The Straits
Times
Jan 18, 2016
Her O-level grades were good enough for her to earn a place at a
junior college or a popular diploma programme at a polytechnic.
But instead of taking the conventional routes like most of her
peers after receiving her O-level results two years ago,
18-year-old Celine Low pursued an 18-month diploma in management
studies at SIM Global Education (SIM GE), a private institution
here.
Ms Low, who graduated with the diploma last September and is now
pursuing a business degree from RMIT University through SIM GE,
said the shorter time to finish her studies was a draw.
With module exemptions from her diploma programme, she is on track
to finish her degree in 2018, two years ahead of many of her peers.
"I knew what my interests were. I wanted to learn about marketing
and managing a business," said Ms Low.
While the costs of studying at a private school are higher, "I
think choosing the private route was the right decision for me",
she said.
Other students choosing to pursue further education at a private
institution after the O levels cite similar reasons, including the
variety of higher education options and the shorter time it takes
to claim a diploma or a degree.
Major private institutions here said their enrolment of O-level
holders has been steady over the last few years. An SIM GE
spokesman said its foundation studies and diploma programmes see an
annual intake of more than 500 O-level holders. Currently, the
private institution offers two foundation studies and four diploma
programmes, in areas such as accounting and international
business.
PSB Academy said O-level student enrolment for its diploma courses,
which typically takes between 12 and 24 months to complete, is
"fairly consistent" every year. Last year, it had an intake of
about 1,000 O-level holders. It offers 11 diploma programmes in
areas such as retail management and industrial engineering.
Some private institutions, such as Kaplan Singapore, have even
introduced new diplomas. Kaplan, which has more than 25 diploma
programmes across eight disciplines such as law, introduced two new
diplomas - in property management and Web technologies - last year.
It takes an O-level holder about 10 months to complete a diploma at
the school.
Besides attracting students looking to complete their studies in a
shorter time, private schools also provide a route to further
education for those who did not fare well at the O levels.
Mr P. Danush's grades did not qualify him for a place at a junior
college or a preferred polytechnic course. After his O levels, the
19-year-old took up a four-month professional certificate in
business management, followed by an eight-month diploma in tourism,
hospitality and events management at the Management Development
Institute of Singapore (MDIS).
Mr Danush, who is now studying for an advanced diploma in tourism,
hospitality and events management at MDIS, said the private
institution has given him a chance to pursue his interest.
"I've always wanted to be part of the tourism sector," he said. "So
I am glad that I have a chance to pursue this passion."