Essential Information For International Students

1. Essential Information For International Students

2. Overview of the Singapore Education System

3. Overview of Singapore Education

4. Outline of the Private Education Sector

5. Outline of the Private Education Industry • Private Education sector plays a complementary role to Public Education sector • Serves as an alternate option for Singaporeans who wish to upgrade themselves • Private Education Institutions (PEIs) offer a wide range of education programmes to local & international students • Courses are offered at certificate, diploma, bachelor and post-graduate levels

6. Brief Introduction on the Council for Private Education (CPE)

7. Background on Council For Private Education • CPE formally constituted as a statutory board on 1 Dec 2009, as provided for under the Private Education Act. • CPE has been set up to ensure that PEIs maintain high quality regulatory standards as well as sound business practices. • CPE formulate and oversee implementation of initiatives to regulate and develop the sector, with the Ministry of Education (MOE) retaining responsibility for setting policies in the PE sector.

8. CPE’s Strategic Thrusts 8

9. Enhanced Registration Framework (ERF) • A Mandatory registration requirement for all Private Education Institutions (PEIs) operating in Singapore to comply if offering private education leading to an award in any degree, diploma or full time certificate. • Aims to ensure that PEIs in Singapore are of a certain quality standards in order to protect the interest of students 9

10. Enhanced Registration Framework (ERF) • A registered PEI must have a validity period of either 1 year, 4 years or 6 years according to its compliance with the Council’s stipulated registration requirements. • ERF registered PEIs must participate in Industry Wide Insurance Cover if they wish to collect more than 2 months fee, but no more than 6 months in advance. 10

11. EduTrust Certification Scheme • AVoluntary Quality Assurance Scheme opened to all registered PEIs. • A PEI is awarded EduTrust certification if it has achieved the stipulated standards in the areas of: ▪Management of the school; ▪Provision of educational services; and ▪Financial health. • PEIs must be EduTrust certified to enroll international students as it is one of the pre-requisites of ICA for the issue of Student’s Pass.

12. EduTrust Certification Scheme • A PEI’s performance determines the type of EduTrust certification award: • EduTrust Star - 4 years • EduTrust - 4 years • EduTrust (Provisional) - 1 year • EduTrust Certified PEIs are allowed to collect up to 12 months fees from students because collected fees are protected by the Fee Protection Scheme (explained in slide 23). 12

13. Strategic Role of the CPE Student Service Centre

14. CPE-SSC Framework CPE Effective Regulation Consumer Education Industry Development CPE Student Services Centre (SSC) Building Consumer Awareness Providing Student Support Services Developing Strategic Partnerships A) Publications B) Internet Platforms e.g. CPE Website C) Outreach Programmes • One-Stop Student Services • B) Student Support Programmes • C) Support for any PEI Closures • Government Agencies • B) Associations • C) Schools 14

15. CPE Student Services Centre A convenient one-stop service point to: • Address students’ enquiries / feedbacks • Provide reliable information on studying in private schools and living in Singapore options, school registration • Advise on education procedures, etc • Provide educational talks to guide students in making informed choices of schools • Offer support to students who encounter problems during their course of study 15

16. Some Important Questions that you have to ask

17. Is My School Registered or EduTrust Certified? 17

18. Check if the PEI is ERF Registered or EduTrust certified? • PEIs previously registered with MOE are given until 20 June 2011 to be registered with CPE. • PEIs not registered with CPE after 20 June will be consider illegal operations. • All international students must only study in EduTrust certified PEIs. • Check for ERF registration or EduTrust Certification with CPE at: http://www.cpe.gov.sg/

19. What Documents must I take note of? 19

20. Check Student Contract • PEI and student must sign a contract for courses which last longer than two months. • Before signing the student contract, student should read through it carefully to ensure that critical course information has been included and is accurate. • Ensure that a copy of the contract is kept as it can be presented as a legal document in the event of dispute.

21. Check Advisory Note • All PEIs are required to attach an Advisory Note to the student contract. • Advisory Note highlights the key areas of information in the student contract which you need to pay special attention to, such asthe school’s fee refund policy and the planned action of the school as to what they would do if a course is stopped before the student completes it. • Students need to sign on the Advisory Note to acknowledge that theyunderstand the contents of the contract. • If students are below 18 years of age, the Advisory Note should be signed by their parent or guardian.

22. Are My Fees Protected? 22

23. Check if fees are protected • Fee Protection Scheme (FPS) is one of EduTrust’s critical requirements. • Fee protection could be in the form of Escrow Account or Fee Insurance Scheme. • If the school adopts the Fee Insurance Schme, then students are advised to check their Certificate of Insurance (COI) to ensure that the amounts are the same as what they have paid to the PEI. • Students should also check on the receipt issued by the PEI to ensure all information printed is accurate (e.g. course title, course fee, COI number, etc). 23

24. Am I medically insured? 24

25. Check Medical Insurance Coverage • Check that medical coverage is provided by PEI. • Medical insurance coverage is mandatory for full-time but not part-time courses. • Singaporean students could seek exemption if they already have their own medical insurance policies. They would have to show evidence to PEI to seek waiver. • If medical insurance is provided for by PEI, make sure that a copy of the medical insurance policy stating clearly the policy terms and conditions, the claim procedure, and possible exclusion is given.

26. If I have a problem or dispute what should I do?

27. CPE Mediation- Arbitration Scheme • If students have a problem with their schools, first to approach their schools directly to resolve the dispute. • If issue remains unresolved or still not happy with the outcome, students may approach CPE Student Services Centre for assistance. • At CPE-SSC, officers will review the complaints and may refer you to the CPE Mediation-Arbitration Scheme. • Disputes which can be referred include unsatisfactory services provided by the school, fee refunds and quality of courses and teachers.

28. CPE Mediation-Arbitration Scheme • Dispute resolution could be initiated by either the student or the PEI. • When process is initiated by the student, PEI’s participation is mandatory as explicitly provided for in the Private Education Act. • Fees are weighted in favour of students.

29. In Summary, things you should do 29

30. Advice for Students in Private Education Institutions • Check ifthe PEI is ERF Registered or EduTrust certified • Check Student Contract & Advisory Note • Check if Fee is Protected • Check for Medical Insurance Coverage • Contact CPE Student Services Centre if you need help

31. Contact CPE Student Services Centre@ • Website : www.cpe.gov.sg • Email : CPE_contact@cpe.gov.sg • Phone : (65) 6592 2108 • Walk-in : 1 Orchard Road, YMCA International House #01-01 (Nearest MRT Station: Dhoby Ghaut, Exit A) 31

32. Thank You 32