For many, the options after N/O-Levels or ITE feels like stepping into a pre-written script: polytechnic or junior college, then a bachelor’s degree at an autonomous university—a journey that eats up about seven years before you even start working.

But here’s the thing: life isn’t one-size-fits-all. What if there’s a path that could possibly get you career-ready faster and keeps your post-secondary or ITE options wide open? Private education institutions might not always be the obvious choice, but they offer unique perks that make them worth considering.

Whether you’re after flexibility, focused learning, or graduating sooner, let us break down why private education could be your game-changer. We’ll also tackle common concerns and spotlight PSB Academy graduates who’ve rewritten the rules and made their mark.

The Pressure to Choose a Conventional Path

In Singapore, the pressure to follow the “perfect” path after N/O-Levels or ITE is real. Everyone talks about getting into a polytechnic or junior college like it’s the only way to succeed. But here’s the truth: not every student thrives in these environments, and not every dream fits into those boxes.

For instance, Amelia Ng, despite receiving 7 points (L1R4) for O-Levels, found the demands of polytechnic overwhelming. She eventually switched to PSB Academy’s Diploma in Business Analytics* which offers her a manageable workload, flexible schedule, and the opportunity to work part-time while focusing on her mental health and gaining valuable skills.

Not everyone’s journey looks the same, and you don’t have to follow the crowd just because everyone else is doing it. Amelia’s journey is a reminder that you don’t have to stick to a path that doesn’t work for you—there are alternative routes to success, and private education might just be the right fit.

Why Private Diploma Could Be Better for You?

Faster Completion Times

These programmes are designed with focused learning and fewer breaks, meaning you can graduate faster—perfect for those who know what they want and can’t wait to kickstart their careers.

Take Ethan Choo Sheng En, for example. After completing his N-Levels and participating in ITE’s work-study Nitec programme in retail services, he realised he was ready for a faster-paced, more focused educational approach. Within less than two years at PSB Academy, Ethan progressed from his N-Levels to a Diploma in Media and Communications*, gaining a head start on his career while his peers were still navigating longer academic paths.

This streamlined approach gave him a head start in both further studies. With private diplomas, you’re not just studying—you’re building momentum for the life you want.

Flexibility in Learning

Unlike conventional programmes, private diplomas often allow for different modes of study—whether full-time or part-time. This flexibility makes it easier for students to balance studies with other commitments, creating a learning experience tailored to individual needs.

For instance, Rina Woo Rui Na chose to study part-time at PSB Academy, allowing her to continue working and even start a family while pursuing her business analytics diploma. She shared, “Balancing work, study, and personal life hasn’t been easy, but the structure of PSB Academy’s programmes made it manageable. The flexibility of part-time study allowed me to continue working while pursuing my diploma. It’s a lot of hard work, but knowing that I’m building a better future kept me going.”

With this flexible approach, Rina was able to progress in her career without sacrificing the things that mattered most to her. It’s all about finding a learning path that works for you.

Employment outcomes

A common concern for many is whether employers see private diplomas the same way they do polytechnic ones. While paper qualification is important, employers also care about your skills, attitude, and adaptability.

The good news? Private diplomas hold up just fine. In fact, PSB Academy’s 2023 Graduate Employment Survey (GES) proves that they can lead to great opportunities. 84% of diploma graduates in 2023 landed jobs within six months of completing their final exams. And it’s not just about getting a job— graduates also saw pay raises (40%), promotions (21%), and moved into permanent roles from part-time, contract, or freelance work (43%).

Tharshini D/O Rajasegar’s experience demonstrates the real-world value of a PSB Academy diploma. Just one month after completing her Diploma in Sport and Exercise Sciences at PSB Academy, she scored a job as a Therapist Assistant at the Institute of Mental Health. In her role, she uses the exercise techniques she learned to help patients in their recovery.

Her story illustrates how PSB Academy equips graduates with practical skills and knowledge that employers value, paving the way for meaningful employment and career growth.

Diverse Specialisations and Practical Skill Sets

Private education institutions like PSB Academy offer a wide range of specialisations, so you can pick a field that truly fits your interests and career goals. At PSB Academy, you can choose from 13 diploma disciplines, covering a range of fields from Business, Engineering, to Life Sciences. Each programme is designed with practical, hands-on modules that bring real-world applications into the classroom. Classes are conducted in a smaller setting with focused support from lecturers, with an aim to help students gain targeted skills and insights to confidently step into their chosen field and adapt effectively to professional environments.

Angel Mae Narvasa Malanum is a testament to this approach. Encouraged by a friend’s recommendation and her research, Angel chose PSB Academy, drawn to its strong reputation and comprehensive curriculum. Her passion for video and audio creation inspired her to excel in the Diploma in Media and Communications programme*. Through hands-on experiences like operating camera equipment and working on film sets, she gained practical skills that aligned perfectly with her career aspirations.

The specialised curriculum allowed Angel to hone her passion for video and audio creation, equipping her with the confidence and preparation needed to pursue her dream career in the media industry.

A Pathway From Diploma to Degree and Beyond

A typical question is whether private diplomas limit academic progression or opportunities for further education. In fact, private education institutions like PSB Academy partner reputable universities like La Trobe University, The University of Newcastle, Australia, and Coventry University (UK). This means you can continue your academic journey without missing a beat. Plus, many of our diploma graduates received module exemptions, allowing them to complete their degrees in a shorter duration.

In Fauziah Abdul Aziz’s case, she started her diploma journey at PSB Academy in 2010, where she gained technical skills such as research, problem-solving, and project management, positioning her to progress directly into Year 2 of the Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Business and Marketing at Coventry University.

This pathway not only saved Fauziah time but also gave her the leadership and management skills she needed for her career as a civil servant. Despite the stigma sometimes associated with private education, Fauziah’s success shows that PSB Academy graduates are more than ready to excel, even in highly competitive fields like the government sector.

Your Journey, Your Choice

The journey after N/O-Level or ITE doesn’t have to be limited to polytechnic or junior college. If you’re someone who wants flexibility, a faster route to employment, or specialised skills training, a private diploma may be the right choice for you. It’s not about settling for a lesser option—it’s about finding the path that best aligns with your passions and ambitions.

Whether you’re eyeing a career in media and communications, logistics, sports sciences, or something else— private diplomas can also give you the foundation to learn exactly what you need.

So, take a moment to think about what you want. Evaluate your options, and choose the path that’s best for you. Remember, success doesn’t always mean following the crowd—it’s about creating your own path.

Come check out our January Open House on 18 January 2025 and see how our private diploma programmes can help you level up and chase your dreams!

*N-level graduates will have to enrol into our IGCSE course before progressing to a certificate and subsequently a diploma.
O-level and ITE graduates will have to enrol in a certificate programme before progressing to a diploma.

Are Local Polytechnics Your Only Path After N/O-Level or ITE?

Find Articles