After researching online, some website says that Grade 12-13 is mostly taken at the age of 17-19 years old. There are 19 Junior Colleges (JCs) and a Centralised Institute (CI), the Millennia Institute (MI, established 2004), with the National Junior College (NJC, established 1969) being the oldest and Eunoia Junior College (EJC, established 2017) the newest. 1. SINGAPORE STANDARD EDUCATIONAL CLASSIFICATION 2015 ISBN 978-981-09-4818-4 . [104] Students eligible for FAS receive a full waiver of miscellaneous fees, and partial subsidy on national examination fees. In essence, upon graduation from polytechnic, qualified students can apply to universities in Singapore and abroad. [34][35] There are currently 9 primary schools offering the Gifted Education Programme: Anglo-Chinese School, Catholic High School, Henry Park Primary School, Nan Hua Primary School, Nanyang Primary School, Rosyth School, Tao Nan School, St. Hilda's Primary School and Raffles Girls' Primary School. [18] The first Junior College was opened in 1969.[17]. Undergraduate If you are studying for Singaporean qualifications, you will need a suitable equivalent grade to apply for our undergraduate courses. However, in US terms, I have heard people describe polytechnic diploma as 'Associate . [47] Singapore School for the Deaf opened in 1963. Developing an integrated, high-quality system of education and training that responds to constantly evolving industry needs. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English language in order to be granted a UK visa to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. JCs provide a 2-year course leading up to the Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level (A level) examination or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. [31] Students are also admitted into a secondary school under a separate "Direct School Admission" scheme, whereby secondary schools are able to choose a certain number of students based on their special talents before these students take the PSLE. [42][a] Points accumulated in the areas of leadership, achievement, participation and service (under LEAPS 2.0) will determine a student's CCA grade. I need to know it so i can gauge where i stand in the US system. [11] Furthermore, it has been described as "world-leading" and in 2010 was among those picked out for commendation by the Conservative former UK Education Secretary Michael Gove. "[51] This practice has been described as a "form of discrimination" by Sylvia Lim. Minimum grade B for relevant subject. [15] Students from Chinese schools in particular were extremely attuned to developments in China, especially in the rise of Chinese nationalism. [18] More differentiation for pupils with different academic abilities were implemented, such as revamping vocational education under the new Institute of Technology[18] and splitting of the Normal stream in secondary schools into Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical) streams. However, on 29 April 2004 the Ministry of Education permitted three new international schools to be set up without permission being needed to admit Singapore students. Mother Tongue is a compulsory examinable subject at the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and the GCE "N", "O" and "A" level examinations. Following the launch of the new private education regulatory regime on 21 December 2009, all PEIs within the regulatory scope of the Private Education Act are required to register with the CPE under the ERF. Exemptions are available for students whose native language is not an available Mother Tongue language (such as Nepali). [91] Some students who are doing well academically have had requested to have private tuition to further improve on their grades. Your Singapore GCE A Levels will be deemed as equivalent to a high school diploma. [50] The Singapore government has asserted that only "a very small number of children do not attend school each year", giving a figure of 8 students as compared to a primary school intake of roughly 43,000, and that requiring all special needs children to attend school would "impose unduly harsh requirements on their parents. [citation needed], Supporters of the system assert that the provision of differentiated curricula according to streams since the late 1970s has allowed students with different abilities and learning styles to develop and sustain an interest in their studies. [95] Academic grades are considered as objective measures of the students' ability and effort, irrespective of their social background. Singapore has not seen the international school growth as some of its city rivals, like Dubai, although 2020 sees the spark of competition with the arrival of Brighton College, The Perse School, One World International School (Mountbatten), Invictus International Centrium, and North London Collegiate School. The O Level subject grades range from A1 (best) to F9 (worst). [45] Currently, there are a total of 15 primary schools and 11 high schools being accorded SAP status. Kindergartens provide an environment for children to learn how to interact with others, and to prepare them for formal education at Primary school. Due to the specialised nature of the diploma, an additional qualification, such as an A level in a facilitating . [8] Exemptions are allowed for homeschooling or full-time religious institutions, but parents must apply for exemption from the Ministry of Education and meet a minimum benchmark.[9]. Due to their high demand, tuition centres are able to charge high fees for their services; they have an annual turnover of SGD$110.6million in 2005. The ITE is highly recognised vocational institution in producing highly skilled graduates that are in demand by employers. [55] Ngee Ann Polytechnic, has roots that go back to 1963. [5] It controls the development and administration of state schools receiving taxpayers' funding, but also has an advisory and supervisory role in respect of private schools. See individual programmes for specific information. Students scoring 26 points and below may be admitted for a polytechnic course. Curricula are therefore closely tied to examinable topics, and the competitiveness of the system has led to a proliferation of "ten-year series", which are compilation books of past examination papers that students use to prepare for examinations. Complete your Singapore Polytechnic Diploma with a minimum GPA of at least 3.5. Polytechnics offer a wide range of courses in various fields, including engineering, business studies, accountancy, tourism and hospitality management, mass communications, digital media and biotechnology. A postgraduate diploma is a qualification that is awarded in some countries such as England, India, Australia, Russia and many others. For Singapore citizens, the grant is given unconditionally and automatically. Mother Tongue teachers conduct these lessons in school after usual hours. This will ensure that the main body of the students pursue their secondary education at their own pace by first completing a 4-year O level course before going on to a 2-year A level education. Only 63 ERF applications have been evaluated by the CPE, of which 36 PEIs like MDIS, EASB, SDH Institute, SAA Global Education, Coleman College, STEi Institute etc. Heavy subsidies are given to full-time tertiary students in the form of tuition grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on their nationality and course of study. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Education in Singapore is managed by the Ministry of Education (MOE). The table below shows grade equivalencies for Singapore. [67] It started its operations in April 2012. <academic results=""> Diploma in computer engineering from Ngee Ann Polytechnic with a GPA: 2.66/4.</academic></p> <p>SAT I: 11/2009, SAT Test 480 . Undergraduate open days, visits and fairs, Postgraduate research open days and study fairs, Universitys Science and Engineering with an integrated foundation year programme, Universitys Biosciences with a foundation year programme, the foundation programmes (Engineering and Science, Humanities and Social Sciences (including Management and Law), Biosciences, Pharmacy and Psychology) run in partnership with the University by INTO Manchester, Good grades in a minimum of 4 Singapore-Cambridge O Levels or IP Grade 4 AND one year of schooling at AS level or equivalent, or, Completion of Polytechnic Diploma Year 1 with minimum grade B / GPA 3.0. For information on reusing text from Wikipedia, please see the terms of use. While English is the first language and the medium of instruction in schools, most students are required to take a "Mother Tongue" subject, which could be one of the three official languages: Standard Mandarin, Malay or Tamil. [48], Before 2014, Singapore was one of only two countries in ASEAN that was not a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which mandates that persons with disabilities should be guaranteed the right to inclusive education. [15] Later, three main types of schools appeared in Singapore: Malay schools, Chinese and Tamil (together) schools, and English schools. Other alternatives to GED include HiSET and TASC. Students with a bachelor's degree (usually the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum of 3.0) can be considered for entry to postgraduate study at The University of Manchester. The Ministry of Education Language Centre (MOELC) provides free language education for most additional languages that other schools may not cover, and provides the bulk of such education, admitting several thousand students each year. [41] CCAs offered at the secondary level are usually categorised as Uniformed Groups, Performing Arts, Clubs & Societies and Sports & Games Competitions. [66], The government has planned the fourth autonomous university, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), to meet the rising demand for university education. [55] The most recent, Republic Polytechnic was established in 2003.[55]. This has especially been the case in the country's "top" international schools, although given there are no independent inspections, being seen to be a top-tier school has been driven largely by reputation and word of mouth, that is what parents think are the "best" international schools, become the best schools[77] as these are able to take on the best students - even if the majority of schools claim to be non-selective. Generally, only the top performers from Express stream are eligible to be part of the IP programme. The designation of English as the first language is also intended to facilitate Singapore's integration into the world economy. Foreign universities that have set up campuses or centres of excellence in Singapore include INSEAD, ESSEC, S P Jain School of Global Management, DigiPen Institute of Technology, Technische Universitt Mnchen, Sorbonne-Assas International Law School, Curtin Singapore and James Cook University Singapore. This is because diploma courses are highly specialised and focused than the more comprehensive degrees. [99] One of its primary objectives is to promote English as the common (and neutral) language among the diverse ethnic groups in Singapore. [26] However, parents have to meet the requirements set out by the Ministry of Education before these exemptions are granted. [118] This ability-driven education has since been a key feature behind Singapore's success in education, and was responsible for bringing drop-out rates down sharply. [18] Schools became more diverse and were given greater autonomy in deciding their own curriculum and developing their own niche areas. [89] Some parents send their children to such tuition because they are worried that their child would lag behind in class because their classmates have individual tuition themselves,[88] or because they are worried that the teacher does not completely cover the syllabus required for national examinations. This page was last edited on 23 April 2023, at 09:27. The government's aim was to grow this sector to 5% of Singapore's economy over the subsequent decade.[21]. This level is often referred to as the B2 level. [88] A straw poll by The Straits Times newspaper in 2008 found that out of 100 students interviewed, only 3 students did not have any form of tuition. The National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University each have more than 30,000 students and provide a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes including doctoral degrees. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Junior colleges and centralised institutes. Fostering a culture that supports and celebrates lifelong learning. [49] SSD closed in 2017. [28] Other subjects include Civics and Moral Education, arts and crafts, music, health education, social studies, and physical education, which are taught throughout Primary 1 to 6. Before the educational reforms in the 2000s, students had to achieve a PSLE aggregate score in the top 10% of their cohort, with an A grade for both mother tongue and English, to be entitled to enter an SAP school under the Special academic stream. Note: you also need to meet the admissions criteria, which can be found on the individual course pages. In some countries, the terms graduate diploma and postgraduate diploma are interchangeable, whereas . Postgraduate. [24], Primary education, normally starting at age seven, is a four-year foundation stage (Primary 1 to 4) and a two-year orientation stage (Primary 5 to 6). Madrasahs are deeply rooted in Singapore's history,[79] and prior to Singapore's independence, had enjoyed a "golden period" in becoming the centre of Islamic education in the region by producing and attracting many of the prominent Islamic religious scholars. [74] Over half of these (44) are either UK curriculum based (specifically the curriculum of England and Wales), or a blend of UK (until 16 with the I/GCSE) and the International Baccalaureate (for post-16 study). This is because it is perceived as having moved away from the usually heavy emphasis on the sciences, a phenomenon resulting from the post-independence need for quick and basic technical and industrial education; to subjects in the arts and humanities. Townsville Institute and Seletar Institute stopped accepting new students after the 1995 school year and closed down after the last batch of students graduated in 1997. Education spending usually makes up about 20 per cent of the annual national budget,[6] which subsidises state education and government-assisted private education for Singaporean citizens and funds the Edusave programme. The programme allows for more time to be allocated to enrichment activities. Archived post. Singaporeans and permanent residents (PRs) enrolled in the approved degree programmes at the university of the arts will pay subsidised fees, comparable to those at autonomous universities here. Overview. Despite its pervasiveness, private tuition remains a controversial subject in Singapore. [70] The institution started in 2010 and is intended to provide an upgrading pathway for polytechnic and arts institution graduates. It allows students to undertake English language and Chinese language at first language standard with a widened exposure to the Chinese culture and values. [65], The seventh local university of Singapore will be the only publicly-funded private university other than the now defunct and restructured UniSIM in Singapore, and also the only university of the arts with its own degree-conferring power in Singapore slated to open in 2024.[64]. UNESCO. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. [21][22][23] In 2002, the education sector accounted for 3.6% of Singapore's economy. For both private and state schools, there are variations in the extent of autonomy in their curriculum, scope of taxpayers' aid and funding, tuition burden on the students, and admission policy. If you do not meet the conditions for direct entry you will need to successfully complete a University-recognisedfoundation programmebefore joining an undergraduate course. Applications for the Universitys Biosciences with a foundation year programme would be considered following completion of the Singapore Polytechnic Diploma/Singapore-Cambridge A-levels on a case by case basis. Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Construction Project Management. There are currently six madrasahs in Singapore offering primary to tertiary education, namely, Aljunied Al-Islamiah, Al-Irsyad Al-Islamiah, Al-Maarif Al-Islamiah, Alsagoff Al-Arabiah, Al-Arabiah Al-Islamiah, and Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah. Qualification attained must be equivalent to the GCE 'O' Level Certificate. [52] Another option is the special education schools built largely by the Ministry of Education and run by social service agencies. Each year, the Edusave Merit Bursary (EMB) is given out to about 40,000 students, who are from lower-middle and low-income families and have good academic performance in their schools. The Government of Singapore decided that it was best to concentrate deaf students who must sign to communicate at one school as only about 15 secondary students were in that category. Diploma level, for one or two years. Students who wish to pursue specialised education go on to polytechnics or arts institutions where they receive a diploma upon successful completion of their courses. [88] However, this industry is largely unregulated, though tuition centres are required to be registered with the Ministry of Education. [80][81][82] But by the turn of the 21st century, madrasahs were subjected to numerous discussions on the national platform as to their purpose and relevance in contemporary society. Completion of University Year 1. Kindergartens are also run by child care centres as well as international schools. Link opens in a new window. Both are also established research universities with thousands of research staff and graduate students. Salaries for ITE graduates, who receive a National ITE Certificate (NITEC) or a diploma have also become quite high. [43][44] There are three ITE colleges in Singapore. In the 1980s, Singapore's economy started to prosper, and the focus of Singapore's education system shifted from quantity to quality. Please also refer to our admissions guides for entry scores. In addition to the international day school, Singapore's Japanese population is served by a weekend education programme, the Japanese Supplementary School Singapore (JSS; Shingapru Nihongo Hosh Jugy K).[78]. If you have completed a diploma from one of the polytechnics in Singapore, you may be considered for admission directly to the second year of some undergraduate programmes. [31], The Gifted Education Programme (GEP) was set up by the Ministry of Education in 1984 to cater to the intellectually gifted students. Singaporean citizens are forbidden to attend international schools on the island without Ministry of Education permission. A British woman established the Oral School for the Deaf in 1953, and in 1954 the Chinese Sign School for the Deaf was established by a married couple. Specialised Independent Schools offer specialised education with different focuses. In 1979, the Speak Mandarin Campaign was launched to further advance this goal. [15], During World War II, many students in Singapore dropped out of school, causing a huge backlog of students after the war. A GPA of 3.2 or above is required with good grades in relevant subjects. Degree and Diploma Which One to Choose? There is now greater flexibility for students to cross over different streams or take subjects in other streams, which alleviates somewhat the stigma attached to being in any single stream. In addition to its role as the sectoral regulator of private education institutions, the CPE facilitates capability development efforts to uplift standards in the local private education industry. [7] Exemptions are made for pupils who are homeschooling, attending a full-time religious institution or those with special needs who are unable to attend mainstream schools. Application will be assessed on a case by case basis. [94] However, the government has partially subsidised private tuition at certain community bodies for children from low-income families. Established under the Private Education Act, the Committee for Private Education (CPE, also formerly the Council for Private Education) is a statutory board empowered with the legislative power to regulate the private education sector. Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electronic and Electrical Engineering. Thereafter it undergone restructuring and is currently under the ambit of the Ministry of Education.[73]. The Singapore Polytechnic Diploma in a Business or Management related subject can be considered for direct entry to Year 2 of the BA Business Management, BA Business Management and Human Resource and BA Human Resource Management degree programmes. In. [42] Students may get up to a maximum of two bonus points for entry into a junior college depending on their CCA grades. There were originally four Centralized Institutes: Outram Institute, Townsville Institute, Jurong Institute and Seletar Institute. [59], The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) is a vocational school that accepts students based on their GCE "O" level or GCE "N" level results and they provide two-year courses leading to a locally recognised "National ITE Certificate". Historically the sole secondary school for deaf and partially deaf children was Mount Vernon Secondary School (MVSS). Currently, students are entitled up to 3 additional bonus points when applying for SAP secondary schools with their Higher Chinese Paper Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) results. [71][72], In 2017, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) was declared as the country's sixth autonomous public university. Currently my stats are as below and intend to major in liberal arts/philosophy. The system places a great emphasis on academic performance in grading students and granting their admission to special programmes and universities, though this has raised concerns about breeding elitism. Education has always represented an area of focus for Singapore since its independence in 1965. In addition, students enjoy more freedom in the combination of subjects between Year 1 4 as compared to their non-IP counterparts. Junior colleges (JCs) in Singapore were initially designed to offer an accelerated alternative to the traditional three-year programme, but the two-year programme has since become the norm for students pursuing university education. [104] They may also enjoy full or partial fee subsidy if they are in Independent Schools.[104]. "Normal (Technical)" is a four-year course leading up to the Normal (Technical) level (N(T)-level) exam. The kindergartens are run by the private sector, including community foundations, religious bodies, and civic or business groups. Bachelor degrees, awarded after four years of full-time study. Follow this link to access a complete list of our courses available to International Students. [53], The Convention was ratified in July 2013, and made effective on 18 August the same year.[54]. Hi, I have no clue on this question: Is singapore polytechnic's diploma GPA equivalent to US H.S GPA? [19] The Gifted Education Programme was also set up to cater to more academically inclined students. Only a few ITE graduates will be able to continue their education at polytechnics and arts institutions which then, if possible goes on to a university. The University has an Office of Research, a number of institutes and centres of excellence, and provides public and customised programmes for working professionals through its Office of Executive and Professional Education. Polytechnic graduates who wish to further their studies may be considered for admission to universities based on their diploma qualifications. Postgraduate Diploma. JCs accept students based on their GCE "O" Level results; an L1R5 score of 20 points or less must be attained for a student to gain admission. Diploma. [48], In 1991 the deaf students were enrolled at Upper Serangoon Secondary School (USSS) as Mount Vernon closed. [33][38] In the programme, pupils are offered special enrichment programmes to cater for their needs. [103] Therefore, school fees in public schools are heavily subsidised. ITE provides four main levels of certification: In March 2021, Minister for Education Lawrence Wong announced that Singapores first arts university will be established in an alliance between the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and LASALLE College of the Arts, in a system akin to the University of the Arts, London. They accept students based on their GCE O Level, GCE N(A) Level, Institute of Technical Education (ITE) or GCE A level results.