Portfolio Enhancement Academy
A strong portfolio is an essential component of university admissions. However, extracurricular pursuits offer students more than just a competitive edge; they provide a platform to explore their interests, showcase unique abilities, and develop a robust set of skills.
Our portfolio enhancement activities allow students to engage in activities that fuel their passion, expand horizons, and demonstrate potential to excel.
Competition Coaching
Excel in academic competitions with expert coaching. Develop your skills and boost your chances of success with our personalised 1-1 coaching. Tailored to help students ace essay competitions, STEM olympiads, debate tournaments, and more. Each lesson is designed to refine your skills, strengthen your strategy, and maximise your performance.
Examples of academic competitions include:
Essay Competitions
John Locke Global Essay Prize – In 2024, 75% of our students received awards
Categories: Philosophy | Politics | Economics | History | and more …
Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition
Categories: Technology & Ethics | Economics & Globalisation | Public Health | Laws & Society | and more …
Trinity College Cambridge Essay Prizes
Law | English Literature | Linguistics | Languages & Culture | and more …
STEM Competitions
UKMT Challenges (e.g. Senior Mathematical Challenge - SMC)
American Mathematics Competition (AMC)
Biology, Physics & Chemistry Olympiads
With a track record of success in helping students achieve top results, we provide the targeted support needed to stand out.
Contact us today to start your competition journey!
Masterclasses & Workshops
eMasterclasses by Harvard Students
Join our eMasterclasses and learn directly from Harvard students. Delivered by Harvard Student Agencies, these 16-hour virtual masterclasses provide an in-depth introduction to various university majors.
Upon completion, students will be awarded a certificate.
Available Masterclasses
For: Ages 13 - 18
Dates: July - August (Over 2 weekends)
Summer Camps & Activities
Disclosure: UniWise is partnered with the organisers of certain events listed below. Register through us to enjoy exclusive discounts and additional perks not available on official sites.
Cambridge Summer Programme at Fitzwilliam College
Experience life at the University of Cambridge with FitzEd, an exclusive summer school for international students aged 16-18. Held at Fitzwilliam College, this 2-week residential programme offers a blend of rigorous academics, cultural immersion, and authentic Cambridge traditions. Programme highlights include:
Academic Excellence – Choose from 10+ courses spanning Science, Engineering, Business, and Humanities, taught by current Cambridge academics.
Supervisions & Research – Engage in small-group supervisions, complete a research essay & presentation, and earn a Certificate of Completion. Top students also receive awards and have their work published.
Authentic Cambridge Experience – Stay in college dorms, dine in historic halls, and explore the rich academic culture.
Cultural Excursions – Enjoy punting on the River Cam, day trip to London, museum visits, and formal dinners.
With only 15 students per course, spaces are limited—apply now for a transformative summer at Cambridge!
For: Ages 16 - 18
Dates: 13 Jul - 26 Jul 2025 / 27 Jul - 9 Aug 2025
Register through UniWise to enjoy exclusive perks
Singapore Management University Young Leaders Summer Programme
Join outstanding high school students from around the globe for an unforgettable experience at the prestigious Singapore Management University. This programme offers:
Campus Life: Experience vibrant campus life in Singapore
Seminar-Style Teaching: Explore modules in Computing, Economics, Accounting, and more
Skills Workshops: Develop essential skills for future success
Sightseeing: Enjoy the beautiful sights and culture of Singapore
Be a part of this enriching summer programme designed to inspire and develop the leaders of tomorrow!
For: Ages 16 - 18
Dates: 14 Jul - 18 Jul 2025
Register through UniWise to enjoy exclusive perks
Oxford Certificate Programme for High School Students
Experience an enriching summer at the University of Oxford, held at the prestigious Worcester College. Upon satisfactory completion of the programme, participants receive a Certificate of Attendance and Achievement issued by Worcester College, Oxford. This 2-week residential programme offers:
Diverse Course Selection: Participants can choose from five courses:
Artificial Intelligence and the World of Python Computing
Economics & Business Management
English Literature & Art History
Politics, Philosophy & Law
Medicine & Natural Sciences
Expert Instruction: Courses are led by esteemed academics, including tutors, lecturers, and researchers from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge
Cultural Immersion: Beyond academics, the programme offers a rich array of cultural activities, such as:
Oxford city walking tours
Visits to the Bodleian Library and renowned museums
Evening talks on various academic and cultural topics
A day excursion to Cambridge
Authentic Oxford Experience: Students reside in college dormitories, dine in historic halls, and engage in the vibrant academic community of Worcester College
For: Ages 15+
Dates: 6 Jul - 19 Jul 2025
Register through UniWise to enjoy exclusive perks
Cambridge Pre-Sessional Summer Programme at Downing College
Step into academic life at the University of Cambridge with this 2-week residential programme, ideal for students aged 14-16. Hosted at Downing College, the programme blends academic exploration, English enrichment, and cultural immersion to prepare students for future studies. Programme highlights include:
Academic Discovery – Engage in subject-taster sessions led by Cambridge academics, exploring a wide range of disciplines.
English & Debate Skills – Strengthen academic English, debating, and creative expression through British Parliamentary Debating and English drama workshops.
Cambridge & London Excursions – Enjoy punting on the River Cam, guided tours of King’s College and the Fitzwilliam Museum, and a day trip to London to visit Buckingham Palace, the National Gallery, and the British Museum.
Social & Cultural Activities – Experience formal hall dining, BBQs, trivia nights, sports, and a debating tournament & drama showcase.
All participants receive a Certificate of Completion. Apply now for an unforgettable summer at Cambridge!
For: Ages 14+
Dates: 13 Jul - 26 Jul 2025 / 27 Jul - 9 Aug 2025 / 10 Aug - 23 Aug 2025
Register through UniWise to enjoy exclusive perks
Alpha Scholars Social Science Research Programme
Develop your research and academic writing skills with Harvard instructors in the Alpha Scholars Research Programme. Designed for students passionate about social sciences and global issues, this programme provides a rigorous research experience aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Programme highlights include:
Expert Instruction – Learn from Harvard instructors and gain insights into research methodology, critical thinking, and academic argumentation.
Hands-On Research – Formulate research questions, conduct analysis, and develop a final research paper assessed by the Harvard International Relations Council.
Global Impact – Explore pressing international issues through a structured research framework.
Prestigious Recognition – Receive a Certificate of Completion, with Silver and Gold medalists having their work published in the Harvard International Review.
Apply now to sharpen your research skills and take a deep dive into the world of social science academia!
For: Ages 15+
Dates: Jun - Aug / Nov - Feb
Register through UniWise to enjoy exclusive perks
Personal Passion Projects
Do you have a project idea you are passionate about and need guidance bringing it to life?
Our consultants are here to mentor you! Whether you are interested in developing an app, launching a community service initiative, or conducting independent research, we have the expertise to support your ambitions.
Students eager to dive into university-level projects may wish to explore our Research Mentorship Programme. The programme offers an opportunity to be mentored 1-on-1 by professors from leading universities like Yale, Harvard, and MIT.
Potential mentorship plans include internships, mini-projects, research papers, and deep-dive learning experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, UniWise can certainly assist you in selecting activities that are best suited to your interests and academic abilities.
We can also provide suggestions on available competitions that impact university admissions.
However, if you are unsure about your future university and career paths, we highly recommend that you enrol in our ACE Programme.
This programme is designed to offer a strategic approach to your educational and career planning, ensuring long-term benefits and a more tailored portfolio enhancement experience.
Learn more by visiting our ACE Programme page.
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Portfolio enhancement is crucial because, for admission to competitive universities, good grades are just the baseline.
Competitive applicants must also demonstrate their interests and competencies through a well-rounded portfolio. This is essential not only for standing out in the admissions process but also for personal development.
Engaging in extracurricular activities allows students to explore beyond the standard curriculum and grow holistically. Besides specialised competencies, many skills developed through these activities, such as leadership, resilience, and problem-solving, are essential life skills that are often more impactful in the long term than academic knowledge alone.
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Whenever you are ready! Besides events with specific sturt and end dates, students can start on these activities with us at any time.
We highly encourage students to start building their portfolio as early as possible to maximize their development and opportunities. An early start will also offer you greater flexibility in planning.
Reach out to devise the ideal plan and timeline tailored to your needs and goals, ensuring you make the most of the opportunities available.
