To ensure every Singaporean student receives equal access to quality education, regardless of their family’s financial background, the Ministry of Education (MOE) continues to offer the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS). In 2025, this scheme will provide eligible students in government and government-aided schools with comprehensive support that covers school fees, uniforms, textbooks, transport, and more.
MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (MOE FAS) 2025
Overview
Key Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Scheme name | MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (MOE FAS) |
Type of support | Education-related financial assistance |
Eligible levels | Primary, Secondary, and Pre-University students |
Covered schools | Government, government-aided, specialised, and independent schools |
Application method | Through school or via the MOE online portal |
Official portal | www.moe.gov.sg/financial-matters/financial-assistance |
Why MOE FAS Matters in 2025
As the cost of living rises, families with limited income may struggle to keep up with education-related expenses. The MOE FAS ensures that no child is denied schooling opportunities due to financial hardship. It supports Singapore’s goal of an inclusive education system by providing practical aid directly to students in need.
In 2025, MOE FAS continues to ease the burden on low-income households, allowing students to stay focused on learning without financial distractions.
Who Is Eligible
To qualify for the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme in 2025, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Singapore Citizen
- Attend a government, government-aided, or MOE-registered school
- Belong to a household with gross monthly income ≤ $3,000, or
Per capita income ≤ $750
Students studying in mainstream schools, including specialised and independent schools, are eligible.
Support Provided Under MOE FAS
Education Level | Subsidy / Support Provided |
---|---|
Primary | – 100% waiver of school fees and standard miscellaneous fees |
– Free textbooks and school attire | |
– $120 transport subsidy per year (for those taking public transport) | |
– School meal subsidies | |
Secondary | – 100% waiver of school fees and standard miscellaneous fees |
– Free textbooks and school attire | |
– $180 transport subsidy per year | |
– School meal subsidies | |
Pre-University | – 100% waiver of school and exam fees |
– $270 transport subsidy per year | |
– Bursaries or further support may be offered depending on the school |
All support is administered through schools and is not given in cash to parents or students.
Breakdown of Benefits
Component | Details |
---|---|
School fees | Fully waived |
Standard misc. fees | Fully waived |
Textbooks & uniforms | Provided at no cost |
Transport subsidies | Credited to the student’s EZ-Link card |
Meal subsidies | Daily meal support for eligible students |
Application validity | Typically valid for one academic year |
Application Process
Step | Details |
---|---|
Where to apply | Through the student’s school or online via the MOE portal |
When to apply | Applications typically open before the school year starts |
Documents needed | – NRIC or birth cert of student – Payslips or CPF of family members |
Processing time | 2–4 weeks |
Renewal | Required annually if family still meets the income criteria |
Parents may also seek help from the school’s General Office if they are unsure how to proceed.
Additional Support for Independent Schools
For students in independent schools, an additional Independent School Bursary (ISB) supplements the MOE FAS. Based on income level, they may receive:
Household PCI (Per Capita Income) | Subsidy |
---|---|
≤ $625 | 100% fee subsidy, full subsidies for books, meals, and transport |
$626 – $1,000 | 75% fee subsidy, partial subsidies for essentials |
MOE works closely with these schools to ensure no deserving student is left behind.
Who Administers MOE FAS
The scheme is managed by:
- MOE headquarters
- School principals and administrative staff
- Social workers or school counsellors, for ComCare-linked cases
Schools also work with external agencies like the Community Development Councils (CDCs) for integrated support.
Tips for Parents
- Apply early: Before the academic year starts to avoid disruption in support.
- Submit complete documents: Incomplete forms may delay processing.
- Renew yearly: Eligibility is not automatically rolled over.
- Communicate with schools: Schools can offer interim assistance while applications are processed.
Parents can also combine MOE FAS with other forms of support, such as:
- Edusave Bursaries
- Town Council Vouchers
- Student care subsidies
A Foundation of Equal Access
The MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (MOE FAS) 2025 continues to uphold Singapore’s core value of meritocracy with compassion. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of income level. By covering essential education expenses, MOE FAS helps children focus on learning, grow in confidence, and build a better future.
With expanded outreach, simplified processes, and strong school-level support, MOE FAS ensures no student is left behind on their education journey.
Quick Answers
Q1: My child is a Permanent Resident. Can we apply for MOE FAS?
A: No. Only Singapore Citizens are eligible for the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme. PRs can explore other school-based schemes.
Q2: Can I still apply for MOE FAS if I’m receiving ComCare or other social support?
A: Yes. In fact, recipients of ComCare assistance are automatically eligible for MOE FAS.
Q3: Are the transport subsidies given in cash?
A: No. Transport subsidies are credited to the student’s registered EZ-Link card.
Q4: Does the scheme cover enrichment or tuition classes?
A: No. MOE FAS focuses on core school-related costs like fees, books, uniforms, meals, and transport.
Q5: If I apply late, will my child still get full-year support?
A: If approved, assistance is typically backdated to the start of the academic year. However, early