30 December 2018
Education Minister Ong Ye Kung has announced that there will be higher fee subsidies and more financial aid for lower- and middle-income students in independent schools from April next year.
This is to ensure that all students regardless of family background or circumstance can achieve their goals and pursue their educational aspirations without worry.
In Singapore, fees at independent schools cost between S$3,600 and S$6,600 each year, while fees at Government and Government-aided schools cost between S$300 and S$396.
Starting from next April, the breakdown of the fee subsidies under the Independent School Bursary scheme will be expanded.
Students from households with a gross monthly income of more than S$2,750 or per capita income of more than S$690 will pay a multiple of fees for Government and Government-aided Schools, from zero to 1.5 times, depending on household income levels. There will be no change for independent school students in the lowest income tier as they already enjoy a 100 per cent subsidy for school fees.
The Ministry of Education will also introduce an UPLIFT scholarship for independent school students from low-income families. Those with a gross household income of up to S$2,750 or per capita income of up to S$690 will be eligible for the scholarship.
The scholarship will provide a cash award of S$800 per year for academically strong students who are Edusave Scholarship recipients, as well as students who are admitted to independent schools through the Direct School Admission.
The scholarship will be for the full duration of studies.