Complete Guide to Tuition Grants in Singapore for Diploma & Undergraduate Courses 2021

Wondering if you’ll be able to put your children through university? You’ll be relieved to know tertiary education remains affordable for the vast majority of Singaporeans, thanks to the various tuition grants and bursaries available. Here’s a look at how these schemes work.

One of the wonderful things about living in Singapore (and there are many) is that the government subsidises up to 90% of the cost of education for Singaporeans.

And this benefit can be enjoyed throughout your life as a citizen, thanks to various schemes and grants that start as early as pre-school, and extend all the way to young adulthood where you qualify for diploma and undergraduate courses.

While it’s comforting to know that the government has been subsiding education for Singaporeans all along, it’s a downright relief when it comes to tertiary education. 

That’s because higher education like undergraduate courses and diplomas are actually quite expensive. But we suppose that’s par for the course (no pun intended) for world-class tertiary education in a highly developed nation like ours.

But thanks to the MOE’s efforts, most Singaporeans feel just a tiny pinch, instead of the sledgehammer blow that putting your children through tertiary education can inflict on your bank account (you’ll see what we mean later).

What tuition grants and subsidies are available for tertiary education in Singapore? 

When it comes to tertiary education, there are primarily two schemes that undergrads and polytechnic attendees can benefit from: the MOE Tuition Grant and the Higher Education Bursaries scheme.

Here’s a summary of their main features.

MOE Tuition Grant - how does it work? 

As explained in the table above, the MOE Tuition Grant covers as much as 90% of your undergraduate or diploma course. However, the actual amount depends on the course you are taking, as well as your nationality. 

Singapore citizens receive the maximum subsidy, and are automatically given the grant upon commencement of study. 

In contrast, both PRs and foreign students have to apply for the MOE Tuition Grant if they wish to benefit from the scheme. 

Permanent Residents (PRs) receive slightly less in subsidies than citizens. Foreign students, meanwhile, receive just a portion of subsidies; they’ll end up having to pay about two-thirds of the full fees. 

In addition, foreign applicants will have to sign an agreement, under which they are contractually obliged to work in a Singapore entity for three years upon graduation.  

How much subsidy will I receive under the MOE Tuition Grant?

To illustrate how much potential subsidy you can receive under the MOE Tuition Grant, here’s a look at the schedule of course fees for undergraduate courses at National University of Singapore (NUS). 

As tuition fees differ across tertiary institutions, you should refer to your chosen undergraduate or polytechnic course for the most accurate and updated figures. 

Can I use the MOE Tuition Grant for all higher learning institutes in Singapore?  

According to the MOE website, here are the currently eligible institutes of higher learning which are covered by the MOE Tuition Grant.

Source: MOE

What other fees and charges do I have to pay? 

Do note that the Tuition Grant only applies to tuition fees and terms fees (if any). Other charges such as admin fees, registration fees, supplies, materials and textbooks, etc, are not covered under this scheme. 

If you require additional financial help to cover these expenses, try applying for Higher Education Bursaries, covered in the following section.

Higher Education Bursaries - how do they work? 

Higher Education Bursaries provide an additional source of funds to help you secure a tertiary education in Singapore. 

This scheme is open to Singapore citizens only, and the bursaries are awarded annually. Both full- and part-time students taking undergraduate or polytechnic courses may apply.

How much subsidy will I receive under the Higher Education Bursaries? 

The actual amount of bursaries awarded depends on your household income levels. See the following table for a detailed explanation.

Source: gov.sg

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