Data on Undergraduate Programme Changes at Autonomous Universities, Tuition Grant Adequacy for Programme Changers and Consideration of Additional Subsidised Semesters

Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh asked the Minister for Education (a) how many Singapore citizen undergraduates changed programmes within or between autonomous universities in each of the past five academic years; (b) how many incurred non-subsidised fees after exhausting their tuition grants before completing their new programme; and (c) whether the Government will consider granting up to two additional subsidised semesters for a student's first programme change.

Mr Desmond Lee: The Ministry of Education (MOE) provides subsidies for Singapore Citizens taking their first undergraduate degree at our autonomous universities (AUs). When a student applies for a mid-course transfer, the student’s subsidy eligibility for the new course takes into account the subsidy previously received. Prior to any course change, AUs provide advice to students on the academic and financial implications of such changes to help them make an informed decision.

MOE does not track information on individual course transfers. Students who require additional support beyond their MOE subsidy eligibility may approach their AUs for additional financial assistance.