Rationale for Shortening National Institute of Education's Postgraduate Teacher Training by Four Months

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Education (a) what lessons have been learnt from the lengthening of the National Institute of Education's postgraduate teacher training programme from 12 months to 16 months between 2016 and 2025; and (b) what have changed to precipitate the recent announcement on 3 June 2025 to shorten the programme by four months.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) and the National Institute of Education (NIE) regularly review the teacher preparation programmes to ensure that new teachers are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.

The extension of the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) programme from 12 to 16 months in 2016 provided teachers with extended time in school for practical application, time and space for reflection as well as additional courses, such as parent engagement and special educational needs.

Since then, NIE and MOE have developed effective approaches, such as asynchronous online learning, and shifted some learning to the Beginning Teacher stage. This allows NIE to reduce the duration of the PGDE programme to better meet the learning needs of an increasingly diverse teaching force which includes mid-career officers, without compromising quality of teacher preparation.