In a reply to Mr Aaron Low's letter "Universities should communicate fee policies clearly" (TODAY, April 19), SMU Office of Registrar Director Tan Lee Chuan said that undergraduates at the University, as at most other public-funded universities, pay a fixed tuition fee per term for full-time bachelor’s programmes, regardless of the number of courses registered. He added that where students need to manage family or personal commitments, for work, health or other reasons, they may apply for leave of absence at the start of the term. If the leave is granted, the student is not required to pay the tuition fee for the term during which he or she is away. Tan also highlighted that SMU practises a ‘needs-blind’ admission policy where no deserving student will be deprived of an education because of financial hardship. To help students with financial needs, so that they can focus on their studies and enjoy a fulfilling university life, SMU has a comprehensive range of schemes in the form of grants, bursaries, loans and awards.