SkillsFuture Level Up Programme — $4,000 Credit for Mid-Career Singaporeans
The SkillsFuture Level Up Programme provides Singapore Citizens aged 40-60 with a $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit top-up to pursue a diploma or professional certification. Combined with training allowances and enhanced subsidies, this programme makes career transitions financially viable for mid-career workers.
- Singapore Citizen aged 40-60 at time of programme announcement
- Available regardless of employment status (employed, self-employed, unemployed)
- Course must be a full-length diploma or professional certification
- Training institution must be an SSG-approved provider
- For training allowance: must be enrolled in a qualifying full-time programme
- $4,000 top-up is credited automatically to eligible SkillsFuture Credit accounts
- Log in to MySkillsFuture with Singpass and check your credit balance
- Confirm the $4,000 Level Up top-up is reflected in your account
- Browse qualifying diploma and certification programmes
- Speak with an education counsellor at your chosen institution
- Enrol in the programme — MCES subsidy and credits applied at payment
- For full-time study: apply for training allowance through the institution
- Begin your programme and receive monthly training allowance (if applicable)
What Is the SkillsFuture Level Up Programme?
The SkillsFuture Level Up Programme is a government initiative designed to help mid-career Singaporeans aged 40 to 60 pursue significant skills upgrades. Announced as part of Singapore's national effort to support workforce transformation, the programme provides a substantial $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit top-up specifically for full-length diploma and professional certification courses.
This is not a small course fee offset — it is a meaningful investment in your career transition. When combined with the Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (90% course fee subsidy) and your existing SkillsFuture Credit balance, the Level Up Programme can cover the entire cost of a diploma programme at polytechnics, ITE, or approved private training providers.
Who Is Eligible for the Level Up Programme?
Age Requirement
You must be a Singapore Citizen aged 40 to 60 at the time the top-up was announced. The specific age eligibility is determined by each tranche of the programme — check the MySkillsFuture portal for the current eligibility window.
Employment Status
The Level Up Programme is available regardless of employment status:
- Currently employed — You can pursue part-time study while working
- Between jobs — Use this as an opportunity for a significant career pivot
- Self-employed — Upgrade your skills to grow your business
- Re-entering the workforce — Prepare for a new career after a break
Course Requirements
The $4,000 top-up is specifically for full-length courses, not short workshops:
- Diploma programmes at polytechnics or ITE
- Professional certification programmes
- Selected Specialist Diploma and Post-Diploma courses
- Full WSQ qualifications (not individual WSQ modules)
How the $4,000 Top-Up Works
Receiving the Top-Up
The $4,000 is credited directly to your SkillsFuture Credit account. You do not need to apply for it separately — if you are eligible, the top-up appears in your account automatically.
Using the Top-Up
- Log in to myskillsfuture.gov.sg
- Check that the $4,000 Level Up top-up is reflected in your credit balance
- Search for eligible diploma or certification programmes
- Enrol and apply your credit at the payment stage
Stacking with Other Subsidies
The $4,000 works alongside other SkillsFuture benefits:
| Funding Layer | Amount | How It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| SSG Course Fee Subsidy (MCES) | Up to 90% of course fees | Auto-deducted at enrolment |
| SkillsFuture Credit (base) | $500+ (varies) | Applied to remaining fees |
| Level Up top-up | $4,000 | Applied to remaining fees |
| Training allowance | Up to $3,000/month | For full-time study only |
Real example: A 2-year part-time diploma programme costing $10,000:
- MCES subsidy (90%): -$9,000
- Remaining: $1,000
- SkillsFuture Credit (base): -$500
- Level Up top-up: -$500
- Net cost: $0 (with $3,500 Level Up credit still available for future courses)
Training Allowance for Full-Time Study
One of the most significant benefits of the Level Up Programme is the training allowance for those who choose full-time study:
- Amount: Up to $3,000 per month
- Duration: For the duration of the full-time programme
- Purpose: To partially offset income loss while studying full-time
This makes career transitions financially practical. A mid-career professional earning $4,000/month can pursue a full-time diploma knowing that $3,000/month of income replacement is available.
Training Allowance Eligibility
- Must be enrolled in a qualifying full-time diploma programme
- Must be a Singapore Citizen aged 40-60
- Programme must be at a participating institution
- Not available for part-time study
Best Level Up Programme Courses for AI and Digital Skills
Specialist Diploma in AI and Data Analytics
Offered at Singapore Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and other institutions. Covers machine learning, data science, and AI implementation. Typically 12-18 months part-time.
Diploma in Infocomm Technology
A broader technology qualification covering cloud computing, cybersecurity, programming, and emerging technologies. Available at all five polytechnics and ITE.
Professional Certification in Digital Marketing
Covers SEO, social media marketing, content marketing, and analytics. Useful for career transitions into the growing digital marketing sector.
WSQ Diploma in Data Analytics
A full WSQ qualification focusing on data-driven decision making, statistical analysis, and business intelligence tools. Directly relevant to AI-adjacent roles.
Level Up Programme vs Other SkillsFuture Benefits
| Feature | Level Up Programme | Standard SkillsFuture Credit | Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | $4,000 top-up | $500 base | 90% course fee subsidy |
| Age requirement | 40-60 | 25+ | 40+ |
| Course type | Full-length diplomas | Any SSG-funded course | Any SSG-funded course |
| Training allowance | Up to $3,000/month | No | No |
| Stacks with others | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key insight: The Level Up Programme is designed for serious career investment. If you need a short course, use your base SkillsFuture Credit with MCES. If you are ready for a diploma or career change, Level Up provides the financial support to make it happen.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Log in to MySkillsFuture with Singpass. If you are eligible for the Level Up Programme, the $4,000 top-up will be reflected in your credit balance.
Step 2: Explore Courses
Browse the list of qualifying programmes on MySkillsFuture. Filter by "Level Up eligible" to see only courses that accept the $4,000 top-up.
Step 3: Speak to an Education Counsellor
Most polytechnics and ITE offer free counselling sessions for mid-career learners. They can help you choose the right programme based on your career goals and prior experience.
Step 4: Enrol and Apply Credits
Once you have selected a programme, enrol directly with the institution. Apply your SSG subsidy, SkillsFuture Credits, and Level Up top-up at the payment stage.
Step 5: Apply for Training Allowance (if full-time)
If you are enrolling full-time, submit your training allowance application through the institution. The allowance is processed monthly during the programme.
How Pertama Partners Supports Mid-Career Transitions
Pertama Partners offers Level Up-eligible AI and digital skills programmes for mid-career professionals. Our courses are designed to provide practical, industry-relevant skills that translate directly to career opportunities in AI, data analytics, and digital transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The Level Up Programme provides Singapore Citizens aged 40-60 with a $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit top-up specifically for full-length diploma and professional certification courses. It also includes a training allowance of up to $3,000/month for those pursuing full-time study.
Singapore Citizens aged 40 to 60 at the time of the programme announcement are eligible. The $4,000 top-up is credited automatically — check your SkillsFuture Credit balance on myskillsfuture.gov.sg to confirm your eligibility.
The $4,000 top-up is for full-length courses including diplomas at polytechnics and ITE, professional certifications, Specialist Diplomas, and full WSQ qualifications. Short courses and individual modules do not qualify for the Level Up top-up.
Yes. You can enrol in part-time diploma programmes while continuing to work. The training allowance (up to $3,000/month) is only available for full-time study, but the $4,000 credit top-up applies to both full-time and part-time programmes.
For most diploma programmes, the net cost is $0. The Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy covers 90% of fees, and the remaining 10% is offset by your Level Up top-up and base SkillsFuture Credits.
Full-time students receive up to $3,000 per month in training allowance to partially offset income loss during study. The allowance is paid monthly for the duration of the full-time programme.
- •Specialist Diploma in AI and Data Analytics
- •Diploma in Infocomm Technology
- •Professional Certification in Digital Marketing
- •WSQ Diploma in Data Analytics
- •Specialist Diploma in Cybersecurity
- •Diploma in Business Intelligence
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