Primary Education
In Singapore, most students are required to undergo six years of primary education. These six years are divided into four years of the foundation stage (Primary 1 to Primary 4) and two years of the orientation stage (Primary 5 to Primary 6).
During the foundation stage, the main subjects taught in schools include English, the mother tongue, and mathematics, with additional subjects such as music, art and craft, physical education, and civics. Students in Primary 3 begin to learn science. In Primary 4, a streaming education system is implemented based on student performance. In Singapore, students must pass the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) in Primary 6 to complete their primary education.
If there are available places, foreign students may apply for admission to the relevant schools.
Secondary Education
Secondary education in Singapore is divided into government schools, government-aided schools, and autonomous schools. Upon entering secondary school, students are assigned to either the normal course, express course, or special course based on their learning abilities. Students in the express and special courses can take the Singapore O-Level examination after four years of study. Students in the normal course can choose between the normal (academic) course or the normal (technical) course, and after completing Secondary 4, they can take the N-Level examination, and upon passing, they can sit for the O-Level examination a year later.
In addition to English and the mother tongue, secondary students must study several core subjects, including mathematics, science, and humanities. When students reach Secondary 3, they can choose elective subjects based on their grades, with options including arts, sciences, business, and technical subjects.
If there are available places, foreign students may also enroll in local secondary schools.
Junior Colleges / High Schools
After passing the O-Level examination, secondary students can apply to enter a junior college for a two-year program or enroll in a senior high school for a three-year pre-university program. Students in junior colleges must study the general paper and the mother tongue as their two main subjects, and they must also select four subjects from their chosen arts, science, or business streams to take the A-Level examination. Students who complete the two-year or three-year junior college or senior high school program can take the O-Level examination.
If there are available places, foreign students may also apply to enroll in junior colleges and senior high schools.
Polytechnics
It is worth mentioning that Singapore's polytechnics provide students with practical training courses related to their fields of study. Currently, there are five polytechnics in Singapore: Nanyang Polytechnic (NP), Ngee Ann Polytechnic (AP), Singapore Polytechnic (SP), Temasek Polytechnic (TP), and Republic Polytechnic (RP).
According to reports, Singapore's polytechnics have established a diverse range of courses based on market demand, including mechanical engineering, business administration, mass communication, design, and information and communications technology. The polytechnics also offer many specialized courses, such as optometry, marine engineering, nursing training, early childhood education, and film and video production.
The skills and experiences that polytechnic graduates possess are closely aligned with the latest economic developments, making them highly relevant. Employers generally do not need to provide pre-employment training for polytechnic graduates after hiring them.
Institute of Technical Education
The Institute of Technical Education has comprehensive training facilities that provide secondary school graduates with extensive technical training to master a specific skill. Students with a strong interest in technology can enter the Institute of Technical Education for training. In addition to providing full-time technical training for secondary school graduates, the Institute of Technical Education also offers training courses for working professionals in society, creating opportunities for them to continue their education and enhance their work capabilities.
Public Universities
Singapore has three public universities, which not only cultivate a large number of outstanding graduates recognized internationally but also provide a conducive environment for research and academic exploration for graduate students.
National University of Singapore (NUS) is the top university in Singapore and ranks among the top thirty universities in the world, being one of the top three in Asia. Since its establishment in 1905, it has produced many outstanding talents. The main courses offered include science, mechanical engineering, technology, law, arts, sociology, and medicine.
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) was established in 1981, initially focusing on cultivating engineering and technology talents for Singapore. The National Institute of Education (NIE) is now also part of Nanyang Technological University. This is a teacher training college. At the same time, Nanyang Technological University also offers courses in accounting, business, and mass communication.
Singapore Management University is the newest university, established in 2000, and is Singapore's first privately funded university supported by the government. The main courses offered include business and management programs.
Private Schools
In Singapore, a vibrant and diverse array of private schools offers a wide range of comprehensive and distinctive courses. They provide more choices and opportunities for both local and international students. Currently, there are over 1,000 private schools in Singapore, and the courses offered are established based on market development and needs, including business administration, information technology, hotel management, logistics management, finance and accounting, engineering, and more.
Private schools often collaborate with internationally renowned universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to offer programs that provide qualifications from diploma to postgraduate levels, allowing students the opportunity to obtain internationally recognized diplomas without incurring high tuition fees.
