01 December 2019
Although education in Singapore is already largely subsidised, the Ministry of Education relaxed its eligibility criteria for financial assistance for Singaporean students in April last year.
Pre-university students who need financial aid can also get a bursary of $900, up from the previous $750. The total monthly school fees for each pre-university student is $33.
Despite the range of options, social workers here said some families still do not seek help. Among the reasons is the perception that it is a hassle to file the necessary documents to apply for assistance. In some cases, there is a lack of initiative to seek help.
Social workers said instances of families owing school fees are rare, because they would already be on financial assistance. When help is needed, they would encourage parents to liaise directly with the respective schools for help.
Social workers also note that when fees go unpaid, schools typically reach out to the families themselves. But schools can do better in working with parents and students to make clear that they can receive help, even if it is not financial support they need.