The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) is a post-secondary institute which equips secondary school leavers and working adults with technical skills and knowledge to meet the manpower needs to meet the various sectors of the industry. ITE provides full-time institutional training and apprenticeship programmes for school leavers as well as Continuing Education and Training (CET) programmes for workers.

Polytechnics

There are currently four polytechnics in Singapore, with a fifth one that will be coming soon. Their names are Singapore Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, Nanyang Polytechynic and the fifth one is known as Republic Polytechnic. Polytechnics have been set up to ensure broad-based training for students inclined towards practice-oriented studies at tertiary studies. They are geared towards people with "O" and "A" level qualifications as well as graduates from technological institutes.

A wide range of courses such as IT, engineering, business and maritime studies, mass communication, marketing, graphic, product and interior design and computer studies are provided. ITE graduates holding a certificate of merit in relevant National Trade Certificate Grade 2 courses, or those who have gone through the ITE's apprenticeship scheme can also apply for a place at one of the polytechnics.

National Institute of Education

Professional trainings for teaches are conducted here at the National Institute of Education (NIE), an institute at the Nanyang Technological University.

NIE offers four-year degree programmes for "A" level students which lead to the award of the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Diploma in Education, Bachelor of Science with Diploma in Education, Bachelor of Arts with Diploma in Education (Physical Education) or Bachelor of Science with Diploma of Education (Physical Education). Two-year programmes are also offered to "A" level students and Polytechnic Diploma holders. These lead to the award of the Diploma in Education or Diploma in Physical Education.

For university graduates, NIE offers the one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Education Programme. They will be trained to teach either in primary schools or secondary schools. Alternatively, they can take up the two-year Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Physical Education) Programme and specialize in teaching Physical Education.

Universities

Admission to the three universities, the National University of Singapore, the Nanyang Technological University and the Singapore Management University are based on GCE "A" level performance and, in some cases, interviews as well. Diploma holders can also apply for admission to the universities.

Faculties in the National University of Singapore offer degree programmes in Arts and Social Sciences, Architecture, Building and Real Estate, Business Administration, Law, Science, Engineering, Medicine and Dentistry. Postgraduate studies are offered in all faculties and there are six postgraduate schools, namely the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences, Business, and Science; Schools of Medical and Dental Studies as well as the Postgraduate School of Engineering.

The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has its origin in the former Nanyang Technological Institute. With the incorporation of the National Institute of Education in 1991, NTU has become a comprehensive university offering a diverse selection of courses. Its Engineering and Business related programmes are most notable and have received accolades from international organizations.

The degree courses offered at NTU include Accountancy, Business, Communication Studies, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical and Production Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, Arts, Science, Education and Physical Education.

Open Degree University Programme

The Ministry of Education appointed the Singapore Institute of Management to run the Open University Degree Programme (OUDP) because of the institute’s experience in organizing part-time further education programmes for working adults. The OUDP is run in collaboration with the UK Open University and adopts an open approach to learning. Open learning systems are designed to meet individual requirements and remove barriers, notably of time and space, that prevent attendance at traditional courses. The OUDP adopts a multi-media instructional system. Some of the main components are self-learning study units, audio and video tapes, revision classes as well as year-end examinations.

Singapore Management University,
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and
LaSalle-SIA College of the Arts