Frequently Asked Questions

faq, frequently asked questions

Admissions & Application

Applications can be submitted digitally through the CAE website. You will need to complete the online application form and upload soft copies of the required documents (e.g., identification document, academic certificates, and full transcripts). Upon successful submission of the online application form, you will receive an acknowledgement email detailing the available payment methods to submit the application fee (S$150 before GST). Your application will be processed once the application fee has been safely received.
With a degree, you may apply for postgraduate programmes. As qualifications may vary, our team will need to review them. Please submit your application early with all documents so we can advise you if additional requirements apply.
Depending on your current qualification, you may apply for the Certificate, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma programme. For an accurate review, do reach out to enquiry@icae.edu.sg with your background and academic goals, so our team can advise accordingly.
Exemptions are not available for Diploma programmes. For Advanced Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma programmes, depending on the programme, exemptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis and are subject to College approval.

Fees & Funding

Yes. Interest-free instalment plans (6 or 12 months) are available for UOB and OCBC credit card holders in Singapore. We also work with Atome to provide a 3-months interest-free instalment plan for other card holders. For applicants without cards, we offer an in-house instalment plan, which must be requested at the point of application for the team to share further details.
Payments can be made via Bank Transfer, PayNow, PayPal, Atome app, or Credit Card Instalment.
SkillsFuture Credits can be used for WSQ modules listed on our website. For programmes not claimable under SkillsFuture, NTUC Members may apply UTAP Funding: UTAP supports NTUC Members with 50% reimbursement of out-of-pocket course fees, capped at $250 per calendar year (below 40 years old). NTUC Members aged 40 & above can enjoy Enhanced UTAP with a higher cap of $500 per calendar year. Funding applies to courses commencing before 31 March 2027. Course fees include GST and exclude materials, registration, and miscellaneous fees.

Classes & Attendance

Classes for part-time programmes are held on weekday evenings and/or weekends (for selected modules). The schedule varies by programme. Upon enrolment, students may refer to the “Calendar” tab on the Student Portal for individual class schedules.
  • All students must achieve at least 75% attendance. Falling below this threshold results in automatic failure by attendance.
  • Doctorate of Counselling Psychology students must meet a minimum of 80% attendance, in line with York St John University’s policy.
  • International Students must maintain at least 90% attendance each month, as mandated by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Students absent due to valid reasons (e.g., medical conditions, work matters) must submit the FR411 Absence Justification Form with supporting documents (e.g., medical certificate, company letter) to attendance@icae.edu.sg timely. Absences due to leisure travel will not be approved.
Make-up classes or recordings are not available due to the sensitive nature of class discussions. For any missed classes, students may review slides provided and consult lecturers or peers. Most lecturers arrive early before class begins and can address any questions then. Please be reminded of the minimum 75% attendance to meet in order to pass each module.

Assessments & Graduation

Students who miss an assessment must submit valid supporting documents (e.g., medical certificate) for consideration to reschedule or extend deadlines. Requests without documentation will not be considered.
The maximum allowable period is capped at twice the prescribed course duration as stated in the student contract (e.g., 18 months × 2 = 36 months from intake start).
Students must complete and pass all modules, practicum requirements (if any), and settle all outstanding fees within the course duration.
Conferment is held in March, June, September, and December each year. Certificates and transcripts are issued electronically by the end of each conferment month and sent directly to your registered email.

Counselling Programme & Practicum

Yes. CAE’s Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology has been recognised by SAC since 2014. Renewal is carried out every two years to ensure that recognised programmes continue to meet the standards set by the professional body.
A total of 100 practicum hours is required, along with a minimum of 10 Clinical Supervision hours, as mandated by SAC.
CAE partners with placement organisations (POs) that offer practicum opportunities. Commitment is required, and most POs require weekday availability. CAE will assist in sourcing a PO, but shortlisting, interviews, and scheduling factors do apply as per normal; placement is not guaranteed as it depends on each student’s level of commitment. Students may also approach and source their own placements, especially if they have an interest in specific organisations or client groups to work with or if they are already working in the mental health or social service industry.
CAE maintains a list of supervisors extracted from the SAC website. You may also source your own supervisor if they meet SAC criteria. Fees vary by supervisor; please check directly before engagement. All postgraduate students must attend a Practicum Briefing before starting hours to understand requirements and support available.
Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology may apply directly to SAC, provided their intake start date falls within the recognition validity period. Membership applications are submitted by graduates directly to SAC and are subject to SAC’s independent discretion and approval. Please refer to the SAC website for more information on the criteria and application details, as updates may be made from time to time.