The Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) is a one-year programme designed for top 'N' Level (Academic) students, allowing you to skip Secondary 5 'O' Levels and start directly at SP to prepare for your diploma. You'll get a provisional spot and need to pass all foundational modules to continue. Throughout the year, SP lecturers will provide guidance and support. The PFP offers two tracks:
These tracks get you ready for your chosen diploma.
| Programme Structure | Science & Technology Track | Non-Science & Technology Track |
|---|---|---|
| English | Foundation Language & Communication Skills | Foundation Language & Communication Skills |
| Mathematics | Foundation Mathematics | Foundation Mathematics |
| Domain Cluster | Physics Application Science Introduction to Technical Solutions Fundamentals of Information Technology | Science for Everyday Living Fundamentals of Enterprise Development Fundamentals of Information Technology |
| General Education | Active & Effective Citizenry | Active & Effective Citizenry |
| Sports | Wellness for Life | Wellness for Life |
To apply for the Polytechnic Foundation Programme, Secondary 4 Normal (Academic) students should start Secondary 5 in January, even if they meet the eligibility criteria based on their 'N'-Level results.
The application window opens in mid-January for six days, starting on the day 'O'-Level results are released. Schools will issue eligibility forms with a PFP PIN to eligible students. Use this PIN to apply online on the PFP website.
You need a raw ELMAB3 aggregate score of 12 points or better in the GCE 'N' Levels. This includes English Language, Mathematics, and your best three subjects. Specific subject requirements are listed in Group 1 and/or Group 2.
The following combinations of results can be used to compute the aggregate score:
Take Note:
1. Please note that eligibility to apply for PFP does not guarantee placement in the programme. Students placed on the PFP may or may not be posted to the course of his/her choice, subject to competition based on merit and the availability of places.
2. GCE 'O' level grades are converted to their 'N(A)' level grades using a conversion table set up by the Ministry of Education and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board:
| 'O' level Grade | Aggregate Point for PFP |
|---|---|
| A1 - B3 | 1 |
| B4 - C6 | 2 |
| D7 | 3 |
| E8 | 4 |
PFP Group 1 | PFP Group 2 | ||
| Subject | Grade | Subject | Grade |
| English Language Syllabus A | 3 | English Language Syllabus A | 2 |
| Mathematics (Syllabus A / Additional) | 3 | Mathematics (Syllabus A / Additional) | 3 |
One of the following subjects:
| 3 | One of the following subjects:
| 3 |
| Any two other subjects (excl. CCA) | 4 | Any two other subjects (excl. CCA) | 4 |
| Applies To: All Diploma Courses offered for PFP except those listed in Group 2. |
All SP diploma are offered under the PFP.
The "Net ELMAB3 Range for PFP2024" in the table below shows the net ELMAB3 aggregate of the highest to lowest-ranked students who were admitted to these courses in the 2024 PFP Admissions Exercise. These aggregate scores are meant as a reference for applicants applying to these courses, and do not constitute the admission scores for subsequent admission exercises.
Click here for courses with medical requirementsFirst, receive your eligibility form from your school on the day 'O'-Level results are released. Use the PFP PIN on the form to log onto the PFP application website and submit your application online within the six-day window.
You'll need your eligibility form with the PFP PIN and your 'N'-Level results. Make sure to enter all personal and academic details correctly when applying online.
The application window opens in mid-January for six days, starting on the day 'O'-Level results are released. Apply within this period to be considered.
Check the PFP website for your application outcome. If you are offered a place, you must accept it within three days. Accepting a place means you will not continue in Secondary 5.
Applications should be submitted online here.
You should log into the PFP website to check the outcome of your application. All students who have been offered a place must indicate their acceptance within 3 days of the posting results. Students who have accepted a place in the PFP will not be provided a place in Secondary 5.
Yes. CCA bonus points are deducted from your ELMAB3 aggregate when you are considered for posting to a PFP course.
Assessment during the PFP will comprise coursework assignments, projects, class tests and/or end-of-semester examinations, to ensure that students will be able to cope with the rigour of the diploma course. Upon passing all PFP modules, students will be admitted to the first year of their pre-selected polytechnic courses.
Students are strongly encouraged to continue with the pre-selected diploma course which they are enrolled in.
All polytechnic graduates, including PFP students, may apply to the local universities upon completion of their polytechnic diploma. Applicants will be assessed based on their academic results, performance during the PFP (in lieu of the GCE 'O'-Levels), as well as any other academic and non-academic achievements presented for admission.
Interviews and aptitude tests may also be administered by the universities to which the students apply.
Singapore Polytechnic
500 Dover Rd Singapore 139651