From the second half of this year, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and SIM University (UniSIM) will offer new degree programmes which would allow undergraduates to alternate between studying and working.
About 65 places would be available under these SkillsFuture Work-Study Degree Programmes, which would be piloted in those two universities.
For SIT, these new programmes will be in information security, software engineering, hospitality business, electrical power engineering and civil engineering. The programmes are open to the incoming first-year students, while those in their second year can apply for some of them.
Meanwhile, UniSIM's programmes, which will be in finance and business analytics, will be open to students in their second and third year.
These "co-operative" degree programmes were first mentioned by Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung last June. Giving further details in his address at SIT's inaugural graduation ceremony, where 82 accountancy students received their degree certificates, Mr Ong said, "Such programmes will take the work-learn concept a step further, and have been implemented in countries in Europe and also in Canada."
A total of 12 organisations, including government agencies, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as multinational corporations will partner the two universities to jointly co-design the curriculum and assess potential candidates. Those who have come onboard include Standard Chartered, Singapore Power and the Infocomm Media Development Authority.
Applicants would be assessed on qualities such as passion for the industry, good leadership track records and performance in entrance tests. Participating organisations will also mentor and guide students during their on-the-job training, with credits to be given which will count towards their total credit required for graduation.
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