What Is the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)?
The MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) is a government programme that helps low-income Singapore families cover the costs of primary and secondary school. For primary school students, FAS can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses, making quality education accessible to all children regardless of their family's financial situation.
FAS is administered through individual schools and is means-tested, meaning eligibility is based on your household income. It is one of the most impactful financial support schemes available to families with school-going children in Singapore.
What Does FAS Cover?
For primary school students on FAS, the scheme covers:
- School fees: Full waiver of monthly school fees (standard government school fees are already very low — around $6.50/month for citizens — but FAS waives these entirely)
- Standard miscellaneous fees: Covers standard miscellaneous charges that would otherwise apply
- Textbooks: Full subsidies for the recommended textbooks and workbooks on the school booklist
- School uniforms and shoes: Subsidies for the school's standard uniform set and school shoes
- School meals: Subsidised school meals through the School Meals Programme — eligible students receive meal credits at the school canteen
- Transport subsidy: Some eligible students may also receive public bus transport subsidies
Combined, FAS can save a family several hundred dollars per year in school-related expenses, which can be significant for low-income households.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for MOE FAS at primary school level, a student must be a Singapore Citizen and meet one of the following income criteria:
- Gross household income (GHI): $3,000 per month or below, OR
- Per capita income (PCI): $750 per month or below (PCI = GHI divided by number of household members)
Students who are ComCare recipients are automatically eligible for FAS.
Note that Singapore Permanent Resident students are generally not eligible for MOE FAS, though some schools may have their own financial assistance funds that can be applied for separately.
How to Apply
Applications for FAS are submitted directly to the child's school. The process is straightforward:
- Obtain the application form: Download from the MOE website or collect from the school's general office
- Complete the form: Provide household income details, including income of all working members of the household
- Gather supporting documents (see below)
- Submit to the school: The school's administrative staff will process the application and notify you of the outcome
Applications can be submitted at any time during the school year, and the school typically processes applications within a few weeks. FAS is renewable annually — families need to reapply or renew their status each year.
Documents Required
You will typically need to provide:
- Latest 3 months' payslips or CPF statements for all working adults in the household
- For self-employed individuals: NOA (Notice of Assessment) from IRAS for the previous year
- For unemployed individuals: Statutory declaration or letter confirming unemployment
- Child's birth certificate
- NRIC or identification documents of parents/guardians
- Proof of residence (utility bill or tenancy agreement)
The school's admin team will guide you through any additional documents required for your specific circumstances.
ComCare and Supplementary Schemes
Families already on ComCare Long-Term Assistance or Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance are automatically granted FAS — no separate application is needed at the school.
Beyond FAS, there are several supplementary schemes that can provide additional financial support:
- Edusave Bursary Awards: Annual cash awards for FAS students who meet conduct and academic criteria
- Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF): Provides additional pocket money for needy students — apply through the school or directly with the SPMF
- CCC-CDAC/Mendaki/SINDA Bursaries: Community-based bursaries available to eligible Malay, Chinese, and Indian students respectively
- School-based financial assistance: Many schools — particularly government-aided schools with well-funded school boards — have their own discretionary financial assistance funds for families who may not qualify for MOE FAS but are still facing hardship
Advice for Families
If you are unsure whether you qualify, apply anyway — the school will assess your eligibility. There is no penalty for an unsuccessful application. Many families who would benefit from FAS do not apply simply because they are unaware or feel uncomfortable asking for help. MOE and schools have designed the process to be respectful and non-stigmatising.
If your child is starting P1, you can apply for FAS as soon as they are enrolled. There is no need to wait until mid-year. Contact the school's general office directly for guidance specific to your situation.