A-Level Results Not What
You Expected?
Don't panic. Singapore has many pathways to success. Here's your complete guide to what you can do next.
First Things First
If you're reading this, your results probably weren't what you hoped for. That's okay. Take a moment. Breathe. Cry if you need to.
But when you're ready, know this: a disappointing A-Level result is not the end of your story. It's just a detour. Some of Singapore's most successful people took the "unconventional" route.
You have options. Let's explore them together.
Your 6 Main Options at a Glance
Retake A-Levels
As private candidate via SEAB
Private Universities
SIM, Kaplan, PSB, JCU, Curtin
Polytechnic
2-2.5 year diploma via DAE
Overseas Universities
UK Clearing, Australia, US
Appeal Results
Within 5 working days
Gap Year
Work, explore, then decide
Option 1: Retake A-Levels as Private Candidate
If you believe you can do better with another attempt, retaking your A-Levels is a viable path. You'll register with SEAB as a private candidate and sit for the exams in October-November.
Registration Details
Exam Fees (Per Subject)
| Subject | SG Citizen | PR | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| H1 Subjects | $120 | $310 | $400 |
| H2 Subjects | $175 | $375 | $450 |
| Mother Tongue (H1) | $65 | $255 | $330 |
Typical retake (SG Citizen, 4 subjects): 1 H1 GP ($120) + 3 H2 ($525) = ~$645 total
Note: Private candidates do not sit for Project Work (PW) and do not receive CCA points. Your new score will be based solely on your H2, H1, and GP re-attempt results.
Source: SEAB Updates for Private Candidates. All fees inclusive of GST.
A-Level Preparatory Schools
If you prefer structured learning over self-study, these schools offer full-time A-Level prep courses:
MDIS
Full-time prep course. Established since 2006. Requires 3 O-Level credits.
Inspire Education
Full-time or part-time. Monthly fees, no large upfront payment. Since 2007.
BMC International College
7 centres across Singapore. CPE registered. Science labs available.
Dimensions Education
Intensive full-time. ~35 hours/week. 2026 intakes available.
Option 2: Private Universities in Singapore
Private universities in Singapore offer degree programs from reputable overseas partner universities. Entry requirements are more flexible than autonomous universities, and many accept A-Level holders with lower grades.
There are two types: External Degree Programmes (SIM, Kaplan, PSB) where you earn a degree from the overseas partner university (e.g., University of London, RMIT), and Branch Campuses (JCU, Curtin) where you earn the direct degree from the university itself, identical to graduates from the home campus.
SIM Global Education
Partners: University of London, University of Birmingham, RMIT, University at Buffalo
Popular programs include Business, Accounting, IT, and Economics. Students not meeting direct entry can take the 6-month Management Foundation Studies (MFS) program.
Approx. tuition: $10,000 - $40,000/year
Kaplan Singapore
Partners: Murdoch University, University College Dublin, Royal Holloway (University of London)
Programs in Banking, Business, Communication, IT, Hospitality, and Psychology. Completion in 16-36 months depending on entry level.
Approx. tuition: $15,000 - $30,000/year
PSB Academy
Partners: Coventry University (UK), Newcastle University (Australia), La Trobe University
Programs in Business, Engineering, Communication, IT, Bioscience, and Hospitality.
Tuition varies by program
Don't Overlook: SUSS & SIT
These autonomous universities use holistic admissions — they evaluate your passions, work experience, and CCA, not just grades.
SUSS
Full-Time (Fresh A-Level Grads)
Pass in GP/KI + 3 H2 passes (or equivalent). Mandatory interviews. Holistic 3-stage assessment: response essay, cognitive test, interview.
Part-Time
Min. 2 H2 passes + 2 years work experience (NS counts) + aged 21+.
SIT
Holistic evaluation of all applicants
Applied learning focus. Considers work experience, CCA, and passion for chosen field. Programs in Engineering, Health Sciences, Design, IT.
Option 3: Polytechnic Route
A-Level holders can apply to polytechnic and enjoy a shorter diploma (2-2.5 years instead of 3) through the DAE (Direct Admissions Exercise). Poly provides hands-on, industry-focused education and you can still progress to university after.
How to Apply
DAE Phase 1 (April Intake)
Apply directly to individual polytechnics using your A-Level results. Application opens immediately upon A-Level results release (late Feb) and closes typically in early March. Get placed into 2-2.5 year diploma courses with credit exemptions for your A-Level passes. Results by 31 March 2026. Up to 3 course choices.
DAE Phase 2 (October Intake)
Missed Phase 1? Apply in August for the October intake. Same credit exemptions apply for A-Level holders.
Note: Do not use JAE — that's for O-Level results only. A-Level holders should always apply via DAE to get credit exemptions and the shorter diploma.
Advantage: Many poly graduates go on to university, especially through SIT and SUSS pathways. Polytechnic also opens doors to careers in tech, healthcare, design, and engineering that may not require a degree.
Sources: TP A-Level Graduates Guide, MOE DAE
Option 4: Overseas Universities
Many overseas universities have rolling admissions and may accept A-Level grades that wouldn't qualify for local autonomous universities. The UK Clearing system is particularly useful.
UK Universities — UCAS Clearing
Clearing 2026: 2 July – 19 October 2026. Apply for courses with remaining places. Universities continuously add courses. Many accept A-Level results directly.
Foundation Year programs accept grades as low as 3 D's — complete 1 extra year before your bachelor's degree with guaranteed progression.
Australian Universities
Most Australian universities follow rolling admissions with March and July intakes. A-Level grades are converted using university-specific scales (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1).
Universities like Monash, University of Queensland, and UWA accept Singapore A-Levels. Early application gives 35-40% higher admission success.
For Males: NS Consideration
Retaking A-Levels: NS deferment is usually granted for first-time failures (if age permits). Check with CMPB.
Private universities: NS deferment is almost never granted for private institution studies.
Local autonomous universities: You can apply and secure a place before enlisting. Universities will reserve your place until NS completion.
Overseas universities: Deferment is generally not granted unless the course is not available locally.
Option 5: Appeal Your Results
If you believe your results don't reflect your performance, you can appeal for a re-mark. This involves a full script re-marking and clerical re-check.
Source: SEAB Appeal FAQ
Option 6: Gap Year
There's no shame in taking time to figure things out. A gap year can provide clarity, experience, and maturity that serves you well in university and beyond.
Work Experience
Internships and part-time jobs build your resume and help you discover what you enjoy. Many employers value work experience alongside academic qualifications.
Volunteer / CCA
Volunteering builds character and looks great on university applications. It also helps you discover passions you never knew you had.
Self-Study & Retake
Use the year to prepare for a retake with better focus and maturity. Consider structured programs at MDIS, Inspire, or BMC.
NS (Males)
Males will serve NS regardless. Universities reserve your place until completion. Use NS time to mature and gain clarity on your career path.
Get Help: ECG Counselling
You don't have to figure this out alone. MOE's Education and Career Guidance (ECG) Centre provides free counselling to help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
MOE ECG Centre
Hotline: 6831 1420
51 Grange Road, Singapore 249564
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm, Sat: 9am - 12pm
Other Resources
Check Your Options First
Use our A-Level calculator to see your UAS score and which programs you actually qualify for. You might have more options than you think.
Calculate Your UAS ScoreFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I retake A-Levels as a private candidate?
Yes. Register via the SEAB Candidates Portal (cp.seab.gov.sg) using Singpass. Registration opens early to mid-April (~2 week window), exams in Oct-Nov. You must be at least 17 and have completed 10 years of formal education. Fees are $120/H1 and $175/H2 for SG citizens. Note: private candidates do not sit for Project Work (PW).
Q:Can A-Level holders go to polytechnic?
Yes! Apply via DAE (Direct Admissions Exercise) for a shorter 2-2.5 year diploma instead of the usual 3 years. Apply directly to individual polytechnics using your A-Level results. See MOE DAE for details.
Q:How do I appeal my A-Level results?
Submit within 5 working days after results release. School candidates go through their school; private candidates use the SEAB portal. Note: results can go up, stay the same, or go down.
Q:Are private university degrees recognized?
Degrees from accredited partner universities (e.g., University of London via SIM, Murdoch via Kaplan) are internationally recognized. Always check that the program is accredited by the relevant bodies.
Q:How much does it cost to retake all A-Level subjects?
For SG citizens retaking a typical combination of 1 H1 + 3 H2 subjects, SEAB exam fees total approximately $645. Structured preparatory courses at schools like MDIS, Inspire Education, or Dimensions Education cost additional (varies by school).
Related Resources
A-Level UAS Calculator
Calculate your score and see matching programs
Application Deadlines 2026
NUS, NTU, SMU deadlines with countdown
A-Level Results Release Date
When, where, and what to expect
University Admission Guide
Complete guide to university applications
A-Level Results 2026 Hub
All guides, calculator & resources in one place
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