SINGAPORE — A growing number of polytechnic graduates in Singapore are increasingly heading to top universities overseas, particularly in the United Kingdom and Europe, for further studies. This trend reflects a broader shift in educational aspirations, driven by greater access to information and a desire for global exposure.
Among those embracing this shift is 26-year-old Nicolas Chew, a communications and media management graduate from Temasek Polytechnic. While serving in national service in 2021, Chew received an offer to study Human, Social, and Political Sciences at the prestigious University of Cambridge — an opportunity he had never imagined growing up in a less affluent family. Throughout his polytechnic years, he worked part-time as a customer service agent at Changi Airport to cover living expenses.
It wasn’t until the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted his academic journey that Chew began seriously considering studying overseas. After graduating with a top grade point average of 3.97 out of 4, Chew was awarded a scholarship by Changi Airport Group to study at Cambridge, covering his undergraduate tuition fees. He is now pursuing a postgraduate degree in Digital Media: Critical Studies at University College London, with the scholarship continuing to support his studies.
In recent years, polytechnic students like Chew have been increasingly seeking opportunities abroad. Temasek Polytechnic confirmed that more of its alumni are qualifying for admission to top overseas universities, although the exact figures have not been disclosed. Ngee Ann Polytechnic has also reported an “almost threefold increase” in its graduates pursuing overseas higher education in the last decade compared to the previous one.
Other polytechnics, including Nanyang, Singapore, and Republic Polytechnics, did not provide specific details but highlighted various initiatives to support students in applying to universities abroad. These include workshops, exchange programs, and personalized coaching to help students navigate the application process.
A Broader Global Perspective
For many students, studying overseas offers a more holistic view of the world. Chew, now living in the UK, says his experience has broadened his perspective on global issues, particularly in politics and sociology. “It has given me a more critical, nuanced understanding of the world, accounting for both Singaporean and external contexts and challenges,” he explains. Studying abroad has also expanded his social circle, allowing him to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds.
While some polytechnic graduates are drawn to foreign universities due to the lack of specialized programs locally, others are motivated by the desire to experience new cultures and academic systems. Chiyo Tan, a 22-year-old biotechnology graduate from Singapore Polytechnic, is currently studying veterinary medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Tan chose to study in the UK because it was more affordable than other options like Australia and was the only place where she could pursue her passion for veterinary science, a field not available at Singaporean universities. Her annual tuition fees are £34,200 (S$60,000), and her polytechnic provided support with her personal statement and application.
Joanne Gao, a regional manager at Crimson Education, a consultancy firm specializing in university admissions, notes that polytechnic students are often driven by the need for specialized education that aligns with their career goals. Many diploma holders, having already acquired practical skills, view university as a chance to deepen their expertise, especially in fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Increased Access to Information and Opportunities
More polytechnic students are finding it easier to apply to overseas universities thanks to increased transparency in admission requirements, particularly in the UK. Gabriel Lee, a 23-year-old graduate from Singapore Polytechnic, was initially hesitant to study abroad but changed his mind after receiving a scholarship from the Defence Science and Technology Agency to cover the full cost of his studies at the University of Edinburgh. Lee acknowledged that universities, especially those in Britain, have become more transparent about the qualifications required for polytechnic graduates, such as minimum grade point averages.
Lois Pang, 21, a graduate of Ngee Ann Polytechnic with a diploma in international trade and business, is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at Sciences Po in France. Pang had always dreamed of studying abroad, and after researching options, she found Sciences Po to be both affordable and intellectually stimulating. With annual tuition fees of €14,720 (S$22,000), she sees her time abroad as an opportunity to challenge herself and gain new experiences. “Meeting people from all over the world has been fascinatin
