ADMISSION TO FACULTY OF MEDICINE (Cap on number of applicants)

Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Minister for Education whether his Ministry will change its policy to bar students with good grades from studying medicine at the National University of Singapore in cases where such students cannot afford to do so overseas.

Mr Lee Yock Suan: There is a cap on the number of applicants with outstanding 'A' level results to be admitted to Medicine to ensure a better spread of talent to other faculties. The basis for this policy is that Singapore also needs good minds to be trained in other disciplines. Top students who apply to study Medicine therefore have to compete among themselves for a place. In the selection process, aptitude and suitability for the course are taken into account together with 'A' level performance.