NIE teacher training for degree holders to be reduced from 16 months to a year

Teacher training for university graduates will be reduced from 16 months to a year, as part of efforts to better support educators and attract more talent.

- Elisha Tushara

The shorter length of training is the result of an ongoing review by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and National Institute of Education of the 16-month Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme to meet the learning needs of an increasingly diverse teaching force.

The review of teacher preparation programmes aims to strengthen professional support for educators and give them more room to customise their learning, said newly minted Education Minister Desmond Lee on June 3.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme, funded by MOE, is a full-time programme that equips degree holders with teaching skills for Singapore schools.

Going forward, it will have a stronger focus on integrating theory and practical application, said Mr Lee, and new teachers can expect more avenues to hone their teaching skills in the classroom after graduation.

Addressing about 2,000 educators at the Teachers' Conference and EXCEL Fest 2025, held at the Singapore Expo, Mr Lee said new teachers will have more flexibility and autonomy to shape their learning, both during their training and when they enter schools.

The event is organised by MOE every two years to bring educators together to share insights and learning practices as a fraternity. This year's edition is from June 3 to June 5.

"We envision a more flexible approach where all teachers will take core learning components that are essential to teaching, while they can choose elective learning components based on their needs and interests," he said.

"In this way, our new teachers will continue to be well prepared for your roles, and we can better cater to your diverse backgrounds and learning needs."

More details will be given once the review is complete, said Mr Lee.