As a student in Singapore, the options available to you when you finish secondary school at 16 can be overwhelming.
You may feel that the pathway currently open to you isn’t right for your interests and ambitions, or you might want to investigate other routes that better match your aspirations.
Perhaps you are frustrated that your school grades don’t reflect your true academic potential, and you want support to improve your academic profile ahead of going to university.
It’s important to take time to research and consider your next steps, as your decisions now will impact on your future, including university and your career.
Of course, there will be pros and cons to any decision you make, so weighing up all the information carefully and succinctly is paramount in coming to the best decision for you.
What are post-secondary education options in Singapore?
Firstly, what do we mean by “post-secondary education” in Singapore? It’s a term you’ve probably heard used a lot, so let’s delve deeper into exactly how it’s defined.
Post-secondary education refers to the education that students receive after completing their secondary education in Singapore (so, after the GCE N-Level and the GCE O-Level, which are typically completed at age 16). Post-secondary education further refines students’ academic skills before they enter the workforce or pursue studies at tertiary level.
In Singapore, post-secondary education is divided into two main categories:
1.) pre-university education and
2.) vocational education and training.
Pre-university education is typically for students who intend to pursue further studies at the tertiary level. This includes the GCE Advanced Level (A-Level) in Singapore, which is a two-year programme that prepares students for university studies, as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which is a globally recognised programme that provides students with a well-rounded education.
Vocational education and training, on the other hand, is designed to prepare students for specific careers or industries. This includes courses offered by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), such as the National ITE Certificate (Nitec) and Higher Nitec programmes, as well as diploma programmes offered by polytechnics.
5 reasons you should consider post-secondary education
We’ve put together 5 top reasons you should consider post-secondary education in Singapore.
They are designed to help students who are at a crossroads in their educational journey, providing essential information for them to decide on the best next steps to suit their personal needs and ambitions.
1. Improved University & Career Opportunities
Post-secondary education can open up new career paths and opportunities, including getting into university. With more specialised knowledge and skills, a student can enter into a field that they are passionate about and can excel in.
You may be an N-level student unsure about next steps. Perhaps you feel that a polytechnic is not the right place for you and you want another chance to improve your grades and get into a leading university.
If this is the case, take time to research other academic pathways, including the A-Level and the IB Diploma. If you want to pursue the academic route, there is no reason you cannot boost your grades now to get into a top university.
2. Better Earning Potential
A post-secondary education can lead to better earning potential. Graduates with higher levels of education tend to earn more over their lifetime than those without. This can provide a better standard of living and financial security.
According to the Singapore Government’s Manpower Research & Statistics Department, workers with post-secondary education earn almost double what people with lower degrees earn: the median monthly wage was only S$1,747 for non-degreed workers versus S$3,028 for workers with post-secondary qualifications.
Whether you’re looking to study the Singapore A-Level, Polytechnic Diploma, the IB Diploma or another academic programme, it’s advisable to select your subjects based on your future university of career ambitions. Students who study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) subjects in post-secondary education and then at university are in demand by employers, with STEM jobs growing at 2x the rate of other occupations.
3. Personal Growth
Post-secondary education provides an opportunity for personal growth and development. It can help students develop critical thinking skills, improve communication, and learn new ways of looking at the world.
The IB Diploma programme is definitely worth a look if you are hoping to develop key skills and competencies that make you an all-round student, in addition to the academic prestige of the IB.
IB Diploma students study a rich “Inner Core” alongside their 6 main subjects, which consists of three core elements: Theory of Knowledge (ToK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity & Service (CAS). All three elements are highly prized by university admissions teams as giving students “the edge” over their competitors by nurturing advanced personal skills including creativity, resilience and problem-solving.
The great thing about the IB Diploma is that you can choose to study subjects that actually interest you – so if you never excelled in humanities in school, you can pick more STEM-focused options for your IB Diploma.
4. Networking Opportunities
Choosing the right institution to complete your post-secondary education in Singapore is vital if you are to achieve your future goals. There are many post-secondary providers, but what’s important is to find a school or college where you can see yourself being happy, and that offers all the study options, facilities and support you are looking for.
Look for colleges that don’t just offer standard teaching. A number of post-secondary colleges in Singapore offer impressive super-curricular programmes to supplement academic study, including personal development and careers support to make you more attractive to university admissions tutors and future employers.
The best colleges will also provide opportunities for students to network with professionals in their chosen field of study, including exchange trips and industry workshops. These connections can lead to internships, job opportunities and valuable mentorship.
5. Flexibility
Post-secondary education offers the opportunity for flexibility in terms of course selection and learning style. With the IB Diploma, for example, students select their subjects from a much wider pool than at the GCE A-Level, and can choose to study specialist topics in greater depth. Post-secondary education gives you more control over the subjects you study, so there’s a much better chance you’ll feel more engaged and stimulated by the course.
When thinking about your next steps in post-secondary education, or what route to take after O-Levels or N-levels, remember that this is your pathway and your future. Be sure to choose a school or college that offers the flexibility to allow you to tailor your education to best suit you, where you can choose the subjects that interest you, and where you’ll get the support you need to make the best choices from here.
A top international school in Singapore
Westbourne College (Singapore)’s IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme in Singapore offers a cutting-edge education in Business and STEM, preparing students to thrive in an increasingly complex global landscape. With a professional, industry-focused approach, students are immersed in a professional office environment that fosters strategic thinking, leadership, and innovation. As part of a global network, they gain access to top universities, industry experts, and real-world experiences that set them apart. Our personalised support and small class sizes ensure that every student is empowered to achieve academic excellence, and our global network of graduates consistently ranks among the world’s top IB performers.
Westbourne’s accelerated IB Diploma Pathway
Westbourne College (Singapore)’s accelerated IB Diploma pathway offers an exceptional opportunity for students to fast-track their education and get ahead. Unlike traditional routes, students can begin their IBDP immediately after completing their O-Level or N-Level exams, allowing them to progress into university one year earlier than their peers in the Singapore A-Level system and two years earlier than those taking the polytechnic pathway. With a strong focus on Business and STEM, our future-ready curriculum, small class sizes, and personalised support ensure that students develop the skills and knowledge to excel. This accelerated IB Diploma pathway not only maximises academic potential but also provides a direct and quicker route to top universities worldwide, giving students a head start in their higher education and career journey.
