The MOE Tuition Grants Singapore Scheme helps eligible students pay lower tuition fees for selected full-time courses at participating Institutes of Higher Learning in Singapore. The subsidy reduces the amount students pay to their institution, but eligibility, fee rates and application steps depend on the student’s citizenship, course and institution. Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents (PRs) and international students may qualify under different conditions. PRs and international students who accept the grant generally have to fulfil a three-year work bond after graduation. Before applying, check your course’s current fee schedule and read the grant agreement carefully.
Tuition Grants Singapore at a Glance
- What it is: A Ministry of Education (MOE) scheme that subsidises tuition fees for eligible courses.
- Who may qualify: Singapore Citizens, PRs and eligible international students, subject to the scheme’s rules.
- How fees work: The annual fee depends on the institution, course, academic year and student category.
- Where to apply: Follow your institution’s instructions and use the official Tuition Grant portal when required.
- Who has a bond: PRs and international students who accept the grant generally have a three-year work obligation with an eligible Singapore entity.
A Tuition Grant is a tuition subsidy, not a cash payment made directly to the student. You should also budget for living expenses, accommodation, books and other charges that may not be covered.
What Is the MOE Tuition Grant Scheme?
The MOE Tuition Grant Scheme is a Singapore Government subsidy that helps reduce tuition costs for eligible students enrolled in selected full-time courses. It supports access to tertiary education by paying part of the approved tuition cost to participating institutions. The amount of support differs by student category and course.
How the Singapore Tuition Grant Works
Students who receive the grant pay the subsidised tuition fee set for their course and intake. Singapore Citizens generally receive the grant automatically for eligible programmes, while PRs and international students usually need to opt in, complete the required registration and sign an agreement.
A tuition subsidy is different from a scholarship. The grant reduces tuition fees; a scholarship is a separate award that may depend on academic results, talent or other conditions.
Which Institutions and Courses Are Covered?
The scheme applies to eligible courses at participating Institutes of Higher Learning, including Singapore’s autonomous universities and other approved institutions. Coverage depends on the specific course and its eligibility rules, so don’t assume every programme at a participating institution qualifies. Check the MOE Tuition Grant Scheme page and your institution’s admissions website before accepting an offer.
Who Is Eligible for Tuition Grants Singapore?
Tuition Grant eligibility Singapore depends on your citizenship, course, institution and previous use of government tuition subsidies. The rules can differ across programmes, so the table below is a starting point rather than a guarantee of approval.
Singapore Citizens
Singapore Citizens generally receive the MOE Tuition Grant automatically for eligible full-time undergraduate courses. At universities such as NTU and NUS, students may still need to complete an institutional declaration or other enrolment steps. Citizens generally do not have the standard three-year Tuition Grant work bond, although separate obligations may apply to certain programmes or scholarships.
Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs)
PR students may apply for the grant when enrolled in an eligible course. If they accept it, they generally need to sign the Tuition Grant Agreement and fulfil a three-year work bond with an eligible Singapore entity after graduation.
International Students
International students may also qualify for subsidised tuition fees. The MOE Tuition Grant for international students comes with the same general three-year work obligation if the grant is accepted. Some institutions have specific application and registration windows, so follow the instructions sent by the university.
Previous Qualifications and Government Subsidies
Past government-subsidised study can affect eligibility or the number of semesters covered. For example, a student transferring between local universities may have the remaining grant period reduced by semesters already used. Check your course’s terms if you previously studied at a local institution or received a government subsidy for a similar qualification.
| Student category | General eligibility | Application requirements | Bond status |
| Singapore Citizen | Eligible course and grant rules apply | Often automatic; check institutional forms | Generally no standard Tuition Grant bond |
| Singapore PR | Eligible course and approval | Usually opt in and complete grant registration | Generally three years |
| International student | Eligible course and approval | Opt in, register and sign the agreement | Generally three years |
Tuition Grants Singapore Fees: How Much Can You Save?
Tuition Grants Singapore fees depend on the course, institution, academic year and student category. The subsidy can make a major difference to the amount payable, but there isn’t one flat rate for every university or programme. Always compare the subsidised fee with the non-subsidised fee for your exact course.
Subsidised vs Non-Subsidised Tuition Fees
A subsidised fee is the tuition amount payable by an eligible student receiving the grant. A non-subsidised fee applies when the student is not receiving the grant. The gap can be substantial, particularly for international students and certain specialist programmes.
How to Check Your Annual Course Fees
Use the institution’s official fee schedule for your admission year. The figures below are an example from NTU’s published Academic Year 2026/2027 undergraduate fee schedule, not a rate for every Singapore university.
| NTU full-time undergraduate category | Student category | Academic year | Annual tuition fee | Official source |
| Most programmes, except listed courses | Singapore Citizen, subsidised | 2026/27 | S$8,300 | NTU fee schedule |
| Most programmes, except listed courses | Singapore PR, subsidised | 2026/27 | S$11,600 | NTU fee schedule |
| Most programmes, except listed courses | ASEAN international student, subsidised | 2026/27 | S$18,050 | NTU fee schedule |
| Most programmes, except listed courses | Other international student, subsidised | 2026/27 | S$21,400 | NTU fee schedule |
These figures are for the listed general programme category. NTU publishes different rates for courses such as Medicine and certain business-related degrees. The same schedule lists non-subsidised rates separately.
GST treatment also varies by category. In NTU’s published schedule, the quoted fees for Singapore Citizens and PRs exclude GST because MOE subsidises the applicable GST on tuition; the listed international-student and non-subsidised fees include 9% GST. Miscellaneous student fees, accommodation, equipment and other compulsory charges may be billed separately. Check the latest official fee table before budgeting.
How to Apply for Tuition Grants Singapore
The Tuition Grant application Singapore process varies by institution and student category. Singapore Citizens often receive the grant automatically for eligible university programmes, while PRs and international students generally need to opt in and complete additional steps.
Step 1 — Check Course and Grant Eligibility
Confirm that your institution and exact full-time course are covered. Review the fee schedule, previous-subsidy rules and any bond conditions before accepting a subsidised place.
Step 2 — Follow Your Institution’s Application Process
Indicate that you want the grant in your admission application if your institution requires it. Watch for emails from the admissions or financial-aid office, since these usually explain the relevant deadlines and next steps.
Step 3 — Prepare Your Sureties
PRs and international students generally need two sureties for the Tuition Grant Agreement. NTU’s published criteria state that sureties must be aged 21 or older but below 65, must not be undischarged bankrupts and must meet other grant-related conditions. Check the current official surety criteria, as the requirements apply to your specific application.
Step 4 — Register and Sign the Tuition Grant Agreement
Use the official MOE Tuition Grant portal when your institution tells you to register. Singpass may be required for online registration. You and your sureties must complete the required agreement-signing steps within the stated period. Missing the deadline may mean paying non-subsidised fees, so follow the dates provided by your institution.
What Is the Three-Year Tuition Grant Bond?
PRs and international students who accept the MOE Tuition Grant generally agree to work for an eligible Singapore entity for three years after graduation. The bond is part of the grant’s terms: students receive subsidised tuition fees during their studies and commit to meeting the stated work obligation afterwards.
Employment Requirements After Graduation
Read the signed Tuition Grant Agreement to confirm what counts as eligible employment and how the service period is calculated. Don’t assume every job or overseas role qualifies. If you are considering a job outside Singapore, ask MOE or your institution how it affects your obligation before making plans.
Bond Deferment and Liquidated Damages
If you cannot fulfil the bond, contact MOE and your institution for advice as early as possible. Deferment, release or other arrangements are subject to the applicable rules and approval; they should not be assumed to be automatic. Failure to meet the agreement may lead to liquidated damages under its terms. Check the agreement for the applicable conditions and calculation rather than relying on a general estimate.
Tuition Grant vs Scholarships and Bursaries
The Tuition Grant is mainly a subsidy on tuition fees. Scholarships are usually competitive awards based on academic merit, talent or other stated criteria. Bursaries generally provide financial assistance to students who meet household-income or other needs-based requirements. Education loans, by comparison, must be repaid under their terms. Eligibility and rules for combining support differ, so confirm each scheme with your institution.
| Support type | Main purpose | Repayment or service conditions | Where to check |
| MOE Tuition Grant | Reduce eligible tuition fees | PRs and international recipients generally have a three-year bond | MOE and institution |
| Scholarship | Reward merit or meet award criteria | Depends on the award; some have service bonds | University scholarship office |
| Bursary | Help eligible students with financial need | Usually not repaid, subject to award terms | University financial-aid office |
| Education loan | Help pay education costs | Repayment is normally required | Institution or loan provider |
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuition Grants Singapore
Can international students get Tuition Grants in Singapore?
Yes. Eligible international students may receive subsidised fees for approved courses. Students who accept the grant generally need to sign the agreement and fulfil the three-year work bond.
Do Singapore Citizens need to apply?
At universities such as NTU and NUS, eligible Singapore Citizens generally receive the grant automatically. You may still need to complete a declaration or enrolment step required by your institution.
Who can be a Tuition Grant surety?
The surety rules depend on the applicable MOE criteria. NTU’s guidance states that sureties must be aged 21 to below 65 and must not be undischarged bankrupts. Check the official surety document before choosing your two sureties.
Can I reject the Tuition Grant?
You can choose not to accept a grant offer where the institution provides that option, but you will generally have to pay the non-subsidised tuition fees. Check the fee difference before deciding.
What happens if I cannot fulfil the three-year bond?
Contact MOE and your institution to discuss your circumstances. Depending on the agreement and applicable rules, failure to fulfil the obligation may lead to liquidated damages. The outcome and amount depend on the terms that apply to your case.
Conclusion
Tuition Grants Singapore can reduce the cost of eligible tertiary courses, but the amount and conditions vary. Check your course’s current fee schedule, confirm whether you need to apply, and read the bond agreement before accepting the subsidy. For the latest requirements, start with the MOE Tuition Grant Scheme and your institution’s official admissions website.