NTUC and unions to give almost $2.1 million in education support to children of lower-wage union members

NTUC and its affiliated unions are extending close to $2.1 million in education support by the end of 2025 to help ease the school-related expenses of lower-wage union members’ families.

The support, which will benefit more than 3,800 students from primary to university levels, includes the NTUC Care (Back-to-School) e-Vouchers and Education Awards.

NTUC unveiled the amount in a media release on 28 October 2025.

NTUC Care (Back-to-School) Programme

Through the annual programme, eligible union members will receive up to $240 in digital vouchers to purchase school essentials, including textbooks, uniforms, and stationery.

NTUC aims to ease the financial strain on lower-income union members for their children’s back-to-school spending, while ensuring their children have what they need to begin the year on a proper footing.

“Education lays the foundation for a child’s future, and we know that preparing for school can be a challenge for some families. With NTUC Care (Back-to-School) e-Vouchers, education awards, and other support programmes, we strive to provide practical help to our union members’ children and recognition for their achievements.

“These initiatives aim to ease families’ financial worries and motivate students to keep learning and pursuing their dreams,” said NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and NTUC Care Division Director Melvin Yong.

Eligible union members will receive $120 per school-going child, plus an additional $120 for each child attending an MOE Special Education (SPED) school.

The e-vouchers will be rolled out via RedeemSG, a digital voucher system that provides a seamless, convenient redemption experience.

Applications will be open from 29 October 2025, 12 pm to 3 December 2025, 4 pm.

The vouchers will be valid until 31 March 2026.

Unions’ education awards to recognise students’ achievements

In addition to the NTUC Care (Back-to-School) e-Vouchers, NTUC encourages students to excel in school through education awards.

The awards are administered by NTUC’s affiliated unions and the NTUC-U Care Fund to recognise their academic excellence and level up the playing field.

Under the NTUC Care Education Co-Funding Scheme (for non-tertiary students), some 30 unions are expected to disburse $480,000 in education awards in 2025. An estimated 40 per cent will be co-funded by the NTUC-U Care Fund, benefitting about 2,500 students.

For the NTUC Care Fund (Education Awards) for tertiary students, more than 1,300 students have been awarded over $590,000 under the NTUC-U Care Fund in 2025.

Click here for more information on the NTUC Care (Back-to-School) Programme.

Click here for more information on NTUC Care (Education Awards) for non-tertiary and NTUC Care (Education Awards) for Tertiary.

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