Forum Letter Replies
Help available for payment of exam fees
In their letters, Mr Amran Jumaat and Ms Hazizah Awang suggested that students be allowed to use their Edusave funds to cover the fees of national examinations (“Suggest that use of Edusave be allowed to pay for GCE examinations”, 14 Feb; “Support for the use of Edusave to pay for examination fees”, 18 Feb).
The Edusave Scheme is intended to help maximise learning opportunities for all Singaporean children. As such, Edusave funds are currently being used to pay for enrichment programmes such as co-curricular activities, music and dance, educational tours, and sports and games, which will add value and diversity to our children’s education experience and help maximise their potential.
Needy students can apply for financial help under the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme. Recipients of financial assistance under this scheme will receive a 75% subsidy for national examination fees, while those whose families are under the MCYS Public Assistance Scheme will receive 100% subsidy. Schools also have their own school-based financial assistance measures to further assist students. Students who need help to pay for examination fees are advised to approach their schools for assistance.
MOE will continue to review its financial assistance scheme to ensure that it is responsive to the needs of Singaporeans. The Government will ensure that no Singaporean child is denied an education due to financial difficulties.
Director, Finance & Development Division
Suggest that use of Edusave be allowed to pay for GCE examination (Amran Jumaat, BH Forum, 14/2, p17)
I have three schooling children aged between 13 and 17 years. Last year my eldest child sat for the GCE ‘N’ level examination. I had to pay $300 for the examination fees.
This year, my second child will be sitting for the GCE ‘O’ level examination and I will need to pay $400 for the examination fees.
In view of the current economic crisis, I would like to suggest that the government allow the use of students’ Edusave funds to pay for their GCE ‘N’, ‘O’ and ‘A’ level examination fees.
This will be of great help to people like us.
Support for the use of Edusave to pay for examination fees (Hazizah Awang, BH Forum, 18/2, p7)
I read the letter by Amran Jumaat “Suggest that use of Edusave be allowed to pay for GCE examination” (BH, 14/2).
I totally agree with Mr Amran Jumaat’s suggestion. With the current economic downturn, I hope that the government would allow the use of Edusave funds for the payment of examination fees for GCE ‘N’, ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels.
This will definitely help to lighten the burden of low-income families who have to pay the examination fees.