About the Diploma
How do I apply for the course?
Firstly, do obtain an application form which you can download from this website. Fill in the necessary details required and send the application to:
Postal Address
The Tourism Academy at Sentosa
(A division of Temasek Polytechnic)
12 Artillery Avenue
Sentosa Island
Singapore 099953
We will be happy to assist you with your questions and requests including:
- Queries about how to fill up the application form and the application process
- Answering any question you may have about the Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Business Course
- Advice on the university pathway
Contact details
Telephone : (65) 6377 7900
Operating hours : 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (Mondays to Fridays)
Facsimile
(65) 6270 6851
E-mail
tourismacademy@tp.edu.sg
How can I obtain a copy of the Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Business course details?
Please check out course structure for course details.
However, if you still require a hardcopy of the course brochure, you may either call, fax or email us.
When can I apply?
The Tourism Academy has two intakes per year. Application (application form together with all the required documents) should be received by us by the end of the application period stated below. We are sorry that applications received after the application period will not be considered for that intake.
| Intake | Application Period | ||
| Oct 2008 | 1 May– 21 Jul 2008 | ||
| Apr 2009 | 1 Nov – 21 Jan 2009 |
What are the entry requirements to qualify for the course?
The qualifications and entry requirements differ for each country. However, please do note that all applicants who meet the entry requirements will have to undergo an interview.
Please see entry requirements.
What are the minimum entry requirements for holders of international qualifications?
Holders of international qualifications, who wish to gain admission to the Tourism Academy, must hold qualifications, which are equivalent to the Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'A' level Certificate.
Can I send in more than one application?
We are sorry that multiple applications for the same intake will not be allowed and this will render your entire application invalid.
How can I apply for exemptions?
All international students are admitted to the first year of study; hence no exemption will be given.
How much is the course?
From April 2008, the tuition fee will be raised to $6,250* per semester.
The new tuition fee will apply to new and existing DHTB students. Fees are paid at the start of each semester.**
Tuition grants are not available for the Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Business course.
Details are in the table below.
| Tuition Fee per Semester with effect from April 2008 Semester | Increase |
Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Business (DHTB) |
|
|
*This tuition fee excludes prevailing GST of 7%, insurance as well as other fees.
**There are two semesters in an academic year.
What else must I pay for?
Other than the tuition fees and the cost of living, students must be prepared to pay for two other areas of charges:
(i) Other Fees, and (ii) Cost of Uniform, Equipment and Materials.
| (i) Other Fees | Amount |
| Examination Fees | SGD30.00 per year |
| Group Personal and Accident Insurance | SGD3.00 per year |
| Sports and Wellness Fee | SGD25.00 per year |
| Miscellaneous Fees | SGD23.50 per year |
| Group Hospitalisation & Surgical Insurance Fee | SGD43.00 per year |
| Student’s Union | SGD20.00 per year |
| Orientation Fee | SGD10.50 (Payable once in Semester I only.) |
| (ii) Cost of Uniform, Equipment & Materials* (* These are estimates for the entire two years.) | Estimate |
| Service and Chef’s Uniforms | SGD216.00 |
| Safety Shoes | SGD40.00 |
| Knife Set | SGD90.00 |
| Name tag Tie School T-shirt School cap | SGD4.20 SGD7.00 SGD8.00 SGD6.00 (optional) |
| Books/Stationery | SGD400.00 |
Are there any financial schemes or tuition loan available?
There is no financial or loan scheme available for students. You should have sufficient funds to support your 2-year education at The Tourism Academy.
As a foreign student, can I do part-time work during term time?
Part-time work must be done outside of school hours and co-curricula activities, and it must not affect your academic performance. Students are advised not to engage in controversial activities that are detrimental to the interest of Singapore and The Tourism Academy.
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) indicated that full-time undergraduates of polytechnics and universities are allowed to work part-time of up to 16 hours per week during school term. During vacation period, students can work on a full-time basis. The Ministry of Manpower has also exempted polytechnics and university students from requiring work permits. There is also no necessity to obtain approval from the student liaison/affairs office.
For further clarification please refer to ICA’s website: http://www.ifaq.gov.sg/ica/apps/fcd_faqmain.aspx
What is the duration of the Diploma programme?
It is a 2-year full-time, full-fee paying programme.
How long is the student internship and do I get paid for it?
The Student Internship Programme (SIP) is designed to:
- Equip students with first hand experience of work in the hospitality and tourism industry and of the industry’s expectations.
- Allow students to integrate prior knowledge and skills learnt in the Academy and apply them to situations faced in the industry.
- Allow students to demonstrate their professional attitude in a real-life situation.
It will be kept to 15 weeks and students on internship will be paid a monthly allowance of between SIN$500 and SIN$800. All students will have to complete an integrated project as part of the internship programme. During this period, you will still have to pay the tuition fee.
What happens if I fail the examinations?
The Tourism Academy’s course progression rules will apply.
How many students are assigned to one class?
Class size may vary but a cap of 28 students per class is maintained strictly.
When are classes held and for how long?
Classes are usually conducted from 8.00am to 6.00pm on Mondays to Fridays and 8.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays with about 28 instructional hours per week.
Where are lessons conducted?
All classes will be conducted on the island resort of Sentosa, which in many ways represents a microcosm of the Hospitality and Tourism industry. The island houses a golf club, resort hotels, spas, visitor attractions, restaurants, retail outlets just to name a few, all within close proximity of each other and the Tourism Academy.
The planned campus will have a capacity of 500 students. To make learning an experiential one, the curriculum emphasizes the active engagement in collaborative projects with industry partners on the island. To this effect, learning extends beyond the four walls of the Academy but takes place on the whole island. We believe nowhere will such a learning experience be replicated but at The Tourism Academy at Sentosa.
What is the refund policy on withdrawal from the course of study?
Students who intend to withdraw from their course must submit their withdrawal forms, duly completed, to the Registrar’s Office. Students who do not attend classes are still deemed as students of the Tourism Academy and are liable to pay the fees. The effective date of withdrawal will be determined by the Registrar, after all the formalities stated on the withdrawal form are completed and complied with.
New students withdrawing from a course before the commencement of the course on medical or exceptional grounds may be allowed a full refund of fees less an administrative charge of SIN$50.00. New and existing students withdrawing from the course within the first week of a semester may be allowed a refund of 75% of the tuition fees and 100% of examination, sport & wellness and miscellaneous fees. There will be no refund of fee for withdrawal thereafter.
What is the University pathway?
Students of the Tourism Academy will be pleased to know that they will be able to gain direct entry into a degree course at various universities, provided that conditions for entry are met.
You may click here for more details.
What is the Academic Calendar?
For current and next semester, please click here.
Note: The dates given are correct at the point of publication, and are subject to change
Student Welfare & Services
Immersion Programme for new students
To facilitate your smooth transition to life in Singapore and the Tourism Academy, we will organize immersion and cultural programmes for all new students. These cover:
- Briefing to new students
- Small groups English conversation
- Mentor programme
- Campus and community orientation
- Cultural programmes
Student Welfare & Support Services
As a student of the Tourism Academy, you can be assured that we have your interest at heart. Apart from being concerned about your academic progress and ensuring that you achieve academic excellence, a formalized system for caring for students on campus is available.
- Campus Care Network or CCN as it is known involves teaching staff that are assigned as Care Persons, otherwise affectionately known as CPs, to students. The CP is a friend, a coach, a mentor providing emotional and academic support to students in times of need and a facilitator of growth in the lives of the students.
- All CPs are trained in basic counseling skills and meet their students in groups for discussions on common, shared issues and problems, for get-togethers and outings, or just for a chat. Students may also see the CP privately to ask for personal advice.
- Apart from the Care Persons, there are also available full-time counselors from whom students can seek help and advice. Students can drop by at the Student Wellness and Counseling Center located at the Tampines campus for a friendly chat or advice on emotional, social or any other personal issues.
Polytechnic International Students (TPIS) Interest Group
The TPIS is a student interest which provides a platform for social and cross-cultural experiences for international and local students. The student management committee organizes regular activities and events to promote cross-cultural awareness and friendship.
There will be occasions for you to share with us your rich cultural background through food, song and dance, fashion and exhibitions featuring your unique culture. You are encouraged to bring along a set of national or ethnic costume for special occasions such as the International Cultural Nite and festive celebrations
Hospitalization and Surgical Insurance
The cost of hospitalization in Singapore is expensive for international students. To assist full-time international students to defray part of the cost of medical care in Singapore, it is compulsory that all full-time international students buy the Group Insurance & Surgical Insurance. The annual insurance premium is SIN$39 (subject to change). The policy covers hospitalization due to illness and/or accidental injuries but not existing medical conditions and congenital anomalies.
Sports & Recreational Facilities
We have a whole range of facilities available at our Tampines campus for your sports and recreational needs. These include:
Indoor
- 8 Badminton/4 Sepak Takraw courts
- Table Tennis Facilities
- 2 Dance Studios
- 2 Volleyball/Netball Courts
- 2 Squash Courts
- 1 Basketball Court
- Gymnasium
- Rock Gymnasium
Outdoor
- Track & Field Stadium
- Multi-Purpose Astroturf
- 3-dimensional Rockwall
- 2 Volleyball/Netball Courts
- 1 Netball Court
- Beach Volleyball Court
- 2 BBQ Pits
- 1 Training Pool
- 1Olympic Size Swimming Pool
- 1 Children's/Wading Pool
- Football/Rugby Pitch
- Multi Purpose Hardcourt
- 2 Basketball Courts
- 8 Tennis Courts
- Cricket Pitch
- 1 6-station Fitness Corner
Prior Arrangement for Accommodation before leaving for Singapore
Where possible, you should made prior arrangement for your accommodation before you arrive in Singapore. If you need someone to pick you up from the airport, please email to tourismacademy@tp.edu.sg. Please take down the contact number of the person picking you up so that you can contact him/her on arrival.
Immigration Clearance
You will need a valid passport and the original approval letter issued by the Singapore Immigration (where applicable) to enter Singapore. Please complete the Disembarkation Card issued to you before proceeding for immigration clearance.
Application of Student Pass
We will apply the Student Pass at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). If your Student Pass is approved, we will send you the original in-principal approval letter. This letter is needed at the immigration when you enter Singapore. The requirements of security deposit and local sponsors for all international students pursuing full-time diploma courses at the Tourism Academy are waived by ICA.
Arrival in Singapore
The taxi stand is located outside the Arrival Hall on Level 1 in Terminal 1 and located at the end of Arrival Hall on Level 1 Terminal 2 (South Wing). Taxis charge according to the meter. A surcharge of SIN$3 is payable for all trips originating from Changi Airport. Details of other charges may be found at the taxi stand or on the doors of the taxis. If you have made arrangement for someone to pick you up, you may make use of the phones located after the checkpoint to contact him/her. The phone usage there is free-of-charge.
Enrolment Package
You will be given an Enrolment Package. Please read and follow the information enclosed in the enrolment package very carefully. Complete all the compulsory forms in the package and return them by the stipulated deadline.
Medical Examination
You must be certified fit by a doctor in Singapore (this will be covered in the Enrolment Package).
Money Matters
- Change foreign currency into Singapore Dollars
- Prepare your 1st semester tuition fees and miscellaneous fees in cheque or bank draft in Singapore currency, to be drawn from a bank in Singapore (cheque made payable to Temasek Polytechnic). Payment can also be made by NETS using your ATM card.
Living in Singapore
How much do I need to stay in Singapore?
The following are estimates on a per month basis. You may use them for your planning purposes. The expenses would of course vary with the spending habits of the student.
Lodging
The average range between SGD300 – SGD400 depending on geographical area, proximity to public transport and amenities, number of people sharing, quality of furnishing, and other provisions e.g. laundry, Internet broadband access.
Utilities (electricity and water)
SGD50-SGD80.
Food
Ranges between SGD250 – SGD500.
Transport
Ranges between SGD50-SGD100.
Telecommunications
Ranges between SGD30-SGD50
(International students are advised to use IDD call card when calling overseas.)
Personal Expenses
SGD100- SGD200 depending on the individual.
Medical fee
SGD20-SGD50
Modes of Transport
With an efficient transport system in place, traveling around Singapore is hassle-free. You can move around by MRT, Buses, Taxis and Shuttle Service and Light Rail in Sentosa.
The Transit Link card will enable you to travel on buses and MRT. The monthly concession fares (which are subjected to change) for the Academy students are provided below :
| Bus Concession Only | Train Concession Only | 2-in-1 (Bus & Train) |
| SIN$52 | SIN$45 | SIN$97 |
The shuttle service in Sentosa is provided free of charge.
Identification to be used in Singapore
You can use your passport or Student Pass in Singapore, and the Student Matriculation Card, which will be issued to every student, on the campus.
Opening a Bank Account in Singapore
You can open a bank account and apply for an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) card, only after you have obtained your Student Pass. You will receive the ATM card after 2 weeks of opening a bank account. The ATM card enables you to draw cash from ATM tellers throughout Singapore. Please note that you are to use your ATM card only with the specific bank where you open your bank account. Otherwise, you may have the unpleasant experience of having your ATM card being retained by the machine. You will have to wait several weeks for the bank to return your card.
Most banking hours are usually from Mondays to Fridays, 9.30am – 3.00pm and Saturdays, 9.30am – 11.00am/1.00pm. Some banks offer late night banking and have extended hours on Saturdays. Some banks in Orchard Road even open on Sundays. It is best to check with individual banks on their operating hours.
You have to bring along your passport and Student Pass when you open a bank account.
Accommodation
As an international student, deciding where to live is sometimes as important as choosing where to study. Where possible, you would want to make prior arrangement for your accommodation before you arrive in Singapore. However, if this is not possible, we will provide you with a list of licensed housing agents who would be able to help you source for a good unit.
Most students choose to stay near to the campus. This is to minimize the traveling time needed to and from the campus. You may choose to rent a room from a local family. Alternatively, you may want to share an apartment with other students. Students are expected to pay at least one month’s advance rent and a month’s deposit.
Other Useful Information
Drinking Water
It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore.
Electricity
The electrical current in Singapore is 240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. Singapore uses the square-shaped three-pin plug. You may need an adapter or transformer for foreign appliances, which are available at most hardware stores.
Drug Abuse
Drug abuse is viewed seriously in Singapore. Illicit traffic of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is strictly prohibited.
Safety
The Singapore Government has and will continue to be vigilant in ensuring that Singapore remains safe. It has stepped up security measures at key installations and other sensitive places. The Government has also made it known that extremism originating from religion or race has no place in Singapore and it will not hesitate to take action against any extremist or terrorist groups or individuals.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in public service vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, hair salons, supermarkets, department stores and government offices. Offenders can be fined up to S$1,000. While it is an offence to smoke in air-conditioned eating places, smoking is permitted in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots.
Spitting
Spitting in public places is an offence.
