SUBSIDY FOR STUDENTS (Particulars)

Dr Ow Chin Hock asked the Minister for Education, based on recurrent expenditure, what is the average subsidy per student per year for students in (i) primary schools, (ii) secondary schools, (iii) junior colleges and Pre-University centres, (iv) the Vocational and Industrial Traning Board and (v) the Polytechnics.

The Minister of State for Education (Dr Tay Eng Soon) (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am replying on behalf of my Minister.

Based on the FY 86 estimated recurrent expenditure, the average subsidy per student per year for primary schools is $1,535; in the case of secondary schools, it is $2,132; and for junior colleges (inclusive of pre-university centres), the cost is $2,608. For the Vocational and Industrial Training Board and for the polytechnics, the subsidies are $4,094 and $4,836 respectively.

Dr Ow Chin Hock (Leng Kee): Sir, may I find out from the Minister of State whether the subsidy for the Poly students refers to full-time students or both full-time and part-time students?

Dr Tay Eng Soon: Sir, the subsidy for the polytechnic students refer to the full-time students.