Admission of students with criminal records to IHLs

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan, Pioneer

Question

To ask the Minister for Education in each year from 2019 to 2023 (a) what is the number of students including undergraduates and postgraduates with criminal records or criminal antecedents admitted into (i) polytechnics and (ii) autonomous universities; and (b) if such data is currently unavailable, whether the Ministry will consider collecting this data.

Response

1. The Ministry of Education does not track the number of students with criminal records or criminal antecedents admitted to the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs).

2. IHLs assess all applicants based on their demonstrated abilities and/or interests. As part of the admissions process, IHLs ask applicants to declare any criminal antecedents. Such information is handled with strict confidence, and is intended to help the IHLs extend pastoral care and support. Education and career counselling will also be provided where there are course-specific restrictions.

3. The IHLs are committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students and staff.