Support for ITE Graduates to Pursue Further Education and Upskilling
As part of Singapore’s efforts to enhance educational opportunities for all, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong has introduced a new two-part ITE Progression Award aimed at supporting ITE graduates in their pursuit of further qualifications. This initiative seeks to assist younger graduates in acquiring polytechnic diplomas and better positioning them for career advancement.
The first part of the award offers a S$5,000 top-up to the Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) for ITE graduates aged 30 and below when they enroll in a diploma programme. This fund, which is automatically opened for all eligible Singaporeans, can be used to offset the costs of their post-secondary education. This step is intended to alleviate financial barriers that might prevent ITE graduates from furthering their education.
The second part of the award provides an additional S$10,000 once the graduates successfully complete their diploma. This sum will be credited to their Central Provident Fund (CPF) Ordinary Account, helping them with significant life milestones such as purchasing a home or saving for retirement. The funds in the CPF Ordinary Account can be used for a variety of purposes, including retirement, housing, insurance, and investments.
Minister Wong emphasized that this new award underscores the government’s commitment to supporting ITE graduates, ensuring they are better equipped for lifelong learning and growth. This initiative is part of a broader effort to expand educational pathways for ITE graduates and provide them with the tools to succeed in their careers.
This announcement follows recent changes, including a policy introduced in July 2023 that guarantees admission to related polytechnic courses for ITE graduates with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Starting from the academic year 2027, it is expected that around 1,000 ITE students each year will benefit from this pathway, ensuring more opportunities for those pursuing further education and career advancement.
