In Singapore, the six years of primary school education are followed by a four-year secondary school course. After these two stages come a three-and-a-half-year junior college course, and finally a fourth stage called university or polytechnic. Normally one goes from primary school straight to secondary school. After secondary school, a student may choose to go to a junior college, where he gets his GCE A Level qualifications. If the same student wants to go on for the third stage of education, he can enter a university or polytechnic.
A university is an institution offering courses leading to have a degree with honours ranging from bachelor to PhD. A polytechnic offers courses leading to diplomas or diplomas. To be accepted for a course of study at a university, one must have attained the age of 16 and passed the GCE O Level examinations. Those wishing to go on to a junior college or polytechnic may do so without having sat for the O Levels if they have attained the age of 15 and passed the GCE I Level examinations.
A student who has been studying at a university or polytechnic for one year gets to sit for his degree exams after three years. He must, however, pass all modules to be allowed to take the final exams. He is considered an honors candidate if he obtains a “B” grade or better in most of his modules. A student is considered an ordinary degree candidate if he fails to obtain this average grade.
University graduates are given the title Bachelor, while polytechnic graduates are known as diploma holders.
The list below illustrates how many years of education are required to be able to apply for certain jobs:
Two years of education (equivalent to STPM) and one year of relevant work experience: Officer, clerical and sales staff in government and semi-government organizations. Apprenticeship in trade/industry; tuition fees at polytechnic for diploma courses; entrance requirements at CPE for the accountancy profession.
Three years of education, after which one has to serve in National Service for two years: Officer position in government and semi-government organizations; tuition fees at polytechnic if the course is related to his field of study; entrance requirements at CPE for accountancy profession; officers in the merchant navy, etc.
Four years of education: Graduate assistant or research officer in government and semi-government organizations.
In addition, the list below shows the various N levels one may obtain before being eligible for a job:
Lower than four H2 subjects (excluding Higher Mother Tongue): Clerk Class IV [Lower pay].
Lower than four H2 subjects (excluding Higher Mother Tongue): Clerk Class III [Lower pay].
Lower than two H1 subjects: Clerk Class III [Lower pay].
Lower than three O-level certificates or equivalent in relevant subjects with one year of relevant experience.
Lower than six GCE O level certificates or equivalent in relevant subjects with one year of relevant experience.
Lower than five GCE O level certificates or equivalent in relevant subjects must have been registered for a recognized accountancy course and at least four years experience in accounting/auditing work.
Lower than six GCE O level certificates or equivalent in relevant subjects, must have been registered for a recognized accountancy course and have at least four years experience in accounting/auditing work.
Lower than two H1 subjects. Must have completed the following courses: Higher National Diploma (HND) or Degree/Higher National Diploma plus one year of experience after graduation.
Lower than two H1 subjects. Must have completed the following courses: Higher National Diploma or Degree plus one year of experience after graduation.
Two Advanced level passes in a relevant subject, i.e. GCE A Level or SAT I score on relevant subject area OR three H2 credits in related discipline plus one year of relevant work experience.
Higher than four H2 subjects (excluding Higher Mother Tongue).
Lower than two H1 credits. Must have completed the following courses: Higher National Diploma (HND) or Degree/Higher National Diploma plus one year of experience after graduation.