Subsidies for Master's Degree Programmes at Autonomous Universities

Debated in Parliament on 9 Jan 2023.

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The Ministry of Education explained that subsidies for master's programmes are limited to those serving as entry requirements for certain professions, with most courses like the MBA offered on a non-subsidised basis by universities.
Universities have autonomy to decide on seeking MOE funding, and the NUS withdrawal of subsidies is part of this broader policy, with fee rebates and other support available for eligible students.
To enhance accessibility, Singaporeans can receive up to 90% subsidies for modular courses that stack into postgraduate programmes and use SkillsFuture Credit to offset fees.
MOE will continue collaborating with Institutes of Higher Learning to ensure education upgrading opportunities remain available and accessible for Singaporeans.
The impact on programme accessibility is mitigated through existing subsidies, rebates, and alternative funding options for adult learners.

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Full Transcript

He Ting Ru

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Education (a) what is the rationale behind the withdrawal of subsidies for certain master's degree programmes at the National University of Singapore; (b) whether there are similar moves to end subsidies to programmes at the other Autonomous Universities; and (c) what is the assessed impact on these programmes' accessibility to Singaporean applicants.

Chan Chun Sing

The Ministry of Education (MOE) provides significant subsidies for Singaporean students in the Autonomous Universities (AUs) pursuing their first undergraduate qualification and selected post-graduate courses, for example those that serve as entry requirements for certain professions such as architecture. Beyond this, the universities have autonomy to decide whether to seek MOE funding for Master's by coursework programmes, based on considerations such as the viability of offering these programmes on a non-subsidised basis.

The majority of Master's by coursework programmes at the AUs, such as the Master in Business Administration (MBA), are conducted on a non-subsidised basis today. Around 20% of Master's by coursework programmes at the AUs are subsidised by MOE.

To defray the out-of-pocket cost of pursuing a Master's by coursework programme, some AUs, such as NUS offer fee rebates to Singaporeans and permanent residents (PRs) as well as alumni. Additional university subsidies, scholarships or study awards are also available to eligible students.

Over the years, MOE has also channelled resources to provide Singaporean adult learners with more bite-sized, industry-relevant upgrading opportunities in the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). Singaporeans can receive up to 90% course fee subsidies for supported modular courses, including those that stack up to postgraduate programmes. They may further offset the out-of-pocket course fees using their SkillsFuture Credit.

MOE will continue to work with the IHLs to ensure the availability and accessibility of education upgrading opportunities for Singaporeans.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

The Ministry of Education explained that subsidies for master's programmes are limited to those serving as entry requirements for certain professions, with most courses like the MBA offered on a non-subsidised basis by universities.
Universities have autonomy to decide on seeking MOE funding, and the NUS withdrawal of subsidies is part of this broader policy, with fee rebates and other support available for eligible students.
To enhance accessibility, Singaporeans can receive up to 90% subsidies for modular courses that stack into postgraduate programmes and use SkillsFuture Credit to offset fees.
MOE will continue collaborating with Institutes of Higher Learning to ensure education upgrading opportunities remain available and accessible for Singaporeans.
The impact on programme accessibility is mitigated through existing subsidies, rebates, and alternative funding options for adult learners.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Subsidies for Master's Degree Programmes at Autonomous Universities | PAPERCUTS

Subsidies for Master's Degree Programmes at Autonomous Universities

Debated in Parliament on 9 Jan 2023.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

The Ministry of Education explained that subsidies for master's programmes are limited to those serving as entry requirements for certain professions, with most courses like the MBA offered on a non-subsidised basis by universities.
Universities have autonomy to decide on seeking MOE funding, and the NUS withdrawal of subsidies is part of this broader policy, with fee rebates and other support available for eligible students.
To enhance accessibility, Singaporeans can receive up to 90% subsidies for modular courses that stack into postgraduate programmes and use SkillsFuture Credit to offset fees.
MOE will continue collaborating with Institutes of Higher Learning to ensure education upgrading opportunities remain available and accessible for Singaporeans.
The impact on programme accessibility is mitigated through existing subsidies, rebates, and alternative funding options for adult learners.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

He Ting Ru

Chan Chun Sing

MOE will continue to work with the IHLs to ensure the availability and accessibility of education upgrading opportunities for Singaporeans.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

The Ministry of Education explained that subsidies for master's programmes are limited to those serving as entry requirements for certain professions, with most courses like the MBA offered on a non-subsidised basis by universities.
Universities have autonomy to decide on seeking MOE funding, and the NUS withdrawal of subsidies is part of this broader policy, with fee rebates and other support available for eligible students.
To enhance accessibility, Singaporeans can receive up to 90% subsidies for modular courses that stack into postgraduate programmes and use SkillsFuture Credit to offset fees.
MOE will continue collaborating with Institutes of Higher Learning to ensure education upgrading opportunities remain available and accessible for Singaporeans.
The impact on programme accessibility is mitigated through existing subsidies, rebates, and alternative funding options for adult learners.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Subsidies for Master's Degree Programmes at Autonomous Universities

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He Ting Ru

Chan Chun Sing

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Subsidies for Master's Degree Programmes at Autonomous Universities

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

He Ting Ru

Chan Chun Sing

Summary

Questions Identified