For many Singaporean families, one of the biggest questions each school year is: How much will it actually cost to put my child through school? The good news is that Singapore has a very robust system of education funding, designed so that no child is denied opportunities because of family finances. As of December 2025, several parts of the system have been updated or enhanced. Miscellaneous fees have been simplified, MOE financial assistance criteria have widened, and PSEA has received a one-off top-up for certain age groups. At the same time, school fees for PRs and international students continue to move under MOE’s phased adjustments through 2026. In this guide, we break down how Edusave, PSEA and school subsidies work today, what has changed in recent years, and how you can make the most of each scheme. If you read on, you’ll learn how fees are structured, who is eligible for which subsidies, and what support is available at each stage of education.
Edusave, PSEA & School Subsidies in Singapore 2025 Guide
What is Edusave and who gets it?
Edusave is a government scheme that helps support the educational needs of Singaporean children in primary and secondary school. If your child is a Singapore Citizen aged 7 to 16 and enrolled in an MOE-funded school (including madrasahs and SPED schools), they will automatically have an Edusave account set up for them. There is no application needed. The funds in the account earn interest, and the balance grows through annual government contributions, Edusave awards and occasional one-off top-ups.
Annual Edusave contributions in 2025
All eligible students receive a fixed yearly contribution:
| Education level | Annual Edusave contribution (2025) |
| Primary | $230 |
| Secondary | $290 |
These amounts have remained stable for several years. One-off top-ups may be provided in selected Budgets (for example, 2022 saw a Household Support Package top-up), but these are not guaranteed annually.
What you can use Edusave for
Edusave can be used for a variety of school-related expenses, including:
- Approved enrichment or learning programmes
- Supplementary classes
- Selected co-curricular activity (CCA) costs
- School-organised learning journeys
- School fees (for schools where this applies)
- All miscellaneous fees (for primary, secondary and pre-university levels), following MOE’s 2024 fee structure update
A quick note on miscellaneous fees
Before 2024, schools had two categories of miscellaneous fees, which often confused parents about what Edusave could cover. MOE has since merged these into a single tier, making it much clearer.
Edusave awards (including Merit Bursary)
Aside from the annual contribution, students may receive Edusave Awards that reward good conduct, leadership or academic performance. These awards include the Edusave Merit Bursary (EMB), which is based on both academic performance and household income. Award amounts generally range from $200 to $500, depending on the student’s level. All award monies go directly into the Edusave account—they are not issued as cash. Parents can use these funds to supplement school expenses or save them for future needs.
What is the Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA)?
After secondary school, education funding shifts to the PSEA. This account supports students entering polytechnic, ITE, arts institutions, universities and other approved education providers. The PSEA is interest-bearing, and most students build up their balance from:
- Carry-over Edusave funds from age 17
- Transfer of leftover Child Development Account (CDA) funds at age 13
- NS HOME Awards (for male Singapore Citizens)
- One-off government top-ups, such as the 2025 $500 PSEA top-up for Singaporeans born between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2008
PSEA balances earn interest pegged to the CPF Ordinary Account rate, which is currently 2.5% per year. This makes it worthwhile to retain funds in the account until you need them for post-secondary expenses.
What you can use PSEA for
PSEA funds can be used to pay for a wide range of programmes and fees at approved education institutions, including:
- Polytechnic and ITE courses
- University modules and fees
- Accredited private education institutions
- Approved overseas programmes
- Education loan repayments (TFL, Study Loan, CPF Education Loan)
You cannot use PSEA to pay for Junior College or Millennia Institute fees. For these levels, families should rely on Edusave, MOE Financial Assistance or school-based support. PSEA closes when the account holder turns 31. Remaining balances can be transferred to a sibling’s PSEA or moved into the individual’s CPF Ordinary Account if eligible. ALSO READ: NUS, NTU, SMU & Other Singapore University Degrees—How Much Do They Cost in 2025?
MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS): Updated income criteria
The MOE FAS has undergone significant enhancements. As of 2025 (with updated thresholds taking effect for the 2026 school year), the income criteria are:
- Gross Household Income (GHI): $4,000 or less, or
- Per Capita Income (PCI): $1,000 or less
This allows more families to qualify compared to previous years.
What the MOE FAS covers
If your child qualifies for FAS in a Government or Government-aided school, they may receive:
- Full waiver of school fees
- Full coverage of all miscellaneous fees
- Textbook and stationery grant (for items on the school booklist)
- School attire grant (uniform, PE attire, socks and shoes)
- Transport subsidy (up to $21/month)
- Meal subsidies (primary and secondary students; up to 10 meals per school week)
For many low-income families, this means that all compulsory school costs are fully covered, and day-to-day costs are significantly reduced.
Independent School Bursary (ISB): Updated 2026 bands
Independent schools have a separate bursary structure. From 2026, the ISB offers four main tiers:
| Income tier | Income criteria | What the student pays | Additional benefits |
| Tier 1 | GHI ≤ $4,000 or PCI ≤ $1,000 | 0% of school, misc, exam fees (fully subsidised) | Free textbooks & attire; transport subsidy; meals (secondary); JC: $1,600 bursary |
| Tier 2 | GHI $4,001–$5,500 or PCI $1,001–$1,375 | Pays the same fees as a Government/GA school |
— |
| Tier 3 | GHI $5,501–$9,000 or PCI $1,376–$2,250 | Pays 1.5× Government/GA school fees |
— |
| Tier 4 | GHI $9,001–$12,000 or PCI $2,251–$3,000 | Receives a 33% subsidy of fees |
— |
These ISB rates apply to independent schools only. Each school may have additional subsidies or schemes, so parents should check with the school for exact payable amounts. These updated tiers provide clearer, more flexible support across a wider range of income groups.
Student Care Fee Assistance (SCFA)
If your child attends a registered student care centre, you may qualify for the Student Care Fee Assistance scheme under the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). Eligibility generally requires:
- The child to be aged 7 to 14, and a Singapore Citizen or PR (with at least one SC family member in the same household)
- Parents working at least 56 hours per month
- Meeting one of the income thresholds:
- GHI: $4,500 or less, or
- PCI: $1,125 or less
SCFA provides a monthly subsidy that reduces the centre’s fees, and a Start-Up Grant (SUG) to cover initial costs such as deposit, uniforms and basic items. The exact dollar amounts may vary by centre, so it’s best to confirm directly with the provider.
DigitalAccess@Home (IMDA)
Digital learning is now part of everyday schooling, so IMDA’s DigitalAccess@Home scheme provides subsidised fibre broadband and a laptop or tablet for eligible low-income households. To qualify, families must meet conditions such as:
- Living in an HDB flat
- Having at least one Singapore Citizen in the household
- Meeting income requirements (e.g., GHI ≤ $1,900 or PCI ≤ $650), with higher thresholds applicable if there is a primary school child or person with disabilities
This scheme replaces older programmes such as NEU PC Plus and Home Access, giving families more integrated digital support.
School fees for Singapore Citizens (2025)
School fees for Singapore Citizens in Government and Government-aided schools remain very affordable:
| Level | School fees (SC) | Miscellaneous fee (2025) |
| Primary | $0 | $13/month |
| Secondary | $5/month | $20/month |
| Pre-U | $6/month | $27/month |
Miscellaneous fees are the same for all nationalities because MOE standardised them into a single tier in 2024.
School fees for PRs and international students (2025–2026)
MOE continues to adjust fees for non-citizens annually. The figures below are based on the official 2024–2026 fee revision schedule.
| Level | 2025 PR | 2026 PR | 2025 IS (ASEAN) | 2026 IS (ASEAN) | 2025 IS (non-ASEAN) | 2026 IS (non-ASEAN) |
| Primary | $305 | $330 | $570 | $595 | $985 | $1,035 |
| Secondary | $540 | $580 | $960 | $1,005 | $1,800 | $1,900 |
| Pre-U | $615 | $650 | $1,040 | $1,080 | $2,200 | $2,300 |
These figures reflect monthly school fees for Government and Government-aided schools only. Independent and specialised schools set their own fees. For the most accurate and school-specific amounts, parents should refer to MOE’s school fee checker.
How subsidies work together to reduce costs
Most families will use a mix of schemes at different stages of their child’s education. Here’s how they typically work in combination:
- Edusave covers all miscellaneous fees for SC students who are not on FAS
- MOE FAS fully covers school fees and all misc fees for eligible families
- ISB ensures independent school students are not priced out because of family income
- PSEA supports all post-secondary education needs, including loan repayments later on
- SCFA and DigitalAccess@Home reduce the cost of student care and digital access
- Edusave Awards provide additional funds for enrichment and school-related activities
With these programmes combined, most compulsory education costs—especially for Singapore Citizens—are kept affordable and predictable.
Final thoughts
Singapore’s education subsidies form a comprehensive support system that helps families manage costs from primary school all the way to post-secondary education. Whether you’re planning enrichment activities, budgeting for school fees or saving for future studies, understanding how Edusave, PSEA and financial assistance work can make a meaningful difference. Policies continue to evolve, so it’s helpful to stay updated and make use of the schemes relevant to your child’s needs. If you’d like to learn more about education planning, saving for your child’s future or choosing the right accounts, check out our other guides on PasarModern.com. For more guides and the latest promotions, visit PasarModern.com, Singapore’sbest and trusted personal finance platform. About the author Having been writing for a little over 10 years, KC has flexed his pen in a variety of industries—think automotive, fitness, entertainment, and finance. He’s ultimately on a mission to prove that any topic, no matter how serious, can be made fun. Off-duty? It’s all about food, drinks, parties, and gaming marathons.
Edusave, PSEA & School Subsidies in Singapore (2025): Updated Guide for Parents was first published on the PasarModern.comblog.
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