Polytechnic to University (Singapore) 2026: Programme Prerequisites + Planning Checklist (NUS/NTU/SMU/SUTD/SIT/SUSS)

Q: I’m in a Singapore polytechnic. How do I know if my diploma keeps a university course open?
A: Check programme prerequisites (not just “general eligibility”), then work backwards: identify what your diploma qualifies you for, what additional requirements exist, and what your backup plan is if you’re missing something.

TL;DR
For poly applicants, “requirements” are often programme-specific. Don’t guess. Use official prerequisite lists (especially NUS’s poly programme prerequisite PDFs), then confirm on each university’s admissions pages.

Status: Last reviewed 2026-01-23. Requirements can change by cohort and programme; always verify on official pages.

Fast links

• University prerequisites planner (A-Level framing, still useful as a workflow): https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/Singapore-University-Subject-Prerequisites-and-Subject-Planning-Guide-2026
• If you might need bridging later: https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/Bridging-Modules-in-Singapore-Universities-2026
• If you expect interviews / holistic assessment: https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/Aptitude-Based-Admissions-ABA-Singapore-Universities-2026
• If the MTL requirement might apply to you: https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/MTL-Requirement-for-University-Admission-in-Singapore-2026

1 | Three things to separate (so you don’t misread “requirements”)

A) Eligibility

Whether your qualification can be considered at all for that university.

Example starting points:

• NUS poly admission requirements (Singapore poly diploma):
  https://nus.edu.sg/oam/admissions/polytechnic-diploma-from-singapore/admission-requirements
• NTU diploma (Singapore poly or equivalent):
  https://www.ntu.edu.sg/admissions/undergraduate/admission-guide/diploma-awarded-by-a-polytechnic-or-equivalent-institution-in-singapore
• SMU polytechnic diploma:
  https://admissions.smu.edu.sg/admissions-requirements/polytechnic-diploma