Education has always been given due importance in the growth and development of Singapore, since independence. At present, the knowledge-based economy is the driver in the global community, education has become even more critical in shaping the country's future. Education System in Singapore is well structured and balanced. The various stages and options of the education system are illustrated below.
Secondary Schools
Secondary schools in Singapore are financed by the Government. The secondary education is for four to five years and they are classified as Special, Express and Normal Course. Under the Special and Express Courses, students are prepared for the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education 'Ordinary'(GCE 'O') level examination in four years. In the Normal Course students can opt for the Academic or Technical stream, both of which prepare the students for the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education 'Normal'(GCE 'N')level examination after four years of study.
The curriculum for secondary education consists of English, the Mother Tongue, Mathematics, Science and Humanities. After reaching Secondary 3, students can opt for electives of their choice, depending on Arts, Science, Commerce or Technical stream.
Secondary Education places students in the Special, Express, Normal (Academic) or Normal (Technical) course according to how they perform at the PSLE. The different curricular emphases are designed to match their learning abilities and interests.
Junior Colleges/Pre-Universities
After completing the GCE 'O' level examination, students can enter junior college either for a two year pre university course or a centralized institute for a three year pre-university course. The objective of the junior college and centralized institutes are to prepare students for the university course. The curriculum consists of General Paper and Mother Tongue and a maximum of four Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education’ Advanced' GCE 'A' Level subjects from the Arts, Science or Commerce Courses. At the end of the pre-university course, students sit for the GCE 'A' Level examination.
Foreign students can also enroll into Junior Colleges and Pre-Universities, provided there are vacancies.
Pre-University Education prepares students for the GCE “A” Level examination at the end of the 2-year junior college or 3-year centralized institute course. Students who completed their pre-university education will receive a School Graduation Certificate
Universities
Singapore's university education seeks to prepare students to face the challenges at present, but also for jobs yet to be invented and challenges not yet foreseen. These universities are autonomous enough to chart their own destiny.
NUS is a leading university offering a global approach to education and research, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. Its education structure includes a broad based curriculum underscored by multidisciplinary courses and cross faculty enrichment.
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has a distinguished legacy. It originated as Nanyang University in 1955.Nanyang Technological Institute (NTI) was started on the same campus in 1981, with the help of government aid. In 1991, NTI became Nanyang Technological University with the absorption of the National Institute of Education.
Singapore Management University (SMU) was started on 12th January. It has set up undergraduate and postgraduate programmes aimed at producing leaders and creative entrepreneurs, having the capability to excel in a rapidly changing and dynamic world.
Foreign System Schools/International Schools
These schools offer the opportunity to pursue an education system like the one in the student’s country of origin. These International schools are registered with the Ministry of Education and they come under the purview of guidelines and curriculum of the home country.
For further information please visit:List of Foreign System Schools/International Schools
