Statistics on Entry to Local Universities and Extension of Education Subsidies to Singaporean Students Studying in Private Universities Locally

43 Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling asked the Minister for Education from 2015 to 2020 (a) what percentage of Polytechnic students have secured places in local Universities; (b) whether Junior College students are given priority over Polytechnic graduates in entry to local Universities; and (c) whether there are plans to extend education subsidies to Singaporean students studying at private Universities locally.

Mr Lawrence Wong: The proportion of Polytechnic graduates gaining admission to local Universities has increased over the years, in tandem with the expansion of University places to raise the cohort participation rate. It has risen from about one in four in 2015, to one in three today. Admission to the Autonomous Universities is based on merit and all applicants are assessed fairly and objectively based on their demonstrated strengths and merits, and regardless of their prior educational pathway.

Private education institutions (PEIs) are not part of the public education system and have varying quality of programmes and learning outcomes. Given the diversity of programmes offered by PEIs, it is challenging for SkillsFuture Singapore or MOE to meaningfully review and accredit these degree programmes for their quality. It is thus difficult to apply a blanket approach in terms of Government funding and support.