Polytechnic Foundation Programme

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Course Overview

The Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP@TP) is a one-year programme provided by the Centre for Foundation Studies to provide a head start for the top Secondary 4 Normal (Academic) students at the Singapore-Cambridge GCE N(A) Level Examinations in Temasek Polytechnic. Instead of taking the GCE O-Level Examinations in Secondary 5, eligible students can join PFP@TP before admission to their pre-selected diploma courses.

Following TP’s academic calendar which runs in two semesters, the PFP curriculum is delivered in an engaging manner through small groups that foster personalised attention and collaborative learning. This conducive classroom environment allows for meaningful interaction with lecturers and peers, ensuring you receive the support needed to excel academically while building lasting friendships within your TPFam community.

Starting in AY2026/2027, students can choose a cluster and select their preferred diploma at the end of the PFP year through the Cluster-based Admission.

Choose from the following clusters at PFP@TP:

Sciences
Engineering & Technology
Design
Humanities, Arts, Media & Business

Apply directly to the following course:

Early Childhood Development & Education

Download the brochure for more information Cluster-based Admission brochure

Course Listings by Clusters and Sub-Clusters

PFP Clusters and Sub-Clusters	TP Diploma Courses and Common Entry Programmes
Sciences	Chemical Engineering Common Science Programme Food, Nutrition & Culinary Science Medical Biotechnology Pharmaceutical Science Veterinary Technology
Engineering & Technology	Aerospace Electronics Aerospace Engineering Applied Artificial Intelligence Architectural Technology & Building Services Aviation Management Big Data & Analytics Biomedical Engineering Business Process & Systems Engineering Common Engineering Programme Common ICT Programme Computer Engineering Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Electronics Immersive Media & Game Development Information Technology Integrated Facility Management Mechatronics
Design	Common Design Programme Communication Design Digital Film & Television Fashion Management & Design Interior Architecture & Design Product Experience & Design
Humanities, Arts, Media & Business	Accountancy & Finance Business Common Business Programme Communications & Media Management Culinary Arts & Management Hospitality & Tourism Management International Trade & Logistics Law & Management Marketing Psychology Studies Social Sciences in Gerontology
Early Childhood Development & Education (ECDE)	Students who have completed PFP(ECDE) will progress to study the *Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education

* Conducted by the National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC), in collaboration with TP at the NIEC (TP) campus. For more information on NIEC, visit www.niec.edu.sg

Entry Requirements

Secondary 4 N(A) students who are eligible for the PFP will be invited to apply through the Polytechnic Foundation Programme Admission Exercise (PFPAE) in January.

You should first progress to Secondary 5 before the commencement of the application process.

Eligible N(A) students who have done well for Singapore-Cambridge GCE N(A) Level examination can choose a cluster or sub-cluster for PFP. After passing the PFP year, you will be posted to a specific polytechnic Year 1 course within the cluster. Posting will be based on merit and course choice.

To be eligible to apply for the PFP, N(A) students must:

Obtain ELMAB3 (English Language, Mathematics, Best 3 subjects) raw aggregate score of 12 points or better (excluding CCA bonus point) at the GCE N(A) Level examination; and
Meet the following subject-specific requirements:

Sciences Cluster Engineering & Technology Sub-cluster Design Sub-cluster		Humanities, Arts, Media & Business Cluster Early Childhood Development & Education
Subject	Minimum Required Grade	Subject	Minimum Required Grade
English Language Syllabus A	3	English Language Syllabus A	3
Mathematics (Syllabus A / Additional)	3	Mathematics (Syllabus A / Additional)	3
One of the following relevant subjects: Science (Physics, Chemistry) Science (Physics, Biology) Science (Chemistry, Biology) Food and Nutrition /Nutrition and Food Science Design and Technology	3	One of the following relevant subjects: Principles of Accounts Literature in English History Humanities (Social Studies, Geography) Humanities (Social Studies, History) Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in English) Geography Art	3
Any two other subjects, excluding CCA	4	Any two other subjects, excluding CCA	4

What You'll Learn

You will take four Core Modules and two Cluster Modules each semester. These modules are meant to prepare you for your diploma years.

Semester 1
Core Modules	English Language & Communication 1 Foundation Mathematics 1 Essential Life Skills 1 Health & Fitness 1
Clusters	Sciences	Engineering & Technology	Design	Humanities, Arts, Media & Business and Early Childhood Development & Education
Cluster Modules	Cell Biology & Microbiology	Fundamentals of Innovation by Design	Fundamentals of Innovation by Design	Fundamentals of Business 1
Cluster Modules	Principles of Chemistry	Physics in Daily Life	Art & Design Studio	Fundamentals of Digital Skills

Semester 2
Core Modules	English Language & Communication 2 Foundation Mathematics 2 Essential Life Skills 2 Health & Fitness 2
Clusters	Sciences	Engineering & Technology	Design	*Humanities, Arts, Media & Business and Early Childhood Development & Education
Cluster Modules	Fundamentals of Digital Skills	Fundamentals of Digital Skills	Fundamentals of Digital Skills	Fundamentals of Business 2
	Biochemistry & Human Biology	Digital Logic & Programming	Digital Design Studio	Introduction to Media
				Basic Principles & Applications in Psychology

*These Clusters have 3 instead of 2 Cluster Modules, however, the overall curricula hours remain the same as other Clusters.

Why PFP@TP

PFP Pride

Course Fees

For more information on course fees, please click here.

Contact

Contact Details for Admission & Application Enquiries:

Tel: 67802000

Email: admissions@tp.edu.sg

cfs@tp.edu.sg
67804220
8.30 am to 6.00 pm (Mon to Thu) 8.30 am to 5.30 pm (Fri) Closed on Sat, Sun & Public Holidays
Website: https://www.tp.edu.sg/centre-for-foundation-studies
Centre for Foundation Studies
Temasek Polytechnic
Block 13, Level 3, Unit 81, (Near Lift Lobby E)
21 Tampines Ave 1
Singapore 529757