Overview
This reference page consolidates essential academic equivalency information and English language proficiency benchmarks for prospective applicants and authorised recruitment agents. The content is intended to support accurate placement, ensure consistency in admission decisions, and provide a formal point of reference for international applicants presenting varied educational backgrounds.
School Level Equivalency by Age
The table below establishes the relationship between age, Singapore’s primary and secondary levels, and their corresponding stages within the international elementary to high school system. This equivalency framework assists in determining the appropriate academic entry point for applicants.
| Age (Years) | Singapore Primary and Secondary Level | International Elementary, Middle, and High School Level |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 7 | Primary 1 | Grade 1 (Elementary) |
| 7 to 8 | Primary 2 | Grade 2 (Elementary) |
| 8 to 9 | Primary 3 | Grade 3 (Elementary) |
| 9 to 10 | Primary 4 | Grade 4 (Elementary) |
| 10 to 11 | Primary 5 | Grade 5 (Elementary) |
| 11 to 12 | Primary 6* | Grade 6 (Elementary)* |
| 12 to 13 | Secondary 1 | Grade 7 (Middle) |
| 13 to 14 | Secondary 2 | Grade 8 (Middle) |
| 14 to 15 | Secondary 3 | Grade 9 (Middle)* |
| 15 to 16 | Secondary 4* | Grade 10 (High) |
| 16 to 17 | Pre-University 1 | Grade 11 (High) |
| 17 to 18 | Pre-University 2* | Grade 12 (High)* |
| 18 to 19 | Polytechnic Year 3 or Tertiary | Higher Education |
English Language Proficiency Requirements
This section provides a formal mapping of accepted English language qualifications benchmarked against UCC’s internal English Placement Test. The comparative framework ensures consistent interpretation of results from international examination boards and supports transparent assessment of linguistic readiness for academic study.
| Descriptor | UCC Placement Test | IELTS | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | Duolingo | IGCSE EL1 | IGCSE EL2 | GCE O Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert user | 100 | 9 | 90 | 118–120 | NA | A* / 9 | NA | NA |
| Very good to expert user | 100 | 8.5 | 85 | 115–117 | 160 | A* / 8 | NA | NA |
| Very good user | 95 | 8 | 80 | 110–114 | 150–155 | A / 7 | NA | A1 |
| Good to very good user | 90 | 7.5 | 75 | 102–109 | 140–145 | A / 7 | NA | A2 |
| Good user | 85 | 7 | 70 | 94–101 | 130–135 | B / 6 | NA | B3 |
| Competent to good user | 80 | 6.5 | 65 | 79–93 | 120–125 | B / 6 | A* / 9 | B4 |
| Competent user | 75 | 6 | 60 | 60–78 | 110–115 | C / 5 | A* / 8 | C5 |
| Modest to competent user | 70 | 5.5 | 55 | 46–59 | 95–100 | C / 5 | A / 7 | C6 |
| Modest user | 55 | 5 | 50 | 35–45 | 80–90 | D / 4 | A / 7 | D7 |
| Limited to modest user | 50 | 4.5 | 45 | 32–34 | 65–75 | D / 4 | B / 6 | E8 |
| Limited user | 35 | 4 | 40 | 29–31 | 10–60 | E / 3 | B / 6 | F9 |
| Extremely limited user | 30 | 3.5 | 35 | 25–28 | NA | E / 3 | C / 5 | NA |
| Extremely limited user | 25 | 3 | 30 | 20–24 | NA | F / 2 | C / 5 | NA |
| Intermittent user | 20 | 2.5 | 25 | 14–19 | NA | F / 2 | D / 4 | NA |
| Intermittent user | 15 | 2 | 20 | 8–13 | NA | G / 1 | D / 4 | NA |
| Non-user | 10 | 1.5 | 15 | 4–7 | NA | G / 1 | E / 3 | NA |
| Non-user | 5 | 1 | 10 | 0–3 | NA | U / 0 | E / 3 | NA |
| Did not attempt | 0 | 0 | 0 | NA | NA | U / 0 | F / 2 | NA |
Application and Placement Guidance
- Determining Academic Placement: Applicants and recruitment agents should refer to the school level equivalency table to identify the most appropriate academic entry point. The conversion table provides a structured means of aligning prior educational attainment with programme requirements, particularly for students transitioning from systems outside Singapore.
- Interpretation of English Proficiency Results: Applicants must submit a recognised English proficiency qualification at the point of admission. The equivalency table supports consistent evaluation of results originating from different examining bodies. Where results fall at boundary points, placement decisions will consider overall linguistic performance, academic readiness, and programme demands.
- Internal English Placement Testing: Applicants who do not hold an accepted external English qualification may undertake the UCC English Placement Test. The equivalency table provides a clear illustration of how internal scores align with established international proficiency standards.
Contact for Admissions Enquiries
For clarification on school level equivalencies, English language requirements, or programme-specific expectations, applicants and recruitment agents may contact the Admissions Office.
Last updated: 18 November 2025