive in your letterbox and are a nice addition to the trophy shelf!
CCC-CDC Education Merit Award (EMA)
Not an Edusave award, but worth mentioning:
- For students who received Edusave Learning/Academic Achievement certificates but exceeded the income ceiling for other Edusave monetary awards (like EMB).
- May differ by constituency and is not available in all schools.
A few things to note:
- Each student can only receive one Edusave academic award (ES, EMB, GPA) per year. For example, if your child qualifies for the Edusave Scholarship, they won’t also get the Merit Bursary or Good Progress Award.
- However, students can receive a non-academic award (EAGLES, ECHA) in addition to an academic award in the same year.
With all these options, Edusave celebrates every kind of achievement—from academic excellence to character, leadership, and progress—making sure there’s recognition for every star in their own right.
Understanding the Edusave Certificates: Learning vs. Academic Achievement
Among the MOE Edusave Awards, there are two special non-monetary certificates given to recognise students’ achievements:
- Edusave Certificate of Learning Achievement
Awarded to Primary 1 and 2 students who are in the top 25% at their level and who have shown positive learning attitudes throughout the year, alongside good conduct. - Edusave Certificate of Academic Achievement
Presented to Primary 3 to 6 students who also fall within the top 25%—but here, the focus shifts to academic performance, in addition to displaying good conduct.
The key difference lies in what each certificate celebrates:
- For the younger students (Primary 1-2), the Learning Achievement certificate highlights growth mindsets and positive habits as they take their first steps into school life.
- From Primary 3 onward, the Academic Achievement certificate turns its spotlight on strong results in schoolwork.
Both certificates are sent to your home and given purely on merit, not family income. As a convenient touch, if your child receives one of these certificates, keep an eye out for the Edusave Merit Bursary application form in the same envelope—typically arriving between late November and early December.
When Will We Receive the Award Money?
Most students receive their award money via PayNow. If your child is already registered, the money is typically transferred automatically. Otherwise, MOE will reach out for bank account details and disburse the funds shortly after—usually within two weeks of receiving the necessary info.
To avoid delays, make sure your child’s bank details are updated with MOE.
How to Register Your Child for PayNow
Wondering how to ensure a smooth transfer of your child’s Edusave award money? Here’s how you can get set up with PayNow:
- Check That Your Child Has a Bank Account
Most local banks in Singapore offer accounts for children, often with joint parent-access. If your child doesn’t have one yet, now’s a great time! - Link the Bank Account to PayNow Using Their NRIC
Log in to your child’s online banking (or your own, if it’s a joint account) and register their NRIC number with PayNow. This step is crucial, as MOE will transfer the award money directly using this link. - Verify the Setup
After linking, do a quick check just to be sure everything’s in place. Some banks let you confirm your PayNow registration in-app or via internet banking. - Keep Details Updated
If you switch banks or update account information, remember to re-register your child’s NRIC to the new account so future awards aren’t delayed.
For detailed step-by-step guides tailored to your bank, head over to the MOE website and scroll to the FAQ section.
By setting up PayNow early, you’ll avoid any hiccups—and your child will enjoy their well-earned reward with zero hassle!
Supporting Your Child’s Journey to Success
While the Edusave Awards are not guaranteed, understanding the criteria behind them can guide you in supporting your child more intentionally. Whether it is encouraging a stronger work ethic, showing care for others, or helping them discover their leadership potential, every step matters.
If you are looking for structured guidance, our team at Lil’ but Mighty is here to help! From building strong English foundations to preparing for PSLE success, our programmes are designed to nurture both competence and confidence.
At the end of the day, it is not just about the awards—it’s about helping every child become the best version of themselves.
🎓 Curious about how your child can qualify for the Edusave Awards, EAGLES Awards, or ECHA Awards? Chat with us to learn how our classes can support your child’s holistic development.
