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The following are the post-secondary institutions that N(A)-Level students can choose from:
Polytechnic
Institute of Technical Education (ITE)
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
Secondary 5
Click on the various post-secondary pathways below to learn about the entry requirements, when can you apply and why should you apply for it.
Grades Conversions for student who does O-levels subjects (updated in Mar 2025)
1. Polytechnic
1. Polytechnic
A) Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)
Eligibility to apply:
- ELMAB3 not more than 12 AND
- meet grade requirements for specific subjects
When can I apply?
- January
Why should I apply for it?
- PFP is a one-year programme that offers a practice-oriented curriculum taught by polytechnic lecturers to better prepare polytechnic-bound NA students for entry into relevant polytechnic diploma courses.
- PFP students are given provisional places in diploma programmes, subject to them passing all modules and other course requirements in the one-year PFP.
Link: go.gov.sg/pfp
Individual Polytechnics' PFP information
2. Institute of Technical Education (ITE)
2. Institute of Technical Education (ITE)
A) ITE Early Admissions Exercise (ITE EAE) - Nitec
Eligibility to apply:
- portfolio / interview / aptitude test
- achievements in sports, arts leadership, entrepreneurship and community service
- meet MERs of the course you are applying for
When can I apply?
- May (before N-Levels)
Why should I apply for it?
- ITE EAE is an aptitude-based admissions exercise that allows students to apply and receive conditional offers for admission to ITE based on their aptitude and interest, prior to receiving their final N-Level examination results.
- It allows students to demonstrate their aptitudes and interests apart from academic grades, thus allowing a wider range of talents to be recognised.
Link: go.gov.sg/iteeae
B) Joint Intake Exercise 'N' (JIE ‘N’) - Nitec
Eligibility to apply:
- aptitude for hands-on learning
- meet MERs of the course you are applying for
When can I apply?
- Dec (after results release)
Why should I apply for it?
- The JIE 'N' is for GCE N(T)-/N(A)-Level holders to apply for the two-year Nitec course.
Link: go.gov.sg/applyjie
C) Direct-Entry-Scheme to Polytechnic Programme (DPP) - Higher Nitec
Eligibility to apply:
- ELMAB3 not more than 19
- meet grade requirements for specific subjects
When can I apply?
- December (after results release)
- January (2nd application window)
Why should I apply for it?
- DPP allows Secondary 4NA students to be admitted directly into a two-year Higher Nitec programme at ITE without having to sit for the O-Level examinations or undergo a Nitec programme.
- DPP students who successfully complete their Higher Nitec courses at ITE and attain the required qualifying Grade Point Average (GPA) scores are guaranteed a place in a polytechnic diploma course mapped to their Higher Nitec course.
Link: go.gov.sg/applydpp
Here are some important points to note when deciding to enter ITE:
ITE Traineeship
There are 25 different earn-as-you-learn traineeship programmes.
You will be offered a traineeship with a hosting company while given time to study.
It is available for certain Nitec and Higher Nitec courses.
3-year Higher Nitec Courses (All will be refreshed by 2026)
Started in 2022 and now all programmes are 3-year Higher Nitec
(AY 2026: 49 courses).
These courses will include Industry Attachment in Year 2 and 3 for you to gain knowledge and experience in the working world through On-Job Training.
Link: https://www.ite.edu.sg/courses/full-time-courses/nitec-and-3-year-higher-nitec
Conversion Table for students taking O-level subjects
10 Weeks Preparatory with 2 Year Higher Nitec + 3 Year Diploma
3. Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
3. Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
A) NAFA Foundation Programme (NFP)
A) NAFA Foundation Programme (NFP)
Eligibility to apply:
- ELMAB3 not more than 15
- interest and aptitude in the arts
- portfolio / audition / admission test
When can I apply?
- December (after results release)
Why should I apply for it?
- NFP is a one-year practice-based programme that prepares N(A)-Level holders to pursue a diploma in the creative arts.
- NFP students who successfully complete the programme will be offered a place in their chosen diploma course.
Link: https://www.nafa.edu.sg/courses/foundation/nafa-foundation-programme
4. Secondary 5
4. Secondary 5
Eligibility to apply:
- ELMAB3 not more than 19
- at least a Grade 5 for all subjects used in the ELMAB3 computation
When can I apply?
- December (after results release)
Why should I apply for it?
- Eligible students may also progress to Secondary 5 to take the O-Level examinations. Applications can be made via your secondary school.
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