Benefits and Allowances for Non-Singaporean Academic Staff at Universities

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Minister for Education (a) what are the basic benefits and allowances provided to only non-Singaporean faculty (whether on the tenure-track, tenured, or non-tenured track) in each of the Autonomous Universities (AUs) and Polytechnics; and (b) what is the cost of providing such benefits and allowances over the past decade in each of these AUs and Polytechnics.

The total remuneration package for each faculty member is negotiated and decided separately, taking into account the competitive situation, the seniority and standing of the faculty member and the specific circumstances for the hire.

The specific amounts for housing and other allowances are not meaningful, as these are part of the total remuneration package. Many of the Autonomous Universities and Polytechnics grant relocation allowances and housing subsidies to non-Singaporean faculty and returning Singaporean faculty alike, although the exact terms differ across institutions. Non-Singaporean faculty are typically granted a gratuity payment, in lieu of Central Provident Fund contributions, which is payable for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents. Some institutions grant children education allowances to non-Singaporean faculty to take into account the fact that school fees for non-Singaporean children are higher than that for Singaporean children in Singapore. These measures have been put in place to meet the different needs when hiring faculty.

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