Direct School Admission (DSA) 2026

Direct School Admission (Background)

The DSA-Sec Exercise was first introduced in 2004 as part of MOE’s move towards a more flexible and broad-based education system. Under the DSA-Sec Exercise, schools will be able to select a percentage of their students for admission outside of the centralised posting system, via their own selection criteria. Parents and students are encouraged to choose schools wisely based on the student’s aptitudes and strengths, bearing in mind the schools’ academic and non-academic requirements, and the programmes available to develop the area of talent.

Direct School Admission @ Canberra Secondary School

Canberra Secondary School welcomes prospective students who demonstrate talent, passion and potential in the following talent categories:

1. Digital Media and Visual Arts (DMA) – Media Arts / Film / Photography

2. Robotics

3. Badminton

4. Volleyball

Our Selection Criteria:

• Talent and Aptitude: Applicants should demonstrate strong ability and/or potential in their chosen talent area through past achievements, experience, or during selection trials/auditions.

• Character and Values: Applicants should exhibit good conduct, positive learning attitudes, and strong character traits that align with our school values.

• Leadership Potential: Applicants should show the capacity to lead and serve others, demonstrating initiative and responsibility.

• Academic Readiness: While academic excellence is not the primary criterion, applicants should demonstrate the ability to manage both their talent development and academic studies effectively.

Successful applicants will join Canberra Secondary School in January 2027. Students who are keen to apply should possess a strong level of motivation and commitment to their chosen talent area. While achievement and mastery in their chosen area is important, we are also looking for students who display strong potential for growth. Our DSA talents should demonstrate the mindset and learning disposition to thrive in all aspects of school life at Canberra Secondary.

Students admitted via DSA will benefit from training and guidance by professional coaches and experienced CCA Teachers-in-charge. The school is committed to providing quality programmes, activities and opportunities for DSA students to develop their talents and represent the school in competitions. Beyond talent development, we will closely support and motivate students to achieve academic excellence.

Successful DSA candidates are expected to:

• Honour their commitment to the school from Secondary 1 to 4

• Actively participate in activities related to their talent area

• Maintain good academic progress and conduct

• Contribute to the school community

Parents and students are encouraged to make informed choices based on:

• The student's aptitude and strengths

• The school's academic and non-academic requirements

• The available programmes for talent development

• The student's ability to cope with the school's curriculum

We welcome students who demonstrate not just achievement, but also potential, motivation, and the right learning disposition to grow with us at Canberra Secondary School.

Development opportunities, and detailed selection criteria and process can be found here.

Application Process

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, 11am to 2 June 2026, 4.30pm. For more details, please refer to MOE website – www.moe.gov.sg/dsa-sec

• For applicants from MOE mainstream primary schools: Parents may access the DSA-Sec Portal directly using one parent's Singpass. Parents/guardians requiring assistance with the online applications may approach their child's/ ward’s primary school for support.
  

• For applicants not from MOE mainstream primary schools: Parents must first obtain a Registration Number (RGxxxxxxx) to access the DSA-Sec Portal. For assistance, please visit: https://go.gov.sg/nmsdsa-sec-application
  

• International Students (who are not taking the PSLE) are required to take and fulfil the requirements of the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) to be successful in DSA. Permanent Residents (who are not taking the PSLE) do not need to take AEIS.
  

• Applicants may submit up to 3 choices, with a maximum of 2 choices for the same school under two different talent areas.
  

• Applications can be updated, withdrawn, and resubmitted during the application period until the closing time of 4:30 pm on 2 June 2026.
  

• Supporting documents are not required during the online application stage. Your child's primary school records (including P5 academic results, CCA participation, school-based activities, and achievements) will be automatically shared with the selected schools.

Note: 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.

Selection Process

• Shortlisted candidates will be notified by Friday, 3 July 2026.

• Trials, selection tests, and interviews will be conducted between 3 July and 28 August 2026.

• Shortlisted applicants will receive specific date and time notifications for interviews/trials.

All applicants will receive their application outcomes between 17 and 28 Aug 2026. The school's decision is final, and reasons for non-selection may not be disclosed.

Please note that meeting all criteria does not guarantee shortlisting or an offer.

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