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Industry Graduate Diplomas (IGDs)

Enquire Now
Industry Graduate Diplomas (IGDs)


APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
24 MONTHS DURATION 

S$34,389.50 Tuition Fee*
(as low as S$3,415.50 after maximum funding) Learn more

Applications Closes: 30 Jun 2025
Term Begins: Aug 2025

Two intakes yearly in Jan & Aug

*Fees may vary with module selection
 

As part of our commitment to providing a more industry-relevant learning experience, SMU Academy has restructured a select number of our Advanced Diplomas as Industry Graduate Diplomas (IGDs). The following IGDs are a combination of newly introduced programmes and enhanced versions of our previously offered Advanced Diplomas. While some programmes have already transitioned, others are still undergoing changes, with the full shift taking effect in August 2025.

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 A: Learners can first complete an Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD), which provides a strong foundation before progressing to the IPM.

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.

Option B: Enrol directly in the IPM.
IGD

List of Industry Graduate Diplomas:

Digital Economy and Innovation

  • Industry Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics for Data-Driven Decision Making with Python Programming
  • Industry Graduate Diploma in Python Programming and Machine Learning
  • Industry Graduate Diploma in Python Programming and Applied Data Analytics
  • Industry Graduate Diploma in Web and Mobile Application Development

Data Governance and Compliance

  • Industry Graduate Diploma in Data Governance and Management
  • Industry Graduate Diploma in Data Protection

Supply Chain and Operations

  • Industry Graduate Diploma in Digital Supply Chain and Intelligence
  • Industry Graduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Transformation

Procurement

  • Industry Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Procurement
  • Industry Graduate Diploma in Strategic Procurement

Leadership and Management

  • Industry Graduate Diploma in Applied HR
  • Industry Graduate Diploma in Coaching
  • Industry Graduate Diploma in Digital Health

Customer Experience

  • (Launching Soon) Stay tuned for an upcoming Industry Graduate Diploma specialising in CXUX Management and Design

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
  • A Diploma from a local polytechnic with at least 10 years of relevant work experience

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 Academic Director of Lifelong Learning.
  • In general, learners will be encouraged to complete the Industry Graduate Diploma within 2 years.

Programme Fees & Funding

Programme Component

Singapore Citizen < 40years old; Permanent Resident; LTVP+Singapore Citizen ≥ 40years oldInternational 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*3

$21,364.00 - $33,463*

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 (NEW). A SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) top-up of $4,000 will be provided to Singaporeans aged 40 years and above to further offset out-of-pocket course fees for this programme. Applicable for the IGD (selected IGDs pending approval).

^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.
- $272.50 Registration fee will be waived for direct IPM sign-ups.
- 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.

Programme Component

Singapore Citizen < 40years old; Permanent Resident; LTVP+Singapore Citizen ≥ 40years oldInternational 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*

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.
- $272.50 Registration fee will be waived for direct IPM sign-ups.
- 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.

Programme Component

Singapore Citizen < 40years old; Permanent Resident; LTVP+Singapore Citizen ≥ 40years oldInternational 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*

Examination fees
(IGD)

$545.00

$545.00

$545.00

Total

$7335.70 - $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.
- $272.50 Registration fee will be waived for direct IPM sign-ups.
- 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

Can IGD learners attend public runs of the module, or must they join the classes set aside for their cohort?

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.

Is the IGD a recognised academic qualification?

The IGD is a full qualification and is awarded as a graduate diploma.

What is the application process for learners who have completed the two Advanced Certificates and wish to take the overall IGD exam to obtain the IGD? Are there any fees required to enrol in the IGD exam?

Learners will need to apply for the IGD exam, and there is an associated fee. 

In the event a learner fails the overall IGD exam, will there be an option for a supplementary exam (i.e. re-exam)?

There is no supplementary exams. If a learner fails the IGD exam, they will need to register for the next scheduled exam.

The IGD now includes an overall exam, whereas the Advanced Diploma had only assessments at the end of each module. How does the new assessment structure work?

Each module in the IGD will continue to have its own assessment. In addition, there is an overarching IGD exam.

Must a learner complete all the required modules under one IGD, or can they attempt modules across other IGDs and stack up the credits?

The learner must complete all the required modules under one IGD.

Are there any asynchronous modules in IGD?

There is no asynchronous module for the IGD.

What is the mode of delivery for IGD?

Delivery mode varies by module and may be either face-to-face (F2F) or online.

What is the onboarding process from IGD to IPMDE?

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.

Is the 2-year candidature period for the IGD programme calculated from the start date of the first module?

The 2-year candidature period begins from the learner's matriculation date.

Can I take a break after completing my IGD before starting my IPMDE? If so, what is the maximum allowable break period?

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 Academic Director, Lifelong Learning. Generally, learners are encouraged to complete the Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy (IPMDE) within 3 years.

Is the Mid-Career SSG Training Allowance applicable for the IGD programme?

The Mid-Career SSG Training Allowance is currently not applicable.

Are payments for IGD made modularly? When are the examination fees due? Do learners need to pay the examination fees only after completing all modules?

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.

Is there an interview for IGD?

An interview is not required to register for the IGD.

Is there an offer letter for IGD?

Learners will be issued an offer letter upon acceptance.

Can I get a Student Visa for IGD programme if I am a non Singaporean?

Student Visas are not applicable for IGDs as they are not full time programmes.

Are the IGD candidates matriculated? Do they have access to things like access cards and the library?

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.

Can individuals who have already completed the Advanced Diploma modules apply for the IGD certification?

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.

Do learners need to take a entrance test for the IGD programme, or will they be exempted from the modules upon presenting their certificate of completion?

A 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.

What happens if a learner is unable to complete all the IGD modules within the timeframe? What certificate will they receive?

Learners will still receive a certificate of completion for each module.

For learners who have previously completed modules as part of the IGD, will they be eligible to continue the programme under IGD? And when/how can they register/ convert to IGD programme?

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.

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