Accrediting Requirements for Private Educational Institutions

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Education (a) whether there are accrediting requirements before a private educational institution may offer a diploma and, if so, what are the accrediting requirements; and (b) what measures are taken to ensure a minimum standard of education is provided by private tertiary education institutes situated in Singapore.

The Committee for Private Education (CPE) under SkillsFuture Singapore regulates private education institutions (PEIs). CPE utilises a two-tier regulatory regime, comprising the Enhanced Registration Framework (ERF) and the EduTrust Certification Scheme (EduTrust). All PEIs are subject to this regulatory regime.

The ERF sets out the minimum standards that the PEIs must adhere to before they are allowed to operate. Registration under ERF does not constitute endorsement of the quality of the PEI. The framework seeks to ensure that PEIs meet minimum standards in corporate governance and administration, student fee protection measures, and disclosure of key information so that students can make informed choices. PEIs are also required to establish an Academic Board and an Examinations Board to oversee academic processes, and ensure that teachers meet minimum requirements in terms of academic qualifications and experience.

EduTrust is a quality assurance scheme that distinguishes PEIs who, from a corporate governance and administrative systems angle, consistently maintain a high standard of quality in their provision of education services that lead to positive student outcomes. Information about which PEIs have EduTrust status is available publicly on the SkillsFuture Singapore website, and can be accessed by prospective students considering programmes at PEIs.

CPE's regulatory framework does not seek to accredit the quality of PEIs' individual programmes, including diploma level programmes, given the wide diversity of offerings and subjects of study in the PEI sector.