POST- Secondary Education Bringing out Your Best with Different Learning Styles What’s After Secondary School?
Are you about to complete your secondary You need to make some important decisions. school education and standing at the crossroads of your educational journey? Start by getting to know the different post- secondary educational institutions and see Which path should you take? What courses where your strengths fit in. should you pursue next? Which institution will best suit your talents?
01 Singapore’s Education System : An Overview
03 JuNIor Colleges/ Centralised institute
07 polytechnics
11 institute of technical education
15 ARTS institutions
19 universities
23 fees and financial aid
The Ministry of Education (MOE) directs the formulation and implementation of education policies. It has control of the development and administration of the Government and Government-aided primary schools, secondary schools, junior colleges, and a centralised institute. It also registers private schools. POST- SECONDARY 01 EDUCATION 02 Singapore’s Education System : An Overview POST- SECONDARY 03 EDUCATION 04 Junior Colleges/ Centralised Institute
• 12 Junior Colleges, 7 Integrated Programme schools, 1 Centralised Institute • A holistic approach • Over 100 different subjects, electives and CCAs • More than 30,000 students
The Junior Colleges (JCs) and Centralised Institute (CI) of the Ministry of Education (MOE) prepare students by equipping GCE A-level curriculum them with the skills and knowledge required for universities or institutes of higher learning in Singapore and abroad.
Most JCs/ CI offer the GCE A-Level curriculum, which provides students with learning opportunities in three areas: life skills, knowledge skills and subject disciplines. LANGUAGES Mother Tongue Languages There is flexibility and diversity in your choice of subject 3rd Languages combinations with subjects offered at three levels of study – Higher 1 (H1), Higher 2 (H2) and Higher 3 (H3). The H2 is Knowledge equivalent to the GCE A-Level subjects offered prior to Skills 2006. They provide the foundational knowledge and skills LIFE to prepare you for a university education. GP SKILLS PW humanities CCA,CDP, Mathematics & the arts Civics, PCCG, & sciences A few Integrated Programme (IP) schools* also offer the NE, PE E.g. Art, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Economics, E.g. Biology, KI Literature in Chemistry, * They are Anglo-Chinese School (International) and English, Physics, St Joseph’s Institution International Geography, Mathematics, History, Music, Computing Theatre Studies & Drama Wide-ranging elective programmes If you have a passion for art, music, drama, the humanities and languages, our JCs and CI offer a wide variety of special elective programmes that cater to your interests.
Legend SPECIAL PROGRAMMES cca co-Curricular Activities Art Elective Programme CDP character Development Programme Bicultural Studies Programme PCCG Pastoral Care & Career Guidance Regional Studies Programme NE national Education Music Elective Programme PE Physical Education Language Elective Programme (English) GP General Paper Language Elective Programme (Chinese) PW Project Work Language Elective Programme (Malay) Ki Knowledge & Inquiry Language Elective Programme (French/ German/ Japanese) Humanities Programme POST- SECONDARY 05 EDUCATION 06
How to enrol? What are the requirements?
• To gain admission to a JC/ CI, you can take part in the Joint • A L1R5 aggregate of 20 or less for IP admissions Exercise (JAE) conducted annually after the schools and JCs, or a L1R4 aggregate release of the GCE O-Level examination results. of 20 or less, for the CI.
Visit the MOE’s JAE website at www.moe.gov.sg/education/ admission to schools is based on Cut- admissions/jae for more information. off Points set by the demand of applicants and the places available. • Alternatively, you can participate in the Direct School admission-JC Exercise, where JCs admit some of their students using school-based criteria that recognise a wider Where do I go after I graduate? range of student achievements and talents. Click www.moe.gov.sg/education/admissions/dsa-jc/ for the • With your GCE A-Level certificate/ eligibility criteria. international Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, you can seek admission to a You can also submit your participation records for CCA, university or a specialised institute of Community Involvement Programme (CIP) and other out-of- higher learning, locally or abroad. curriculum pursuits to the JC of your interest to indicate your relevant strengths or talents. Need to know more before making a decision? Visit the MOE’s website and click on ‘Pre-University Education’ at www.moe.edu.sg/education/pre-u/.
Developing Holistically Learning Through Play The JC and CI emphasise holistic Whether you like kicking a ball in a field, development through various elective clearing hurdles on a track or swinging a programmes and CCAs. racket in a court, sports-related CCAs give you a chance to flex your athletic muscles. Education in the JC and CI focuses on self-development, critical thinking, If you enjoy putting up a play or making intellectual analysis, and communication music, there is also a whole host of clubs and interpersonal skills that prepare you and societies to choose from for your CCA. for higher learning at the universities and beyond. POST- SECONDARY 07 EDUCATION 08 Polytechnics A polytechnic education gives you hands- on experience within a dynamic and progressive learning environment. • 5 polytechnics There are five polytechnics in Singapore • More than 35 different courses per polytechnic offering market-driven courses, which • Over 70,000 students lead students to fulfilling careers, as well as preparing them for further studies. The five are: Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), Republic Polytechnic (RP), Singapore Polytechnic (SP) and Temasek Polytechnic (TP).
Minding your business Making a difference with science
Polytechnics in Singapore can prepare In applied sciences, you will use science to solve problems in you to manage the intricacies of business society and improve lives. If you have always wondered how administration and finance. You will learn pharmaceutical drugs are developed, dreamt of creating a to balance budgets and impress your new food product, or wanted to work with animals, the world of future boss with your business savvy. applied sciences has much to offer.
Relevant courses: Relevant courses: Business Management (NYP), Business Food Science & Nutrition (NYP), Veterinary Bioscience (NP), Studies (NP), Customer Relationship and Pharmaceutical Sciences (RP), Nutrition, Health & Wellness Service Management (RP), Business (SP), and Veterinary Technology (TP). Administration (SP), and Accounting & Finance (TP).
Engineered for excellence Are you game enough?
Discover the world of engineering, Take your gaming passion to the next level with a game design where you can unravel the mysteries of course that allows your imagination to run wild. You will learn 2D electronic devices and design your own and 3D modelling and imaging, as well as animation and game electronic marvels. engine creation, in games design and development. Upon graduation, you can take a shot at an industry that is worth more Enrol in a course at any of the than US$15 billion a year. polytechnics, where you will uncover what goes into the latest machines Relevant courses: and be part of the workforce in the Digital Game Art & Design (NYP), Animation & 3D Arts (NP), technology-based sector. Game Design (RP), Games Design & Development (SP), and Game Design & Development (TP). Relevant courses: Electronics, Computer & Communications Engineering (NYP), Electrical Engineering (NP), Electrical & Electronic Engineering Other courses offered (RP and SP), and Electrical & Electronic • Advertising & Public Relations, Child Psychology Engineering Programme (TP). & Early Education, Creative Writing for TV & New Media, Landscape Design & Horticulture, Digital & Precision Engineering, Nanotechnology & Materials Science, optometry, Nursing, Outdoor & Adventure Learning, tourism & Resort Management, and more. POST- SECONDARY 09 EDUCATION 10
What are the requirements?
• For GCE O-Level holders, the requirements vary from course to course. Do some research on the courses you have shortlisted before applying for the course of your choice.
For the aggregate scores of the lowest ranked students who were admitted to the courses through the most recent Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) of each polytechnic, visit www.polytechnic.edu.sg/ introduction/available-courses. Practice-based learning One of the features of polytechnic education is the strong emphasis on practice- Where do I go after I graduate? based learning. • A polytechnic education, with its Work attachments with industry partners are part of the curriculum and can vary practice-oriented training and industry in duration from six weeks to six months or longer for selected courses. These work internships, will facilitate your entry into attachments will enable you to gain valuable on-the-job experience and provide the workforce. In 2014, around 90 you with opportunities to work with industry experts. per cent of polytechnic graduates found jobs within six months or less. How to enrol? • Although the majority will join the • To gain admission to a polytechnic, • An alternative admission route is the workforce upon graduation, some you can take part in the Joint direct Polytechnic Admission (DPA) may choose to apply for a place in a university or other institutions of admission Exercise (JAE) conducted Exercise, which gives the polytechnics higher learning, such as the annually after the release of the GCE more flexibility to select students Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), o-Level examination results. For more based on criteria other than to further their studies. information, visit the MOE JAE website examination results. at www.moe.gov.sg/education/ the SIT was set up in 2009 to provide admissions/jae. the DPA Exercise also allows students an additional pathway for polytechnic who are interested in, and who have graduates to upgrade to degrees. • Or, you can take part in the Joint the aptitude for applied learning, More details on the SIT can be found Polytechnic Special Admissions to confirm their places in polytechnic on page 22. Exercise (JPSAE), for students with courses prior to sitting for their GCE special aptitudes and talents. o-Level examination.
Polytechnics will consider students Students accepted to polytechnics Need more information? who demonstrate a strong passion through the DPA can also benefit from For the unique strengths of each or aptitude through their participation special preparatory programmes in polytechnic, visit their websites: in activities such as work attachments, the polytechnics, before the start of sustained involvement in course- the formal polytechnic calendar. q nanyang Polytechnic – related projects, and outstanding www.nyp.edu.sg performance in competitions like the • Secondary 4 N(A) students who do q ngee Ann Polytechnic – Maths or Science Olympiads. well in their GCE N(A)-Level www.np.edu.sg examination may be invited to q Republic Polytechnic – in addition, students with outstanding apply for the Polytechnic Foundation www.rp.edu.sg talents/ achievements in leadership, Programme (PFP). q Singapore Polytechnic – community service, entrepreneurship, www.sp.edu.sg sports, artistic and creative areas will top Secondary 4 N(A) students will be q temasek Polytechnic – also be considered. prepared for enrolment to the relevant www.tp.edu.sg diploma courses at the polytechnics Up to 5 per cent of the polytechnics’ through the one-year PFP. For more To access the joint portal of the annual student intake may be information, visit the PFP website at polytechnics in Singapore, go to: admitted via the JPSAE. www.polytechnic.edu.sg/pfp. www.polytechnic.edu.sg. POST- SECONDARY 11 EDUCATION 12
Institute of Technical Education The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) aims to equip its students with the technical skills and knowledge to meet the workforce needs of various industry sectors.
Whether you aspire to be a technician, an engineering assistant or even a chef, you will find • 3 ITE campuses from east to west many interesting courses to choose from at the ITE. • More than 90 full-time Nitec and Higher Nitec courses You will be able to discover and develop your talents, learn new skills and have fun at the • About 28,000 students same time.
Making waves in the classroom Just the right ingredients
Do you want to learn about and harness Have you always been drawn to the the latest marine technology? The ITE kitchen? Do you like to create new dishes, offers courses in marine engineering. or improvise on local cuisine? Put on your chef’s hat and start dicing, stirring, slicing Come and take your dreams to the or perhaps even try a flambé. seas and be part of a specialised team that designs and maintains vessels and The ITE offers courses that will hone your other marine machinery. It could be an culinary skills and teach you the essentials educational experience that takes you of managing a food & beverage business. places. Running your own successful restaurant could one day become a reality. Relevant courses: Higher Nitec in Marine & Offshore Relevant courses: Technology, Marine Engineering, and Nitec in Pastry & Baking, Asian Culinary Offshore & Marine Engineering Design. Arts, and Food & Beverage Operations. POST- SECONDARY 13 EDUCATION 14
On the frontline of healthcare
Do you have a calling to reach out to those in need? If you possess a pair of healing hands, an eye for the intricacies of opticianry, or a clear-headedness that can help save lives in critical situations, ITE’s courses in health sciences may provide some options for you. There are also courses in community and social services.
These options will equip you with the skills to serve Singapore’s growing healthcare sector.
Relevant courses: Nitec in Nursing, Nitec in Opticianry, Higher Nitec in Paramedic & Emergency Care and Nitec in Nursing (Dual Certification course). How to enrol?
• To gain admission to Nitec courses,you can • Secondary 4N(A) students who do well in their Applied learning participate in the Joint Intake Exercise (JIE) GCE N-Level examination can apply for admission Other courses offered The ITE employs the latest technology and conducted by the ITE after the release of the to Higher Nitec courses under ITE’s Direct-Entry- • Accounting, Applied Food Science, teaching methods to ensure that its courses GCE N- and GCE O-Level examination results. Scheme to Polytechnic Programme (DPP). automotive Technology, Electronics, stay up to date and relevant to industry For courses offered under JIE and application Rapid Transit Technology, Info- demands. instructions, please visit www.ite.edu.sg. under the DPP, students can enrol in a two-year communications Technology, Early alternatively, you can approach ITE’s customer Higher Nitec course at the ITE, which subsequently childhood Education, Fitness The numerous partnerships that the ITE has service centres for assistance. guarantees a place in a mapped polytechnic training, Hospitality Operations, with key industry players will lend immediate diploma course if you achieve the qualifying Space Design, and more. relevance to the skills picked up, priming • To gain admission to Higher Nitec courses, Grade Point Average (GPA) scores in the Higher you for the working world. you can take part in the Joint Admission Exercise Nitec course. In the final year of yourHigher (JAE) conducted annually after the release of Nitec course, you will be able to apply for the GCE O-Level examination results. For more mapped polytechnic diploma courses. You will information, visit the MOE JAE website at be guaranteed a place in one of these mapped www.moe.gov.sg/education/admissions/jae. diploma courses if your final raw GPA meets the qualifying requirements. For more information, visit www.ite.edu.sg/wps/portal/definitely-des/.
What are the requirements? Where do I go after I graduate?
• An aptitude for hands-on learning. • Your participation in internship programmes, local events and overseas exchange • For Nitec courses – GCE N- or O-Level graduates programmes can give you industry exposure. who meet course-specific entry requirements. in 2014, close to 90 per cent of ITE graduates • For Higher Nitec courses – Selected Secondary found jobs within six months of graduation. 4N(A), GCE O-Level and Nitec graduates who meet course-specific entry requirements. • The ITE graduates who do well can opt for further studies and apply for a place in a polytechnic. • Some courses require additional prerequisites like a pre-course interview and medical check-up. Visit www.ite.edu.sg to learn more about the exciting opportunities that await you at the ITE. • For more details on entry requirements for each of the courses, visit www.ite.edu.sg/wps/portal/what- to-study/. POST- SECONDARY 15 EDUCATION 16 Arts Institutions There are two arts institutions in Singapore offering specialist creative arts education to develop your artistic potential. They are: LASALLE College of the Arts (LASALLE) and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). • 2 specialised arts schools • More than 40 diploma and degree courses Both LASALLE and NAFA offer a wide range of design, media, fine arts and performing arts courses to inspire the most creative minds. • Over 4,000 students At these institutions, you can transform your vision into breathtaking forms with courses in graphic design and fine arts. You can also stage your own play or develop your musical repertoire with courses in theatre and music.