Direct School Admissions (DSA) in Singapore

1. What is DSA in Singapore?

‍
Direct School Admission for secondary schools (DSA-Sec) seeks to broaden the recognition of talents and achievements beyond academic grades. P6 students can gain direct entry to certain secondary schools based on their talent in sports, CCAs and specific academic areas, etc, before taking the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).

If your child is admitted to a secondary school through DSA-Sec, they are not allowed to:

• Submit school choices during the Secondary 1 (S1) posting process.
• Transfer to another school. They must commit to their chosen school for the duration of the programme.

However, the DSA-Sec is not a pathway that suits every student.To determine if DSA-Sec is an appropriate pathway for your child, you should carefully consider your child's strengths and interests, and the school's programmes and their ability to develop specific talent.

Explore the list of schools and programmes for DSA-Sec using MOE SchoolFinder.

‍

2. How to qualify for DSA Singapore?

‍
‍To qualify for DSA, students need to demonstrate excellence and potential in areas such as sports, arts, music, leadership, or other specialized domains recognized by participating schools.
‍
P6 students can apply for DSA-Sec based on a wide-range of talents, including:

• Sports and games
• Visual, literary and performing arts
• Debate and public speaking
• Science, mathematics and engineering
• Languages and humanities
• Uniformed groups
• Leadership
  ‍

Schools have different selection processes. In general, applicants must be able to demonstrate their talent, potential, passion and character through their school track record and online DSA applications. For example, your child might have:

• Represented the school in a CCA.
• Held a role in a play or performance.
• Done well in a subject such as mathematics or creative writing.
• Held a leadership role in class or a CCA.

Applicants who do not have prior experience may also apply. The school will assess applicants based on the selection criteria, which may include assessing the potential of the applicants.
‍

3. Can I reject DSA offer?
‍

‍Yes, students have the option to accept or reject DSA offers. However, it's essential to consider the implications of the decision and make an informed choice.

‍
If your child no longer wants to be admitted to secondary school through DSA-Sec, you can withdraw in one of the following ways:

• Do not submit any school preferences for your child during the school preference submission period. A child without a submitted school preference will be deemed to have withdrawn from the DSA-Sec.
• If you have already submitted your child’s school preferences but wish to withdraw, log in to the DSA-Sec Portal. The other parent will also need to log in to verify and confirm the withdrawal during the school preference submission period. If the other parent does not do so by the end of the school preference submission period, we will process the last completed submission.

4. How to apply for DSA ?
‍

Students can apply through the DSA-Sec Portal. There are no application fees.If you are unable to apply online, approach your child's primary school for assistance.If both parents are unable to submit the application form personally at school during DSA-Sec application period, you have to nominate another adult to do so using this proxy form. You can also use the same form to appoint a proxy to submit your child's school preference form in October.
‍

5. How long does DSA take to process?

‍

‍The processing time for DSA applications varies depending on the school and the specific requirements. It's advisable to check with individual schools for their timelines.
‍

6. How to check DSA application status?

‍

‍Students can check the status of their DSA applications through the respective school's online portal or contact the school's admissions office for updates.

‍

‍7. Which schools offer DSA?

‍

‍Many secondary schools in Singapore participate in the DSA scheme. Explore the list of schools and programmes for DSA-Sec using MOE SchoolFinder.

8. Which schools offer DSA Art?

‍

‍Several schools in Singapore specialize in arts education and offer DSA in this field. These schools provide opportunities for students passionate about visual arts, performing arts, and other artistic disciplines. Explore the list of schools and programmes for DSA-Sec using MOE SchoolFinder.

‍

9. How to accept DSA offer?

‍

‍Once students receive a DSA offer, they can follow the instructions provided by the school to accept the offer. This usually involves completing and submitting acceptance forms by the specified deadline. In accepting a DSA-Sec offer, your child is expressing a commitment to study in that school and develop their talent in the chosen area. They should honour this commitment.If your child is successfully admitted to a school through DSA-Sec, they will not be allowed to participate in S1 Posting. They will also not be allowed to transfer to another school after the release of their PSLE results.If your child is not ready to commit to the DSA-Sec school, do not submit any school preference.

‍

10. How many DSA can I apply for?

‍

‍Students can apply for multiple DSA offers from different schools. However, it's crucial to consider factors such as compatibility with the school's curriculum, location, and personal preferences before making decisions.

‍

11. What is the difference between DSA and non-DSA?

‍

The main difference between DSA and non-DSA admissions is the criteria for selection. DSA considers talents and achievements beyond academic performance, while non-DSA admissions rely primarily on academic grades and performance in standardized tests.

‍

12. How do I prepare for DSA?

‍

‍To prepare for DSA, students should identify their strengths and interests, hone their skills in the chosen domain, and showcase their achievements through portfolios, auditions, interviews, or other assessment methods required by participating schools.

‍

13. Can I apply for DSA and EAE together?

‍

‍Yes, students can apply for both DSA and the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) concurrently. EAE is a separate scheme that provides conditional offers for admission to polytechnic courses based on aptitude and interest in specific fields.
‍

14. Does PSLE Score Matter?

‍

Your child’s PSLE score still matters. Students offered placement in a DSA-Sec school still need a PSLE score that qualifies them for the Posting Group offered by the school. Learn more about Posting Groups under Full SBB.

If your child is admitted through DSA-Sec, they are not allowed to submit school choices during S1 Posting. They are also not allowed to transfer to another secondary school after the release of the PSLE results. They must commit to their chosen school for the duration of the programme.

‍

‍

Whether you're considering DSA as a pathway to secondary education or supporting someone through the process, understanding these key aspects can help navigate the journey effectively!

‍
Note: For most updated information, please refer to MOE site. TutorRoll is not responsible for information accuracy and this is meant to serve as a guide.

‍

‍