In Singapore, the age at which you finish "school" can vary depending on the level of education pursued, but typically falls between 17 and 18 years old for mainstream pre-tertiary education. The education system is structured progressively, with distinct completion points for various stages.
Understanding the Singapore School Age System
The journey through Singapore's education system involves several stages, each with a typical age range:
| Age | School Type |
|---|---|
| 7-11/12 | Primary School |
| 12-17 | Secondary School |
| 17-18 | Optional Junior College (or Vocational Qualifications) |
| 18+ | Optional Higher Education (University, Polytechnic, Arts Institution, etc.) |
Key Completion Ages for Schooling
When considering "finishing school," there are two primary milestones that are commonly referred to as the completion of formal schooling before tertiary education:
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Completion of Secondary School: Most students complete their secondary education around 17 years old. This stage culminates in the GCE O-Level or N-Level examinations, marking the end of compulsory education. For many, this is the first point at which they might be considered to have "finished school" before entering the workforce, vocational training, or pursuing further academic pathways.
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Completion of Junior College or Vocational Qualifications: If a student chooses to pursue pre-university education through Junior College (JC) or vocational qualifications at a polytechnic or Institute of Technical Education (ITE), they typically finish around 18 years old. Junior College prepares students for university entrance through the GCE A-Level examinations. This stage is often seen as the final step in the formal "school" system before progressing to higher education institutions like universities or polytechnics.
Therefore, while secondary school concludes at approximately 17, many students continue to Junior College, finishing at 18, which is often considered the completion of their pre-tertiary schooling. Higher education beyond this point is considered tertiary and is pursued at universities, polytechnics, or other specialized institutions.
