Ms Vernice Vee, a pharmacist at Singapore General Hospital, entered Ngee Ann Polytechnic via the early admissions route. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

SINGAPORE – The polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) scheme that started in 2017 has provided an alternative admission pathway for students with strong aptitude and interest in an area.

Around 14,500 students from secondary schools and ITE applied for early admission in academic year 2025, and around 6,000 applicants received an offer, an increase from 5,500 the year before.

In January 2025, it was reported that around 20,800 students enrolled in full-time diploma courses in the polytechnics. These include students who enrolled through the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) for O-level students, as well as non-JAE pathways such as EAE, Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise, Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) and independent applications.

Even though EAE students are admitted via portfolios, interviews or aptitude tests rather than O-level results, “a good number” at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) end up graduating at the top of their cohort, says Mr Mah Wee Beng, NP’s deputy principal and registrar.

Valedictorian Vievienne Chua, 20, a 2025 mass communication graduate and recipient of the NP outstanding achievement award, may not have got a place if she had not applied via EAE as she scored 14 points for her O levels in 2021.

“She is a good example of how EAE is an important pathway that creates possibilities for students when they pursue their passions and interests,” says Mr Mah.

Republic Polytechnic’s acting registrar, Ms Teo Chin Pei, adds that many students who entered RP through EAE have gone on to thrive in their chosen courses, demonstrating that aptitude and passion can be strong indicators of future success.

“We have seen numerous examples of students who may not have performed as well academically initially, but flourished when given the opportunity to pursue what they care about,” she says.

The EAE scheme allows students to get a conditional place in a diploma course before they sit the O levels. Its first batch of students graduated in 2020. Five years on, five of them reflect on how EAE provided the impetus for them to find their passion, and opportunities for them to do internships and further develop their talents in their chosen fields.

Interest in chemistry was foundation for pharmacist job

Eight years after applying for EAE to study pharmacy science, Ms Vernice Vee, 25, is now a pharmacist at the Singapore General Hospital.

But her career path was not clear-cut initially.

As a Secondary 3 student in Outram Secondary, she loved chemistry. But she was unsure what she could do with the interest until she attended a “Chemistry Meets Medicine” workshop organised by NP.

Her interest was piqued during a hands-on experience when she made pills and creams.

Ms Vernice Vee, a pharmacist at Singapore General Hospital, has a passion for healthcare and says the EAE scheme allowed her to chase her dreams.ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

“I thought it was pretty cool to see how medications were made,” says Ms Vee. She also spoke to seniors and lecturers from the pharmacy science course who gave her some idea of a possible career path and university study options.

She decided to go through EAE for NP’s Diploma in Pharmacy Science, now known as Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science.

She describes the EAE scheme as a chance to showcase her interest and passion and not be judged by her grades. The course included an internship at a hospital where she was exposed to different pharmacy areas.

She graduated from NP and did well enough to study pharmacy at the National University of Singapore.

She says the most fulfilling part of her work is being able to help others. “It is not just about the clinical knowledge, but it is also about tailoring what I have learnt to help someone and being able to contribute in small ways to a patient’s journey,” she adds.

Applying for EAE was more than just getting into a course. “It was a stepping stone to help me grow in the right environment, and it helped open doors to new experiences that shaped who I am today,” she says.

Caring for grandfather sealed his interest in nursing

When Mr Devendran Silvarajoo was in primary school, he was inspired by his mother, who would share stories about her nursing job.

His interest grew when he was involved in caring for his grandfather, who had dementia and was bedridden. His mother taught him how to clean and change his grandfather, administer medication and feed him through a tube.

“That hands-on experience was life-changing for me and solidified my goal to pursue a career in nursing,” says Mr Silvarajoo, 27, now a staff nurse at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).

Mr Devendran Silvarajoo (middle, in Tan Tock Seng Hospital scrubs) with his university coursemates, each wearing the nursing scrubs from their respective hospitals. PHOTO: COURTESY OF DEVENDRAN SILVARAJOO

He started his nursing journey at ITE College East in 2015 and decided to apply through EAE to Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). His grade point average was hovering slightly below the minimum requirement of 3.0 to progress to NYP’s nursing diploma.

He went on to do a degree in nursing at the Singapore Institute of Technology and is now halfway through a two-year part-time master’s programme in nursing at King’s College London while working full-time at TTSH.

“EAE allowed me to focus on preparing myself academically and mentally. It gave me the confidence to push my limits and not hold back,” says Mr Silvarajoo.

Passion for storytelling led to advertising career

When Ms Nur Khairiyah Atan was in secondary school, she knew she preferred the polytechnic route over junior college as she liked a practical way of learning and had a strong interest in both social media platforms and publications.

Ms Nur Khairiyah Atan decided on the polytechnic route as she preferred a more hands-on way of learning. PHOTO: COURTESY OF NUR KHAIRIYAH ATAN

“English was my favourite subject, and I enjoyed writing, storytelling and creating videos,” says the 25-year-old, now a junior social media specialist at an advertising agency.

She decided to apply for EAE after speaking to students from Singapore Polytechnic’s (SP) Diploma in Media and Communication course during the open house. They inspired her when they spoke passionately about their positive experiences.

“Learning how the course aligned closely with my interests in journalism and public relations confirmed that this was the right path,” she adds.

Getting an offer through EAE gave her peace of mind during her O-level examinations. “It allowed me to focus on my goals without the usual anxiety tied to final exam results,” she says.

An internship at an advertising company helped her realise that she thrived in a fast-paced and creative environment.

“I sat in on brainstorming sessions, witnessed how campaigns came to life and even contributed ideas. Despite the demanding nature of the work, I found myself energised rather than overwhelmed,” she says.

She did well enough in her diploma course to receive an early admission offer from NTU’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information before her final polytechnic results were released. She graduated in 2024 and is working at an advertising agency.

Discovered interest for pharmaceutical regulations in polytechnic

Mr Goo Yi Hao used to watch action movies when he was younger and remembers that some depicted the use of morphine during the war. He was intrigued by how morphine subsequently became a tightly controlled drug and decided to read up on the reasons behind the regulation.

“It sparked my desire to understand the full life cycle of a drug and the systems that govern its safety and use,” says Mr Goo. He decided to apply for early admissions to the pharmaceutical science course at Temasek Polytechnic (TP).

He found his passion when he took a module on pharmaceutical regulations and quality systems, and saw the effort behind the scenes to uphold safety and compliance.

“Realising I could contribute to public health not only in a lab, but also by shaping and enforcing standards, was the turning point,” says the 26-year-old quality assurance and regulatory affairs analyst.

Mr Goo Yi Hao discovered his interest in pharmaceutical regulation after he worked as a laboratory assistant in Temasek Polytechnic for his internship.PHOTO: COURTESY OF GOO YI HAO

An internship as a laboratory assistant at TP saw him help in the relocation of the laboratory. It involved setting up a cleanroom facility, which required meticulous handling, coordination and compliance with strict protocols.

“It gave me a first-hand look at how those principles are applied in the real world, for example, following standard operating procedures and understanding the importance of documentation,” he says.

He adds that EAE is suitable for students who may not thrive in traditional exams, but have a clear passion and direction.

“It recognises potential beyond academic results and offers a meaningful route for students who are committed to their field,” he says.

Being a people person led to HR career

Before Ms Gabrielle Lee, 25, entered polytechnic, she knew she wanted a people-oriented career.

Hence, she decided to try for the EAE scheme for RP’s Diploma in Human Resource with Psychology as she liked the inclusion of soft skills such as communication and teamwork.

“These are important for human resource professionals when engaging with employees. In the module on organisational development and change management, I learnt how change happens when employees feel heard and have intrinsic motivation,” she says.

Ms Gabrielle Lee discovered she enjoyed an HR-related role after doing internships in the industry. PHOTO: COURTESY OF GABRIELLE LEE

Ms Lee, who graduated with a bachelor of arts in communications from the University of Buffalo, has been doing HR internships that allow her to apply the knowledge learnt at RP.

“Through EAE, it is possible to kick-start a career in a field you are passionate about. I would recommend it to those who are clear about their goals and have a strong record in non-academic areas like co-curricular activities and leadership,” she says.

How to secure an EAE offer

The EAE application consists of a 600-character course-specific write-up and an optional 1,000-character write-up about one’s talents and achievements.

NP’s Mr Mah says applicants should keep their write-ups concise, focused and backed by examples.

The 600-character write-up should highlight specific experiences that show aptitude for the course. The optional 1,000-character section allows students to showcase broader talents such as leadership.

“The stronger the evidence presented, the easier it is for us to shortlist the applicant for an interview,” he says.

TP’s director of academic affairs, Mr Sng Choon Leng, says interviewers will seek to understand how applicants have pursued their interests, for instance, through participation in related events, training, community service or part-time work.

A Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts spokesperson adds that it is looking for students who thrive in collaborative team projects and work well with industry partners.

Professor Steve Dixon, president of Lasalle College of the Arts, suggests parents encourage their children to consider what sparks their curiosity, and to apply for a programme that they find exciting.

Portfolio

If shortlisted for an interview, applicants will need to prepare a portfolio.

SP’s director of academic services, Mr Wee Hau Yap, says that EAE acceptance is based on the quality of portfolios, as well as performance in aptitude tests and interviews.

“Applicants need to be clear about their aptitude and interests and should be able to demonstrate their passion for the course they wish to enrol in,” he advises.

RP’s Ms Teo says students should start preparing their portfolios early. “Seek feedback from teachers, mentors and seniors on how to improve your portfolio. Showcase your best relevant works in an organised manner that demonstrates your passion for the course.”

Students should showcase course-relevant materials, like academic projects or personal work, and tailor them to what the course requires, suggests NYP’s director of admissions and academic affairs, Ms Geraldine Yong. For instance, writing portfolios could feature essays or blog posts.

Interview

Ms Yong encourages students to prepare thoroughly for interviews by doing research about the polytechnic and course. Students can also show interest by asking thoughtful questions about the course and student life.

“First impressions matter. Students should be punctual and dressed appropriately for the interview,” she adds.

The interviews for some diploma courses may be conducted in a group setting to assess teamwork or emotional intelligence, while other courses might require students to take an aptitude test or deliver an individual pitch, says Mr Mah.

Students may be asked scenario-based questions, to share their motivations and discuss relevant industry trends.

Ms Teo adds that students should be prepared to reflect on activities they have taken part in.

“Be yourself and be confident in articulating your views to demonstrate your genuine interest,” she says.

The Straits Times, Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission