Ibrahim Gardner
Polytechnic students in Singapore have a few options after graduating, including pursuing a university education, finding full-time employment, or going overseas for their studies. As of 2016, one in three local university students admitted was a polytechnic graduate, indicating an increasing number of polytechnic students pursuing university education. Polytechnic students can gain relevant industry experience and real-world skills that can enhance their employability or prepare them for further education. University admission considerations include GPA scores, aptitude tests, and work experience, with some universities offering work-study degree programmes.
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What You'll Learn
- Polytechnic students in Singapore can graduate from university a year earlier
- Polytechnic students are evaluated based on their GPA scores and aptitude tests
- Polytechnic graduates can secure jobs with their internship companies
- Polytechnic graduates can pursue further education in local or overseas universities
- Polytechnic students can gain relevant industry experience and real-world experience
Polytechnic students in Singapore can graduate from university a year earlier
This programme is advantageous for polytechnic students as it provides a direct pathway to a degree and employment. Previously, polytechnic students in Singapore faced challenges in gaining admission to local universities, with junior colleges being considered the preferred route to a degree. Local universities in Singapore, such as NUS and NTU, have traditionally assessed polytechnic students based on their overall GCE O-Level results, making it more difficult for those without O-Level qualifications to gain entry. However, starting in 2020, NUS and NTU announced that they would evaluate polytechnic students based on their grade point average (GPA) scores, providing a more inclusive opportunity for students with diverse educational backgrounds.
The "through-train" programme is a response to the expanding public university landscape in Singapore and the increasing number of polytechnic students aspiring to pursue higher education. In 2016, one in three local university students admitted was a polytechnic graduate, reflecting a growing trend of diploma holders seeking to upgrade their qualifications. This shift is partly influenced by the job market's bias in favour of degree holders, as observed by education policy expert Jason Tan. The government has recognised this trend and is taking steps to value the skills of diploma holders, expanding university places at institutions like SIT and UniSIM, which offer longer and more immersive work attachment programmes.
While the "through-train" programme offers a faster track to a degree and employment, polytechnic students in Singapore have various pathways to pursue after graduating. Some polytechnic graduates choose to further their education by enrolling in local universities, private universities, or overseas institutions. Others may opt to enter the workforce directly, leveraging their internships and polytechnic qualifications to secure full-time jobs. Additionally, some students may decide to serve in NS (National Service) before pursuing further education or employment.
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Polytechnic students are evaluated based on their GPA scores and aptitude tests
Polytechnic students in Singapore seeking admission to universities have traditionally been evaluated based on their GCE O-Level results. However, starting in 2020, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) shifted their admissions criteria to rely solely on students' grade point averages (GPAs). This change was intended to give polytechnic students a better chance of gaining admission to universities.
The GPA is a measure of a student's academic standing and is calculated based on the graded modules taken in a semester. A high GPA indicates a higher level of academic achievement and readiness for college. According to a UChicago Consortium study, each incremental increase in GPA is associated with a higher likelihood of graduating from college. The study also found that high school GPAs are more consistent predictors of college success across different educational institutions when compared to test scores.
In addition to GPA scores, polytechnic students applying to universities may also be assessed through aptitude tests and interviews. These evaluations aim to measure students' interest and aptitude in their chosen field of study. For example, Temasek Polytechnic considers both academic results and interviews or tests when assessing applicants.
The expansion of universities and the increasing number of university places available to polytechnic graduates have contributed to a growing proportion of polytechnic students pursuing higher education. In 2016, one in three local university students admitted was a polytechnic graduate, up from one in four in 2012. This trend reflects the efforts of the Singaporean government to value the skills and capabilities of polytechnic graduates and promote their advancement in the job market.
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Polytechnic graduates can secure jobs with their internship companies
Polytechnic students can secure jobs with their internship companies for several reasons. Firstly, polytechnic institutions often require internships or similar workforce-related activities as part of their formal plans of study. For example, the Polytechnic Institute established its Office of Engagement to create company and community partnerships to provide internships for its students. This helps polytechnic graduates become more prepared and competitive in the job market.
Secondly, internships allow polytechnic students to gain invaluable experience and insight into real-world work environments. For instance, students at Purdue Polytechnic Institute can intern at law firms working on drone accident liability issues, which broadens their understanding of career options after graduation. These internships can also lead to full-time job offers, as companies may decide to retain interns after witnessing their performance and potential.
Additionally, polytechnic institutions often focus on innovative learning methods, hands-on experiences, and industry partnerships. This approach equips students with practical skills that are valuable to companies. For example, Nathan Frake, a senior in cybersecurity at Purdue Polytechnic Institute, developed a "lunch and learn" cyber initiative during his internship with Ford Motor Company. His successful initiative led Ford to offer him a full-time position upon graduation.
Lastly, polytechnic students can secure jobs with their internship companies due to the evolving preferences of employers. While university degrees were traditionally favored, the government is now taking steps to value the skills and on-the-job performance of diploma holders. This shift in mindset, combined with the practical skills gained through internships, enhances the employability of polytechnic graduates.
In summary, polytechnic graduates can secure jobs with their internship companies due to the structured internship programs, the value of real-world experience, the focus on practical skills, and the recognition of diploma holders' capabilities by employers. These factors contribute to the successful transition of polytechnic students from internships to full-time employment within their chosen industries.
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Polytechnic graduates can pursue further education in local or overseas universities
Local universities in Singapore, such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), offer polytechnic graduates the opportunity to further their education. These universities evaluate applicants based on their grade point average (GPA) and, in some cases, their performance on aptitude tests and relevant O-Level results. Polytechnic graduates can also take advantage of work-study degree programmes, where they can work while earning their degrees. Additionally, some universities offer longer and more immersive work attachment programmes that can provide valuable work experience.
For polytechnic graduates who are unable to secure a place at a local university or prefer to study abroad, pursuing further education at an overseas university is an option. This may involve applying for scholarships or funding to support their studies, as overseas education can be expensive. Some polytechnic graduates may choose to study in countries like Australia or the United States, where they can take advantage of government scholarships or other opportunities to boost their chances of getting into a college.
Polytechnic graduates can also consider private universities as an option for further education. These universities may have different admission requirements and offer unique programmes that cater to the needs of polytechnic graduates. Additionally, polytechnic graduates may have the opportunity to secure a full-time job with their internship company, allowing them to gain work experience and potentially pursue further education through part-time study.
Overall, polytechnic graduates have a variety of options when it comes to pursuing further education. They can choose between local, private, and overseas universities, and take advantage of various programmes and opportunities to enhance their skills and employability.
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Polytechnic students can gain relevant industry experience and real-world experience
Polytechnic students in Singapore have been observed to face challenges when attempting to enter local universities. Polytechnic students who wish to pursue further education often consider overseas education or private universities as alternatives. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of polytechnic graduates enrolling in local universities. In 2016, one in three local university students admitted was a polytechnic graduate, up from one in four in 2012. This shift can be attributed to the expansion of public universities and the efforts of the government to value the skills and on-the-job performance of diploma holders.
Polytechnic institutions themselves offer opportunities for students to gain relevant industry experience and real-world exposure. For example, Singapore Polytechnic offers its School of Business students the chance to run their own start-ups for a year. This allows students to apply their knowledge, solve problems, and learn from their failures in a practical business context. Similarly, Humber Polytechnic in Canada emphasizes work-integrated learning, ensuring that students gain experience working in their industry before they graduate. The polytechnic model of education at Humber includes experiential teaching methods, strong industry ties, and applied research that addresses industry challenges.
The combination of academic studies and paid work experience is a valuable aspect of polytechnic education. Student-run businesses, such as those at Singapore Polytechnic, provide a platform for students to collaborate with industry experts and mentors, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This practical approach to learning equips students with essential skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and leadership. It also enables them to develop self-confidence and cultural awareness by interacting with diverse clients, employers, and experts in their fields.
In addition to student-led initiatives, polytechnic institutions often have industry partnerships that provide students with work placements or internships. These opportunities allow students to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry applications. For instance, the Study Australia Industry Experience Program (SAIEP) connects students with Australian and global employers, offering them the chance to work on real industry projects and develop valuable connections. Such programs enhance employability and provide a competitive advantage when seeking future career opportunities.
Overall, polytechnic students have numerous avenues to gain relevant industry experience and real-world exposure. By participating in work-integrated learning, student-run businesses, and industry collaborations, polytechnic students can enhance their employability, develop essential soft skills, and build a strong foundation for their future careers.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2016, 1 in 3 local university students admitted were polytechnic graduates.
Requirements vary across universities. Some universities evaluate polytechnic students based on their Grade Point Average (GPA) scores and aptitude tests, while others may also consider O-Level results and academic achievements.
Polytechnic students may have an advantage when applying to university as they gain relevant industry experience and skills that universities and employers value. Additionally, polytechnic students can take advantage of work-study degree programmes, allowing them to work while earning their degrees.
Yes, there are schemes that allow polytechnic students to graduate from university up to a year earlier. These schemes involve polytechnic students taking university modules and internships during their third year of polytechnic, followed by concurrent study and work arrangements with sponsoring companies during their undergraduate years.
Polytechnic students consider various factors, including their interests, the university's reputation in their chosen field, and the opportunity to gain practical industry experience and work on real-world projects.
