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ASEAN Scholarship Selection Test & Interview [How to prepare for it]
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You’ve done your research, and your mind is made up.
The garden city of Singapore is the next official pitstop on your educational journey. Now all you need to do is to clinch that ASEAN Scholarship and you’re ready to go.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the application process, answer some commonly asked questions, and share some handy tips and tricks that’ll get you as ready as you can be.
So buckle up and read on!
Overview Of Asean Scholarship Application Process
The application process for the ASEAN scholarship is pretty straightforward.
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Submit your application online
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If shortlisted, you’ll undergo a selection test
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If you pass the selection test, you'll be invited for a selection interview
Students who’ve successfully submitted their scholarship applications online along with the required documents will receive an online acknowledgement with an application number to be used for future correspondence. However, you’ll not receive an acknowledgement if you submit your application in hardcopy.
The application process will take on average 4 to 6 months to complete.
✠ For everything you need to know about the scholarship, read this comprehensive article we've put together to help you get started.
1. Shortlisting For Selection Test
You’ll be notified at least 1 week in advance of the selection test. Depending on your respective country, the test will be conducted in either one or several selected cities.
✠ Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.
2. Shortlisting For Selection Interview
Congratulations! You’ve made it past the selection test. You’ll be notified at least 1 week in advance of the selection interview. As with the selection test, the interview will be conducted in either one or several cities in your country.
✠ Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.
3. Recognition Of Scholarship
Hurray, it’s time to celebrate!. You’ll be notified about your successful application via email. From here on, you’ll have approximately 1 to 2 months to prepare before leaving for Singapore.
Tips & Tricks
While there’s no silver bullet that guarantees you a spot, knowing a few tips and tricks will give you a better shot.
Ace The Selection Test
The selection test consists of three tests:
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A Mathematics test
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An English Language test, and
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An ‘IQ’ test
Mathematics Test (2 Hours 30 Mins)
The Mathematics test comprises one paper. The test is said to be the hardest of the three. Many believe this is the tool which MOE uses to sift out the most suitable applicants.
The best way to prepare yourself for this test is to familiarise yourself with Singapore’s Mathematics syllabus. Depending on the level you’re applying for, studying up the syllabus before taking the test will greatly increase your chances of passing the test.
If you’re looking to familiarise yourself with Singapore’s syllabus, Geniebook offers weekly online classes and AI-personalised worksheets with 300,000 MOE-aligned questions to help you improve faster.
English Language Test (1 Hour 30 Mins + 30 Mins)
The English Language test comprises two papers: a Comprehension paper and a Composition paper. The test is fairly simple and should not pose much of a challenge for students who read and write in English on a regular basis.
To better prepare for the Composition paper, check out our articles on writing eye-catching introductions and using figures of speech to make your writing sing.
“IQ Test” (20 Mins)
The IQ test comprises one paper with 48 questions. You’ll be presented with a few patterns and asked to pick the correct pattern that follows. You’ll find the questions at the front to be relatively easy. But don’t be fooled! Move through them as quickly as possible so that you’ve sufficient time to tackle the more challenging questions at the back.
Breeze Through The Selection Interview
For most students, interviews can be incredibly stressful. However, with enough practice and preparation, you’ll feel a lot more confident and up to the task.
According to applicants of previous years, the interview will be held in a hotel room, where you’ll be speaking with a panel of interviewers. Be sure to bring along the list of documents stated in the letter inviting you to the interview. After a brief self-introduction, the interviewers will be asking you a few questions to assess your eligibility.
To give you an idea of what you can expect, here are some questions shared by previous applicants:
- How would you describe your leadership style/ what type of leader are you?
- How would you describe your ability to adapt to new environments?
- What made you decide to apply for this scholarship program?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Do you have experience living abroad?
- What’s your favourite subject?
- How many times have you been to Singapore?
- What makes you stand out among other applicants?
- If awarded the scholarship, you’ll be living with a roommate for the duration of your stay in Singapore. What would you do if your roommate is not cooperative?
- Why should you be awarded this scholarship?
Some Useful Tips:
- Provide examples for the points you make (eg. if you’re passionate about leadership, share an example of when you served in a leadership capacity and what about it excites you)
- Make eye contact and smile
- Be genuine and answer the questions as honestly as you can. This makes you more relatable to the interviewers
- Get your family and friends to help you prepare with mock interviews
FAQs about ASEAN Scholarship
What is the ASEAN Scholarship?
The ASEAN Scholarship is a scholarship program offered by the Ministry of Education of Singapore to students from ASEAN member countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The ASEAN Scholarship is offered at the secondary school (Secondary 1 & 3) and junior college (Pre-university) levels in Singapore. The duration of each scholarship differs, ranging from 2 years to 6 years, and is renewed annually based on student’s performance.
The goal of the scholarship program is to promote academic excellence, international understanding, and cultural exchange among ASEAN member countries. Students who are awarded the scholarship will be able to study in some of the top secondary schools and junior colleges in Singapore, which offer a rigorous and challenging curriculum.
Who can apply for ASEAN Scholarship?
Students from the list of ASEAN countries mentioned may apply.
Who is eligible for ASEAN Scholarship?
To be eligible, students must:
- Be proficient in English
- Have done consistently well in school examinations
- Have a good record of participation in co-curricular activities
- Meet the eligibility criteria specific to his/her respective country
Are the school fees covered under the ASEAN scholarship?
Yes, the ASEAN scholarship covers school fees, examination fees (GCE O-Level and A-Level), return economy airfare, and a monthly allowance for the duration of the scholarship. In addition, students are also provided with accommodation and subsidised medical benefits and insurance coverage for accidents.
If I do not yet have my final year school examination results, can I apply for ASEAN Scholarship using my mid-year school examination results?
You may submit your mid-year school examination results for consideration in the event that your final school year examination results are not yet available.
My previous application was unsuccessful, can I apply again for ASEAN Scholarship?
You may reapply as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarship.
