NAME AND CONSTITUTION OF PARLIAMENT

Mr. Christopher de Souza, Holland-Bukit Timah RCMP

QUESTION

Ask the Minister of Education (a) if there are any accreditation requirements before a private educational institution can offer a degree and, if so, what the accreditation requirements are; and (b) what measures are taken to ensure a minimum standard of education in private higher education institutions located in Singapore.

RESPONSE

1. The Committee for Private Education (CPE) of SkillsFuture Singapore regulates Private Education Institutions (PEI). The CPE uses a two-tier regulatory regime, comprising the Enhanced Registration Framework (ERF) and the EduTrust Certification Scheme (EduTrust). All PEIs are subject to this regulatory regime.

2. The ERF establishes the minimum standards that IBOs must meet before they are allowed to operate. Enrollment in the ERF does not constitute endorsement of the quality of the MYP. The framework aims to ensure that P.E.I. meet minimum standards of corporate governance and administration, tuition safeguards, and disclosure of key information so students can make informed choices. PEIs are also required to establish an Academic Council and an Examination Council to oversee academic processes and ensure that teachers meet minimum requirements in terms of academic qualifications and experience.

3. EduTrust is a quality assurance system that distinguishes IBOs that, from the perspective of corporate governance and administrative systems, consistently maintain a high level of quality in their delivery of educational services that lead to positive outcomes for students. Information on IEPs that have EduTrust status is publicly available on the SkillsFuture Singapore website and can be viewed by prospective students considering programs in IEPs.

4. The CPE regulatory framework does not seek to accredit the quality of individual IEP programs, including degree programs, given the wide variety of offerings and subjects of study in the IEP sector.