What is the Polytechnic Foundation Programme?
The PFP is a one-year programme specially designed for the top ‘N’ Level (Academic) cohort. Instead of continuing with your ‘O’ Level examinations in Secondary 5, you can join SP as part of this programme to prepare yourself
for your pre-selected diploma course.
When you enrol in this programme, you will be offered a provisional place in SP. This means that you will need to pass a set of modules in your foundation year in order to progress onto the first year of your diploma course. But not to worry as
there will be a dedicated team of SP lecturers who will do their best to help you excel during your foundation year.
Why should you take up the PFP in SP?
Broad-based and practice-oriented curriculum
Build a strong foundation in English Language, Mathematics and Science and you are ready for a seamless integration into the course of your study.
A vibrant campus environment
You bet! We are constantly upgrading our environment to instil the mood to excel in you.
Design Thinking (DT)
You will learn the elements of Design Thinking using designer’s toolkit to integrate the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success.
Small group teaching
No one is left out.
Out-of-classroom experience
Enhance learning with field trips, learning journeys, workshops, active learning and more.
Leadership camps
Foster friendship and bonding in an outdoor camp to build your leadership skills.
Sports for Life programme
We help you to develop a love for sports.
Personal tutor network and buddy system
Your personal tutor or senior students are always there to offer pastoral care and guidance when you encounter problems.
Scholarships and awards
Your hard work will be recognised and rewarded!
Over 100 Co-Curricular Activities
Whether you prefer sports, music or arts, there is definitely a CCA that will interest you.
Nazran Sufardi Bin Rendra
Diploma in Chemical Engineering
My PFP experience was nothing short of amazing. Besides gaining a strong academic foundation, the industry visits, learning activities in class, leadership opportunities, inspiring lecturers and friendships forged made
the experience a memorable one.
Chong Pei En
Diploma in Integrated & Project Management
I was interested in the Diploma in Integrated Events & Project Management course after attending SP Open House in secondary four. I jumped at the opportunity to apply for the course through the PFP and it definitely
made the transition from secondary school to poly easier for me. I met great friends and had the opportunity to hone my presentation and leadership skills as well.
Garry Teo
Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering
I've always had interest in aeronautical engineering since secondary school. Witnessing first-hand SP's vast Aerohub during the Open House blew my mind! SP also has a strong reputation in engineering, and that made me determined
to pursue PFP with SP. My PFP year was full of learning opportunities - I joined a CCA and participated in the Overseas Community involvement Programme.
Calling all 'N' LEVEL (Academic) Students
Here Is Your Opportunity To Join
Singapore Polytechnic – Singapore’s First Poly.
The Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) provides a pathway for you to join SP right after your ‘N’ level examinations if you meet the necessary criteria. At SP, we have tailored a unique learning experience that will help
you achieve your aspirations, bringing you a step closer to your dream.
W
ith
SP
,
it
’s S
o
Po
ss
ibl
e
How do I apply for the PFP?
All Secondary 4 Normal (Academic) students who intend to apply for the PFP should progress to Secondary 5 in January, even if they have met the PFP eligibility criteria based on their 'N'-Level results in December.
The PFP application window will open in mid-January for five calendar days, starting on the day of the release of the 'O'-Level Examination results. On the day of the release of the 'O'-Level Examination results, schools will issue an eligibility
form to PFP-eligible students. The form contains a PFP PIN, which will allow students to log onto the PFP application website.
Applications should be submitted online
here
When will I be informed of the application outcomes?
You should log into the PFP website to check the outcome of your application. All students who have been offered a place must indicate their acceptance within 3 days of the posting results. Students who have accepted a place in the PFP
will not be provided a place in Secondary 5.
How to know If You’re Eligible?
- Raw ELMAB3 aggregate score at the GCE 'N' Levels of 12 points or better; and
- The subject-specific requirements listed in Group 1 and/or Group 2
ELMAB3 = English Language + Mathematics + Best 3 subjects
Eligibility Criteria
Group 1
| Subject | Grade |
|---|
| English Language Syllabus A | 3 |
| Mathematics (Syllabus A / Additional) | 3 |
One of the following subjects: - Food and Nutrition / Nutrition and Food Science
- Design & Technology
- Science (Chemistry / Biology)
- Science (Physics / Biology)
- Science (Physics / Chemistry)
| 3 |
| Any two other subjects (excl. CCA) | 4 |
| Applies To: All Diploma Courses offered for PFP except those listed in Group 2. |
Group 2
| Subject | Grade |
|---|
| English Language Syllabus A | 2 |
| Mathematics (Syllabus A / Additional) | 3 |
One of the following subjects: - Art
- Geography
- History
- Humanities (Social Studies, Geography)
- Humanities (Social Studies, History)
- Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in English)
- Literature in English
- Principles of Accounts
| 3 |
| Any two other subjects (excl. CCA) | 4 |
Applies To: Accountancy, Business Administration, Banking & Finance,
Common Business Programme, Human Resource Management with Psychology |
The following combinations of results can be used to compute the aggregate score:
- GCE 'N(A)' level only
- GCE 'N(A)' level + GCE 'O' level
Take Note...
1. Please note that eligibility to apply for PFP does not guarantee placement in the programme. Students placed on the PFP may or may not be posted to the course of his/her choice, subject to competition based on merit and the availability of places.
2. GCE 'O' level grades are converted to their 'N(A)' level grades using a conversion table set up by the Ministry of Education and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board:
| "O" level Grade | Aggregate Point for PFP |
|---|
| A1 - B3 | 1 |
| B4 - C6 | 2 |
| D7 | 3 |
Tuition Fees & Financial Assistance
The annual tuition fees for the Polytechnic Foundation Programme for AY2023 are as follows:
| Nationality | PFP Fees per Student |
|---|
| Singapore Citizens | S$340 |
| Permanent Residents | S$3,000 |
| International Students* | S$10,640 |
*Fees for International students include GST. The Government will continue to absorb the GST payable by Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
Various forms of financial support are available to SP students, to help them pay for tuition fees and with daily living expenses.
PFP students can also use funds in their Post Secondary Education Account (PSEA) to pay for tuition fees and other approved charges for enrichment programmes.
Click here
to find out more.
What will you learn?
| SP PROGRAMME STRUCTURE | SP SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY TRACK # | SP NON-SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY TRACK * |
|---|
| English | Foundation Language & Communication Skills
| Foundation Language & Communication Skills
|
| Mathematics | Foundation Mathematics | Foundation Mathematics |
| Domain Cluster | Physics
Application Science
Introduction to Technical Solutions
Fundamentals of Information Technology | Science for Everyday Living
Fundamentals of Enterprise Development
Fundamentals of Information Technology |
| General Education | Active & Effective Citizenry | Active & Effective Citizenry |
| Sports | Wellness for Life | Wellness for Life |
SP Diploma Courses offered under the PFP
The "Net ELMAB3 Range for PFP2023" in the table below shows the net ELMAB3 aggregate of the highest to lowest-ranked students who were
admitted to these courses in the 2023 PFP Admissions Exercise.
| Course Code | Course Name | PFP Group | SP Curriculum Track | Net ELMAB3 Range for PFP2023 |
|---|
| S66 | Architecture | 1 | Science & Technology | 5 to 9 |
| S68 | Civil Engineering | 1 | Science & Technology | 7 to 10 |
| S95 | Facilities Management | 1 | Science & Technology | 6 to 10 |
| S50 | Integrated Events & Project Management | 1 | Science & Technology | 4 to 9 |
| S89 | Interior Design | 1 | Science & Technology | 3 to 9 |
| S94 | Landscape Architecture | 1 | Science & Technology | 7 to 10 |
| Course Code | Course Name | PFP Group | SP Curriculum Track | Net ELMAB3 Range for PFP2023 |
|---|
| S75 | Accountancy | 2 | Non-Science & Technology | 4 to 8 |
| S76 | Banking & Finance | 2 | Non-Science & Technology | 5 to 6 |
| S71 | Business Administration | 2 | Non-Science & Technology | 4 to 10 |
| S31 | Common Business Programme | 2 | Non-Science & Technology | 4 to 9 |
| S48 | Human Resource Management with Psychology | 2 | Non-Science & Technology | 3 to 6 |
| Course Code | Course Name | PFP Group | SP Curriculum Track | Net ELMAB3 Range for PFP2023 |
|---|
| S64
| Applied Chemistry | 1 | Science & Technology | 3 to 4 |
| S98 | Biomedical Science | 1 | Science & Technology | 3 to 4 |
| S70 | Chemical Engineering
| 1 | Science & Technology | 6 to 8
|
| S28 | Common Science Programme (New) | 1 | Science & Technology | 4 to 5 |
| S47 | Food Science & Technology | 1 | Science & Technology | 4 to 5 |
| S67 | Optometry | 1 | Science & Technology | 5 to 6 |
| S38 | Perfumery & Cosmetic Science | 1 | Science & Technology | 5 to 7 |
| Course Code | Course Name | PFP Group | SP Curriculum Track | Net ELMAB3 Range for PFP2023 |
|---|
| S90 | Aerospace Electronics | 1 | Science & Technology | 4 to 7 |
| S53 | Computer Engineering | 1 | Science & Technology | 4 to 9 |
| S99 | Electrical & Electronic Engineering | 1 | Science & Technology | 7 to 11 |
| S42 | Engineering with Business | 1 | Science & Technology | 3 to 7 |
| Course Code | Course Name | PFP Group | SP Curriculum Track | Net ELMAB3 Range for PFP2023 |
|---|
| S88 | Aeronautical Engineering | 1 | Science & Technology | 4 to 8 |
| S40 | Common Engineering Programme | 1 | Science & Technology | 6 to 10 |
| S91 | Mechanical Engineering | 1 | Science & Technology | 4 to 10 |
| S73 | Mechatronics & Robotics | 1 | Science & Technology | 5 to 8 |
| Course Code | Course Name | PFP Group | SP Curriculum Track | Net ELMAB3 Range for PFP2023 |
|---|
| S30 | Applied AI & Analytics | 1 | Science & Technology | 3 to 10 |
| S32 | Common ICT Programme | 1 | Science & Technology | 6 to 9 |
| S54 | Infocomm Security Management | 1 | Science & Technology | 3 to 7
|
| S69 | Information Technology | 1 | Science & Technology | 4 to 9 |
| Course Code | Course Name | PFP Group | SP Curriculum Track | Net ELMAB3 Range for PFP2023 |
|---|
| S29 | Media, Arts & Design | 1 | Non-Science & Technology | 4 to 9 |
| Course Code | Course Name | PFP Group | SP Curriculum Track | Net ELMAB3 Range for PFP2023 |
|---|
| S63 | Marine Engineering | 1 | Science & Technology | 6 to 11 |
| S74 | Maritime Business | 1 | Non-Science & Technology | 5 to 10 |
Top FAQs
How do I apply for the PFP?
All Secondary 4 Normal (Academic) students who intend to apply for the PFP should progress to Secondary 5 in January, even if they have met the PFP eligibility criteria based on their 'N'-Level results in December.
The PFP application window will open in mid-January for six calendar days, starting on the day of the release of the 'O'-Level Examination results. On the day of the release of the 'O'-Level Examination results, schools will issue an eligibility form to PFP-eligible students. The form contains a PFP PIN, which will allow students to log onto the PFP application website. Applications should be submitted online here.
When will I be informed of the application outcomes?
You should log into the PFP website to check the outcome of your application. All students who have been offered a place must indicate their acceptance within 3 days of the posting results. Students who have accepted a place in the PFP will not be provided a place in Secondary 5.
Do my CCA bonus points count towards my posting?
Yes. CCA bonus points are deducted from your ELMAB3 aggregate when you are considered for posting to a PFP course.
How are students assessed during the PFP?
Assessment during the PFP will comprise coursework assignments, projects, class tests and/or end-of-semester examinations, to ensure that students will be able to cope with the rigour of the diploma course. Upon passing all PFP modules, students will be admitted to the first year of their pre-selected polytechnic courses.
Are students allowed to transfer to a different pre-selected diploma course during or after the PFP?
Students are strongly encouraged to continue with the pre-selected diploma course which they are enrolled in.
Can PFP students progress to the local universities?
All polytechnic graduates, including PFP students, may apply to the local universities upon completion of their polytechnic diploma. Applicants will be assessed based on their academic results, performance during the PFP (in lieu of the GCE 'O'-Levels), as well as any other academic and non-academic achievements presented for admission.
Interviews and aptitude tests may also be administered by the universities to which the students apply.