MOE to Increase Transport, Meal Subsidies for Students From Jan. 1, 2023

Singapore's Ministry of Education announced on Wednesday that it will raise its transport and meal subsidies for primary and secondary students under its Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) starting Jan. 1, 2023. It will also increase the bursaries of those about to attend university.

As per its press release, this will apply to pupils attending MOE-funded Special Education (SPED) schools, as well as students who are receiving a 100% school fee subsidy from the government's Independent School Bursary (ISB), including those who are pre-university.

The FAS aims to cover the basic schooling expenses of Singaporean students who come from low-income families, taking care of school costs and miscellaneous fees, textbooks, uniforms, meals, and transport. Pre-university students' school costs and miscellaneous fees are also covered, along with financial aid and transport subsidies.

By January 2023, the monthly school bus subsidy for primary school students will cover 65% of the monthly fare, an increase from 60%. The monthly public transport subsidy for primary to pre-university students will also be raised to S$17 from S$15.

Primary students will be accorded S$2.60 per school meal for seven meals per school week, up from S$2, while meal subsidies of secondary students will be raised to S$3.50 per meal for 10 meals per school week, up from $2.90. The pre-university bursary, on the other hand, will be increased to S$1,200 from S$1,000 each year.