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Singapore Private Education Institutions (PEI) & EduTrust Certification Guide 2026

Complete guide to Private Education Institutions (PEIs) in Singapore (SIM GE, Kaplan, PSB Academy). Explains CPE registration, EduTrust Star/Trust, & FPS protection.

Statutory Overview & Academic Framework

Private Education Institutions (PEIs) in Singapore offer diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate degree programs in partnership with accredited overseas universities from the UK, USA, and Australia. Prominent PEIs include SIM Global Education (SIM GE), Kaplan Higher Education Academy, PSB Academy, MDIS, and Amity Global Institute. PEIs are strictly regulated by the Committee for Private Education (CPE), part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), under the Private Education Act (Cap. 247A). PEIs must hold valid EduTrust Certification (4-Year EduTrust Star or EduTrust Trust) to admit international students and issue Student's Passes. PEIs must also execute mandatory Fee Protection Scheme (FPS) insurance contracts.

Key Academic Regulations & Legal Mandates

CPE Enhanced Registration Framework (ERF)CPE ERF

Mandatory registration framework ensuring corporate governance, teacher qualifications, and course validity.

EduTrust Certification Scheme (EduTrust Star & Trust)EduTrust Star

4-year quality mark evaluating academic processes, student support, and financial health necessary for international student visas.

Overseas Partner University Degree OffshoringPartner Degrees

Partner universities (e.g., University of London, RMIT, University of Birmingham) award final degree scrolls.

Fee Protection Scheme (FPS) Student InsuranceFPS Insurance

Insurance scheme protecting paid tuition fees against PEI insolvency or non-delivery of courses.

Admission & Eligibility Criteria

Open to local and international students who meet specific course entry prerequisites.

International students must ensure the PEI holds valid 4-Year EduTrust certification before applying.

Requires signing the official CPE Standard Student Contract before paying any tuition fees.

PEI degrees are non-subsidized by MOE Tuition Grants.

Statutory Application & Academic Checklist

Private Education Act (Cap. 247A) & CPE EduTrust Framework

CPE Standard Student Contract & Fee Protection Scheme (FPS) Certificate

High School Academic Transcripts & Graduation Certificates

IELTS / TOEFL English Proficiency Test Results

ICA Student's Pass In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter

Step-by-Step University & Visa Application Process

Select EduTrust-Certified PEI & Partner Degree Program

Verify PEI's EduTrust status on CPE official portal (e.g., SIM GE, Kaplan, PSB).

Submit Application Form & High School Results

Apply online on PEI portal with academic marksheets and English test scores.

Review & Sign CPE Standard Student Contract

Carefully read and execute CPE contract detailing tuition fees, refund policies, and FPS.

PEI Submits Student's Pass Application on ICA SOLAR

PEI registers application on SOLAR; student completes eForm 16 and pays S$45 fee.

Pay Tuition Fees via FPS Account & Begin Classes

Transfer tuition fees into FPS escrow bank account and commence orientation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A PEI is a private school or academy in Singapore registered with CPE offering diploma and degree programs, often in partnership with foreign universities from the UK, USA, or Australia.

Major PEIs in Singapore include SIM Global Education (SIM GE), Kaplan Higher Education Academy, PSB Academy, MDIS (Management Development Institute of Singapore), and Amity Global Institute.

EduTrust certification is legally required for PEIs to admit international students and issue Student's Passes. Only PEIs with 4-Year EduTrust Star or Trust status can enroll international students.

Degrees offered at PEIs are awarded directly by accredited foreign partner universities (such as University of London, RMIT, University of Birmingham) and carry the same accreditation as the home university.

The 1-year ICA job search visit pass is specifically reserved for graduates of public Autonomous Universities. PEI graduates must secure an MOM work pass (EP or S Pass) before their Student's Pass expires.

The CPE Standard Student Contract is a legally binding agreement mandated by the Singapore Government between a student and PEI, outlining tuition fees, payment schedules, refund policies, and FPS protection.

Statutory Benchmark Metrics

Regulatory Body

CPE SkillsFuture Singapore

Mandatory Certification

EduTrust 4-Year Certification

Major Institutions

SIM GE, Kaplan, PSB, MDIS

Fee Protection

Fee Protection Scheme (FPS)

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⭐ MOE & ICA VERIFIED🔒 Official Portal

Singapore MOE & ICA Verification

Verify official MOE tuition grants, ICA SOLAR Student's Pass applications, university admissions, and CPE EduTrust certifications on official Singapore portals.

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✔ Official Government Academic Service