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Chinese Language Elective Scholarship (CLES)

This scholarship is awarded in Pre-University 1 to students admitted to the Chinese Language Elective Programme (CLEP).

About CLES

It is awarded for 2 years. The award covers an allowance of $1,000 and school fees based on Singapore Citizen's rates less any subsidies, subject to an annual cap of $2,400, as long as the student meets the renewal criteria and remains enrolled in the Chinese Language Elective Programme (CLEP). Only Singapore Citizens are eligible.

Who is eligible

Singapore Citizens who:

  • Are enrolled in the CLEP
  • Have done consistently well in school and obtained outstanding results in their GCE O-Level examinations or equivalent based on the school's internal assessment
  • Obtained at least an A2 in Chinese, B3 in Higher Chinese, or B4 in Higher Chinese with B3 in Chinese Literature or equivalent
  • Have good co-curricular activities record
  • Have good conduct record

Additional requirements

Scholarship recipients must:

  • Offer H2 Chinese Language and Literature
  • Participate in all compulsory CLEP activities such as camp, Overseas Immersion Programme and Literary Lecture Series
  • Not be concurrent recipients of any other MOE scholarships except the Edusave Scholarships for Independent Schools (ESIS)

Which schools offer CLEP

How to apply

Application for 2025 cycle will start in mid-January 2025.

Selection for interview

If you are in the Integrated Programme, your school will nominate you for the scholarship selection interview.

If you are not in the Integrated Programme, you will be invited for the scholarship selection interview based on your GCE O-Level examination results and school's recommendation.

Interview details

Shortlisted students will receive details of the interview through email in April, and the interview will be conducted in April or May.

Announcement of results

Successful candidates will be notified in June.


Find out more about the Chinese Language Elective Scholarship (CLES) for secondary schools and other programme-specific scholarships for Pre-University.