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Republic Polytechnic

Needy Student Fund

If you come from a low-income family, the Needy Student Fund can help with your daily expenses or provide short-term financial support during unexpected emergencies. This includes two schemes: the Student Pocket Money Scheme and the Student Emergency Money Scheme.

Last updated 5 March 2026

Student Pocket Money Scheme (SPMS)

If you’re from a low-income family and need help with daily living costs—like meals, transport, or school-related expenses—you can apply for the Student Pocket Money Scheme (SPMS) for added support. 

Amount

  • $200 per month (up to a total of $1,600 in one academic year1)

Eligibility criteria

  • Full-time student of RP

  • Per Capita Income ≤ $1,000 or Gross Household Income ≤ $4,000 (Income criteria of Higher Education Community Bursary Tier 1)

  • Not receiving any other pocket money assistance

How to apply

  • Applications for SPMS are assessed on a needs basis.

  • If you meet one or more of the following Needs Basis Attributes, you'll receive an email invitation to apply in May: 

    • Residing in a HDB rental flat (i.e. HDB 1-room or 2-room)2 or HDB 2-room Flexi

    • Assisted by MSF ComCare (i.e. Short-to-Medium Term Assistance or Long-Term Assistance)

    • Awarded Student Emergency Money Scheme (SEMS) in the same academic year

    • Other special circumstances (if applicable) or assisted by Social Service Agencies

1 The amount of support you receive depends on when you submit your application, as it affects the funding period and total award for the academic year.

2 This excludes students living in a flat or room rented from the open market.

Student Emergency Money Scheme (SEMS)

If you're facing a crisis or family emergency, the Student Emergency Money Scheme (SEMS) is here to support you. This scheme provides compassionate financial assistance to students from low-income families who are going through a difficult time.

Amount

  • $1,000

Note: You can receive SEMS support only once per academic year.

Eligibility criteria

  • Full-time student of RP

  • Per Capita Income ≤ $1,000 or Gross Household Income ≤ $4,000 (Income criteria of Higher Education Community Bursary Tier 1)

  • Family crisis or emergency within the last 6 months