Change in Size of 2019 and 2020 Cohorts of Singaporean Students Going Overseas to Study and Number of Overseas Students Coming to Study in Singapore in 2020

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Education (a) what is the change in the size of the 2019 and 2020 cohorts of Singaporean students who went overseas to study; and (b) what has been the change in the number of overseas students coming to Singapore to study in 2020.

The proportion of International Students that enrolled remained stable at less than 5% in Primary schools, Secondary schools and Junior Colleges, and less than 10% in the Polytechnics and Autonomous Universities (AUs) in 2019 and 2020.

MOE does not track the number of Singaporean students who choose to study overseas. That said, we recognise that the COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted some local students’ plans to study overseas. We have, therefore, provided more degree places at the AUs in 2020 on an exceptional basis to cater to such students, while still ensuring admission standards are maintained. We will also consider doing so this year, as part of our broader efforts to support local students and help ensure that their education journeys are not unduly disrupted by the pandemic.