Termination of scholarship bonds by Government scholarship recipients

Parliament Sitting: 4 Feb 2025

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance with regard to the various scholarship schemes offered by Government agencies over the past decade (a) how many scholarship recipients terminated their bonds during their course of study; and (b) how many scholarship recipients terminated their bonds during their period of service.

Written Reply by Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Education and Minister-in-charge of the Public Service

Between 2014 and 2023, Ministries and Statutory Boards collectively awarded 4,500 scholarships or an average of 450 scholarships per year. However, the total number of scholarship recipients in the system at any one time is significantly larger because each scholarship recipient takes about four years to complete their studies, and then works in the Public Service to serve out their bond and beyond.

The proportion of bond-breakers is low. Each year on average over the last 10 years, 10 scholarship recipients broke their bond during their studies and 14 resigned before serving out the full length of their bond. Scholarship recipients who do not serve out their bonds are required to repay the value of their scholarship, taking into account the number of years they have served.