Applications for Financial Assistance Scheme in Past Five Years

22 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Education (a) in the past five years, how many applications under the Financial Assistance Scheme have been received by the Ministry; (b) how many of these applications have been successful; (c) what are the reasons for the unsuccessful cases; and (d) whether the per capita income criterion can be reviewed and the per capita income increased so as to extend assistance to more students from the middle- and low-income families.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Education in Singapore is highly subsidised at all levels, and the Government provides a range of financial assistance schemes to those who are in need, so that no one is deprived of education because of their financial circumstances.

The MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (MOE FAS) for Singaporean students is designed to support school-going students from the low income families. To benefit more students, MOE has raised the income eligibility cap for the MOE FAS from Gross Household Income (GHI) of $2,500 or Per Capita Income (PCI) of $625, to GHI of $2,750 or PCI of $690 from 2018. There is no cap on the number of students who could receive the MOE FAS each year as all who meet the eligibility criteria will be awarded the MOE FAS. About 51,000 Singaporean students are currently receiving benefits from MOE FAS. In addition, the Edusave Merit Bursary is given to students from lower and middle income families who have performed well and meet the income criteria.

For students who require financial aid but do not qualify for the MOE FAS, the schools will assess and provide help through the school-based financial assistance. MOE provides schools with additional resources to manage this additional aid provision.