SINGAPORE — Transport and meal subsidies for primary and secondary students under the Ministry of Education (MOE) financial assistance scheme and bursaries for pre-university students will be increased from Jan 1, 2023, amid rising cost pressures.

In a statement on Wednesday (Aug 24), MOE said that around 44,000 students will benefit from the enhanced subsidies.

The MOE financial assistance scheme fully covers the cost of school and standard miscellaneous fees, textbooks and school uniforms, as well as provides meal and transport subsidies for students from lower income households.

For pre-university students, the scheme fully covers school fees and standard miscellaneous fees, while providing a cash bursary and transport subsidies.

Here is a summary of the enhanced subsidies:

PRICING CAP ADJUSTMENT ON SCHOOL BUS FARES

The cap for school bus fares under existing contracts between schools and bus operators will be allowed to increase by 7 per cent, in a one-time increase, said MOE.

The rise in fuel and manpower costs in recent months has made it more challenging for school bus operators to sustain their operations at pricing caps that had been fixed before the recent rise in fuel prices, said the ministry.

Revisions to the bus fares will be communicated by bus operators to the parents or guardians of students using the service from next month.

“Students who require financial assistance will also receive more support through our enhancements to the MOE financial assistance scheme and additional help through school-based financial assistance scheme if needed,” added MOE.