Tuition app Scholarly is taking a fresh approach to after-school learning by turning lessons into a lifestyle experience. With the launch of Version 1.2.0, the AI-powered tutoring platform has rolled out an expanded in-app rewards programme, allowing students and parents to earn points for attending classes, reviewing tutors, and interacting with educational content. These points can then be redeemed for real-world rewards from partner merchants.

Touted as Singapore’s first tuition platform to offer such a feature, Scholarly is positioning itself as a disruptor in the education space – focusing on affordability, engagement, and credibility.

As of 13 March, the company has secured 12 strategic merchant partners and is targeting 100 by year-end. The current line-up includes eco-conscious brands such as Jo&Stitch, The Gingerbread Pan, and Jomingo, offering families perks like discounts on handmade sustainable bags and plant-based personal care products.

“We’re transforming how and why parents connect with tutors because now, every lesson also earns points and unlocks real value – from exclusive perks with Scholarly partners… to a free app that makes quality education accessible for families while honouring tutors’ expertise,” said Cherry Goh, CEO of Scholarly.

The platform’s reward-driven model seeks to increase student motivation while easing the financial burden on parents. More than half of the tuition assignments available on Scholarly are priced below market rate. At the same time, the platform operates on a zero-commission model – meaning tutors keep their full fees, a rarity in the tuition industry. A minimal processing fee may be introduced later.

Version 1.2.0 also introduces gamified elements such as personalised user profiles and mascots – Edwin the Elephant and Friends – aimed at making the learning experience more interactive for younger students.

Backed by incubators from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Singapore Management University (SMU), Scholarly may not operate directly within these institutions but has gained credibility as a homegrown ed-tech player.

Its built-in review and scheduling systems aim to create a trusted, seamless experience for families, while its matching framework helps connect students with the right tutors – efficiently and transparently.