Detail

The polytechnic EAE scheme that started in 2017 has provided an alternative admission pathway for students with strong aptitude and interest in an area. Around 14,500 students from secondary schools and ITE applied for early admission in academic year 2025, and around 6,000 applicants received an offer, an increase from 5,500 the year before. In January 2025, it was reported that around 20,800 students enrolled in full-time diploma courses in the polytechnics. These include students who enrolled through JAE for O-level students, as well as non-JAE pathways such as EAE, Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise, Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) and independent applications. Even though EAE students are admitted via portfolios, interviews or aptitude tests rather than O-level results, “a good number” at NP end up graduating at the top of their cohort, says Mr Mah Wee Beng, NP’s Deputy Principal and Registrar. RP’s Acting Registrar, Ms Teo Chin Pei, adds that many students who entered RP through EAE have gone on to thrive in their chosen courses, demonstrating that aptitude and passion can be strong indicators of future success. TP’s Director of Academic Affairs, Mr Sng Choon Leng, says interviewers will seek to understand how applicants have pursued their interests, for instance, through participation in related events, training, community service or part-time work. SP’s Director of Academic Services, Mr Wee Hau Yap, says that EAE acceptance is based on the quality of portfolios, as well as performance in aptitude tests and interviews. Students should showcase course-relevant materials, like academic projects or personal work, and tailor them to what the course requires, suggests NYP’s Director of Admissions and Academic Affairs, Ms Geraldine Yong. For instance, writing portfolios could feature essays or blog posts. Mr Devendran Silvarajoo started his nursing journey at ITE College East in 2015 and decided to apply through EAE to NYP. His grade point average was hovering slightly below the minimum requirement of 3.0 to progress to NYP’s Nursing Diploma. Ms Nur Khairiyah Atan applied for EAE after speaking to students from SP’s Diploma in Media and Communication course during the open house. They inspired her when they spoke passionately about their positive experiences. She did well enough in her diploma course to receive an early admission offer from NTU’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information before her final polytechnic results were released. She graduated in 2024 and is working at an advertising agency. Mr Goo Yi Hao decided to apply for early admissions to the Pharmaceutical Science Course at TP. He found his passion when he took a module on pharmaceutical regulations and quality systems, and saw the effort behind the scenes to uphold safety and compliance. He is now a quality assurance and regulatory affairs analyst.

[The Straits Times]