Does Singapore spend more on education for citizens or foreign students?

On 2 July 2024, Singapore's Education Minister Tan Chun Sing replied in writing to non-constituency MP Leong Boon Fai about the government's total spending on permanent and non-resident students.

The following is translated by the Singapore Eye based on the English language of the National Assembly:

Mr Leung Boon Fai (Non-constituency Councillor) asked the Minister for Education: What is the breakdown of the Government's total expenditure on permanent resident students and non-resident students in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in FY2022 and FY2023?

Mr Tan Chun Sing (Minister for Education): On a per-student basis, the Ministry of Education's per capita expenditure on Singapore citizen students is much higher than that of permanent resident students and international students. This is reflected in the tuition fees of students, with international students having the highest tuition fees. Overall, the total expenditure of Singapore citizen students is much higher than that of permanent resident students, who in turn spend more than international students.

Ms Poon Kin Kwan (non-constituency MP) asked the Minister for Education that since 2019, the Singapore Government has annually done:

(a) How many scholarships are offered to international students from pre-college, polytechnic and university?

(b) What is the median annual cost of each scholarship category?

(c) What are the proportions of undergraduate international students who receive tuition assistance only, a combination of tuition assistance and scholarships, and full tuition fees?

Mr Tan Chun Sing (Minister of Education): Less than 1% of international students receive scholarships in pre-university and higher education. The average notional value of a scholarship depends on their level of study and coursework. We do not offer scholarships to international students studying at polytechnics.

About half of undergraduate international students pay fees after tuition is deducted, while a quarter receive both tuition and scholarships. The rest of the students pay the full tuition fee as international students. All students receiving tuition fee assistance are required to work in Singapore for at least three years after graduation.

The following is the content of the question in English:

Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Education what is the breakdown of the Government’s total expenditure in FY2022 and FY2023 on permanent resident students and non-resident students respectively in (i) primary schools (ii) secondary schools and (iii) pre-tertiary educational institutes, respectively.

Mr Chan Chun Sing: On a per student basis, the Ministry of Education spends much more on Singapore Citizen students compared to permanent resident and international students. This is reflected in the fees payable by students, with fees for international students being the highest. Overall, total spending on Singapore Citizen students is much higher than for permanent resident students, which is, in turn, higher than for international students.

Ms Hazel Poa asked the Minister for Education in each year since 2019 (a) how many (i) pre-tertiary (ii) polytechnic and (iii) university international students have been granted scholarships by the Singapore Government, respectively; (b) what is the median annual cost for each category of scholarships, respectively; and (c) what is the proportion of undergraduate international students who are (i) on tuition grant only (ii) on a combination of tuition grant and scholarships and (iii) full-fee paying.

Mr Chan Chun Sing: International students on scholarships make up less than 1% of pre-tertiary and tertiary students. The average nominal value of the scholarships depends on their level and course of study. We do not offer scholarships for international students to study at the polytechnics.

About half of undergraduate international students pay fees net of a tuition grant, while a quarter receive both tuition grant and scholarship. The remaining pay full fees as international students. All students who receive the tuition grant are required to work in Singapore for at least three years upon graduation.

HQ丨Editor

HQ丨Editor

Singapore Parliament丨Source

1. The copyright of all works on this website that indicates the type of article as "original" belongs to Nanyang and Singapore Eye. Other media, websites or individuals must indicate when reprinting and using: "Article source: Singapore Eye".

2. All works indicated on this website as "reprinted" and "compiled" are reprinted or compiled from other media, for the purpose of delivering more valuable information, and it does not mean that this official account agrees with its views and is responsible for its authenticity.