Enhanced Subsidies for Polytechnic Part-time Diploma Programmes

By Leslie Kay Lim, The Straits Times, 9 Sep 2012

Those keen to pursue part-time diploma courses at polytechnics will soon be able to access enhanced subsidies to help fund their studies, announced the Ministry of Education (MOE) yesterday.

Starting from Oct 1, citizens and permanent residents will be eligible for subsidies of 70 per cent and 60 per cent, respectively, for such courses.



Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the Tampines Learning Festival yesterday, Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said this initiative was part of MOE's efforts to enhance continuing education and training opportunities.

"It's important to see learning as a lifelong journey and we should create many opportunities for Singaporeans to continue learning," said Mr Heng.

He cited the example of a 48-year-old professional in interior design who has chosen to pursue a diploma in construction technology to grow his business.

Until now, students have been able to receive government subsidies for diploma courses only once. And those who already hold diploma or higher qualifications have not been given subsidies.

With the change, Singaporeans who already hold full-time degrees or diplomas will be eligible for subsidised part-time diploma courses.

The change also benefits those who did not complete their full-time diploma courses the first time around.

For the 2011-2012 academic year, the polytechnics enrolled about 7,250 students in part-time diploma and post-diploma programmes.

After subsidies, the average fee for part-time diploma courses will come to about $4,200, according to MOE.

Anticipating the demand, some polytechnics are increasing the number of courses they offer.

Republic Polytechnic, for instance, will be offering two more part-time diploma courses in engineering and business practice next month, in addition to the part- time sports diploma it currently offers.

The subsidies are just what aspiring aerospace engineer Pang Jhy Woei was hoping for.

The 32-year-old already holds a diploma in tourism management and a degree in international business management, but will now pursue a part-time aerospace engineering diploma at Temasek Polytechnic.

He was working in a precision engineering firm until recently, and now wants to revive his childhood passion for the aerospace field.

"It was the main deciding factor," said Mr Pang, of the subsidies which will help him bear the cost of the $15,000 diploma course.

He will save almost $10,000 over the entire 21/2 years of the programme, because each of his five modules will cost him around $1,000 instead of the full $3,000.

"If I had to pay in full, it might not be worth it," he said.