The number of terminations has stayed small, at 3 per cent annually for the past decade, said Education Minister Ng Eng Hen.

He revealed this when responding to Dr Ong Seh Hong (Marine Parade GRC), who had asked for the number of undergraduates who had lost their scholarships over the last 10 years and what help was given to them to cope psychologically and financially.

The issue of scholarship terminations came under the spotlight earlier this month when a final year Nanyang Technological University undergraduate stabbed his professor before falling to his death. His Asean scholarship was taken away from him in February.

Asean scholarships are given out by the Singapore Government to students in the region. It is meant for study at secondary schools, junior colleges and universities here.

The scholarship for university students pays for their tuition fees and gives them annual stipends.

If the scholarships are revoked, students are not expected pay a penalty but have to pick up the tab for the remaining portions of their courses.

Dr Ng said each university and scholarship awarding agency has its own measures to support their scholars.

For example, the Public Service Commission and Ministry of Education Teaching Scholarships Unit have dedicated scholarship officers who contact overseas and local scholars regularly to provide support and guidance.

Scholars can also get support from peers through a 'buddy system' which see them being paired with senior scholars.

Dr Ng said agencies and universities reach out to scholars whose grades are not up to par by providing advice and counselling. Student counsellors are also trained to look out for behavioural changes in such students and will refer them for counselling if necessary.

He added: 'Scholarships are only terminated as a last resort. For the small number who do lose their scholarships, our universities offer alternative financial support such as study loans and bursaries.'

Dr also said the international student centres at the universities organise actitiities such as orientation programmes to help international students adjust to life in Singapore.