RP Polytechnic Foundation Programme
Begin your diploma journey ahead of the curve.
Last updated 4 March 2026
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Become a #GreaterMe with RP PFP
If you’re in Secondary 4 Normal (Academic) [N(A)] and you’re already thinking ahead to a diploma, the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) lets you start that journey now.
Instead of continuing to Secondary 5 and taking your ‘O’ Levels, you can join RP right after your N(A)-Level exams. Through PFP, you’ll experience an immersive, hands-on year that builds your foundation—not just for studies, but for the way you’ll think, create, and collaborate in the future.
You’ll be guided every step of the way, surrounded by mentors and peers who are here to help you thrive.
Flexibility to choose your cluster
Rather than jumping straight into one diploma, you’ll join a broader cluster that matches your interests:
Sciences
Design, Engineering & Technology (DET)
Humanities, Art, Media, Business (HAMB)
This means you will have the opportunity to explore your strengths and passions before selecting your diploma at the end of the year. Learn more about the PFP clusters, curriculum and calendar.
Why join PFP@RP?
On top of enjoying a head start in your chosen cluster as a PFP@RP student, you’ll be able to:
Take learning beyond the classroom through meaningful service-learning, outdoor education, workshops and more
Gain leadership skills at the PFP Leadership Expedition Camp
Kickstart your National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Gold journey early during your PFP Year
Shape your future with intention through the Designing Your Life (DYL) programme—in collaboration with the DYL Institute, based on Stanford University's DYL Programme
Sharpen your problem-solving skills in fun, interactive sessions designed to keep you thinking on your feet
Join a vibrant student life with over 70 CCAs to choose from
PFP@RP Highlights
Set out on an extraordinary experience with PFP@RP.
PFP Leadership Expedition Camp
Go beyond the classroom to discover what it means to lead. Build confidence, resilience, and teamwork in a dynamic, hands-on environment.
Service-Learning
Create meaningful connections while making a positive impact in the community. You’ll learn empathy, responsibility, and the value of giving back.
Outdoor Education
Learn essential outdoor skills, understand how to stay safe, and develop a deeper appreciation for nature and the environment.
Pastoral Care
You’re never on your own. Your mentor provides ongoing personal and academic support to help you navigate your PFP journey with confidence.
Need more information?
Find out about course fees and available financial aid options to help you plan your PFP journey. View PFP course fees and financial assistance.
Ready to take the next step? Submit your application and start your PFP experience today. Apply for PFP.
Testimonials
“Through the RP PFP, I was given the opportunity to connect with individuals of different backgrounds and academic pursuits. This enabled me to gain new perspectives and better understand my interests. RP PFP also helped me with the transition from Secondary School learning pedagogy to RP’s problem-based learning pedagogy.”
Ong Yao Sheng, Zavier
PFP 2020/2021
Diploma in Aviation
Management with Merit
Lee Kuan Yew Award for Mathematics and Science
“The PFP route gave students like me in the NA stream a second chance to prove ourselves. In PFP@RP, it helped me transition to life in polytechnic, with presentations and projects, and allowed students to build core friendships and connections between schools and diplomas.
Being in RP gave me a chance to develop not just my knowledge, but my character with its pedagogy, the PBL approach. I was able to develop my leadership, communication, and independent learning skills. I was also able to explore careers and fields of study in RP.”
Brian Tan
PFP 2020/2021
Diploma in Biomedical Science
Ngee Ann Kongsi Award for The Most Distinguished Graduate of The Year
“PFP@RP’s curriculum has gone beyond learning theories in classrooms by training management skills and socio-emotional development in students. The dynamic life in RP allowed us to form strong bonds among schoolmates and the society.”
Austin Seah Wen Kang
PFP 2018/2019
Diploma in Biomedical Science
Currently serving National Service and has secured a spot at the National University of Singapore
Alumnus of Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School
“I wanted to jump-start my career as soon as I could, so PFP@RP was my #1 choice. I learnt to step out of my comfort zone, take the initiative of opportunities, and hone my critical thinking skills to perform better at work.”
Aisha Hassan Malik
PFP 2019/2020
Diploma in Mass Communication
Currently studying at Nanyang Technological University
Alumna of Woodgrove Secondary School
“I chose the PFP track after my N-Level, and it paved the way to progress to poly, and subsequently to NUS Electrical Engineering. We can still get into a university without O-Level. And I’m not the only one who has made it to a local university!”
Lee Han Ho, Lionel
PFP 2014/2015
Diploma in Green Building Energy Management (now known as Diploma in Sustainable Built Environment)
Alumnus of the National University of Singapore and Chung Cheng High School (Yishun)