You’ve just received your O-Level results, now… what’s next? With so many study options available for the next lap of your educational journey, we’ve mapped out an overview to help get you started.

Junior College (JC) and Centralised Institute (CI)

Image: Meridian Junior College

With the ability to study a mix of different subjects (e.g. Biology, Mathematics, Econs etc.) along with specialised electives (e.g. Music, Arts, Language etc.), your two (JC) or three (CI) year course of study will see you ending with a GCE ‘A’ Level qualification, which will then determine your entry into a local university of your choice.

Choose this if:

• You prefer a structured and guided curriculum focused on theory-based learning
• You want a longer time frame to think about your future specialisation
• You want a faster and higher chance of getting into a local university
• You prefer independent study instead of group work

Polytechnic

Image: Nanyang Polytechnic

Offering a wide selection of skill-oriented courses that fit a range of interests, a polytechnic education prepares students for the real world through networking opportunities with industry professionals as well as industrial attachments. Many polys also offer internships opportunities abroad – if you’re lucky enough, you might just find yourself doing your internships overseas!

Choose this if:

• You prefer hands-on practical learning that will equip you with applicable real world skills
• You have a desired field of study and want to gain a better insight into the industry
• You want to be able to enter the workforce upon graduation
• You thrive when working with others and love project-based assignments

Institute of Technical Education (ITE)

Image: Institute of Technical Education

The practical skills ITE students gain through their course of study act are highly sought after by employers. Offering students on-the-job exposure, you can choose between full-time courses or part-time traineeship programmes. 

Choose this if:

• You prefer an engaging learning environment that places emphasis on technical and vocational skills
• You want to make full use of apprenticeship opportunities with industry partners
• You want to be able to enter the workforce and apply skills you’ve learnt upon graduation

Specialised Education

Focusing on niche programmes that allow you to explore your topic of interest in depth, specialised educations provide students with the relevant skills and expertise in that field of study, giving you an added advantage to excel in the industry.

Choose this if:

• You have decided are are committed on a particular career path
• You want better internship and job placement assistance that may lead to direct employment
• You fancy having more well developed facilities at your disposal for all your learning needs

Private Education Institution (PEI)

Image: The Straits Times

If you want to obtain an international certificate at the end of your studies without leaving the comforts of  Singapore, then private institutions are for you. With some courses taking as short as 18 months (full time) to complete, choosing this study path will allow you to graduate faster and enter the workforce sooner than all your peers. Part-time courses are also available.

Choose this if:

• You want an international qualification without having to study abroad
• You want to enter the workforce as quickly as possible
• You want to have flexibility in enrollment due to there being multiple intakes per year

Overseas Education

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will see you becoming fully independent and self-sufficient, the networking sessions you will be exposed to studying abroad may also open doors to employment opportunities, should you decide to stay on after graduation. Do take note of the high cost of living if you’re going for this option though!

Choose this if:

• You want an international qualification while at the same time experiencing student life abroad
• You believe independent living encourages aptitude and personal growth
• You want to immerse in new cultures and experiences, and meet people from all over the world

Choosing which educational pathway to embark on is one of the most crucial decisions you will have to make during your teenage years. We hope this overview helped you get closer to making an informed choice!