The current April start for the polytechnic academic year reflects several considerations. As the admissions process for polytechnics is more complex than for junior colleges, it will be difficult for the polytechnics to start their intakes as early as the junior colleges. The five polytechnics offer a greater variety of courses, some of which rely on written tests and interviews for a more holistic assessment of applicants. The whole process of applications, offers and admissions currently requires seven weeks from the time of release of the O-level results.

With the O-level results released in late January in future, the junior colleges will from next year move from the current two rounds of admission to a single intake in early February of students who have taken their O levels. It will be technically possible to advance the start of the polytechnic academic year by a month, to March each year. However, this will mean losing the current overlap in vacation periods for both polytechnic students and academic staff. On balance, the April start for the polytechnics remains preferable.

Notwithstanding this, we will continue to review the situation with the polytechnics once the new system for release of O-level results is in operation.

Perry Lim
Director, Higher Education
Ministry of Education