Application Details
Find out how to join us.
Last updated 3 September 2026
Applications
If you have interest in IT/ Maths/ Science and have an aptitude for logical reasoning and problem solving, you have what it takes to be a Sentinel.
Application Periods
Applications are open annually for Secondary 1, Secondary 3 and Pre-University [Junior College (JC), Polytechnic and Institute of Technical Education (ITE)] Year 1 intakes. All students from the relevant cohorts who are Singaporeans or Singapore Permanent Residents are eligible to apply. Please refer to the following table for the application periods for the respective intakes.
Intake | Eligible Students | Application Period | Selection Test Period | Programme Starts |
2027 Secondary 1 Intake | Secondary 1 students in 2027 | 19 Oct 2026 to 14 Mar 2027 | Mar 2027 | 31 May 2027 |
2027 JC Year 1 Intake | JC Year 1 or IP Year 5 students in 2027 | 19 Oct 2026 to 28 Feb 2027 | Mid Jan - Early Mar 2027 | 15 Mar 2027 |
2027 Polytechnic/ ITE Year 1 Intake | Polytechnic/ ITE Year 1 students in 2027 | 19 Oct 2026 to 16 May 2027 | Late Apr - Late May 2027 | 15 Jun 2027 |
2027 Secondary 3 Intake (Click here for more info (opens in new tab)) | Secondary 2 students in 2026 | 1 Nov 2025 to 18 Oct 2026 | Mid Oct - End Oct 2026 | 9 Jan 2027 |
Taster Workshops
Online taster workshops are available to allow students to have a preview of they may learn in the Sentinel Programme before they decide to apply. Interested students are encouraged to register for the taster workshop for the relevant intake they are interested to apply for.
All students who are eligible for the Sentinel Programme are welcome to register for the taster workshop for the relevant intake. Please refer to the table below for the schedule of the taster workshops and register your interest here (https://go.gov.sg/sentinel-online-taster (opens in new tab)) . Details of the workshop will be emailed to registered participants about one week before the workshop.
Intake | Eligible Students | Workshop Date and Time | Registration Deadline |
2027 Secondary 3 Intake | Secondary 2 in 2026 | 4 Sep 2026, 2.00pm - 4.00pm | 21 Aug 2026 |
2027 JC, Polytechnic/ ITE Year 1 Intake | Secondary 4 and 5 in 2026 | 31 Oct 2026, 2.00pm - 4.00pm | 17 Oct 2026 |
2027 Secondary 1 Intake | Primary 6 in 2026 | 21 Nov 2026, 2.00pm - 4.00pm | 7 Nov 2026 |
For any queries, please email us at sentinel@defence.gov.sg (opens in new tab) or click here (opens in new tab).
Application for 2027 Secondary 1, JC Year 1 and Polytechnic/ITE Year 1 Intakes
Open on 19 Oct 2026
Application for 2027 Secondary 3 Intake
Currently open, till 18 Oct 2026