Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

1. Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is a full-time programme meant for degree holders who would like to become teachers.

The training programme provided by the National Institute of Education (NIE) aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to teach school subjects and better understand the teaching profession in Singapore’s educational context.

The PGDE is part of a new hire's learning journey that includes a school stint and a post-PGDE phase.

Stage 1: Contract Teaching (minimum 3 months)

You will begin your teaching journey as an Untrained Teacher (UT) doing Contract Teaching in schools. This is where you discover whether teaching is the right fit for you.

Throughout this stage, you will be supported through:

• An Introduction to Teaching Programme to equip you with foundational knowledge before you step into the classroom
• Structured mentorship in school, where you will be paired with an experienced teacher to guide you
• Just-in-time NIE learning through two mandatory courses — Teaching and Managing Learners, and E-Pedagogy — to strengthen your classroom competencies (only applicable for non-PE programme)

At the end of this stage, you will be assessed by the hosting school to determine your readiness to proceed to NIE.

Stage 2: PGDE Programme at NIE (12 months/24 months)

After the school stint, you will enter the full-time PGDE programme at NIE, where you will develop a strong theoretical foundation grounded in your Contract Teaching experience.

At the end of this stage, you will complete your Practicum before entering service as a trained teacher.

Stage 3: Post-PGDE Phase

This marks your entry into service as a trained teacher.

Learning does not stop here — you will continue to be supported as you deepen your competencies and grow into an experienced teacher.

More on the PGDE Training Programme

The PGDE training programme at NIE broadly covers:

• Education Studies — building your theoretical understanding of education and the teaching profession in Singapore's context
• Curriculum Studies — developing your knowledge and skills in teaching your specific school subjects
• Practicum — putting theory into practice through supervised teaching in schools
• Language Enhancement and Academic Discourse Skills — strengthening your academic language and communication skills for the classroom and beyond

Beyond the core courses, you will also have access to a range of electives that you can select based on your needs and interests. Where needed, Content Upgrading support is also available to address any subject-content gaps before or during the programme.

There are two types of PGDE programmes — one to teach academic subjects, the other to teach Physical Education (PE). Each programme has its own specialisations and programme length.

Click on the blue tab below to find out more about the 2 PGDE programmes.

Requirements

You will need a degree to be eligible for the PGDE programme.

Click on the blue downward arrow below to find out more about the possible subject majors that are preferred for the various teaching subjects.

You may also click on the teaching subject(s) you are interested in, and you will be able to access more information and useful resources related to that subject.

You will be assessed in totality, taking into account your personal qualities, experience and content knowledge. You are free to indicate your interest in any of the subjects. The final assignment will be done by MOE, after considering your subject knowledge, preference and organisational needs.

While the teaching profession is a rewarding one, it also comes with expectations and demands at work. Teachers are role-models in professional practice and conduct, placed in a position of trust in nurturing and educating the young. Applicants should have the fitness and stamina to deliver lessons, and resilience required to engage students safely and carry out their duties effectively. As part of the application process, candidates may be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination.

Cost and teaching bond

Your training at NIE is fully funded by MOE. After completing the PGDE programme, you will serve a 3-year teaching bond.

You will have to pay damages to MOE should you:

• Fail to graduate from NIE.
• Resign or are terminated from the teaching service before serving out the full duration of your teaching bond.

Salary and benefits

Salaries for fresh university graduates typically start at $3,625. After successful completion of the PGDE programme, you will be eligible for a salary top-up.

Your exact salary would depend on:

• Your academic training.
• Your relevant experience to teaching.
• Time spent on the job.
• Whether you have completed full-time National Service.

As a General Education Officer (i.e. the scheme of service you are appointed to upon graduation from the PGDE programme), you will also be eligible for a number of benefits.

Some of them include:

• Bonuses, such as Non-Pensionable Annual Allowance, performance bonus and other variable bonuses.
• The CONNECT Plan, which rewards you for commitment to teaching with pay-outs at defined points of your career.
• Time off during school holidays, as long as your services are not required during that time.
• Subsidised medical and dental benefits.
• 14 days of medical leave (without hospitalisation), and up to 60 days of hospitalisation leave.
• 10 days of urgent leave for private matters, subject to approval.

Learn more about the benefits as a Public Officer.

Professional development and career tracks

The Ministry values every teacher as part of the MOE family, and is committed to supporting and developing each teacher’s potential. Learn about the professional development opportunities and career tracks available, to help you reach your career aspirations.