Accommodations for Student-athletes when Trainings and Competitions Clash with Universities' Course Schedules

Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry works with the autonomous universities to accommodate student-athletes whose core module examinations clash with national training or overseas competition travel, particularly in structured degree programmes where deferring a core module delays subsequent modules and graduation; (b) if so, how; and (c) whether such accommodation includes alternative assessment arrangements.

Mr Desmond Lee: The autonomous universities (AUs) are committed to supporting our national athletes in balancing their sporting and academic pursuits.

The AUs customise academic support for student athletes based on their specific circumstances. For instance, student athletes can arrange for their examinations to be taken before or after their overseas trainings or competitions, where feasible. Alternative assessment arrangements may also be considered, including online assignments or testing, as well as the use of pre-recorded presentations.

These athlete-friendly practices have been set out in a memorandum of understanding signed between the AUs and the Singapore Sports School in April 2025.