POLY VS JC
DIPLOMAS OR CERT
A polytechnic diploma and an “A” level cert are the two most common tertiary stages of education in Singapore. Let us examine if diplomas are more advantageous than “A” level certificates.
Diploma equals higher pay?
Generally, diplomas holders command higher starting pay than “A” level graduates.
A survey conducted by Singapore’s five polytechnics in 2016 had these findings:
90 percent of poly graduates were employed in the first six months. They had a median gross salary of $2,200.00. Employment rates were 1.7 points higher than that in 2015. Health sciences and engineering, built environment and maritime diplomas fetched the highest pay of around $2,400.00.
Work experience
Diplomas offer students the chance to work first before pursuing a degree, through internships and work placements. In some cases, companies do sponsor your child’s degree. Hence, students will already have a job to look forward to while in university.
University admission
Local universities in recent years have been admitting more and more polytechnic graduates. The stigma that it is harder for polytechnic students to enter the local universities no longer holds true. Of course, the polytechnic graduate still needs excellent grades to be considered for university. It also depends on the courses he is applying for.
Whether to pursue a polytechnic diploma or “A” level certificate, one must know his interests and strengths. If your child is very clear headed (not to mention strong headed!) about a certain skill-based course, faculty, school, industry and career path, then going to a polytechnic might make more sense to him. However, if your child prefers a pure study and exam-based route, a JC route might suit him more.