Criteria Used for Renewal of Scholarship of International Scholars Sponsored by the Government

Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked the Minister for Education with regard to international scholars sponsored by the Government (a) what criteria are used to determine scholarship renewal at pre-tertiary and tertiary levels respectively; (b) what is the frequency of review for each renewal of scholarship; (c) what is the minimum academic standard required to be achieved at each renewal; and (d) of the 3% of international scholars who had their scholarships terminated, how many were terminated based on academic performance.

Mr Heng Swee Keat: International scholars are subject to stringent academic standards in order to continue receiving scholarship funding. International scholars in NUS, NTU and SUTD are required to maintain a Grade Point Average of 3.5 out of 5, and 3.4 out of 4, if they are in SMU. This is monitored every semester and is similar to the renewal criteria for the undergraduate scholarships for local students.

Similarly, pre-tertiary scholars have to achieve good promotional examination results, which would enable them to progress to the next level, in order for their scholarships to be renewed.

In addition, all scholars are expected to maintain a clean disciplinary record, with no unfavourable reports from their schools, universities or hostel staff.

Less than 2% of international scholars have had their scholarships terminated due to poor academic results.