More SUSS students, including part-timers, to get free tuition under expanded financial aid scheme

SINGAPORE - More Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) students from a lower-income background will receive free tuition, as the university expands its financial support programme.

From August 2025, all full- and part-time undergraduates with a per capita income of $1,100 and below will have their tuition fees fully covered by the university, provided they maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.

Previously, full tuition support was available only for full-time students with a per capita income of $750 or below, and living in four-room Housing Board flats or smaller. More than 100 full-time students have benefited from the initiative so far.

SUSS president Tan Tai Yong announced the enhanced scheme on Aug 8, which was made possible by a $7.5 million donation from former educator Lillyn Teh.

Professor Tan said the broader eligibility criteria will allow SUSS to reach all students in need of financial help – more than 800 students are expected to benefit annually, comprising over 500 full-time and 300 part-time undergraduates.

“It’s about recognising students who show tenacity, those who press forward despite financial or personal challenges, and who believe in the power of education to transform lives,” said Prof Tan, speaking at the SUSS’ annual Raise carnival, held at its campus in Clementi. 

“It supports those who have shown that they are committed to doing well and pushing forward.”

Former president Halimah Yacob, chancellor of SUSS, received the donation from Dr Teh during the cheque presentation ceremony at the carnival.

With Dr Teh’s gift, along with earlier funding from non-profit Quantedge Foundation, SUSS is now the only autonomous university in Singapore to provide such support to eligible part-time students, said Prof Tan.

Part-time students form a large part of the learners at SUSS, he noted, and many of them balance work, family and school.

“This support enables them to focus on their studies with confidence, knowing their efforts are recognised and their challenges understood,” he said. 

The donation will also help to establish new merit- and values-based awards for undergraduates, and to enhance an award that helps students with their education-related expenses.

For instance, the university’s Pay It Forward award provides up to $2,000 for students to pay for things such as laptops, overseas programmes, and co-curricular activities.

For every $1 donated by SUSS students, alumni or staff, Dr Teh will contribute $2. Together with donation matching by the Ministry of Education, that means every dollar given will have $6 of impact, said Prof Tan.

The award is open to all SUSS students, with priority given to those from lower-income backgrounds.

For third-year SUSS marketing student Low Jun Hao, receiving full tuition coverage since he started university has helped ease the financial burden on his family.

The 24-year-old, whose father is the sole breadwinner in the family, said the support allowed him to fully focus on his studies. It also gave him the freedom to take part in academic competitions and start his own tuition business.

“With the award now extended to (more) undergraduates, I believe it will help many others like me worry less about finances and focus more on learning and personal growth,” Mr Low said, adding that it might help them discover their passion and preferred career path.

Dr Teh said she chose to partner SUSS because of its vision and values, such as a commitment to lifelong learning and social good.

“Through this gift, we are delighted to support equal access to education, celebrate merit, and also inspire others to pay it forward,” she said.