Sending a child to college or university is both exciting and daunting for any parent in Singapore. While the dream of seeing your child graduate is priceless, the financial reality can feel overwhelming—especially when you factor in tuition fees, living expenses, and the cost of enrichment or overseas opportunities.

The good news is that Singapore’s government has built an extensive framework of grants, bursaries, and education savings schemes to ensure that higher education remains accessible and affordable for most families. If you’re a parent with a child about to enter polytechnic, ITE, or university, here’s a clear breakdown of the major supports available—and how you can maximise them.

Tuition Grant Scheme: The Biggest Cost Saver

The MOE Tuition Grant (TG) is arguably the single most important subsidy for higher education in Singapore.

• For Singapore Citizens, the TG automatically reduces tuition fees for full-time diploma and degree programmes at local institutions.

• For Permanent Residents, the grant is available but requires a service obligation (usually three years of work in a Singapore-registered company upon graduation).

• For International Students, the TG is optional but also comes with a bond requirement.

Impact on parents: Without the TG, annual tuition at an autonomous university like NUS or SMU can easily exceed $30,000. With the grant, Singapore Citizens typically pay closer to $8,000–$12,000 per year, depending on faculty and course.

This makes the TG the cornerstone of affordability in higher education—something every parent should take into account when budgeting.

Bursaries and Subsidies: Closing the Gap for Lower-Income Families

Even with the TG, some families may find fees burdensome. That’s where government bursaries step in.

• MOE Bursaries: These are means-tested subsidies available to polytechnic, ITE, and university students. Depending on income levels, bursary amounts can range from a few hundred dollars at ITE level to several thousand dollars per year at university level.

• Higher Education Community Bursaries: For families with gross monthly household income ≤ $9,000 (or per capita income ≤ $2,250), bursaries are tiered to give more support to those who need it most.

• ITE Specific: Students in Nitec and Higher Nitec programmes can receive bursaries of up to ~$1,600 per year.

These bursaries don’t have to be repaid, making them especially valuable compared to loans. Parents should encourage their children to apply early each academic year, since eligibility is reassessed annually.

Edusave: Small but Steady

Remember the Edusave account you may have seen on your child’s Singpass app since their primary school days? That little pot of money is still relevant in the years leading up to college.

• The government contributes annually: about $230 for primary school students, $290 for secondary school students.

• Funds can be used for enrichment programmes, learning journeys, and school-approved courses.

In 2025, the government is also providing a one-time $500 top-up to Edusave accounts for children aged 13–16. While this won’t cover tuition, it can help pay for preparatory courses, additional certifications, or even pre-university enrichment.

Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA): The Bridge to College

The PSEA is essentially the “big sibling” of Edusave. It’s a dedicated savings account for education expenses that kicks in once your child reaches post-secondary age.

• Automatic Conversion: Any unused Edusave balance will flow into the PSEA when your child graduates from secondary school.

• Government Top-Ups: In 2025, students aged 17–20 will receive a $500 top-up into their PSEA.

• Uses: PSEA funds can be used for tuition, enrichment programmes, overseas exchange fees, or even to pay for approved courses at private training providers. If one child has excess funds, siblings can sometimes tap into it as well.

Parents should think of the PSEA as a “flexible wallet” for education expenses beyond just tuition—something that can stretch the family budget and allow students to pursue opportunities without dipping into savings.

Stretching Your Dollar: Practical Tips

1. Combine supports: Tuition Grant + MOE Bursary + PSEA withdrawals can drastically reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

2. Plan for enrichment: Use Edusave and PSEA funds strategically to pay for certifications, overseas exchanges, or specialised workshops that enhance employability.

3. Check sibling usage: PSEA balances can sometimes be shared across siblings, so families with multiple children can reallocate funds efficiently.

4. Layer in scholarships: On top of government support, don’t overlook school-specific scholarships or industry-linked awards. Many cover partial tuition or living expenses.

The Bigger Picture

The Singapore system is designed so that no capable student is denied higher education because of cost. From the Tuition Grant to bursaries, Edusave and PSEA, these schemes form a safety net that lightens the financial load on parents and empowers students to focus on their studies.

The key for parents is to be proactive—understand the eligibility criteria, keep track of application windows, and encourage your child to tap every available resource. With careful planning, you can help your child take flight into higher education without breaking the family bank.