Singapore Polytechnic (SP) is a polytechnic, not a university: it teaches full-time diploma courses, and its graduates can go on to a university.[1] Established in 1954, it is the first and oldest polytechnic in Singapore and had 16,169 students in 2023.[2]
For students admitted in AY2026 and opting for the MOE Tuition Grant, the tuition fee is S$12,400 a year for ASEAN and S$13,600 for other international students. With other fees the total payable is S$12,567.99 and S$13,767.99.[3] Grant holders who are not Singapore Citizens work in Singapore for three years after graduation.[1] We found no world ranking for SP.
Key facts
| Official name | Singapore Polytechnic (SP) |
| Location | 500 Dover Road, Singapore 139651[4] |
| Type | Polytechnic: a post-secondary institution and statutory board under the Ministry of Education[2] |
| Founded | 27 October 1954; the first and oldest polytechnic in Singapore[2] |
| Students | 16,169 (2023)[2] |
| Courses | 30 full-time diploma courses and 4 common entry programmes[1] |
| Alumni and progression | More than 246,000 alumni; SP says over 90 percent of its graduates advance to local or overseas universities[1] |
| Campus | 38 hectares; SP describes itself as Singapore’s largest polytechnic[4] |
| Tuition AY2026 intake, ASEAN international, with MOE grant | S$12,400 per year (S$12,567.99 with other fees, incl. GST)[3] |
| Tuition AY2026 intake, other international, with MOE grant | S$13,600 per year (S$13,767.99 with other fees, incl. GST)[3] |
| MOE Tuition Grant | Permanent Residents and international students who take it sign an agreement and work for a Singapore entity for three years after graduation[1] |
| Part-time work | Up to 16 hours a week in term time; full-time in vacations[1] |
| English proof | TOEFL iBT 78 or IELTS 6.0 (within two years), or SP’s English entrance test[5] |
| Official website | sp.edu.sg |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 5 November 2026.
About Singapore Polytechnic
Singapore Polytechnic was established in 1954. Wikipedia calls it the first and oldest polytechnic in Singapore and a statutory board under the Ministry of Education.[2] SP offers diploma courses in engineering, business, the creatives, media and design, information and digital technologies, and health sciences, and runs continuing education through its PACE Academy.[4] It says it has more than 1,400 academic and administrative staff and that its campus covers 38 hectares.[4]
SP calls itself Singapore’s first polytechnic and celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2024.[6] It began in a five-storey building on Prince Edward Road and is now based at Dover.[4][2]
How is Singapore Polytechnic ranked?
We found no world ranking for Singapore Polytechnic in the sources we read, and we show none. Its row in the Singapore table is not a world rank. Rankings differ by publisher and year. How we compile rankings.
What can you study at Singapore Polytechnic?
SP offers 30 full-time diploma courses and 4 common entry programmes.[1] The diplomas fall into engineering, business, creatives, media and design, information and digital technologies, and health sciences.[4] An alumna from Vietnam describes the Common Business Programme as giving her the flexibility to explore different disciplines before she chose Banking and Finance.[1]
The Direct Admissions Exercise for the Diploma in Nautical Studies has its own rule: international students must be sponsored by a Singapore shipping company.[5]
How much does Singapore Polytechnic cost?
The amounts below are annual fees for new students enrolling in AY2026 who take the MOE Tuition Grant. SP says the information is correct as of 7 May 2026 and subject to change.[3]
| Student group | Tuition fee per year | Total payable per year |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Citizens under 40 | S$3,100 | S$3,177.52 |
| Singapore Citizens 40 and over | S$2,100 | S$2,177.52 |
| Permanent Residents | S$6,400 | S$6,507.52 |
| International, ASEAN | S$12,400 | S$12,567.99 |
| International, non-ASEAN | S$13,600 | S$13,767.99 |
The total includes other fees: examination (S$32.70 for international students), sports, insurance, GHSI (S$57.77, international students), miscellaneous, copyright licence and Students’ Union fees. Fees include 9% GST except tuition for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, examination fees for Permanent Residents and Students’ Union fees.[3] SP differentiates ASEAN and non-ASEAN fees from AY2026; before that, international students paid one rate, for example S$12,400 for the AY2025 intake and S$12,000 for AY2024.[3] Fees are cohort-based, so a student’s tuition fee stays the same for the whole course.[3]
Without the grant
Permanent Residents and international students who reject the Tuition Grant or fail to sign the grant deed pay full fees, including 9% GST on the grant amount. The page does not give that amount.[3] A grant covers up to 10 semesters and needs two sureties for the agreement.[1]
The grant bond
Under the agreement a student works for a Singapore entity for three years after graduation.[1] For living costs see our Study in Singapore guide.
How do you apply to Singapore Polytechnic?
Applicants with international and several other qualifications apply through the Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE). It covers the International Baccalaureate, GCE A-Levels, GCSE or IGCSE, Malaysian qualifications (SPM, STPM, UEC), applicants with work experience, former polytechnic students, international qualifications, returning Singaporeans and home-schooled students.[5] Admission is based on academic merit and the vacancies in each course.[5]
- International qualifications: SP lists entry requirements per country (Brunei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, China, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam). Other qualifications are assessed case by case and generally need completed high school (Year 12) with at least grade B in English, Mathematics, the relevant subject and two other subjects. Applicants who meet this may be shortlisted for an online entrance test in English, Mathematics and Science.[5]
- IB Diploma: minimum grade 5 in English (first language), Mathematics, one relevant subject and two other subjects at Standard Level.[7]
- GCE, GCSE, IGCSE and SPM: assessed fully on that qualification, with no entrance test.[5]
You apply online through SP’s Course Application Service & Enquiry website (SP CASE) and upload supporting documents; documents in other languages need an English translation.[5] Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place.[5] Application periods change every year and depend on the qualification, so we do not list them; they are on the DAE page.
Before you arrive. All international students need a Student’s Pass from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), applied for through the SOLAR system, and a medical examination before enrolment.[1]
Which language level do you need?
SP considers English proficiency sufficient with a TOEFL iBT score of 78, or IELTS 6.0 overall and in every component, obtained within the last two years, or a pass in SP’s English entrance test. The entrance test is offered only to selected applicants.[5] The page also states “minimum 4.0 (overall and for all the components)” without naming the test, so ask SP before you rely on that figure.[5]
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Singapore Polytechnic cost for international students?
For the AY2026 intake with the MOE Tuition Grant, tuition is S$12,400 a year for ASEAN students and S$13,600 for other international students; with other fees the totals are S$12,567.99 and S$13,767.99.[3]
Is Singapore Polytechnic a university?
Do I have to work in Singapore after graduating from SP?
If you take the MOE Tuition Grant as an international student or Permanent Resident, you sign an agreement to work for a Singapore entity for three years after graduation.[1]
Which English test do I need for Singapore Polytechnic?
TOEFL iBT 78 or IELTS 6.0, both within two years, or a pass in SP’s English entrance test for shortlisted applicants.[5]
Can international students work while studying at SP?
Yes, up to 16 hours a week during the school term and full-time during vacations. SP says no permission from the polytechnic is needed.[1]
More about studying in Singapore
- Singapore: best universities
- Study in Singapore: complete guide
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
More university profiles in Singapore
- INSEAD Singapore Campus
- James Cook University Singapore
- LASALLE College of the Arts
- Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
- Nanyang Polytechnic
- Nanyang Technological University
- National University of Singapore
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic
- Republic Polytechnic
- Singapore Institute of Technology
- Singapore Management University
- Singapore University of Social Sciences
- Singapore University of Technology and Design
- Temasek Polytechnic
Sources
[1] Singapore Polytechnic: International students (page updated 12 Oct 2026)
[2] Wikipedia: Singapore Polytechnic (founding date, status, student number (2023) and history)
[3] Singapore Polytechnic: Fees for full-time diploma courses (page updated 7 May 2026; fees for AY2026 intake)
[4] Singapore Polytechnic: About SP (page updated 3 Nov 2026)
[5] Singapore Polytechnic: Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE) (page updated 15 Oct 2026)
[6] Singapore Polytechnic: Our Heritage (page updated 14 Jul 2025)
[7] Singapore Polytechnic: Admissions criteria (page updated 23 Jul 2026)
Figures may change; check official sources before you decide. How we compile our data · Found an error? Tell us.