Last Updated: 23 July 2024
Overview of Post-Secondary Education Institutions (PSEI)
There are a variety of Post-Secondary Education Institutions (PSEI) available for secondary school graduates. Learn about the different types of PSEIs you can choose from, and how you can apply for them.
Types of post-secondary education institutions
What is it
Education in a junior college or Millennia Institute (MI) prepares students for the A-Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma at the end of the 2-year JC or 3-year MI course.
Admissions
Students can apply to a JC through:
Students can apply to MI through the JAE.
Financial matters
You can refer to our section on fees, assistance, awards and scholarships for more information on financial matters.
Certification offered
JC and MI graduates will receive an A-Level certificate. Graduates from Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) and St. Joseph's Institution will receive the IB Diploma.
Next educational level
After completing the GCE A-Level examination, depending on your interests, strengths and learning goals, you can attend:
- A university
- A polytechnic
- An art institute
What is it
Singapore Sports School (SSP) and School of the Arts (SOTA) are specialised independent schools that offer specialised education for students who have talent and strong interests in sports and arts.
Admissions
Students can apply to SSP through:
- Direct Schools Admissions (DSA-JC)
- Early Admissions Exercise (EAE)
Students can apply to SOTA through:
- Direct Schools Admissions (DSA-JC)
- Direct admissions
Financial matters
SSP and SOTA have their own school fees structure and financial assistance schemes. Refer to their websites for more information.
Certification offered
SSP graduates will receive either the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, the Diploma in Business Studies or the Diploma in Business.
SOTA graduates on the IB Diploma Programme will receive the IB Diploma.
What is it
Polytechnics provide hands-on, practice-based learning experience within a dynamic and progressive learning environment. Work attachments with industry partners, which ranges from 6 weeks to 6 months, are also offered as part of the curriculum.
Polytechnic graduates who wish to further their studies may be considered for admission to universities based on their diploma qualifications.
The polytechnics also provide programmes at diploma and post-diploma levels, including Work-Study Post-Diplomas, for adult learners who want to deepen their skills across a range of disciplines and industries.
There are currently 5 polytechnics in Singapore:
- Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP)
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP)
- Republic Polytechnic (RP)
- Singapore Polytechnic (SP)
- Temasek Polytechnic (TP)
Admissions exercises and programmes
Students can apply to a polytechnic through the following ways:
- Early Admissions Exercise (EAE)
- Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)
- Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) Admissions Exercise
- Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE)
- Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE)
You can also enter a polytechnic through the Direct-Entry-Scheme to Polytechnic Programme (DPP), if you meet the minimum score requirement at the end of the programme.
Certification offered
Polytechnic graduates will receive a diploma in their area of specialisation.
Next phase
After graduating with a diploma, depending on your interests, strengths and learning goals, you can:
- Attend a university
- Attend an art institute
- Head into the workforce
What is it
The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) offers:
- Career and technical education for secondary school graduates through Nitec and Higher Nitec courses
- Full-time Technical Diplomas
- Work-Study Diplomas conducted in partnership with employers
By the academic year 2026, all Nitec courses will have transitioned to the enhanced three-year curricular structure, directly leading to Higher Nitec certification. Learn about the new 3-year Higher Nitec programmes.
Admissions exercises and programmes
Students can apply to ITE through the following ways:
Explore courses offered by ITE based on aggregate type, score and fields of interest. You can also visit the ITE website for more information on their courses, education and admissions.
ITE graduates who have attained Nitec or Higher Nitec certifications may apply for the ITE Technical Diploma or ITE Work-Study Diploma programmes.
Certification offered
Depending on their course of study, graduates will receive a Nitec certificate, Higher Nitec certificate, or diploma certificate.
Progression opportunities
Depending on individual interests, strengths and learning goals, ITE graduates may enter the workforce or pursue further studies:
- Higher Nitec (for Nitec graduates)
- Diplomas offered by ITE, polytechnics or arts institutions
LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
LASALLE College of the Arts (LASALLE) and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) are Singapore’s pioneering arts institutions that offer a range of publicly funded degree and diploma programmes in the visual and performing arts, such as music, theatre, dance, interior design and fashion design.LASALLE and NAFA will be constituent members of the new private University of the Arts Singapore, which will accept its first intake of students in Academic Year 2024. Until then, LASALLE and NAFA will continue to offer existing diploma and degree programmes in the creative arts.
Admissions exercises and programmes
Refer to the schools’ websites for more information on their admissions exercises and programmes offered:
- LASALLE, whose admissions is generally held between October and May.
- NAFA, whose admissions is generally held between January and April.
Eligible Normal (Academic) students can also apply for the NAFA Foundation Programme, a 35-week programme which prepares students for enrolment into NAFA's diploma programmes.
Financial matters
LASALLE and NAFA have their respective school fees structures and financial assistance schemes. Visit their websites for more information.Certification offered
Graduates will receive either a bachelor’s degree or diploma depending on their course of study.University of the Arts Singapore
Singapore’s first Government-supported private university for the arts, University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) is formed by an alliance between LASALLE and NAFA, and a new central entity, UAS Ltd.
When it opens in 2024, UAS will offer an expanded range of programme offerings in fine arts, design, media arts, performing arts and arts management, as well as in new and upcoming areas in the applied arts.
Admissions exercises and programmes
UAS’s course offerings will be announced in 2023. Applications will open in the third quarter of 2023 for the first cohort of students who will start the academic year in August 2024.
Industry-specific diploma, degree and graduate certificate programmes are offered by educational institutions affiliated with other government agencies. These educational institutions include:
BCA Academy
The education and research arm of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) which offers full-time diploma programmes, as well as other courses, seminars and workshops, in construction, design and engineering.
Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA)
The training arm of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) which offers short courses, diploma, degree and executive programmes relevant to the aviation industry.
IP Academy
The education and training arm of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) which offers executive programmes, corporate training, and undergraduate and postgraduate courses, in intellectual property and innovation.
Admissions exercises and programmes
These educational institutions and their programmes are not funded or regulated by us. Refer to the institutions’ websites for more information on their admissions exercises and programmes.
What is it
Our local autonomous universities aim to prepare students for the new jobs and challenges of the future economy.