Admission to Autonomous Universities under Discretionary Admission Scheme

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Minister for Education (a) what percentage of students per admission cohort is admitted under the Discretionary Admission Scheme for the past five years at each Autonomous University (AU); (b) what are the recognised categories of "special strengths and talents" under the Discretionary Admission Scheme; and (c) what oversight does the Ministry exercise over the AUs' discretionary admission decisions.

Under the Discretionary Admission Scheme (DAS), our Autonomous Universities (AUs) have the autonomy to offer places to students who display special strengths and talents. These include (but are not limited to) achievements at international Olympiads and national competitions; national representation in arts or sports; active participation in community

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service; relevant work experience; and outstanding leadership or entrepreneurial qualities. The admission decisions for the DAS take into account the overall strengths of a candidate by considering the applicant's achievements and an interview by the faculty.

For the past five years, students admitted under the DAS account for between 1% and 10% of the intake at the AUs.

Being autonomous, the Universities are responsible for maintaining high standards in their admission process. MOE ensures that there is a proper governance and oversight process, so that the principles of admitting students based on fairness and meritocracy are maintained, and that students who are admitted under the DAS are able to cope with and benefit from the programmes.