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  • 1. Who are full-fee paying students?

    Full-fee paying students are students who apply directly to NIE and therefore pay full programme fees without Singapore Government Tuition Grant.

    2. What is MOE-sponsorship?

    Every year, MOE selects and sponsors candidates to attend teacher education programmes at NIE. The fees for these selected candidates will be fully sponsored by the Ministry.

    Local aspiring teachers should apply to MOE for teaching positions with Singapore's mainstream Primary, Secondary Schools and Junior Colleges. For details on the application procedures and terms of appointment, please refer to http://www.moe.gov.sg/teach/.

    3. What is the difference between MOE-sponsored student and full-fee paying student?

    MOE-sponsored students are required to serve a bond with MOE upon graduation. To this end, they will be posted to an MOE mainstream school by the Ministry.

    Full-fee paying students will seek employment on their own after graduation.

    4. How do I apply?

    Application window for AY2021 intake is closed.

    5. Can I apply to study as a full-fee paying student as well as apply with MOE at the same time?

    If you are interested to teach in an MOE school, you should apply to MOE. For details on the application procedures and terms of appointment, please refer to http://www.moe.gov.sg/teach/.

    6. What are the course fees like for full-fee paying students?

    Please refer to the latest General Information Handbook listed under Programme Information and Handbook at http://www.nie.edu.sg/teacher-education/undergraduate-programmes/ for the latest course fees.  

    7. When are the fees payable?

    Fees are payable in 2 instalments a year, at the beginning of Semesters I and II. You will be advised on payment matters upon acceptance into NIE.

    8. What is the duration of the programme?

    Each programme has its specific duration. Please refer to the programme handbooks listed in this website for the details. 

    9. What qualifications do I need to enrol into the programmes available?

    Admission is based on merits in terms of academic qualifications, dispositional suitability and other relevant considerations. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee placement into the programme.

    Each individual programme has its own pre-requisites for admission, please refer to the respective programme handbooks for details.

    Please note that sufficient relevant classroom teaching experiences will be required for admission into the PGDE programme given that most, if not all, MOE-sponsored PGDE student teachers would have completed some form of contract teaching before starting the programme.

    10. What sort of certification would I receive upon successful graduation?

    The certification would be dependent on the programme that the candidate is enrolled into. Some of the programmes offered by NIE are as listed:

    Degree Programmes

    • Bachelor of Arts (Education)
    • Bachelor of Science (Education)

    Postgraduate Programmes

    • Postgraduate Diploma in Education
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Physical Education)

    Diploma Programmes

    • Diploma in Education
    • Diploma in Physical Education
    • Diploma in Art Education
    • Diploma in Music Education
    • Diploma in Special Education

    11. Would the certificate be different from MOE-sponsored students?

    No, the certifications are exactly the same.

    12. Would I be able to teach in an MOE schools upon graduating?

    MOE generally prefers to recruit their own education officers to be trained at NIE. If you are interested in an MOE teaching position, you should apply to MOE instead of entering NIE as a full-fee paying student.

    PGDE applicants shortlisted by MOE will typically have the benefit of a teaching stint as an untrained teacher to further ascertain their suitability for the teaching profession before being sent to NIE.

    13. What is the medium/language of instruction?

    Classes will be conducted in English, with the exception of Mother Tongue courses.

    14. English Language Proficiency

    Applicants who have obtained Grade B4 or lower in General Paper (taken at H1 level in the GCE 'A' Level Examinations) or English Language (taken at GCE 'O' Level Examinations) would be required to show proof of their proficiency in English language by submitting one of the following English Language Test results:

    • IELTS; or
    • TOEFL; or
    • EPT; or

    • Other EL qualifications deemed suitable by NIE in-lieu of the above.

    At NIE's discretion, candidates may need to enroll into NIE's English Content Upgrading Courses.

    15. Student Pass Requirement

    International students would need to apply for a study visa* (student pass) before they can study in Singapore.

    * For more information on how to apply for a study visa (student pass), please refer to the ICA (Immigration and Checkpoints Authority) website at https://www.ica.gov.sg/apply/studentpass/ihl

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  • For University Degree Holders

    1. What are the initial teacher preparation programmes that I can apply for with a university degree?

    With a university degree, you may apply for consideration of admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Programme. The 16-month full-time programme offers specialisation in teaching at primary school level, secondary school level or junior college level. The two-year full-time programme offers specialisation in teaching Physical Education at primary school level or secondary school level.

    2. What are the entry requirements for the PGDE Programme?

    Applicants must have at least a degree from the Nanyang Technological University, the National University of Singapore or other universities whose degrees are acceptable to the education service of Singapore. Applications are considered in competition with others which have been submitted and assessment is based on the totality on the applicant’s academic qualifications.

    3. In addition to fulfilling the entry requirements, what are the other special requirements for the PGDE Programme?

    Please refer to the PGDE Programme Information & Handbook for details on the special entry requirements which can be viewed under 'Study @ NIE' > 'Admissions' > 'Teacher Education & Undergraduate Studies' > 'Postgraduate Diploma in Education programmes' in the NIE website.

    4. Am I required to take the Entrance Proficiency Test?

    You will need to pass the Entrance Proficiency Test if you do not meet the exemption criteria.
    Please visit the RELC Examinations Bureau website at RELC for details on the exemption criteria and registration for the Entrance Proficiency Test.

    5. Must I register for the Entrance Proficiency Test before submitting my application for the NIE progammes?

    It is advisable to register for the Entrance Proficiency Test at the time that you submit your application so as not to delay the outcome of your application.

    6. What are the additional criteria for the PGDE (Physical Education) Programme?

    You must also pass the Physical Proficiency Test (PPT) and have a good CCA record in your school years. Registration and details on the PPT can be obtained from 'Programmes' --> 'Admissions' in the NIE website.

    7. How do I apply for the PGDE Programme?

    Your application must be submitted online through the Ministry of Education website at http://www.moe.gov.sg/teach. Details on the application process can also be obtained from the Ministry's website.

    8. When must I submit my application?

    Application period for the programmes can be found here: http://www.moe.gov.sg/careers/teach/ut-applicationwindows/. 

    9. When is the intake for the PGDE Programme?

    There are normally two intakes in a year which are in January and July. If you are successful in your application, the Ministry of Education will advise you on the intake that you should enrol for.

    10. Is there an age limit?

    There is no age limit for admission to the PGDE Programme.

    11. Can I choose the subjects and school level that I want to teach?

    You may state your preference. However, the decision on the subjects and the level that you will teach will be determined by the selection panel if you are successful in your application.

    12. Where can I get the structure for the PGDE Programme?

    Details on the programme structure can be viewed under 'Programmes' --> 'Admissions' in the NIE website.

    13. How much is the tuition fees for the PGDE Programme per year?

    If you are selected for admission, you will be appointed by the Ministry of Education as a General Education Officer. With this appointment, the tuition fees for the course will be paid for by the Ministry for the normal duration of the programme. You will be required to serve a period of bond in the Singapore Education Service.

    14. How long is the teaching bond?

    Upon completion of the PGDE programme, you will have to serve a three-year teaching bond. Further details on the bond can be obtained from the Ministry of Education website at http://www.moe.gov.sg/teach.

    15. What are the teaching scholarships available?

    Please refer to the Ministry of Education website at http://www.moe.gov.sg/teach for details on the teaching scholarships.

    16. Can I be admitted to the Programme if I do not want to be bonded to the Ministry of Education?

    Yes, this will be the case if you are admitted as a full-fee paying candidate. Details on this scheme can be obtained from 'Programmes' --> 'Admissions' in the NIE website.

    For GCE 'A' Level Holders

    1. What are the initial teacher preparation programmes that I can apply with GCE 'A' levels as my highest qualification?

    Applicants with GCE 'A' Level qualifications may apply for consideration of admission to the four-year BA/BSc (Education) Programme and the two-year Diploma in Education Programme or Diploma in Physical Education Programme.

    2. What are the entry requirements for the NIE programmes?

    All GCE 'A' Level holders with five GCE 'O' Level passes including passes in English Language and Mathematics are eligible to apply for consideration of admission to the BA/BSc (Education) and the Diploma Programmes.

    3. In addition to fulfilling the entry requirements, what are the other special requirements for the programmes?

    Details on the special entry requirements for the respective programmes can be viewed under 'Study @ NIE' > 'Admissions' > 'Teacher Education & Undergraduate Studies' in the NIE website.

    4. What are the additional criteria for the Physical Education Programme?

    For admission to the Diploma in Physical Education Programme or the Bachelor of Science (Education) Programme reading Physical Education and Sports Science as your Academic Subject, you must pass the Physical Proficiency Test (PPT) and have a good CCA record in your school years. Registration and details on the PPT can be obtained from 'Programmes' --> 'Admissions' in the NIE website.

    5. Am I required to take the Entrance Proficiency Test?

    You will need to pass the Entrance Proficiency Test if you do not meet the exemption criteria. Please visit the RELC Examinations Bureau website at RELC for details on the exemption criteria and registration for the Entrance Proficiency Test.

    6. Must I register for the Entrance Proficiency Test before submitting my application for the NIE progammes?

    It is advisable to register for the Entrance Proficiency Test at the same time that you submit your application so as not to delay the outcome of your application.

    7. How do I apply for the NIE programmes?

    BA/BSc (Education) Programme:
    Your application must be submitted online through the Nanyang Technological University website at http://www.ntu.edu.sg. In addition, you must also submit your online application for appointment in the teaching service through the Ministry of Education website at http://www.moe.edu.sg/teach. 

    Diploma in Education/ Diploma in Physical Education Programmes:
    Your application must be submitted online through the Ministry of Education website at http://www.moe.gov.sg/teach.

    8. When must I submit my application?

    BA/BSc (Education) Programme:
    You must submit your application during the admission exercise for GCE 'A' level holders that is normally held in March. Please check NTU’s website for the exact admission exercise window (http://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/undergraduateadmissions/pages/default.aspx). 

    Diploma in Education/ Diploma in Physical Education Programmes:
    Applications are accepted throughout the year. However, it is advisable to submit your application to Ministry of Education at least three months before the intake.

    9. When is the intake for the NIE programmes?

    There is only one intake a year, which is in July.

    10. Is there an age limit?

    There is no age limit for admission to the NIE programmes.

    11. Can I choose the subjects and school level that I want to teach?

    You may state your preference. However, the decision on the subjects and the level that you will teach will be determined by the selection panel if you are successful in your application.

    12. Where can I get the structure of the NIE programmes?

    Details on the structure of the programmes can be viewed under 'Programmes' --> 'Admissions' in the NIE website.

    13. How much is the tuition fees for the NIE programmes per year?

    If you are selected for admission, you will be appointed by the Ministry of Education as a General Education Officer. With this appointment, the tuition fees for the normal duration of the programmes will be paid for by the Ministry. You will be required to serve a period of bond in the Singapore Education Service.

    14. How long is the teaching bond?

    Candidates who complete the Diploma in Education/Diploma in Physical Education Programmes will be required to serve a three-year bond while those who complete the BA/BSc (Education) Programme will be required to serve a four-year bond with the Singapore Education Service.

    15. What are the teaching scholarships available?

    Please refer to the Ministry of Education website at http://www.moe.gov.sg/teach for details on the teaching scholarships.

    16. Can I be admitted to the Programme if I do not want to be bonded to the Ministry of Education?

    Yes, this will be the case if you are admitted as a full-fee paying candidate. Details on this scheme can be obtained from 'Programmes' --> 'Admissions' in the NIE website.

    For Polytechnic Diploma Holders

    1. What are the initial teacher preparation programmes that I can apply with a polytechnic diploma as my highest qualification?

    Applicants with polytechnic diploma qualifications may apply for consideration of admission to the four-year BA/BSc (Education) Programme and the two-year Diploma in Education Programme or Diploma in Physical Education Programme.

    2. What are the entry requirements for the NIE programmes?

    All local polytechnic diploma holders with five GCE 'O' Level passes including passes in English Language and Mathematics are eligible to apply for consideration of admission to the BA/BSc (Education) and the Diploma Programmes.

    3. In addition to fulfilling the entry requirements, what are the other special requirements for the programmes?

    Please refer to the BA/BSc(Ed) Programme Information & Handbook for details on the special entry requirements which can be viewed under 'Study @ NIE' > 'Admissions' > 'Teacher Education & Undergraduate Studies' > 'Undergraduate programmes' in the NIE website.

    4. What are the additional criteria for the Physical Education Programme?

    For admission to the Diploma in Physical Education Programme or the Bachelor of Science (Education) Programme reading Physical Education and Sports Science as your Academic Subject, you must pass the Physical Proficiency Test (PPT) and have a good CCA record in your school years. Registration and details on the PPT can be obtained from 'Programmes' --> 'Admissions' in the NIE website.

    5. Am I required to take the Entrance Proficiency Test?

    You will need to pass the Entrance Proficiency Test if you do not meet the exemption criteria. Please visit the RELC Examinations Bureau website at RELC for details on the exemption criteria and registration for the Entrance Proficiency Test.

    6. Must I register for the Entrance Proficiency Test before submitting my application for the NIE progammes?

    It is advisable to register for the Entrance Proficiency Test at the same time that you submit your application so as not to delay the outcome of your application.

    7. How do I apply for the NIE programmes?

    BA/BSc (Education) Programme:
    Your application must be submitted online through the Nanyang Technological University website at http://www.ntu.edu.sg. In addition, you must also submit your online application for appointment in the teaching service through the Ministry of Education website at http://www.moe.edu.sg/teach. 

    Diploma in Education/ Diploma in Physical Education Programmes:
    Your application must be submitted online through the Ministry of Education website at http://www.moe.gov.sg/teach.

    8. When must I submit my application?

    BA/BSc (Education) Programme:
    You must submit your application during the admission exercise for polytechnic diploma holders that is normally held in February. Please check NTU’s website for the exact admission exercise window (http://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/undergraduateadmissions/pages/default.aspx).

    Diploma in Education/ Diploma in Physical Education Programmes:
    Applications are accepted throughout the year. However, it is advisable to submit your application to Ministry of Education at least three months before the intake.

    9. When is the intake for the NIE programmes?

    There is only one intake a year, which is in July.

    10. Is there an age limit?

    There is no age limit for admission to the NIE programmes.

    11. Can I choose the subjects and school level that I want to teach?

    You may state your preference. However, the decision on the subjects and the level that you will teach will be determined by the selection panel if you are successful in your application.

    12. Where can I get the structure of the NIE programmes?

    Details on the structure of the programmes can be viewed under 'Programmes' --> 'Admissions' in the NIE website.

    13. How much is the tuition fees for the NIE programmes per year?

    If you are selected for admission, you will be appointed by the Ministry of Education as a General Education Officer. With this appointment, the tuition fees for the normal duration of the programmes will be paid for by the Ministry. You will be required to serve a period of bond in the Singapore Education Service.

    14. How long is the teaching bond?

    Candidates who complete the Diploma in Education/Diploma in Physical Education Programmes will be required to serve a three-year bond while those who complete the BA/BSc (Education) Programme will be required to serve a four-year bond with the Singapore Education Service.

    15. What are the teaching scholarships available?

    Please refer to the Ministry of Education website at http://www.moe.gov.sg/teach for details on the teaching scholarships.

    16. Can I be admitted to the Programme if I do not want to be bonded to the Ministry of Education?

    Yes, this will be the case if you are admitted as a full-fee paying candidate. Details on this scheme can be obtained from 'Programmes' --> 'Admissions' in the NIE website.

    For GCE 'O' Level Holders

    What are the teacher education schemes that GCE 'O' Level holders can apply for?

    The following are the teacher education schemes offered by the Ministry of Education to applicants with GCE 'O' Levels as their highest academic qualification:

    • Art and Music Teacher Education Scheme
    • Mother Tongue Language Teacher Education Scheme
    • Home Economics Teacher Education Scheme
    • Chinese Language Teacher Education Scheme

    Details on the above-mentioned teacher education schemes and the procedure for application can be obtained from the Ministry of Education website at http://www.moe.gov.sg/teach.

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