SkillsFuture Training Allowance — Get Paid to Learn in Singapore 2026
Yes, you can get paid to learn in Singapore. Through the SkillsFuture training allowance, mid-career Singaporeans pursuing full-time diploma programmes receive up to $3,000 per month in income support. Combined with course fee subsidies, this means you can upskill at zero cost while receiving a monthly stipend.
- Singapore Citizens aged 40-60
- Must be enrolled in a qualifying full-time diploma or professional certification
- Programme must be at an SSG-approved training institution
- Full-time enrolment required (part-time study does not qualify for training allowance)
- No minimum employment history required
- Available regardless of current employment status
- Confirm eligibility (Singapore Citizen, aged 40-60)
- Browse qualifying full-time programmes on MySkillsFuture
- Apply for admission at your chosen institution
- Enrol in the full-time programme — course fee subsidies applied automatically
- Submit training allowance application through the institution
- Receive monthly training allowance of up to $3,000/month
- Complete your programme to receive allowance for the full duration
Can You Really Get Paid for SkillsFuture Courses?
This is one of the most searched questions about SkillsFuture in Singapore — and the answer is yes. Through the training allowance component of the SkillsFuture Level Up Programme and other schemes, qualifying Singaporeans can receive a monthly stipend while attending training.
The idea is simple: Singapore recognises that mid-career workers face a real financial barrier when considering full-time study. Giving up a salary to retrain is risky. The training allowance removes that barrier by providing income replacement during the study period.
How the SkillsFuture Training Allowance Works
Who Qualifies
The training allowance is available to Singapore Citizens who meet these criteria:
- Age: 40 to 60 years old
- Programme: Enrolled in a qualifying full-time diploma or professional certification
- Institution: Programme must be at an SSG-approved training institution
- Status: Must be studying full-time (not part-time or evening classes)
How Much You Receive
The training allowance provides up to $3,000 per month for the duration of your full-time programme. This is not a loan — it is a grant that does not need to be repaid.
| Programme Duration | Monthly Allowance | Total Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| 6-month diploma | Up to $3,000/month | Up to $18,000 |
| 12-month diploma | Up to $3,000/month | Up to $36,000 |
| 18-month diploma | Up to $3,000/month | Up to $54,000 |
| 24-month diploma | Up to $3,000/month | Up to $72,000 |
When You Receive It
The training allowance is processed monthly. Payments typically arrive within 2-3 weeks of each study month. You receive the allowance for every month you are actively enrolled in the full-time programme.
Other SkillsFuture Courses That Pay You
Beyond the Level Up Programme training allowance, there are several other ways to get paid while learning in Singapore:
1. SSG Training Allowance (via Employers)
When employers sponsor employees for full-time training, SSG provides Absentee Payroll funding of $4.50 per hour per trainee. While this payment goes to the employer (not the employee), it incentivises companies to send employees for training during working hours — effectively meaning you get paid your normal salary while learning.
2. Career Conversion Programmes (CCPs)
SkillsFuture Career Conversion Programmes are specifically designed for mid-career workers switching industries. Many CCPs include:
- Salary support of up to 90% for the employer during the training-employment period
- Structured on-the-job training with a new employer
- Duration: typically 6-12 months
For the employee, this means you start a new job in a new industry while receiving training and your regular salary.
3. Work-Study Programmes
Although primarily for younger workers, some Work-Study Diploma and Degree programmes are open to mid-career learners. These combine part-time study with full-time employment, meaning you earn while you learn.
4. NTUC Training Fund
NTUC union members can access additional training support through the NTUC Training Fund, which provides course fee subsidies and, in some cases, training allowances for selected programmes.
Calculating Your Total Financial Support Package
Here is a complete picture of what a mid-career Singaporean aged 45 could receive when pursuing a 12-month full-time AI diploma:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Training allowance ($3,000/month x 12 months) | $36,000 |
| Course fee subsidy (90% MCES on $12,000 programme) | $10,800 saved |
| SkillsFuture Credit (base) | $500 |
| Level Up top-up | $4,000 |
| Remaining course fee to pay | $0 |
| Total financial support | $51,300 |
You receive $36,000 in training allowance income, pay $0 for the diploma, and still have SkillsFuture Credits left over for future short courses. This is one of the most generous training support packages in the world.
SkillsFuture Courses That Pay You: What to Study
AI and Data Analytics
The highest-demand skills in Singapore's job market. AI-related roles have grown 40% in the last two years.
- Specialist Diploma in AI and Machine Learning
- Professional Certificate in Data Analytics
- WSQ Diploma in Data Engineering
Cybersecurity
Chronic shortage of cybersecurity professionals in Singapore. Strong salary prospects post-training.
- Diploma in Cybersecurity
- Specialist Diploma in Information Security
Cloud Computing and DevOps
As companies migrate to cloud, these skills are in constant demand.
- AWS/Azure certification programmes
- Diploma in Cloud Infrastructure and Services
Digital Marketing
Growing demand for digital-first marketing skills, especially with AI integration.
- Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing
- Specialist Diploma in Social Media Marketing
How to Apply for the Training Allowance
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
You must be a Singapore Citizen aged 40-60 enrolled in a qualifying full-time programme. Check the list of approved programmes on MySkillsFuture.
Step 2: Enrol in a Full-Time Programme
Contact the training institution directly to apply for admission. Many institutions offer pre-enrolment counselling to help you choose the right programme.
Step 3: Apply for the Training Allowance
After enrolling, submit your training allowance application through the institution. The institution coordinates with SSG to process your application.
Step 4: Receive Monthly Payments
Once approved, the training allowance is disbursed monthly into your bank account for the duration of the programme.
Step 5: Complete Your Programme
Continue attending all classes and assessments. The training allowance continues as long as you remain actively enrolled in the programme.
Common Questions About Getting Paid to Learn
"Is the training allowance taxable?"
Training allowances from government schemes are generally not taxable. However, check with IRAS for the latest guidance on your specific situation.
"Can I work part-time while receiving the training allowance?"
Some programmes may restrict outside employment during full-time study. Check with your institution's policies. Part-time work may also affect your eligibility for the full training allowance.
"What happens if I drop out?"
The training allowance stops immediately if you withdraw from the programme. You generally do not need to repay allowances already received for months you attended, but check the specific programme terms.
"Can employers claim the training allowance for their employees?"
The training allowance is for individuals. Employers have a separate benefit — Absentee Payroll funding — which offsets salary costs while employees attend training.
How Pertama Partners Can Help
Pertama Partners offers SSG-approved AI and digital skills programmes that qualify for the training allowance, Level Up credits, and full course fee subsidies. We help mid-career professionals navigate the application process and choose the right programme for their career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Through the SkillsFuture Level Up Programme, Singapore Citizens aged 40-60 enrolled in full-time diploma programmes can receive a training allowance of up to $3,000 per month. Career Conversion Programmes also provide salary support during retraining.
The training allowance is up to $3,000 per month for the duration of your full-time programme. For a 12-month diploma, this means up to $36,000 in total training allowance payments.
Singapore Citizens aged 40-60 enrolled in qualifying full-time diploma or professional certification programmes at SSG-approved institutions. The allowance is not available for part-time courses.
No. The training allowance is a grant, not a loan. You do not need to repay any amounts received as long as you remain enrolled in the programme. If you withdraw early, payments stop but previously received allowances are generally not reclaimed.
Employers can claim Absentee Payroll funding of $4.50 per hour per trainee when employees attend SSG-funded courses during work hours. This is separate from the individual training allowance and goes to the company, not the employee.
Full-time diploma and professional certification programmes at polytechnics, ITE, and selected private providers qualify for the training allowance. Short courses, part-time courses, and individual modules do not qualify.
- •Specialist Diploma in AI and Machine Learning
- •Diploma in Data Analytics
- •Diploma in Cybersecurity
- •Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing
- •Diploma in Cloud Computing and Infrastructure
- •WSQ Diploma in Data Engineering
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