Proposal to Admit all Singaporean Students with Grades that Qualify for Local Universities Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry can increase university enrolments for the coming few years so that all Singaporeans with grades that qualify for entry into Government-funded universities can do so amidst COVID-19.

This year, MOE and the Autonomous Universities (AUs) have already provided more degree places, in anticipation of higher demand from students whose overseas study plans were disrupted by COVID-19. The AUs extended their application windows by two months, and made around 2,000 more offers to local applicants across a range of courses.

MOE will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely, including the situation overseas and the impact on travel restrictions. If necessary, we are prepared to continue to adjust the number of degree places in the AUs, taking into account the number of Singaporeans who meet admissions standards, as well as the medium to long-term national manpower demand for graduates across the different sectors of the economy.