In the past, the polytechnics in Singapore may have been an alternative for students who are not as strong academically or are looking to have a qualification that would allow them to work immediately upon graduation. However, in recent years, we have seen a shift. More poly graduates are progressing to undergraduate studies upon completion of their diploma courses. The polytechnics are also attracting brighter students with single-digit O-level scores. (O-level is the GCSE equivalent, where students get one or two points for an A grade. Therefore the aggregate score of five or six subjects should be as low as possible.)

In fact, last year approximately forty per cent of those who chose to study at the polytechnics also qualified for entry to junior colleges. These students are choosing to pursue a diploma because they have identified their subject interest and prefer the hands-on way.

With higher calibre entering the five public polytechnics, we are seeing more graduates score places in the local universities, in competitive courses such as law and medicine. National University of Singapore (NUS) Law admits 240 yearly and accepted six diploma holders this year. For medicine, the first two poly graduates were enrolled in 2007. This year, ten students were given offers, out of the total intake of 300. A spokesman for NUS’ medical school said it has accepted a “small number of outstanding polytechnic graduates” every year, over the past few years. There has been a “slight increase” in the number of such grads and that these students have been doing well in school.

The increase in numbers may have also been due to the revised admissions format that NUS introduced last year. Instead of a panel interview and an essay test, applicants go through stations, being interviewed and tested on skills like teamwork and leadership. Poly graduates may be stronger in these areas as they have the relevant foundation and have completed their internships in clinics or hospitals.

Granted that the diploma holders are still a minority compared with their junior college peers in these courses, it is good to see that the universities are considering non-traditional qualifications and placing more emphasis on the application of knowledge. While competition is always stiff for entry to courses like law and medicine, it may be worthwhile for UK universities to not dismiss students who are from the public polytechnics in Singapore. There are plenty of bright students who have studied the relevant modules during their courses and so they will have a better knowledge of the subject and may even be more passionate about it.