SINGAPORE - More good-performing students from lower-income families will be eligible to apply for the Edusave Merit Bursary when the Education Ministry (MOE) expands its income criterion.

Education Minister Heng Swee Keat announced in Parliament on Friday during the MOE's Committee of Supply debates that the ministry will raise the gross household income criterion to $6,000, up from the current $5,000.

Similarly, the per capita household income criterion will be raised from the current $1,250 per month to $1,500.

Students currently on MOE's financial assistance scheme will from next month, be given an additional transport subsidy.

Those who take public transport will receive $120 per year in credit to help defray transport costs. Primary school pupils who ride the school bus will have 50 per cent of their bus fares covered.

Mr Heng said education in Singapore is already heavily subsidised, but the Government is providing more support.

"Let me reiterate that this is not because more students are poor, but because Government is providing greater support," he said.