How To Save Money For Your Child’s Education In Singapore

GO LOCAL

As parents, you are well aware that deciding your child’s school involves various choices and costs. It is quite a task to run through every option available in Singapore. Budgetary constraints start from pre-school onwards. To play things safe, choose a government-associated institution. The public school system provides globally competitive education without putting a strain on your pocket.

LOCATION IS VITAL

Location plays an important role when choosing a tuition center. If you value tuition then, opt for the centers close to your home. Alternatively, you may organize a carpool program to cut down your transportationc costs.

Say that you intend to enroll your children in a private tuition. Consider asking for their package or discounted deals.

HONE THE HOBBIES

Academics is not everything! Raising a well-rounded child involves shaping his or her hobbies. You do not need to spend cash on workshops as there are many free amenities found in your town park. Go to the nearby park and let your child play on the swings.

Is your child interested in reading? Spend quality time at home by reading your child a storybook during bedtime. Furthermore, the National Library Board hosts free educational events such as the sold out program entitled: “Let’s Science Together! – Science Experiments for Parents and Kids”. For more information about their upcoming events, visit: nlb.gov.sg.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Lastly, you may stroll in Esplanade to experience their free artistic events such as the “A Monsta Party”!

TREASURE IN THE BOX

Dig through your child’s closet and toy box to find some hidden treasures! Instead of throwing away your children’s outgrown clothes and used toys, you may sell them online or through a consigment store. Selling your stuff away will not only help you clear out, but also provide you extra cash.

INVEST ON BONDS

Investing your money on the stock market help you grow an education fund. One of the most popular investment options for education funding is bonds. Singapore Government Bonds is believed to be close to risk-free. Choose long-term bonds with periods ranging from 2 to 30 years in order to get higher returns.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Birthdays are important to your children as gifts come along with it. In lined with this, you may try asking your relatives to provide experiential gifts. Experiential gifts refer to soccer classes, swimming lessons, or other enrichment programs that your child can benefit from.

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Not only are these gifts more memorable than toys, but it can also help you save for your child’s future education.

Sources: 1 & 2

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University Scholarship Programmes In Singapore That You Must Consider

Home to several world-class universities, Singapore’s education system has flourished throughout the years. With its excellence in tertiary education, Singapore has been a popular hub for many international students. However, as you are aware of, the university fees and hidden costs can rip a hole in one’s pocket. This is why it is important to consider the competitive scholarships and grants available for local and international students.

Pursue your passion despite the hefty costs by considering these 3 Scholarship Programmes:

1. LASALLE PETER SEAH SCHOLARSHIP

To pursue a full-time diploma programme at the LASALLE College of Arts, you can apply for the Peter Seah Scholarship for Singapore students. The scholarship is awarded to encourage excellence and build leaders in the arts and creative industries.

Benefit: Includes a maximum of S$5,400 for an academic year.

Eligibility:
– Singaporeans or Singapore Permanent Residents
– For August 2016 intake of a full-time diploma programme
– Non-recipients of any other financial aid awarded by other organizations

Application Due: May 18, 2016

2. NUS PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Performing & Visual Arts Scholarship is open to Singapore students who are taking a full-time undergraduate degree programme for the academic year 2016-2017. It is awarded to individuals who are outstanding in their academics and arts.

Benefits:
– About S$6,000 annual living allowance and S$2,625 annual accommodation allowance
– Guaranteed offer of a semester on the Student Exchange Programme
– Eligible for the NUS Scholar Enrichment Grant
– Eligible for free tickets to selected campus performances

Eligibility:
– Singaporeans
– Possess good Singapore-Cambridge GCE A Level, Local Polytechnic Diploma, International Baccalaureate Diploma, NUS High School diploma or any equivalent qualifications
– For full-time undergraduate degree programme
– Have good co-curricular activities record and strong leadership qualities

Application Due: April 1, 2016

3. LEE FOUNDATION STUDENT LIFE SCHOLARSHIP

Lee Foundation, a charitable foundation established by the businessman and philanthropist Mr. Lee Kong Chian, is offering Singaporean and international students with the Lee Foundation Student Life Scholarship. This scholarship aids full-time undergraduate students of any degree programme at Singapore Management University (SMU).

Benefits:
– Sustainable for one year
– Scholarship’s monetary value is determined by the number of scholarships awarded for the year, of which each will receive an equal share of the annual scholarship fund of $20,000
– Tuition Grant Scheme provided by the Singapore Government (Non-Singaporean recipients including Singapore P.R. must work for Singapore-based companies for 3 years upon graduation)

Eligibility:
– For full-time undergraduate students of any nationality and in any degree programme
– Have an active student life
– Have good academic results with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00
– Preference for students with observable financial needs

Application Due: April 2016

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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