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Labor Laws

Overview of national labor regulations, including worker rights, contracts, and working hours.

Sections

Public Schools (Primary, Secondary, and Pre-University)

  • Primary School (6 years):
    • Monthly fees for Singapore Citizens: SGD 0
    • Permanent Residents (PRs): SGD 205
    • International Students: SGD 465–750
  • Secondary School (4–5 years):
    • Monthly fees for Singapore Citizens: SGD 5
    • PRs: SGD 380
    • International Students: SGD 780–1,400
  • Pre-University (2–3 years):
    • Monthly fees for Singapore Citizens: SGD 6
    • PRs: SGD 460
    • International Students: SGD 1,040–1,800

Tertiary Education (Polytechnics and Universities)

  • Polytechnics: Annual tuition fees range from SGD 3,000–9,000 for Singapore Citizens, SGD 6,200–15,000 for PRs, and SGD 11,000–27,000 for international students.
  • Universities: Annual tuition fees range from SGD 8,200–12,650 for Singapore Citizens, SGD 11,500–17,550 for PRs, and SGD 18,000–50,000 for international students.

Private Institutions

  • Costs vary widely, but they are generally higher than public institutions. Tuition fees can range from SGD 10,000 to over SGD 50,000 annually.

2. Financial Assistance Schemes (FAS)

The Singapore government provides several financial assistance schemes to ensure that no student is denied access to education due to financial constraints. These schemes are available for Singapore Citizens and, in some cases, Permanent Residents.

For Primary, Secondary, and Pre-University Students

Ministry of Education (MOE) Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)

  • Eligibility: Singapore Citizens with a gross household income (GHI) ≤ SGD 3,000/month or per capita income (PCI) ≤ SGD 750/month.
  • Benefits:
    • Waiver of school fees and standard miscellaneous fees.
    • Free textbooks and school attire.
    • Transport subsidy (up to SGD 17/month for public transport).
    • Meal subsidies for secondary school students (up to SGD 5.10/day).
  • Application: Submit the MOE FAS form through the school. Supporting documents (e.g., income statements) are required.

School-Based Financial Assistance

  • Schools may offer additional financial aid for students who do not qualify for MOE FAS but still face financial difficulties. Contact the school directly for details.

Edusave Scheme

  • All Singaporean students aged 7–16 receive an annual Edusave contribution from the government (SGD 230 for primary students, SGD 290 for secondary students).
  • Funds can be used for enrichment programs, school fees, and other educational expenses.

For Polytechnic and University Students

MOE Tuition Grant Scheme

  • Eligibility: Available to Singapore Citizens, PRs, and international students enrolled in polytechnics or universities.
  • Benefits: Subsidizes a significant portion of tuition fees.
  • Conditions for International Students: Must sign a Tuition Grant Agreement to work in Singapore for at least 3 years after graduation.
  • Application: Apply through the institution during enrollment.

Bursaries

  • MOE Bursary: Available to Singapore Citizens with a gross household income (GHI) ≤ SGD 4,400/month or per capita income (PCI) ≤ SGD 1,100/month.
    • Amount: SGD 1,350–3,200/year, depending on income and level of study.
  • Higher Education Community Bursary: For students with GHI ≤ SGD 2,250/month or PCI ≤ SGD 690/month.
    • Amount: SGD 2,400–4,200/year.
  • Application: Apply through the institution’s financial aid office.

CPF Education Scheme

  • Allows students to use their parents’ CPF savings to pay for tuition fees at polytechnics and universities.
  • Repayment is required with interest after graduation.

Work-Study Programs

  • Some institutions offer work-study programs where students can earn an income while studying.

3. Scholarships

Singapore offers a wide range of scholarships for both local and international students. Scholarships are typically merit-based and may cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.

For Primary and Secondary Students

  • Edusave Scholarships: Awarded to the top 10% of students in each school based on academic performance.
    • Amount: SGD 350 (primary) and SGD 500 (secondary).
  • Independent School Scholarships: For students in independent schools, covering up to full school fees.

For Polytechnic and University Students

Government Scholarships

  • ASEAN Scholarship: For students from ASEAN countries to study in Singapore secondary schools and junior colleges.
    • Covers tuition fees, accommodation, and an annual allowance.
  • Singapore Government Scholarship (SGS): For international students pursuing undergraduate studies in Singapore universities.
    • Covers tuition fees and provides a living allowance.

Institution-Specific Scholarships

  • Polytechnics: Each polytechnic offers scholarships for outstanding students (e.g., SP Scholarship, NP Scholarship).
  • Universities: Scholarships are available at all six autonomous universities (e.g., NUS Global Merit Scholarship, NTU Nanyang Scholarship, SMU Merit Scholarship).
    • Benefits: Full tuition fees, living allowance, and other perks.
    • Eligibility: Based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and extracurricular achievements.

Private Scholarships

  • Various organizations and foundations (e.g., Lee Foundation, Sembcorp Scholarship) offer scholarships for tertiary education.

4. Application Procedures

General Steps

  1. Check Eligibility: Review the specific criteria for the financial assistance scheme or scholarship.
  2. Prepare Documents: Commonly required documents include:
    • Proof of income (e.g., payslips, CPF contribution statements).
    • Academic transcripts and certificates.
    • Identification documents (e.g., NRIC, passport).
  3. Submit Application: Applications are typically submitted online or through the institution.
  4. Attend Interviews (if required): Some scholarships may require an interview or additional assessments.
  5. Await Results: Successful applicants will be notified by the institution or awarding body.

5. Country-Specific Considerations

  • Citizenship and Residency: Most financial assistance schemes are available only to Singapore Citizens. Permanent Residents and international students may have limited options.
  • Cultural Emphasis on Education: Singapore places a strong emphasis on academic excellence. Scholarships are highly competitive, and applicants are expected to demonstrate outstanding achievements.
  • Bond Requirements: Some scholarships and tuition grants for international students require a bond to work in Singapore for a specified period after graduation.
  • Language Proficiency: English is the medium of instruction in Singapore. Applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in English (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) for certain scholarships.

6. Additional Resources

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of financial assistance and scholarships in Singapore. If you have specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!