Review of International Undergraduate Admission Limits at Autonomous Universities to Promote Diversity, Integration and Talent Retention While Protecting Places for Singaporeans

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh, Nominated Member of Parliament

Question

To ask the Minister for Education in light of Singapore’s strong standing in the recent Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, whether the Ministry will review the current limits on international undergraduate admissions in Autonomous Universities and allow greater flexibility where additional capacity is available while protecting Singaporean places and promoting diversity, integration and talent retention.

Response

1. Admission to our autonomous universities (AUs) is based on merit. Places are planned and set aside for Singaporeans first. International students, who are subject to more stringent admissions criteria, are admitted over and above the places set aside for Singaporeans, and are subject to a cap.
2. International students add diversity to the education experience at the AUs. This helps cultivate our students’ global orientation and inter-cultural skills, which are life skills that better prepare them for the workplace. MOE will continue to work closely with the AUs to ensure Singaporeans’ access to good quality higher education, while enabling our universities to attract good students from around the world, many of whom stay and contribute to Singapore meaningfully after they graduate.