[:en]You might be looking for different options after receiving your A-level results. You probably would have already asked yourself in the head umpteen times – ‘What’s next?’ By now, you should have started a bit of research to see if your grades get you into your desired course.
It is a common route to enter a university after the A-level. Whether your results are above or below your expectations, always keep an open mind and pick your university and courses wisely. After all, you will be spending 3 to 4 years in your course of study. Of course, to enter the local universities are what most will deem as the best option, if you are eligible for your desired courses.
Lest you need more options apart from local universities, read on.
Option 1 – Private universities
If your grades don't make the cut for local universities, it's not the end of the world. There are private universities which can fulfil your study dream too. A plus factor, some courses in private universities are more affordable than those offered in local universities.
Option 2 – Overseas universities
In recent years, there are more A-Level / IB graduates considering overseas education. Compared to studying locally in Singapore, studying overseas is an enriching and life-changing experience. The degrees and qualifications from Australian , New Zealand and UK universities are known around the world as excellency and world-class with a wider selection of majors and niche courses.
Having an overseas study and placement experience will definitely be a bonus when you return to your native country. What your future employers may look for is that new perspective on culture, language skills, a great education and a willingness to learn. To most, soft skills are harder to train compared to hard skills.
What happen if you do not meet the entry requirement of the overseas university? Fret not! You can go for a foundation programme - 6 to 8 months course that is designed for international students to fast-track their studies into a Bachelor degree.
All universities have their own affiliated Foundation programme, so be sure to check here to ensure that you enrol into the correct programmes.
Option 3 – Retake A-level
If you feel you need a second chance to score better for your A-level, you can retake as a private candidate. However, to be eligible, you must have failed a H2 subject or GP. Otherwise, you would have technically passed your A levels, even if you do not meet the criteria to get into the local public universities.
Option 4 - Polytechnic route
If you already know what you want to do in the future, this might be one of the better options. Afterall, what you had learnt during your Junior college days would be different from polytechnics teaching as the latter requires more hands-on.
Good news - From Academic Year (AY) 2019, eligible A-Level graduates can now be exempted from one semester of polytechnic studies and be admitted directly to Year 1 Semester 2. This means you can complete your diploma in 2.5 years instead 3 years.
Option 5 – Join the workforce
Kick-starting your career in the workforce can be a strategic move, especially if you have budget constraints that are hindering you from furthering your studies. There are employers who will recognise your A-Level certificate and remunerate you based on it.
When the time is ripe, you can go back to school for that coveted diploma or degree.
Whichever path you choose, don’t forget to sharpen your soft-skills too! Employers are looking into your qualities instead of just your certificates. Your results will not determine your future, your hard work and effort will! All the best!
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