Half qualify for Higher Nitec courses

Half qualify for Higher Nitec courses

ONE in two Normal (Academic) students who took their N-level exams this year will be allowed to skip one year of school and head into higher-level technical courses.
Under new rules, some 6,502 out of 11,653 Secondary 4 N(A) students are eligible for direct entry into courses like engineering or applied and health sciences at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), said the Ministry of Education.

Previously, they had to take the O levels in Secondary5 before they could enrol in a Higher National ITE Certificate (Nitec) course.

To qualify for direct entry, students have to score an aggregate of not more than 19 for English, Maths and three other subjects, with at least a Grade 4 in English and Maths.

Out of the 6,502 students, about half can opt for the more demanding business courses, which require students to score at least a Grade 3 in English.

Students can apply for the course of their choice on the ITE website (www.ite.edu.sg)