Apply for PFP
Find out if you're eligible and learn how to apply for the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP).
Last updated 27 February 2026
Who can apply to PFP?
Thinking about the PFP? Here's what you need to qualify:
Be a Secondary 4 N(A) student.
Achieve a raw ELMAB3 aggregate of 12 points or lower for your N(A)-Level exams. (ELMAB3 = English, Mathematics, and your best three subjects.) O-Level subjects can also be used to determine eligibility.
If you meet the criteria, you’ll be invited to apply on O-Level Results Release Day.
Important: Eligibility to apply for PFP does not guarantee placement in your preferred course.
To secure a spot, you must meet the specific ELMAB3 requirements for your chosen course. Certain courses also have medical criteria.
Placement is based on merit and available vacancies. You may be assigned to a different programme.
Review past years’ ELMAB3 score ranges to understand the competitiveness of admission here [PDF, 140 KB].
Entry requirements
Sciences Cluster and Design, Engineering & Technology (DET) Cluster
Entry requirements for Sciences Cluster and Design, Engineering & Technology (DET) Cluster
Eligible Subject | Minimum Required Grade |
|---|---|
English Language Syllabus A | 3 |
Mathematics Syllabus A / Additional Mathematics | 3 |
One of the following relevant subjects:
| 3 |
Any two other subjects (excluding CCA) | 4 |
Humanities, Art, Media & Business (HAMB) Cluster
Entry requirements for Humanities, Art, Media & Business (HAMB) Cluster
Eligible Subject | Minimum Required Grade |
|---|---|
English Language Syllabus A | 3 |
Mathematics Syllabus A / Additional Mathematics | 3 |
One of the following relevant subjects:
| 3 |
Any two other subjects (excluding CCA) | 4 |
Note: Students who are keen to apply for the Diploma in Mass Communication will need to achieve a minimum B grade for English Language & Communication during the PFP.
Application process
Applying to PFP is a big step—here’s what the full process looks like so you know what to expect.
Release of ‘N’ Level Results
If you're eligible for PFP based on your N-Level results and interested in applying, you’ll still need to start Sec 5. Everyone reports to school as usual. Eligibility to apply for PFP does not guarantee placement in the programme.
Attend Secondary 5 Classes
You’ll report to school as per normal for your Sec 5 lessons. Continue attending your lessons until your PFP application is successful.
Release of ‘O’ Level Results
If you are eligible for PFP, you will receive Form P through your school. The form will contain:
Instructions on applying online (You can list up to five course choices)
Login details for the PFP portal
Please apply before the deadline.
Check your posting results
You’ll find out your outcome on the Polytechnic Foundation Programme Admissions Exercise website.
You will need to either:
Accept the offer,
Reject the offer and continue with Sec 5, or
Appeal for a course change
All postings are based on merit. Applicants with better aggregate scores will be considered for admission first, subject to the availability of vacancies in the selected cluster.
Important: Only withdraw from Sec 5 after you’ve accepted your PFP offer.
Get ready for PFP
Once you're in, it's time to gear up for an exciting year! Head to our enrolment guide to get started on your fun and fulfilling RP experience!