Admission Routes

DIRECT SCHOOL ADMISSION EXERCISE 2026

Primary 6 students who are keen to join Hwa Chong Institution in 2027 are welcome to apply through the annual Direct School Admission (DSA) Exercise.

We encourage parents and students to make thoughtful and informed decisions when selecting schools, taking into account the student’s strengths, interests, and aspirations.

It is important to consider each school’s distinctive programmes, development opportunities, and culture, alongside the specific academic and non-academic requirements for admission and talent development.

At Hwa Chong Institution, we are committed to nurturing the holistic development of every student.

Our DSA talent areas provide diverse platforms for students to develop their strengths, pursue their passions, and grow in a vibrant and supportive environment.

These include opportunities in leadership, STEM, humanities, sports, entrepreneurship, and the visual arts through the Art Elective Programme (AEP).

Students admitted via DSA are expected to honour their commitment to HCI’s six-year Integrated Programme and to actively participate in the talent development activities related to their selected domain from Year 1 to Year 4.

Importantly, no Singaporean student will be denied a place at HCI due to financial circumstances.

The school offers a comprehensive range of financial assistance schemes, scholarships, and merit-based awards to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Direct School Admissions Schedule

Application for DSA-Sec can be submitted through the online DSA-Sec Portal.

The application is free-of-charge and will be open from  6 May 2026, 11 am  to  2 June 2026, 4:30 pm .

For more details, please refer to MOE website – www.moe.gov.sg/dsa-sec ↗ (opens in new tab)

DSA Categories

We welcome students who demonstrate deep interest, aptitude and talents in the following domains:

Language and Humanities

• Chinese Language : For students with a strong foundation in Chinese and a keen interest in deepening their proficiency in the language and appreciation of its culture.

• Humanities : For students who show exceptional curiosity and aptitude in areas such as history, geography, current affairs, and interdisciplinary inquiry within the humanities.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

• Infocomm (Programming and/or Robotics) : For students with experience or interest in computational thinking, coding, algorithmic problem-solving, or robotics applications.

• Mathematics : For students who demonstrate strong logical reasoning and mathematical problem-solving skills.

• Science : For students with a keen interest in scientific inquiry and experimentation across disciplines such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Art Elective Programme (AEP)

We welcome students with artistic talent who demonstrate one or more of the following qualities:

• A strong interest in visual arts and creative expression, supported by fundamental technical skills and aesthetic sensitivity

• Interest in exploring diverse artistic media, techniques, and creative processes, including both traditional and contemporary art forms

• Motivation to develop as an artist, scholar, advocate, and leader in the arts community through sustained practice, reflection, and engagement

Bilingualism

We welcome students with bilingual strength who demonstrate one or more of the following attributes:

• Passion and creativity in learning and using both the Chinese and English languages, with a deep appreciation for the cultures, values, and heritage of both the East and the West

• Proficiency in both written and spoken Chinese and English, with the ability to engage thoughtfully across cultural contexts

• Curiosity and openness to engage in interdisciplinary learning and contribute to the bilingual and bicultural environment at HCI

Entrepreneurship

We welcome students with an enterprising mindset - those who are passionate, resourceful, and driven to make a meaningful difference.

Students who demonstrate one or more of the following qualities are encouraged to apply:

• Innovative Thinking: A curiosity to explore new ideas and challenge the status quo, especially in solving everyday problems

• Creative Problem-Solving: Enjoys identifying needs and opportunities, and is motivated to develop effective, out-of-the-box solutions

• Execution and Initiative: Shows passion and perseverance in turning ideas into impactful projects, whether through prototypes, campaigns, or ventures

Leadership

We welcome students with leadership potential who demonstrate one or more of the following qualities:

• A strong sense of purpose and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others

• Active involvement and leadership in student organisations such as student councils, co-curricular activities (CCAs), or class committees

• Demonstrated ability to lead peers, inspire change, and contribute meaningfully to school life and the wider community

Sports and Games

We welcome student-athletes with passion, commitment, and strong achievements in sports. Students may demonstrate:

• A high level of proficiency and dedication in their chosen sport or game

• A strong track record of achievement at the zonal, national, or international levels

• Discipline, teamwork, and resilience in balancing rigorous training with academic committments

We invite applications from students with talent and experience in the following sports and games:

• Badminton

• Basketball

• Canoeing

• Chinese Weiqi

• Cross Country

• Fencing

• Judo

• Shooting

• Table Tennis

• Track and Field

• Volleyball

• Water Polo

• Wushu

Direct School Admissions Selection Process

Applicants will be shortlisted based on available information from MOE and from applicants’ submitted information via the application process.

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.

HCI will be conducting in-person selection for all DSA talent areas for 2026 DSA-Sec.Applicants who are successfully shortlisted will be informed between 23 July to 27 July and they will be required to attend an interview and/or selection tests on 1 Aug 2026.

All applicants will receive their application outcomes between 24 Aug 2026 and 28 Aug 2026.

Due to the large number of applicants and the limited number of DSA places, meeting all the criteria does not guarantee that the student will be shortlisted for an interview or given an offer

Please note that applicants should attend the in-person selection only if they are well.For students who are unwell during the selection period, re-scheduling the in-person selection will be done where possible.

Please direct any queries about DSA to Hwa Chong Institution to dsa@hci.edu.sg.

Entrance Examination: Admission Year 2027

Our entrance examination is only open to candidates who are interested to be admitted into Secondary Three in Academic Year 2027. There are no vacancies for the other levels in High School.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates must meet either of the two criteria listed below.

1) Students who are currently studying in a local mainstream secondary school. 

Please note that students who have been admitted to their current school via DSA-Sec or AEIS exercise are NOT eligible for school transfer. Please note that if you are currently enrolled in an Integrated Programme (IP), transferring out of the programme is strongly discouraged, as it could disrupt the quality of the student’s educational experience. 

2) Returning Singaporeans (RS). RS may also participate in the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) School Placement Exercise for Returning Singaporean (SPERS). For more information on SPERS, please refer to MOE website at https://www.moe.gov.sg/returning-singaporeans ↗ (opens in new tab)

Closing date for application

The closing date for application is Sunday, 18 October 2026. Late application will not be entertained. The examination will be held at the High School Section on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. 

Candidates will have to sit for three tests: 

Important notes

• Hwa Chong Institution is a Special Assistance Plan school (SAP). All students must study English and Higher Chinese at first language level. 

• Hwa Chong Institution (High School) is an All-Boys school. 

• School fee rates are available on our website under 'School Fee Structure'.
  

Applicants must complete and submit an online application by Sunday, 18 October 2026. Please click the e-application ↗ (opens in new tab). Incomplete and late applications will rendered as void.

Shortlisted candidates will receive notification on the exam details through email by Friday, 30 Oct 2026. Please ensure that the email address provided in the application form is correct.Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview in the last week of November 2026. 

All shortlisted candidates will receive notification on the outcome of the application on Friday, 4 December 2026 through email and post. Details of the results will NOT be disclosed. The school’s decision on the outcome of the entrance examination is final.