No other local educational institution seems more keen on promoting life-long learning than SIM University (UniSIM).

Since January last year, the private university has been offering 150 courses under its General Studies programme for senior citizens.

The courses range from languages to finance and fine arts. Last year, 87 people signed up, 31 of them 50 years old and above.

UniSIM president Cheong Hee Kiat told The Sunday Times he expects the number to grow in the coming years.

To qualify for a place in UniSIM, senior citizens need to have five O-level passes. Work experience will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

UniSIM gives them the flexibility to study whatever subject that catches their fancy and not to sit for exams at the end of the semester. They will receive a certificate of participation.

Those aiming for paper qualifications, such as a degree or diploma, will have to take exams and some compulsory modules.

Tertiary fees are subsidised up to 20 per cent for those above 50. And with the Government subsidising up to 40 per cent of the cost of part-time degree courses for working adults, many will need to pay only half the fees.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Jan 11, 2009.