Admission Criteria for ‘A’ Level Holders

If you meet the following criteria

• At least 2 ‘A’ Level and 2 ‘AO’ Level passes with a pass in General Paper (GP); or
• At least 2 H2 and 2 H1 passes, including a pass in GP or Knowledge Enquiry at 1 or 2 sittings; or
• A good overall IB Diploma score; and
• Where applicable, 5 ‘O’ Level passes (including English and Mathematics)

you may apply to be an English medium teacher.

Successful candidates will be placed on the General Education Officer 2 (GEO 2) scale.

Entrance Proficiency Test (EPT)

To qualify for entry into NIE, you will need to pass the entrance proficiency test if you do not meet the relevant exemption criteria. (Information on the various EPTs).

Training

You will be sent to NIE for training for a period of 2 years. At the end of your training, you will be awarded the Diploma in Education (DipEd) or Diploma in Education (PE) [DipEd (PE)]. (Information on teacher training.)

If you wish to teach Physical Education (PE), you will have to pass the Physical Proficiency Test (PPT) before you can be accepted into NIE to take the 2-year Diploma in Education (PE) course.

Teaching Level

Successful candidates will be trained to teach in Primary schools, with the exception of Art and Music teachers. Art and Music teachers will be trained to teach in Secondary schools.

Teaching Subjects

Subjects taught at the Primary level include English, Science and Mathematics. Mother Tongue Language teachers need only teach the Mother Tongue subject.

Co-curricular Activities (CCA)

All teachers have to undertake CCA as assigned by the school principal.

Teaching Bond

Tuition fees for all trainee teachers are fully paid by the Ministry of Education. While undergoing training at the NIE, trainee teachers will receive a monthly salary (inclusive of CPF and year end bonus). Upon completion of their NIE training, they will serve a 3-year teaching bond. A trainee teacher who fails to graduate from NIE or whose service is terminated before fully discharging the 3-year bond will have to pay liquidated damages to the Ministry.

Teaching Mother Tongue Language, Art or Music

If you wish to be a Mother Tongue Language (MTL) / Art / Music teacher, the following criteria must be met:

Teaching Mother Tongue Language (MTL)

NIE requires candidates to pass the Chinese / Malay / Tamil Proficiency Test (EPT) if they do not meet the exemption criteria.

Teaching Art at the Secondary Level

One of the following criteria must be met:

• Minimum Grade ‘C’ in Art at ‘A’/H2 Level
• At least Grade 4 for Art at Higher Level or a pass of at least Grade 6 for Art at Standard Level (for IB holders)
• Professional Art Diploma from LaSalle or NAFA

Admission is subject to a portfolio assessment by NIE.

Teaching Music at the Secondary Level

One of the following criteria must be met:

• ABRSM Grade 7 for Practical or equivalent, subject to an audition byNIE
• Pass in music at ‘A’ Level
• Professional music qualification

Admission is subject to a portfolio assessment by NIE.

Degree Programme [BA (Education) / BSc (Education)]

‘A’ Level holders and Polytechnic Diploma holders who wish to pursue the 4-year teaching degree may apply for the BA (Education) / BSc (Education) programme if they meet the minimum criteria.