NUS, NTU will no longer assess polytechnic students’ overall O-Level results from 2020, will rely on GPA scores for admission

SINGAPORE — From 2020, polytechnic students seeking admission to the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) will no longer be assessed on their overall GCE O-Level results.

The two universities will evaluate students based only on their grade point average (GPA).

However, for some courses such as law and computer science, all universities can continue to mandate that applicants possess a minimum O-Level score in certain subjects.

NUS and NTU are the only autonomous universities here that factor in polytechnic students’ O-Level results for admissions. An applicant’s GPA forms 80 per cent of the University Admission Score, while the O-level score make up the remaining 20 per cent.

Students without O-Level qualifications are assessed by NTU and NUS on their GPA scores and other academic achievements — typically on a case-by-case basis, both universities said on their websites.

Announcing the change on Thursday (Nov 8), Second Minister for Education Indranee Rajah said assessing polytechnic graduates based on their latest academic qualification – their GPA scores – allows universities to better recognise late-bloomers and those who have done well in polytechnics.

The change also comes as the number of polytechnic students without O-Level qualifications has risen over the years, said the Ministry of Education (MOE).

This year, a quarter of the students entering polytechnics do not possess an O-Level certificate. In 2014, the ratio was one-fifth.

They may have only GCE N-Level certificates and enter polytechnics through the Polytechnic Foundation Programme or the Direct-Entry Scheme into Polytechnic Programme.

Under the foundation programme, top-performing Normal (Academic) students at the N-Level examination can skip Secondary 5 and go through a foundation year in the polytechnics. Under the direct-entry scheme, Normal (Academic) students prepare for progression to selected polytechnic courses via the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

It is also in line with how A-Level and International Baccalaureate students are assessed on their results in those examinations, she said at the Arts Education Conference organised by the Singapore Teachers’ Academy for the Arts.

The latest change will take effect only in 2020, to give students and the two universities time to adjust, the MOE said, adding that this could possibly see more polytechnic students making it to university.

One in three university students were from a polytechnic last year, up from one in four in 2012.

One reason could be because NTU, NUS and the Singapore Management University (SMU) increased their annual intake of students under the Discretionary Admissions Scheme from 10 per cent to 15 per cent last year.

A WIN-WIN AND FAIRER WAY?

Unlike NUS and NTU, the four other autonomous universities — SMU, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Singapore University of Social Sciences — do not factor in overall O-Level results for admissions.

They evaluate applicants on their GPA scores and aptitude tests, and take into account O-Level results that are relevant to a specific course.

NUS and NTU will continue to impose subject-specific prerequisites to determine students’ suitability for the courses they are applying to study.

For example, a polytechnic student who wishes to apply to take up NUS’ computer science courses will need at least a B3 grade in Additional Mathematics for the O-Levels.

Polytechnic students can still submit their O-Level results as added information to support their applications if they wish to do so.

NUS and NTU will release more information on the application process for polytechnic graduates in due course.

On why the two universities factored in O-Level results when the others were not doing so, the MOE said that it did not impose the policy on the two universities, which had been discussing it internally before Thursday’s announcement.

NUS' president Tan Eng Chye said that the policy change is in line with its holistic approach to admissions, where students are assessed on their aptitudes, interests and passion, besides academic achievements.

“Over the years, NUS has adopted various approaches to broaden talent recognition… and also in providing support for students to strive for excellence in their sporting and artistic endeavours,” Professor Tan said.

NTU's provost Ling San said “it would be fairer to look at mainly (applicants’) polytechnic results for university admission, but we will still consider their O-level results where applicable”.

Marcus Yap, 19, a third-year student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, called the move “win-win” for students with and without O-Level qualifications.

“For those without the qualification, assessing them based on their GPA grades is fair and it gives them the opportunity to apply for courses at NUS and NTU,” he said. “Those with the qualification can use it as an additional tool to make their application stronger."

Marcus has an O-Level certificate and studies aerospace technology, but has not decided on whether to enrol in a university. 

His coursemate Cicilia Sim, 20, would like the change to take effect sooner. She will be graduating from polytechnic next year and will not be assessed under the new criteria. She does not have an O-Level certificate and has not decided which university she wants to go to further her studies.