Funding Criteria for Graduate Degree Programmes Government Subsidies

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Education (a) why does there Ministry limit Government subsidies to selected Master's degree programmes; (b) how does the Ministry determine which Master's programmes qualify for subsidy; and (c) what criteria are used to assess (i) the viability of subsidising a programme and (ii) its relevance to national manpower needs.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) provides significant subsidies for Singaporeans in the Autonomous Universities (AUs) pursuing their first undergraduate degree. As for post-graduate by coursework programmes, programmes such as those that are required as entry requirements for certain professions such as architecture, and those that are aligned with industry needs, based on consultation with sector agencies, are subsidised by MOE. MOE will regularly review the subsidy framework for post-graduate programmes.

In addition, AUs also offer post-graduate programmes on a non-subsidised basis, if they assess them to be viable.

Other than MOE subsidies, most AUs offer fee rebates to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, as well as alumni, who take up post-graduate programmes. Additional university subsidies, scholarships or study awards are also available to eligible students.