Special Education

A Council for Private Education has been set up under the Private Education Act to enforce rules and regulations for private school operators. Starting on December 21, 2009, all Private Education Institutions (PEI) need to register with the council to operate in or from Singapore.

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PEIs affected are those offering full-time preparatory courses for entrance or placement tests for entry into MOE schools or external examinations programs that supply degrees or diplomas including on the web degree courses and post-secondary courses that grant full-time certification.

Foreign system schools offering full-time primary or secondary international curriculum education are also required to register with the council. The regulations also extend to private education institutions offering full-time unique education for students with disabilities and which do not obtain any government subsidies.

PEIs presently registered under the Education Act will have a grace period of 18 months (until June 20, 2011) to comply with the new requirements. Those presently not registered under the Education Act are needed to submit their applications for registration by Feb 20, 2010 to continue operation. PEIs that do not comply with the new regulations are liable for fines of up to ,000 and up to 1 year of jail.

All of these new rules had been a lengthy time coming as much more instances of fraudulent degrees surfaced in recent years. These new requirements will not only ensure the integrity of private schools and their curriculums offered, but also bring about credibility to Singapore as an education hub in Asia.

Essential Ideas for Renting Accommodation

Explore the different housing alternatives obtainable to decide on the type of housing that you would like to live in, the spending budget, and location (observe the neighbourhood conditions if it meets your requirements and transport convenience).

Check with your school’s International Student Office (ISO), other students, institutions’ noticeboards, and local newspapers for the numerous housing options and costs.

For students who select to use housing agents or student agents to look for accommodation, you are encouraged to use those recommended by excellent pals/relatives or your institutions, to ensure the credibility of such agents.

Note that not all housing is fully furnished, and costs quoted do not take into account electricity, telephone and gas charges.

In all circumstances, do not really feel pressured into renting a location until you are comfortable with it, as you are under no obligation to the agent. You should be very clear before signing any documents, whether or not you will be sharing the room with any other individual (s) for the entire duration of the rental period.

Do not sign any document unless you fully recognize the contents and implications, and can meet all the essential requirements.

Once you have decided to rent a property, you will normally sign a legal document recognized as a tenancy (rental) agreement.  Guarantee that the tenancy agreement is between yourself (tenant) and the landlord/owner, and sets out the obligations between both parties for a fixed term agreed upon.  The tenancy agreement will require the landlord/owner to make sure all utilities are properly installed and in working condition, whilst the tenant will be responsible to make certain that the property is maintained in great order.

Ensure that the inventory list (items within the property that would be entitled for the tenant’s use) within the tenancy agreement is satisfactorily met and inspected (you may well like to take pictures for evidence) just before signing the agreement. Clarify with your landlord regardless of whether use of typical household facilities like the kitchen, TV, etc. is allowed.

For students renting accommodation via student/housing agents, ensure that the tenancy agreement is signed directly between you and the landlord/owner.  To verify the property’s ownership, you can request the landlord/owner to produce a conservancy bill (for HDB/public or governmental housing owners) or a property tax statement (for private property owners). Double check that the individual you are dealing with is the rightful owner/landlord.

If your student agent is not trained in tenancy issues, please seek the assistance of a licensed housing agent.

Only those over 21 years of age can sign the tenancy agreement.  For those under 21 years of age, a guardian or guarantor/sponsor would will need to sign the tenancy agreement together with the student.

Keep a copy of the tenancy agreement for your own records.  Acquire receipts for all monies paid, for example security deposit, monthly rentals, etc.

For a lot more valuable personal items, you might like to take up personal housing insurance.