Financial assistance for ITE students

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Saktiandi Supaat, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) how many ITE students are currently eligible for financial assistance; (b) how many of these eligible students have applied for assistance; and (c) how does ITE publicise the assistance schemes so that eligible students do not miss it.

Response

1. 1. We want to provide quality and affordable education to all Singaporeans regardless of their financial circumstances. For higher education, there is significant subsidies at all levels. Specifically, ITE course fees are funded at over 90% subsidy. In addition, the Government provides a range of financial assistance schemes (FAS) for students who need further assistance.

2. MOE’s financial assistance schemes are designed to support up to two-thirds of our students. In Academic Year 2016, over 70% of students at ITE received some form of financial aid or scholarships, such as the CDC/CCC Bursary and the MOE Bursary. There are also merit-based scholarships that similarly defray students’ fees and school-related expenses, as well as other financial assistance schemes offered by foundations, Self-Help Groups, and other community or private organisations.

3. ITE has been increasing its outreach efforts to encourage and assist needy students to apply for the various FAS. These efforts include:

1. Sharing information on FAS widely via ITE’s website, Facebook, student handbook, student portals and through booths and briefings during orientation.

2. Proactively reaching out to students who were previously on FAS in secondary school, and those who had indicated potential of requiring assistance, and prompting them to apply for FAS. In addition, its Class Advisors will also keep an active lookout for students who may need help, in the course of the school year.