SINGAPORE: Incoming undergraduates attending the Nanyang Technological University in 2008 will have to pay more in school fees as part of a new fee model.

For the 2008 cohort, Singapore citizens will pay S$6,360 per year.

This is an increase of four per cent from 2007.

But under NTU's new fee model, tuition fees for undergraduates will remain the same throughout their course of study.

Current students will not be affected.

The school explained that the new fee structure is to facilitate better financial planning for students.

As for foreign students and Singapore permanent residents, they now have to pay more.

Foreign students on a 'tuition grant bond', which means they have to work with a Singapore-registered company for three years after graduation, will pay 50 per cent more. This will amount to S$9,540.

For Singapore permanent residents, it's an additional 10 per cent which amounts to S$7,000.

As for those not on a tuition grant bond, they pay the full sum of S$23,320.

Financial assistance for students is available and you can visit the website at http://www.ntu.edu.sg/admissions/financialassistance/ -CNA/vm