University Education for 1 in 3 Students by 2015

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Liberal arts training, specialised programmes or technical skills - the jury is still out on the exact nature of Singapore’s fourth publicly-funded university, and possibly a fifth. But the good news is that Singaporeans can look forward to more university places, more universities and a broader range of courses to choose from.

At the 2007 National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong revealed his intention to raise available university places to 30 per cent of each school cohort by 2015, an increase from the current 25 per cent target to be achieved by 2010. Students - and parents - will welcome the additional 2,400 university places that will be created every year between now and 2015.

Facts & Figures

Percentage of Pri 1 cohort entering university:

  • 1990 - 15%
  • 2000 - 20.8%
  • 2007 - About 23.5%
  • By 2010 - The target is 25%
  • By 2015 - The target is 30%

A Possible Fourth University for Singapore

A committee chaired by Rear Admiral (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, Minister of State for Education, will study and recommend how the expansion of the university sector can best be achieved, taking into account the aspirations of students and needs of the economy. By next year, Singaporeans will know what to expect of their new university, or universities.

Models under consideration include the following:

  • A comprehensive university similar to NUS and NTU.
  • A small, top-quality liberal arts college, such as Williams College and Amherst College in the US, offering a broad-based curriculum and focused on teaching.
  • Degree programmes in specialised areas that tap the existing framework of our polytechnics, with tie-ups leading to niche degree programmes, similar to what has already been done with Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s tie-up with Wheelock College to offer a degree in Early Childhood Education.

The committee will also consider the possibility of a combination of models to suit Singapore’s particular needs.

Interest in the possible fourth university has been keen, with some strongly in favour, while others call for caution in the approach, citing the need to maintain high standards and justify expenses. The committee will need to study their options carefully, factoring all views, perspectives and options, before they make their recommendations.