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Last Updated:  06 Jul 2026

Higher Education Group

Oversees the autonomous universities, polytechnics, Institute of Technical Education, Government-supported private University of the Arts Singapore, and private education institutions. It also oversees policies on higher education and lifelong learning.

Higher Education Policy Division

The Higher Education Policy Division (HEPD) formulates, implements and reviews policies relating to the autonomous universities, polytechnics, the Institute of Technical Education, and the Government-supported private University of the Arts Singapore. This includes their roles in both Pre-Employment Training (PET) and Continuing Education and Training (CET), to support Singapore’s higher education, lifelong learning and evolving skills needs. HEPD also oversees issues for the Private Education (PE) sector, with strategic partners like the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Skills Workforce Development Agency (SWDA).

Higher Education Operations Division

The Higher Education Operations Division (HEOD) looks into the formulation and implementation of strategic human resource policies and quality assurance frameworks to build up the capabilities at the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), in support of MOE's objectives to develop a quality Higher Education sector.

HEOD also supports key corporate functions such as finance, procurement, information and communications technology (ICT) within HEG.

Academic Research Division

The Academic Research Division (ARD) manages the policies and funding to advance research, innovation and enterprise in the autonomous universities, polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education. ARD also serves as the secretariat for the Academic Research Council and the Social Science Research Council.

Higher Education Planning Office

The Higher Education Planning Office (HEPO) oversees planning and policy coordination and drives strategic horizontal initiatives for the Higher Education and Skills landscape. It also carries out data analytics for the sector to support policy formulation and oversees higher education-related International Relations initiatives.