SINGAPORE - Imagine receiving an offer to study at the esteemed University of Cambridge while serving your national service. For Nicolas Chew, this dream became a reality in 2021, an unexpected opportunity that transformed his life.

Raised in a modest background, Chew relied on financial aid throughout his early education and worked part-time at Changi Airport during polytechnic to meet essential expenses. However, the Covid-19 pandemic sparked his interest in pursuing studies abroad.

Chew is part of a growing trend among polytechnic graduates in Singapore, who are increasingly aiming for overseas universities, particularly in the UK and across Europe. This shift is fueled by better access to information and a yearning for diverse experiences.

Despite qualifying for junior college, many students are opting for the polytechnic route, with one-third of graduates now enrolling in local universities. Chew, a standout communications and media management graduate from Temasek Polytechnic with a remarkable GPA of 3.97, secured a scholarship from Changi Airport Group that covered his studies at Cambridge. He is now pursuing a postgraduate degree in Digital Media: Critical Studies at University College London.

Temasek Polytechnic has noted an increase in its alumni gaining admission to prestigious international universities, though precise figures were not shared. In the last decade, Ngee Ann Polytechnic reported a nearly threefold rise in graduates heading overseas.

Support for Aspiring Global Students

To facilitate overseas studies, all five polytechnics in Singapore offer various support mechanisms, including workshops, exchange programs, and personal coaching. Ngee Ann Polytechnic, for instance, hosts virtual seminars with international university representatives and workshops on crucial skills like portfolio development and personal statement writing.

Chew reflects on his four years in Britain, stating it has broadened his perspective on global issues. He has developed a more comprehensive understanding of politics and sociology, greatly influenced by the diverse cultures he has encountered.

Chasing Specialized Education

22-year-old Chiyo Tan chose to study veterinary medicine at the University of Edinburgh, as Singapore lacks local veterinary programs. With an annual tuition fee of £34,200 (approximately S$60,000), she turned to her polytechnic for assistance with her personal statement and engaged an educational consultant to navigate the application process.

Joanne Gao from admissions consultancy Crimson Education notes that diploma holders pursue specialized fields that align with their career aspirations, emphasizing the practical skills they acquire during polytechnic studies.

23-year-old Gabriel Lee, who studied electrical and electronic engineering, initially hesitated to study abroad due to the complexities of the application process. Encouraged by family and after securing a full scholarship, he reconsidered, acknowledging the growing clarity around qualifications for polytechnic graduates.

Embracing New Cultures and Perspectives

Lois Pang, 21, is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a North America Minor at Sciences Po in France. Her dream of studying abroad, sparked in her teens, became a reality during her final year at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Despite the challenges of cost, she discovered affordable options like Sciences Po (€14,720 annual tuition, about S$22,000) and felt compelled to explore a new cultural landscape.

Reflecting on her experiences, Pang highlights the stark contrasts in diversity of thought and expression between Singapore and France, noting the openness of French youth to express their political views and advocate for their beliefs.

With an increasing number of polytechnic graduates opting for studies in unconventional destinations like Japan, Korea, or Hong Kong, it's clear that the ambition for a global education is stronger than ever.