Pursuit of Second Degree at Local Universities

Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) given the Government's push for Singaporeans to re-skill and re-train, whether those who have already obtained a degree from a local university will be able to pursue a second degree in our local university, in a field of study that may be more relevant and in demand in view of disruption and skill obsolescence.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers for Education (Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim) (for the Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills)): Mdm Speaker, today, an individual who wishes to pursue a second undergraduate degree programme at our Autonomous Universities (AUs) can do so. However, he will not receive tuition subsidies if he has already received Government subsidies or sponsorship for his first degree. This is because budget and resources are limited, and we have to prioritise Government subsidies for those pursuing their first degree.

Notwithstanding, there are many non-degree upgrading opportunities that are subsidised and opened to all Singaporeans. Hence, under the SkillsFuture movement, our Institutes of Higher Learning have taken on lifelong learning as part of their core mission, and are actively expanding their lifelong learning offerings and pathways. In 2016, the AUs offered 29,500 MOE/SSG-supported training places. Singaporeans taking these courses enjoy heavy subsidies, up to 90%.

These courses are generally delivered in short modules, tightly coupled with industry needs. Some modules can also be stacked up to a full qualification − which can be at advance diploma or graduate certificate − over time.

Another initiative for mid-career Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians would be the Professional Conversion Programmes (PCPs). PCPs help working adults enter new occupations by providing them with intensive training and industry attachments in a wide range of areas of growth, such as healthcare, logistics, and infocomm technology. Financial support in the form of course fee subsidies, salary support and training allowances is available under the PCPs.