ESP – FAQ on LFEAS
Who is eligible for the scheme?
All financially needy inmates (Singaporean/Permanent Resident) including ex-offenders who have been released from a prison / drug rehabilitation centre (DRC) not more than 2 years prior to application. What courses of study are supported by this scheme?
The scheme shall be applicable to ‘N’, ‘O’, ‘A’ level courses conducted at various commercial and private schools recognized by MOE, as well as ITE courses.
Applicants can also apply for Diploma courses offered by the local Polytechnics.
Applications for alternative courses of study other than those mentioned above will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Who should an applicant approach if he/she wants to apply for this scheme?
If the applicant is an inmate or on any community based programme, application is to be submitted through the OC Programme.
If the applicant is an ex-offender, application is to be submitted through Singapore After-Care Association (SACA).
What documents must an applicant provide in applying for the Education Assistance Scheme?
- Copy of NRIC
- Acceptance letter from Polytechnic / ITE / Other institution
- Highest Educational Certificate(s)
- Testimonial from Prison
- Letters of any financial awards, scholarship held previously or currently
- Salary slip of applicant and family members (working and living together) OR
- Latest CPF statement of applicant and family members (living together)
When must an applicant submit the application form?
Please check with the OC Programme or SACA on the registration deadline.
The last component of the ESP is the management of the In-care Education Grant. SACA provides secretariat assistance for the Prison Education Grant, which extends its support to inmates who are pursuing their GCE ‘N’, ‘O’, ‘A’ levels while still incarcerated.
Individual assessment interviews with the inmates are conducted by SACA’s caseworkers, who then make the necessary recommendations for the grant.
The Education Grant Review Board, comprising of two Superintendents from neutral institutions and the Director of SACA, make the final decisions and consequent allocation of the grants based on the caseworkers’ recommendations.
Applicants, whose release date from prison is prior to the date of examinations, will be inducted into the Case Management Framework Programme (CMFP). This is to help sustain the client’s focus and motivate them to advance on the educational path they have chosen to tread.