Polytechnics draw students from secondary schools, JCs and ITE through multiple pathways

07 Jan 2024

The three-year polytechnic route continues to be popular with young Singaporeans who are opting for different admission pathways opened up by the MOE in recent years. Students applying to the polytechnics range from secondary school leavers to JC and ITE students. MOE said that in 2023, around 21,100 students enrolled in full-time diploma courses across the five polytechnics – NYP, NP, RP, SP and TP. But only about half – some 10,200 students – who enrolled in the polytechnics did so through the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE). Another scheme that has been expanded due to its popularity is the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP), set up in 2013 to allow Secondary 4 Normal (Academic) students to apply directly to polytechnics for a foundation year instead of completing Secondary 5 and the O levels. Polytechnic officials and school leavers who used the various admission schemes say one reason why polytechnic education continues to be popular is because of the multiple and flexible pathways that MOE has provided over the years. One parent, Mr Jared Tan, commented that he was initially unhappy that his son wanted to study business at SP. However, after visiting the open houses and seeing the latest offerings, he is confident that his son will be able to go to university if he wants to.

[The Straits Times]