A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg

Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg website
(e.g. go.gov.sg/open). Trusted websites

Secure websites use HTTPS

Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution.
Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Last Updated: 18 October 2021

Tamil Studies with Early Education

First and only such diploma course in Singapore which is also recognised by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). Provides students with the needed knowledge and skills to pursue a career as Tamil Language preschool teacher.

Course code : N95
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Admission type: JAE , DAE , JPAE , Poly EAE
2024 JAE ELR2B2-A aggregate: 18-22
Course duration : 3 years
  • Applicants must pass a pre-admission medical examination and be certified medically fit to ensure the well-being and safety of children. View medical requirements.
  • Graduates are allowed to teach in both MOE primary schools and the early childhood sector, subject to additional industry-specific requirements. Those who are keen on a teaching career with MOE should apply for the Tamil Language Teacher Training Sponsorship administered by MOE. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed to determine their eligibility. Selected applicants must pass a medical examination.
  • Applicants who are keen to be L2 English language preschool teachers after graduation must score at least B4 in their O-Level English Language or an English Language Acceptable Alternative (ELAA). Applicants who do not meet this requirement must do so within 2 years of their registration as preschool teachers.

Course details

Field of study Humanities
Certification offered

Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education

Learn more about the course

Minimum entry requirement

You must meet the respective examination requirements in order for us to consider your application.

For O-Level students seeking admission through JAE

To be eligible for selection, you must also have sat for Mathematics (Elementary/Additional).

Subject Grade
English Language 1-6
Higher Tamil or Tamil 1-4 or 1-3

Any one of the 1st group of Relevant Subjects for the ELR2B2-A Aggregate Type

  • Art
  • Business Studies
  • Combined Humanities
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • Higher Art
  • Higher Music
  • History
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in English)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Chinese)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Malay)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Tamil)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, History)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Geography)
  • Intro to Enterprise Development
  • Literature in English
  • Literature in Chinese
  • Literature in Malay
  • Literature in Tamil
  • Media Studies (English)
  • Media Studies (Chinese)
  • Music
1-6

Course modules

Year 1
  • Child Development 1 and 2
  • Motor Skills Development
  • Introduction to Tamil Language
  • Introduction to Tamil Culture and Society
  • Communication in Tamil 1 and 2
  • Principles and Practices in Early Education
  • Tamil Literature
  • Mentoring Programme 1.2
  • IT Applications
  • Academic Writing and Presentation
  • Career and Professional Preparation 1
  • Professional Communication 1
  • Health and Wellness
Year 2
  • Child Safety, Health and Socio-emotional Well-Being
  • Social Emotional Learning
  • Early Numeracy
  • Discovery of the World
  • Mentoring Programme 2.1
  • Language and Literacy
  • The Professional and Reflective Practitioner
  • Aesthetics and Creative Expression
  • Effective Learning Environment for Young Children
  • Curriculum Planning and Implementation
  • Professional Communication 2
  • World Issues: A Singapore Perspective
  • Mentoring Programme 2.2
  • Practicum
Year 3
  • Working with the Exceptional Child
  • Family and Community Partnership
  • Teaching Tamil to Diverse Learners
  • Introduction to Tamil Children's Literature
  • Tamil Language & Culture through the Arts & Media
  • Tamil History
  • Student Internship Programme
  • Professional Communication 3
  • Mentoring Programme 3

Internship

Internship duration 22 weeks
Internship timeframe Year 3
Internship period Aug to Jan

Career prospects

You can explore the following career options upon graduation:

  • Beginning Pre-school teacher specializing in Tami Language
  • Bilingual Beginning Pre-school teacher (Tamil and English)

Use resources and interactive tools that are available on MySkillsFuture Portal to explore various education and career pathways.

How to register

Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)

You may register using the JAE Internet System (JAE-IS). Learn the process and how to apply.

Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE)

You may apply through the respective polytechnics’ websites. Learn the process and how to apply.

Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE)

You may register using the JPAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.

Polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE)

You may register using the Poly EAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.