Industry Graduate Diplomas (IGDs)
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
24 MONTHS DURATION
S$34,389.50 Tuition Fee*
As low as S$3,415.50 after max. funding. Learn more
Further offset S$4,000 with SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career)^
Applications Closes: 31 Oct 2025
Term Begins: Jan 2026
All IGD applications will be reviewed, and will be notified of the outcome after application closes.
*Fees may vary with module selection
^For eligible Singaporeans aged 40 & above
Industry Graduate Diplomas (IGDs)
What if your education could evolve with your career, not just prepare you for it? The IGDs at SMU Academy are built for professionals who don’t just want to keep up—they want to lead.
The IGDs offer a new, flexible approach to professional learning, empowering mid-career professionals and industry leaders to upskill, specialise, and stay ahead in the digital economy. As part of the revamped Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy (IPMDE), IGDs provide modular, industry-aligned pathways that can be stacked towards a full master’s degree or pursued independently for career growth.
With a wide variety of learning options, and recognition of prior learning, IGDs offer a practical, hands-on way to enhance employability, deepen expertise, or pivot into new roles.
Learning Objectives
1. Industry-Specific Knowledge & Application
Develop advanced theoretical and practical knowledge relevant to the industry, enabling graduates to analyse, evaluate, and implement industry best practices.
2. Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to industry-specific challenges, utilising data analysis, research methodologies, and innovative solutions to improve business operations and decision-making.
3. Professional Communication & Leadership
Enhance communication, collaboration, and leadership skills to effectively engage with stakeholders, manage projects, and drive organisational success in a professional industry setting.
With an expanded modular format, learners’ have access to in-demand skills while providing the flexibility to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital economy.
Option A allows participants to first achieve an Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD) by completing the curated set of modules and passing the IGD exam. For those who choose to deepen their learning further can work pursue the Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy (IPMDE), offering a flexible path to build expertise while balancing their professional commitments.
Option B involves direct enrollment in the IPMDE. Participants will complete the IPMDE requirements alongside the IGD, including its associated exam to graduate with both the IPMDE and the IGD.
List of Industry Graduate Diplomas:
As part of the requirement for SkillsFuture Singapore, there will be an assessment conducted at the end of every module as well as an overall Industry Graduate Diploma exam. The mode of assessment, which is up to the trainer’s discretion, may be an online quiz, a presentation or based on classroom exercises.
Upon completion of all the required modules within 2 years and passing the overall IGD exam, participants will be awarded an Industry Graduate Diploma in the respective chosen course
How to Apply
Admission requirements
- A Bachelor’s Degree with at least 5 years of working experience; or
- Recognition of prior learning: A Diploma from MOE-recognised Institutes of Higher Learning with at least 10 years of relevant work experience
- As part of the admissions process, suitable applicants who are shortlisted may have to go through an interview and/ or entrance test
Validity of Industry Graduate Diplomas (IGDs)
- The maximum candidature period for the IGD is 2 years. Exception to extend the candidature period due to extenuating circumstances are subject to review and the discretion by SMU's Associate Provost of Lifelong Learning
- In general, learners will be encouraged to complete the Industry Graduate Diploma within 2 years
CET Modules (from IHLs):
- Completion of the full Specialist Diploma
- Maximum of 6 exemptions allowed (No double counting)
Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD)
- Up to 4 module exemptions
- Must not exceed 30% of required modules (rounded down to nearest whole number)
Industry Practice Master in Digital Economy (IPM)
- Up to 8 module exemptions (including ones received from the IGD)
From the 8 exemptions:
- 6 can be from either CET certifications (from IHLs) or SMU Academy (SMUA) Modules
- 2 are from relevant work experience
Programme Fees & Funding
Category | Estimated Total Fee Range* |
|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen < 40years old; Permanent Resident; LTVP+ | $7,335.70 - $10,965.40 |
| Singapore Citizen ≥ 40years old | $3,415.50 - $4,824.50 |
| International Participant (Non-funded) | $22,290.50 - $34,389.50 |
* Final programme fees will vary based on the learner’s profile, and selected Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD). Please refer to the detailed fee breakdown below.
Programme Component | Singapore Citizen < 40years old; Permanent Resident; LTVP+ | Singapore Citizen ≥ 40years old | International Participant (Non-funded) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee1 | $109.00 | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Registration Fee2 | $272.50 | $272.50 | $272.50 |
| Industry Graduate Diploma^ | $6,409.20 - $10,038.90* | $2,489.00 - $3,898.00*3 | $21,364.00 - $33,463.00* |
| Examination fees (IGD) | $545.00 | $545.00 | $545.00 |
| Total | $7,335.70 - $10,965.40* | $3,415.50 - $4,824.50* | $22,290.50 - $34,389.50* |
1Paid upon application for the programme (non-refundable & non-transferable).
2Paid upon acceptance of the offer to the programme (non-refundable & non-transferable).
3SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme for Mid-Career Individuals: Eligible individuals may use their $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) top-up to further offset out-of-pocket course fees for this programme. This can be used for the IGDs (selected IGDs pending approval).
Note: Fees listed above in the table do not reflect the final amount after applying the $4,000 top-up.
^Skills-based modules
* The final programme fees will vary based on the learner’s profile, chosen electives, and selected Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD).
* Please note that all fees indicated may vary in accordance to the individual selection of modules and electives.
- For direct IPMDE signups, the $272.50 IGD registration fee will be waived.
- The above fees are inclusive of GST. Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a tax collected on behalf of the Singapore Government and will be charged at the prevailing rate.
Category | Estimated Total Fee Range* |
|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen < 40years old; Permanent Resident; LTVP+ | $3,415.50 - $4,824.50 |
| Singapore Citizen ≥ 40years old | $3,415.50 - $4,824.50 |
| International Participant (Non-funded) | $22,290.50 - $34,389.50 |
* Final programme fees will vary based on the learner’s profile, and selected Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD). Please refer to the detailed fee breakdown below.
Programme Component | Singapore Citizen < 40years old; Permanent Resident; LTVP+ | Singapore Citizen ≥ 40years old | International Participant (Non-funded) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee1 | $109.00 | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Registration Fee2 | $272.50 | $272.50 | $272.50 |
| Industry Graduate Diploma^ | $2,489.00 - $3,898.00* | $2,489.00 - $3,898.00* | $21,364.00 - $33,463.00* |
| Examination fees (IGD) | $545.00 | $545.00 | $545.00 |
| Total | $3,415.50 - $4,824.50* | $3,415.50 - $4,824.50* | $22,290.50 - $34,389.50* |
1Paid upon application for the programme (non-refundable & non-transferable).
2Paid upon acceptance of the offer to the programme (non-refundable & non-transferable).
^Skills-based modules
* The final programme fees will vary based on the learner’s profile, chosen electives, and selected Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD).
* Please note that all fees indicated may vary in accordance to the individual selection of modules and electives.
- For direct IPMDE signups, the $272.50 IGD registration fee will be waived.
- The above fees are inclusive of GST. Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a tax collected on behalf of the Singapore Government and will be charged at the prevailing rate.
Category | Estimated Total Fee Range* |
|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen < 40years old; Permanent Resident; LTVP+ | $7,335.70 - $10,965.40 |
| Singapore Citizen ≥ 40years old | $3,415.50 - $4,824.50 |
| International Participant (Non-funded) | $22,290.50 - $34,389.50 |
* Final programme fees will vary based on the learner’s profile, and selected Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD). Please refer to the detailed fee breakdown below.
Programme Component | Singapore Citizen < 40years old; Permanent Resident; LTVP+ | Singapore Citizen ≥ 40years old | International Participant (Non-funded) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee1 | $109.00 | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Registration Fee2 | $272.50 | $272.50 | $272.50 |
| Industry Graduate Diploma^ | $6,409.20 - $10,038.90* | $2,489.00 - $3,898.00* | $21,364.00 - $33,463.00* |
| Examination fees (IGD) | $545.00 | $545.00 | $545.00 |
| Total | $7,335.70 - $10,965.40* | $3,415.50 - $4,824.50* | $22,290.50 - $34,389.50* |
1Paid upon application for the programme (non-refundable & non-transferable).
2Paid upon acceptance of the offer to the programme (non-refundable & non-transferable).
^Skills-based modules
* The final programme fees will vary based on the learner’s profile, chosen electives, and selected Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD).
* Please note that all fees indicated may vary in accordance to the individual selection of modules and electives.
- For direct IPMDE signups, the $272.50 IGD registration fee will be waived.
- The above fees are inclusive of GST. Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a tax collected on behalf of the Singapore Government and will be charged at the prevailing rate.
IGD FAQ
Learners can enroll in any public runs of the module. However, please refer to the IGD Certificate prerequisites, as some certificates must be completed in a specific sequence.
The IGD is a full qualification and is awarded as a graduate diploma.
Learners will need to apply for the IGD exam, and there is an associated fee.
There is no supplementary exams. If a learner fails the IGD exam, they will need to register for the next scheduled exam.
Each module in the IGD will continue to have its own assessment. In addition, there is an overarching IGD exam.
The learner must complete all the required modules under one IGD.
There is no asynchronous module for the IGD.
Delivery mode varies by module and may be either face-to-face (F2F) or online.
First, an eligibility check to ensure learners meet the progression requirements, including successful IGD modules completion.
Next, learners need to submit an application for the IPMDE.
If the application is successful, they will receive an email with instructions for registration and matriculation.
The 2-year candidature period begins from the learner's matriculation date.
The validity of stackable modules is up to 4 years. Requests for an extension beyond this period are subject to the review and discretion of the SMU's Associate Provost of Lifelong Learning. Generally, learners are encouraged to complete the Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy (IPMDE) within 3 years.
The Mid-Career SSG Training Allowance is currently not applicable.
Payments are made on a modular basis. Exam fees must be paid when signing up for the exam, following the same process as module payments. The Industry Practice Graduate Programmes (IPGP) team will send learners the link to sign up for the exam once they have completed all modules or met the exam requirements.
An interview is not required to register for the IGD.
Learners will be issued an offer letter upon acceptance.
Student Visas are not applicable for IGDs as they are not full time programmes.
IGD candidates are matriculated and have access to resources such as access cards and the library. However, please note that IGD candidates do not have student insurance.
Learners can apply for the IGD. They must matriculate and sit for the exam. Fees include:
Application Fee: $109.00
Registration Fee: $272.50
Exam Fee: $545.00
They will be exempted from modules they have already completed within the module validity period, provided they are from the same track. Module exemptions will not be granted for courses taken outside the designated tracks or from a different institution.
An entrance test is not required. learners can submit their certificate of completion to be exempted from the modules they have already taken. The module exemptions must align with those of the IGD certificate.
Learners will still receive a certificate of completion for each module.
Existing Advanced Diploma learners can register and enrol to the IGD programme when the registration window opens, should they fulfil the eligibility criteria.
Do note that the modules need to be within the validity period of 4 years.
