Singapore citizens studying in Foreign System Schools in Singapore

[aranwood]

What are the rules reg. a singapore citizen applying for studying in Foreign System Schools in Singapore? We were looking at the pros and cons of applying for a Singapore citizenship and didn't want to take away choices for our kids in terms of where they want to study. To clarify, we don't have any kids yet (yeah we were thinking that far in advance ...)

Also once you have been studying in FSS, what are the rules of getting into local universities/polys etc?

[therat]

1st, Need MOE approval for the kids for not studying under Local system.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Rare that they get approval unless it's proven the the family is planning on immigrating or the child is a special needs child.

[boffenl]

It can happen, especially if the family has plans to move/relocate for work or if the kids have been educated in another system (they would find it very hard to "catch up" in SG local system). Some of the FSS can help with the MOE "fight" if needed.

[scarbowl]

In essence, you must demonstrate a "special need." This includes special needs kids, of course.

[road.not.taken]

I know of several Singaporean kids that went through SAS. All are at Ivy league schools come to think of it. None demonstrated 'special needs' but in each case (6 or 7, I can think off the top of my head) one parent was Singaporean and one was not. Not sure what rule that falls under, but it can be done.

[Vaucluse]

As r.n.t. mentions, I also know of two . . . but one parent is not local in both cases

[sundaymorningstaple]

Back in the day (when mine were just starting out) it used the be the MOE's thought processes that if a local were married to a foreigner (westerner) the odds were that it was a local girl and that the girl would follow the male spouse, therefore, needlessly taking up a valuable seat in their overcrowded schools (back then - that's also why they ran schools in two sessions). So if the 'mixed' family wanted their kid in an International School the government reasoned why not, they will be leaving in a couple of years anyway.

That has changed somewhat and more and more westerners here are marrying local AND taking up PR and even citizenship so now it may be a little more difficult unless your child is 'British' or has 'other' lesser special needs.

[Vaucluse]

unless your child is 'British' or has 'other' lesser special needs

I said about the same thing . . . but decided that god taste would prevent me from not editing it . . . mind you I did include our subcontinental friends in this as well

[aranwood]

Thanks a lot, friends. i am a bit more clearer now on how the system works.