SkillsFuture Singapore

SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) is a national initiative aimed at empowering Singaporeans to develop new skills, enhance employability, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy. Established in 2015, it represents a long-term national movement that encourages lifelong learning and skills mastery for people of all ages and career stages.

The program is driven by the SkillsFuture Singapore Agency, a statutory board under the Ministry of Education, which works closely with government bodies, employers, unions, and training institutions to promote a culture of continuous upskilling.

Objectives of SkillsFuture Singapore

The initiative focuses on four main goals:

1. Encouraging Lifelong Learning – Inspiring individuals to take ownership of their skills development throughout life.
2. Supporting Career Transitions – Helping workers reskill for new industries and emerging job roles.
3. Enhancing Workforce Competitiveness – Ensuring that Singapore’s workforce remains future-ready and globally competitive.
4. Strengthening Collaboration – Building partnerships between government, employers, and workers for coordinated skills planning.

Key SkillsFuture Programmes and Schemes

Scheme / Programme	Description
SkillsFuture Credit	Every Singapore Citizen aged 25 and above receives an opening credit of S$500 to spend on approved courses. These credits can be used for career-related training, diploma upgrades, or short professional workshops.
Mid-Career Training Allowance (MCTA)	Available for Singaporeans aged 40 and above who enrol in eligible full-time training. The allowance provides income support during periods of full-time study.
SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme	Designed for mid-career Singaporeans (aged 40+), this programme offers higher subsidies, SkillsFuture Credit top-ups, and enhanced financial support for upgrading to new skills or qualifications.
Career Transition Programmes	Tailored reskilling schemes that help individuals switch industries — for example, from manufacturing to digital services, logistics, or healthcare.
Work-Study Programmes	Combines classroom learning with real-world work experience, particularly for graduates and younger professionals seeking industry exposure.
Skills Advisory Services	Offers one-to-one guidance with Skills Ambassadors to help citizens identify suitable courses and career paths based on personal goals.
Inclusive Learning Initiatives	Ensures accessibility to persons with disabilities, older workers, and vulnerable groups through specialized training and support schemes.

Eligibility and How to Use SkillsFuture

• Eligibility:
  • Open to Singapore Citizens, and in some cases, Permanent Residents.
  • Available to individuals aged 25 and above for the base SkillsFuture Credit.
  • Special schemes like the Level-Up Programme target Singaporeans aged 40 and above.
• How to Apply or Use Credits:
  1. Log in to the MySkillsFuture portal with your Singpass.
  2. Search for SkillsFuture-approved courses.
  3. Submit a claim for your course fee using your SkillsFuture Credit balance.
  4. The credit is directly paid to the training provider, reducing your out-of-pocket cost.
• Top-ups and Validity:
  • SkillsFuture Credit top-ups are occasionally announced by the Government.
  • Some credits may have expiry dates, but the original S$500 base credit remains valid throughout life.

Benefits of SkillsFuture

1. Financial Support: Subsidies and credits reduce training costs for both short-term and long-term courses.
2. Career Mobility: Supports workers who want to transition into new roles or industries.
3. Future-Proof Skills: Focuses on key sectors such as technology, sustainability, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.
4. National Competitiveness: Strengthens Singapore’s position as a knowledge-based, high-skill economy.

Recent Updates

• From April 2025, mid-career Singaporeans enrolling in full-time courses under approved programmes can start receiving the Mid-Career Training Allowance.
• The Level-Up Programme has expanded with higher course subsidies and more SkillsFuture Credit top-ups for individuals aged 40 and above.
• Selected training programmes now offer up to 90% subsidy for mid-career learners, making reskilling more affordable.
• Enhanced partnerships between SkillsFuture Singapore, WSG (Workforce Singapore), and polytechnics ensure that training stays aligned with industry needs.

Impact on Singapore’s Workforce

Since its inception, SkillsFuture Singapore has transformed how Singaporeans view learning. The initiative has:

• Encouraged millions to attend short courses and professional certifications.
• Helped mid-career workers pivot into growth industries like IT, logistics, and green energy.
• Improved access to education for older adults and returning workers.
• Reinforced Singapore’s vision of becoming a resilient, future-ready economy built on continuous skill development.

SkillsFuture Singapore is more than a funding scheme — it’s a national mindset shift towards lifelong learning and adaptability. Whether you are a student preparing for your first job, a professional aiming to upgrade, or a mid-career worker planning a transition, SkillsFuture provides the tools, financial support, and pathways to help you succeed.

By embracing the SkillsFuture movement, Singaporeans can stay relevant, confident, and competitive in a rapidly changing global landscape.