Debated in Parliament on 13 Jul 2015.
Mrs Lina Chiam asked the Minister for Education (a) in 2014, how many foreign students have received the Ministry's tuition grants and are bonded to work in Singapore; (b) from 2011 to 2014, what is the breakdown of foreign students who are not able to find jobs six months after their graduation, according to their faculties; and (c) whether these foreign students have the option to continue to stay in or leave Singapore.
In 2014, around 3,650 international students in the 2014 matriculation cohort in the polytechnics and autonomous universities received the tuition grant. Upon graduation, international students work in Singapore to supplement our labour force.
Faculty-level employment information for international students is not readily available. However, on average, eight in ten international students who received tuition grant in our polytechnics and autonomous universities are either working in Singapore after graduation, or have been granted approval by MOE to defer their service obligation to pursue further studies. For the remaining international students, some are in the midst of seeking deferment approval and some are still seeking employment.
For those who face difficulty in finding employment and need guidance, they can approach the career centre or alumni office in the institutions for career guidance. The career office or alumni office provides guidance to their students and graduates on career preparation and job search, job opportunities advertised through the institutions, and other related employment resources. This service is available to all students and graduates from the respective institutions.
International students who have received the tuition grant and are seeking employment in Singapore after graduation can apply for a one-year Long-Term Visit Pass with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.
PAPERCUTS