Options after ITE

What's Next After ITE?

The completion of your Institute of Technical Education (ITE) programme is your entry point to greater specialisation and reward. Planning what to do after ITE is important, as further education is key to progressing to the next level of your career. Continuing your studies equips you with advanced skills, significantly enhancing your job mobility, opening diverse employment opportunities, and setting you on the path to achieving your fullest potential. With so many rewarding options ahead, let's explore the choices available to you.

Foundation Diploma

A Foundation Diploma is an option for Nitec or Higher Nitec graduates who require a specialised bridging course before advancing to a Diploma. This pathway is deliberately designed to solidify your academic foundation, ensuring a confident transition into higher-level studies.

At Kaplan, our six-month Foundation Diploma¹ paves the way to an eight-month Diploma² programme. This private Diploma is highly flexible, offering full-time, part-time, or 100% online study modes and spanning disciplines such as Accounting, Communication & Media, and Information Technology. It also provides a clear, supported route for options after your Diploma, helping you advance your education and progress directly to a Bachelor's Degree.

Polytechnic Diploma

The Polytechnic Diploma is a highly respected route towards advanced practical skills for both Nitec and Higher Nitec graduates. You can apply via the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE), Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE), and Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE). Admission requires meeting minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) marks (typically 3.5 for Nitec or 2.0 for Higher Nitec), though specific course requirements may differ.

This track offers an advantage for progression: Higher Nitec graduates often receive advanced placement, such as direct entry to Year 2, significantly advancing their studies. Ultimately, a Polytechnic Diploma provides a strong foundation for a Bachelor's Degree at a university after, often granting course exemptions.

ITE Work-Study Diploma

The ITE Work-Study Diploma is a fantastic choice, combining immediate employment with structured training. This 30-month (2.5-year) apprenticeship-based programme allows ITE graduates to earn a salary while working in a relevant industry and pursuing a Diploma simultaneously.

With a curriculum jointly developed by ITE and industry partners, 70% to 80% of your time is dedicated to crucial on-the-job training at the company. This ensures your skills remain current and immediately applicable, strengthening your professional network right after ITE.

ITE Technical Diploma

The ITE Technical Diploma is offered by ITE in collaboration with foreign institutions, providing specialised, globally benchmarked skills in high-demand technical fields like Engineering, Information Technology (IT), Health Sciences, and Hospitality.

This full-time 24 to 30-month course is highly relevant for top-performing ITE graduates seeking deeper technical mastery and international recognition. The curriculum is co-designed with overseas education partners, and graduates receive a qualification jointly certified by ITE and the partner institution, with opportunities for overseas learning.

Still Unsure Of Where To Go After ITE?

Your journey is one-of-a-kind, and it’s completely fine to be unsure. If you're wondering where to go after ITE, our dedicated programme consultants are ready to provide personalised guidance to help you find a suitable programme that aligns with your aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions About After ITE Options

Is the ITE certificate equivalent to a Diploma?

No. An ITE Nitec or Higher Nitec certificate is not equivalent to a Polytechnic Diploma. They represent different academic levels. Similarly, a Kaplan Diploma is distinct, designed primarily for progression to a Bachelor's Degree. However, both the ITE Technical Diploma and ITE Work-Study Diploma are recognised as being equivalent to a Polytechnic Diploma.

Are there part-time study options after ITE?

Yes, there are many part-time study options after ITE, especially if you plan to enter the workforce first. You can apply for part-time Diploma programmes at Kaplan and polytechnics. Kaplan also offers 100% online modes, making it easier to balance your education with your work and lifestyle commitments.

Are there scholarships or sponsorships available for ITE graduates?

Yes, significant financial support is available. ITE offers numerous internal and external scholarships and awards. The government has also introduced the ITE Progression Award (IPA), providing financial support (e.g. PSEA or CPF-OA top-ups) to Singaporean ITE graduates aged 30 and below who pursue a Diploma qualification. Numerous organisations also offer sponsorships for Diploma and Degree studies to exceptional ITE graduates.

Can I study for a Degree after completing ITE?

Yes, you absolutely can study for a Degree after ITE. Your Nitec or Higher Nitec is the first step on a journey that can lead directly to a Degree. The typical progression is to first obtain a Diploma (via Polytechnic, ITE Technical Diploma, ITE Work-Study Diploma, or Kaplan). Diploma programmes at Kaplan are designed for seamless progression, offering direct entry into private Degree programmes with our reputable international University partners.

¹Subject to programme and meeting entry requirements.
²The full-time Diploma programme duration is 11 months with possible completion in 8 months. Subject to programme and meeting entry requirements.