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Polytechnic Diplomas from Singapore

Admission requirements »


Computation of University Score

Applicants will be admitted to the University based on their University Score (US). The US is computed using two T-score formulae based on the Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level results AND Polytechnic results.

Under the current admission criteria, the University Score will be computed as follows:

Components Weightage
Polytechnic results 80%
Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘O’ Level results 20%

With effect from 2007, CCA-NS points will no longer be used for university admission score computation.


Acceptable Polytechnic Diplomas »

For a list of acceptable Polytechnic Diplomas, please click here.


Discretionary Admission »

Up to 10% of vacancies will be set aside for consideration of exceptional candidates for admission to NUS. For such candidates, other factors besides grades will be taken into consideration. The following are some samples of exceptional achievements that the University may take into consideration :

  1. Medallist in any of the International Olympiads (Biology, Chemistry, Informatics, Mathematics and Physics)
  2. Winner at the National Science & Talent Search
  3. Represented Singapore in Arts and/or Sports
  4. Active participation in community service and volunteer programmes.
  5. Work experience relevant to the course applied for
  6. Key leadership positions in community organisations, sports and athletic clubs etc (outside school)

In addition, applicants can provide information on awards/honours that they have won. If candidates wish to be considered under this scheme, they should provide the details in the 'Discretionary Admissions' section in the online application form. They should follow up by sending supporting documents to NUS.


Module Exemption for the Polytechnic Diplomas from Singapore Applicants

Polytechnic diploma holders admitted to either 3- or 4-year programmes will be granted advanced placement credits in relevant modules for up to a maximum of 40 MCs (Modular Credits) as follows:

  • Up to 8 MCs from the University Level Requirements, comprising one General Education Module and one Breadth Module.
  • Up to 12 MCs from Unrestricted Elective Modules.
  • Up to 20 MCs from Programme Requirements.

40 MCs are equivalent to 1 level of study.

Category B applicants may refer to the relevant faculty/school URLs as indicated below for more details on module exemptions. Should any clarification be required, you may contact the relevant faculty/school Dean’s Office for assistance.

Faculty/School Information on module exemption
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences Click here
Business School Click here
School of Computing Click here
School of Design & Environment Click here
Faculty of Engineering Click here
Faculty of Science Click here
Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies Click here

Mature Applicants »

A mature applicant is one who is at least 25 years of age with at least four years of full-time work experience as of 1 July of the admission year.

Applicants presenting an accredited Diploma from a Polytechnic in Singapore with SAT I scores and fulfil the definition of mature applicants, as stated above, will be considered concurrently under the mature applicants category.

Computation of University Score »

The University Score will be computed as follows:

  2009
SAT I score 50%
Content proficiency 25%
Experience and motivation 25%


Consideration of SAT I »

SAT I scores are compulsory. They must be submitted before 21 February of the admission year. If you do not have SAT I scores, we regret to inform you that you will not be considered for admission. The best set of SAT I score taken in one sitting in the five years leading up to 21 February of the admission year will be taken into consideration. For applications closing on 21 February 2009, the SAT I must be taken between 1 February 2004 to 1 February 2009. You  may not submit verbal and mathematics scores from across sittings.

If you are applying for admission to NUS in 2009 and submitting the SAT I scores, please note that the last acceptable test date for SAT I is 28 January 2009. May 2009 SAT I scores will not be considered.

Content proficiency »

Content proficiency refers to performance in the Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘A’ Level examination and/or studies at a Polytechnic in Singapore.

Experience and Motivation »

Experience is limited to full-time working experience only. It is not necessary if you have worked continuously for the same company or organisation for four years.

For experience and motivation to be measured, as a mature applicant, you should submit a form personal statement form and two referee reports to the Office of Admissions by 21 February of the admission year. You are also required to submit an employment status letter* to confirm that you are currently working in an organisation.

*Letter can either be written by direct supervisor or the Human Resources Department.

The points accorded for SAT I, content proficiency, the personal statement form and employer referrals will determine whether you will be shortlisted for an interview.

Your employers may serve as referees. They must have supervised you but not be related to you. If you are self-employed, you  may seek referrals from your business associates, who should be at least of managerial level and likewise not be related to you.


Application »

To be considered under the mature applicants category, applicants should apply using the "Polytechnic Diplomas from Singapore" application form and also submit a personal statement form, two referee reports and an employment status letter.

Applicants with incomplete submission of the necessary documents (SAT scores, personal statement form, referee reports and employment status letter) by the application closing date (21 February 2009) will be ineligible to be considered under mature applicants category and will only be considered under the "Polytechnic Diplomas from Singapore".