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Last Updated:  19 Jan 2026

Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)

2. Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for PFP, students must meet the following requirements:

  1. ELMAB3 (English, Mathematics, Best 3 subjects) raw aggregate score:
    12 points or lower, excluding CCA bonus points
  2. English Language and Mathematics/Additional Mathematics:
    At least N(A)-Level Grade 3
  3. One relevant subject:
    At least N(A)-Level Grade 3
  4. Any two other subjects that make up the ELMAB3 aggregate, excluding CCA:
    At least N(A)-Level Grade 4


Learn more about the relevant subject requirements for clusters and sub-clusters:

Learn more about the relevant subject requirements for specialised courses:

If you have taken the O-Level examinations for some subjects

You may convert and combine these grades with your 2025 N-Level results to compute your ELMAB3 aggregate score to apply for PFP.

If you have sat for the O-Level Higher Mother Tongue Language (HMTL) examination in 2025

You may convert the better of your Secondary 3 O-Level Mother Tongue Language result or Secondary 4 O-Level HMTL result to compute your ELMAB3.

Grade conversion

O-Level grade Aggregate point for PFP
A1 to B3 1
B4 to C6 2
D7 3
E8 4

A Grade 9 at O-Level would not count towards your ELMAB3 aggregate score.

If you have taken the same subject at both the N-Level and O-Level examinations, the better grade will be used to compute your ELMAB3 aggregate score to determine eligibility.

Eligibility to apply for the PFP does not guarantee admission. Admission is subject to the availability of vacancies, and in open competition with other eligible applicants based on merit.

Courses with additional requirements for polytechnic Year 1

There are additional grade, interview or test requirements to progress to selected courses within each cluster:

Course Additional requirement
Humanities, Arts, Media and Business Cluster

Diploma in Mass Communication (NP)

 At least Grade B for both modules during the PFP:
  • English Language & Communication 1
  • English Language & Communication 2
Diploma in Mass Communication (RP)
Diploma in Communications & Media Management (TP)
Diploma in Law & Management (TP)
Diploma in Chinese Studies (NP)

Obtained one of the following:

  • Grade B4 for O-Level Higher Chinese
  • Grade B3 for O-Level Chinese
  • Grade 1 for N(A)-Level Chinese
Diploma in Chinese Media & Communication (NP)
Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education (NP)

Obtained one of the following:

  • Grade B4 for O-Level Higher Tamil
  • Grade B3 for O-Level Tamil
  • Grade 1 for N(A)-Level Tamil
Sciences Cluster
Diploma in Oral Health Therapy (NYP)

Pass a manual dexterity test
Diploma in Nursing (NYP and NP)
  • Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine regime recognised in Singapore.
  • Pass a medical examination and to be certified to have relevant abilities to perform care activities in a safe and effective manner. Find out more.
Design, Engineering and Technology Cluster
Diploma in Nautical Studies (SP) Pass an interview and an eyesight test
Diploma in Marine Engineering (SP) Pass the colour vision test as per The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
 

Visit the PFP Admissions Exercise (PFPAE) website to learn more about the above eligibility requirements.

Overview
How to apply