MOE Financial Assistance Scheme 2025: Full Guide for Singaporean
Rising school costs can feel overwhelming- but Singapore’s MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) offers real relief for families who need it.
If your child is in a government or government-aided school, this scheme could help cover key expenses like textbooks, school attire, meals, and even transport. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your eligibility, this guide walks you through the process clearly- complete with benefit breakdowns, income criteria, and answers to common questions.
MOE Financial Assistance Scheme
Singapore’s MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) helps low‑income Singaporean families pay for essential school expenses. It covers students in government and government‑aided schools- and certain specialised institutions- across primary, secondary and pre‑university levels.
Eligibility & Income Check
To qualify, your household must meet one of these thresholds:
- Gross Household Income (GHI) ≤ SGD 3,000/month, or
- Per Capita Income (PCI) ≤ SGD 750/month (GHI ÷ number of household members)
Household members generally include parents, unmarried siblings, and in some cases dependent grandparents.
Step‑by‑Step: Application Process
- Grab the form: Download online or collect a physical copy from your child’s school.
- Fill it out: Carefully input household and income details. Attach latest payslip and any income documents.
- Submit it: Hand it over to the school office, or submit online if available.
- School verification: The school reviews your documents and confirms eligibility.
- Receive benefits: If approved, subsidies start the following month; no back pay for costs before the approval date.
- Renew yearly: Reverification of income is required each year to continue support.
Tips
- One form per family – Even if your children attend different schools, submit just one application to one school.
- Submit early – Make sure all documents are legible and less than 1 MB if submitting digitally.
- Bonus help – Your school may offer school‑based assistance (e.g. enrichment subsidies or device support) if still needed after MOE FAS is approved.
AT A Glance
| Academic Level | Subsidies & Support |
|---|---|
| Primary | Full waiver of miscellaneous fees; free textbooks and attire; meal subsidy (~7 meals/week); 65% school bus fare or SGD 17/month public transport subsidy. |
| Secondary | Full waiver of school and misc. fees; free school attire (if applicable); meal subsidy (10 meals/week); SGD 17/month transport; SGD 1,200 annual bursary. |
| Pre‑University / JC / CI | Full waiver of fees; SGD 17/month public transport subsidy (up to SGD 204/year); annual bursary (SGD 1,200). |
MOE FAS ensures no child misses key learning due to financial hardship. By covering fees, textbooks, meals, attire and transport, it lets students focus on growing and learning, without worrying about bills. Parents often mention how vital it is for peace of mind and continuity in education.
Common Questions (and Answers)
Q: Does MOE FAS apply to independent private schools or international schools?
A: No. It is only for students in government, government‑aided or approved specialised institutions. Independent/private schools have their own schemes such as the ISB (Independent School Bursary).
Q: What if only one parent works or is unemployed?
A: You must declare all household members as defined. Even if some earn zero, they count in PCI and GHI calculations. Unemployment declarations and dependent senior relatives may be included case by case.
Q: Can non‑citizens apply?
A: No. Only Singapore citizens are eligible. Permanent residents or international students are not covered.
Real‑World Advice from Parents for FAS
“Applying online was easier than expected- just make sure your payslips are clear and the school helped guide the rest.”
“After getting FAS, we were able to afford extracurricular coding classes with extra support from the school’s own scheme.”
This feedback reflects how MOE FAS, paired with school-based relief, really makes a difference.
If your household meets the income threshold, applying for MOE FAS can significantly lessen school-related financial pressures. It’s built to be inclusive and simple. Even if you’re unsure, check with your child’s school- they often help families by identifying and apply for extra support options.
