Announcement:
Educational Assistance 2025
Every child has a fundamental right to education, and this vital journey should not be curtailed simply by family difficulties. At Tzu Chi, we believe that every child holds the potential to shine. With the right support and a good education, we believe their future can be truly uplifted.
Educational Assistance is more than just financial support. Tzu Chi aims to provide holistic support that encompasses essential living and learning resources, emotional support, and long-term companionship. Through this holistic approach, we accompany students in overcoming obstacles, enabling them to study with peace of mind and grow with joy.
A Child's Education: A Family's Hope, The Path to an Uplifted Future
Education Fee Assistance
Steadfast in our belief that no child’s educational journey should be impeded by financial constraints, Tzu Chi provides Education Fee Assistance to students from primary, secondary, and tertiary education levels. Our volunteers also regularly visit students and their families to understand their specific needs, accompanying them with compassionate care and continuous encouragement throughout their learning journey.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) services are popular among the Chinese community, especially in areas like Redhill, a community with a relatively high elderly population. Therefore, since November 2011, Tzu Chi Free Clinic (Singapore) started offering free TCM services such as consultation and acupuncture treatment from Monday to Friday to make full use of its space to meet local needs. The TCM clinical services are free for everyone regardless of religion and race. After serving the local community for more than a decade, the clinic was officially renamed Buddhist Tzu Chi TCM Free Clinic (Redhill) in October 2022.
Primary and Secondary School Fee Assistance
Target Beneficiary
Singaporean students or international students holding a valid Student's Pass, who are assessed to be facing financial difficulty in affording basic school fees on a regular basis.
Mode of Assistance
Approved assistance will be disbursed directly to the student’s school.
Conditions
Students are encouraged to first apply for available support from the Ministry of Education (MOE) and other relevant institutions. Tzu Chi’s education fee assistance is provided to help bridge any remaining financial gap.
Assessment
MEducation Fee Assistance is granted for one academic year and subject to annual reassessment. Considerations include family financial status, school attendance, and academic performance.
Post-Secondary Education Fee Assistance
Target Beneficiary
Singaporean students or international students holding a valid Student's Pass.Conditions
Applicants are expected to have first applied for available MOE tuition grants, higher education bursaries, tuition fee loans, or study loans, and still require further support to bridge a financial gap.Eligible Institutions
Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Polytechnics, Universities, or any institution offering recognised professional certification.Method of Assistance
Assistance is provided on a per-semester basis and reviewed each semester.Community Involvement Programme
Beneficiary students are encouraged to participate in at least 10 hours of Tzu Chi-organised community service or enrichment programmes within a six-month period as part of the Community Involvement Programme (CIP).Assessment Criteria for Ongoing Support
Quantum of subsequent funding will be evaluated based on the following criteria.- Financial Needs Assessment
- 20%: Academic Performance
- 10%: Fulfilment of CIP Hours
Seeds of Hope Programme
Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and enabling individuals and families to achieve an uplifted future.
To support families under Tzu Chi’s long-term care, we launched the Seeds of Hope Nurturing Programme and the Seeds of Hope Meritorious Award Programme, which provide holistic educational support to help bridge learning gaps and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and fulfil their potential.
This support is founded on four interconnected pillars: Enabling stable learning through financial assistance; Nurturing holistic growth with essential resources; Mentoring students with compassionate guidance; and Empowering them through recognition and celebration.
Rooted in our “Four Wholes” approach: Whole-person care, Whole-family hope, Whole-journey companionship, and Whole-community mobilisation, we walk hand-in-hand with each child, helping them rise above adversity and step confidently into a brighter future.
Enabling
Support for Primary and Secondary Education Fees.
Nurturing
Mentoring
Empowering
Testimonials
Hear from caregivers and self-supporting patients who have found support, relief, and guidance through our resources.
A Lifesaver for Caregivers!
“I didn’t realize how much stress I was carrying until I took the Zarit Burden Interview. The resources and self-care tips have truly helped me find balance while caring for my loved one.”
A Lifesaver for Caregivers!
“I didn’t realize how much stress I was carrying until I took the Zarit Burden Interview. The resources and self-care tips have truly helped me find balance while caring for my loved one.”
A Lifesaver for Caregivers!
“I didn’t realize how much stress I was carrying until I took the Zarit Burden Interview. The resources and self-care tips have truly helped me find balance while caring for my loved one.”
Frequently asked questions
Tzu Chi’s educational assistance is currently offered only to students enrolled in local institutions within Singapore.
Yes, your compassionate presence can make a real difference. We welcome individuals who are willing to accompany and care for families through home visits.
To ensure our volunteers feel confident and our families receive the best support, we provide dedicated orientation and training. This helps volunteers understand our approach and serve with understanding, respect, and warmth.
Click here to learn more about volunteering.