MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) 2026
A complete guide to school fees assistance for Singapore Citizen families — eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
Am I Eligible for MOE FAS?
Your child must be a Singapore Citizen in a government or government-aided school, AND your family must meet either income criterion:
Total gross monthly income of all working household members combined must not exceed $3,000.
Total household gross income ÷ number of household members must not exceed $750 per person per month.
Families that meet either criterion qualify. Permanent Residents and international students are not eligible for MOE FAS, but may apply for school-specific bursaries.
What Does MOE FAS Cover?
| Benefit | Primary School | Secondary School |
|---|---|---|
| School Fees | Full waiver | Full waiver |
| Miscellaneous Fees | Full waiver | Full waiver |
| Textbooks | Full subsidy (up to $260/yr) | Full subsidy (up to $260/yr) |
| School Uniform & Attire | Full subsidy | Full subsidy |
| Meal Subsidy | $100/month ($5/day × 20 days) | $100/month ($5/day × 20 days) |
| Transport Subsidy | Up to $17/month | Up to $17/month |
Benefits listed are for government and government-aided schools. Actual amounts may be adjusted by MOE periodically — verify with your school's General Office for the latest figures.
How to Apply for MOE FAS
- 1Gather your documents
Prepare: your child's birth certificate or NRIC, the last 3 months of payslips for all working household members (or CPF contribution history), and utility bills if self-employed or unemployed.
- 2Visit the school's General Office
Bring your documents and request an MOE FAS application form from the school's General Office. Applications are accepted throughout the year — you do not need to wait for a specific period.
- 3Submit the completed form
Fill in the application form with your household income details. Attach all required supporting documents and submit to the General Office. The school will verify your information.
- 4Await approval notification
The school will notify you of the outcome typically within a few weeks. If approved, benefits take effect from the date of approval — some may be backdated to the start of term at the school's discretion.
- 5Renew annually
MOE FAS must be renewed each year. Schools send reminders in Q4 or early in the new year. Reapply with updated income documentation.
Other Financial Assistance Schemes
If you do not qualify for MOE FAS or need additional support, consider these schemes:
- School-Based Bursaries: Many schools offer their own bursaries with slightly higher income thresholds than MOE FAS. Ask your school's General Office.
- ComCare Education Bursary (MSF): For families already receiving ComCare assistance — provides additional support for school-related costs.
- Edusave Contributions: All Singapore Citizen students automatically receive annual Edusave contributions ($230–$290 for primary, $290–$350 for secondary). These can be used to pay for approved fees and enrichment programmes.
- Community Development Councils (CDCs): The five CDCs provide vouchers and assistance programmes for qualifying families. Check your local CDC website.
- Independent School Bursaries: Independent and autonomous schools offer their own tiered bursary schemes, often at more generous levels to offset higher school fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)?
The MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) is a government subsidy programme that helps lower-income Singaporean families cope with school-related costs. It covers school fees, standard miscellaneous fees, school-based charges, textbooks, school attire (uniform), and provides a monthly meal allowance and transport subsidy.
Who is eligible for MOE FAS?
To qualify for MOE FAS, the student must be a Singapore Citizen enrolled in a government or government-aided school. The family must meet either of these income criteria: (1) Gross Household Income (GHI) of $3,000 or less per month, OR (2) Per Capita Income (PCI) of $750 or less per month. Per Capita Income = Total monthly household gross income ÷ number of family members.
What benefits does MOE FAS provide?
MOE FAS covers: full waiver of school fees and standard miscellaneous fees, free textbooks and school attire (up to $260/year for primary), a monthly meal subsidy ($100/month = $5/day for 20 days), and a transport subsidy of up to $17/month for those eligible for school bus or MRT/bus travel.
How do I apply for MOE FAS?
Applications can be submitted directly to your child's school at any time of the year. Bring supporting documents including: your child's birth certificate or NRIC, income proof (latest 3 months payslips or CPF contribution history for all working household members), and utility bills if self-employed. The school's General Office will process your application.
Can I apply for FAS at any time?
Yes. MOE FAS applications are accepted throughout the year at the school's General Office. However, it is best to apply early — ideally before or at the start of the school year — so that benefits kick in from the beginning of the year.
What is the difference between MOE FAS and school-based bursaries?
MOE FAS is a government-wide scheme administered by MOE and applied consistently across all government and government-aided schools. School-based bursaries are additional financial assistance provided by individual schools or their parent support groups, and eligibility criteria may vary. Families can potentially receive both MOE FAS and a school-based bursary.
Does MOE FAS cover independent or autonomous schools?
MOE FAS covers students in government and government-aided schools only. For independent schools (e.g. Hwa Chong Institution, Raffles Institution at secondary level), separate means-tested bursaries are available directly through the school, sometimes at higher assistance levels given their higher fees.
Are the benefits renewed automatically each year?
No. MOE FAS is granted annually and families must reapply each year. Schools typically send reminders at the start of each calendar year. If your household income situation has changed significantly, your eligibility may be reviewed.
What if my household income is just above the FAS threshold?
If your household income is slightly above the FAS threshold, you may still be eligible for school-based bursaries with a slightly higher income cut-off. The ComCare Education Bursary, administered by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), also provides assistance to families facing financial hardship. Contact your school's General Office or a Social Service Office for guidance.