Temasek Polytechnic EAE 2026— courses, dates & what to bring.

Apply by 1 Jul 2026 — write-up due at the same time!

Applications open 25 Jun — don't miss the 1 Jul deadline!

QWhat is the Polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) in 2026?

EAE is an aptitude-based admissions exercise that lets graduating O-Level, ITE (Nitec / Higher Nitec) and working-adult applicants apply for and receive conditional offers from the 5 Singapore polytechnics BEFORE their final O-Level results or GPA are released. In 2026, O-Level applications open on Thursday 25 June and close on Wednesday 1 July.

QWhen does Polytechnic EAE open in 2026?

For final-year ITE students: Thursday 11 June to Wednesday 17 June 2026. For O-Level students: Thursday 25 June to Wednesday 1 July 2026. For working adults: Monday 1 June to Sunday 28 June 2026. Selection (interviews, aptitude tests, portfolio review) runs from 6 July to 1 September 2026. Conditional offers are released between 8 and 11 September 2026.

QWho is eligible for Polytechnic EAE 2026?

Three groups: (1) Graduating O-Level students projected to score net ELR2B2 of 26 points or better (28 for Nursing); (2) Final-year ITE students with projected net GPA of 3.5+ (Nitec) or 2.5+ (Higher Nitec — raised from 2.0 starting AY2027); (3) Working adults with two or more years of relevant work experience. Singapore Citizens, PRs and International Students at MOE-affiliated schools may apply.

QHow many courses can I apply for through EAE?

Each applicant may apply for up to 3 diploma courses across the 5 polytechnics. You submit one 600-character write-up per course explaining your aptitude and interest for that specific diploma.

QWhat is the 600-character EAE write-up and how do I write it?

The 600-character write-up is your personal statement for each course you apply to. It should answer: Why this course? What evidence (achievements, projects, experiences) shows your aptitude? What is your future vision? Counting includes spaces. See our /eae/write-up-guide for a 5-part framework and 3 worked examples.

QWhat happens if I accept an EAE conditional offer but fail to meet the requirements?

The conditional offer is automatically revoked if your final O-Level ELR2B2 is worse than 26 (28 for Nursing) or your final ITE GPA falls below the minimum (3.5 Nitec / 2.5 Higher Nitec; the Nitec-in-Nursing route to the Nursing diploma needs 3.0). You then proceed to the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) like other O-Level holders. Always have a JAE backup plan.

QHow many diplomas does Temasek Polytechnic offer through EAE?

Temasek Polytechnic offers 43 full-time diplomas. EAE is available across all TP schools. The Diploma in Veterinary Technology, Diploma in Law & Management and Diploma in Aviation Management are among the most distinctive and sought-after EAE routes, as no other polytechnic offers equivalent programmes.

QDoes Temasek Polytechnic require a portfolio for design and apparel EAE?

Yes. TP's Diploma in Communication Design and Diploma in Apparel Design & Merchandising both typically require a creative portfolio as part of the EAE selection process. Applicants should prepare original design work — branding projects, fashion sketches, product mockups, or digital illustrations. Check TP's EAE guidance in the central portal for each year's specific brief.