SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit 2026: What Singapore Employers Need to Know

Singapore businesses are under increasing pressure to improve productivity, adopt new technologies and ensure their employees remain relevant in a rapidly changing workplace.

Professional training can help companies build these capabilities, but the cost of training several employees can add up quickly. This is where the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit, commonly known as SFEC, may support eligible employers. Under the current scheme, qualified employers received a one-off credit of up to S$10,000 per entity. The credit may cover up to 90% of eligible out-of-pocket expenses for approved enterprise and workforce transformation programmes.

Employers should also take note that the current SFEC scheme will expire on 30 November 2026. Eligible programmes and training must be completed, and any required final claims must be submitted within the applicable deadline. Unused SFEC under the current scheme will be forfeited.

What Is SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit?

The SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit is a Singapore Government initiative designed to encourage employers to invest in enterprise and workforce transformation.

It was introduced under Singapore Budget 2020 and later expanded under Budget 2022. Eligible employers were awarded a one-off credit that can be used for approved programmes involving areas such as business transformation, job redesign and workforce training. SFEC is additional support provided on top of an approved base grant or training subsidy. It does not normally apply directly to the full original cost of a course or project. Instead, SFEC is calculated based on the employer’s remaining eligible out-of-pocket expense after the applicable base funding has been deducted.

In simplified terms: Eligible cost – base funding or subsidy = employer’s out-of-pocket expense SFEC may then offset up to 90% of that remaining eligible amount, subject to the employer’s available SFEC balance and the conditions of the underlying programme.

How Much SFEC Support Can an Employer Receive?

Eligible employers under the current scheme received a one-off credit of up to S$10,000 per entity. The credit can be used across two main areas.

Enterprise Transformation

Enterprise transformation programmes help businesses improve their operations, systems, productivity or market capabilities. These may include approved initiatives such as:

• Business transformation projects
• Productivity improvement solutions
• Market expansion programmes
• Leadership development
• Job redesign
• Selected government-supported enterprise programmes

A maximum of S$7,000 from the employer’s SFEC balance may be used for enterprise transformation programmes.

Workforce Transformation

Workforce transformation focuses on strengthening employee capabilities and developing a more productive and future-ready workforce. Eligible initiatives may include:

• Skills Framework-aligned training
• SkillsFuture-supported courses
• Job redesign programmes
• Career Conversion Programmes
• Workplace learning initiatives
• Selected sector-specific workforce programmes

Employers may potentially use their full available SFEC balance for eligible workforce transformation programmes, subject to the prevailing conditions.

For companies looking to strengthen artificial intelligence, digital marketing, communication, customer service or professional capabilities, eligible corporate training will generally fall under workforce transformation.

Is SFEC a 90% Course-Fee Discount?

No. SFEC should not be described as an automatic 90% discount on the full course fee. It may cover up to 90% of the eligible out-of-pocket amount after the applicable base training subsidy has been deducted.

The actual amount may vary depending on:

• The course’s approved funding rate
• Employer eligibility
• Employee eligibility
• The employee’s citizenship or residency status
• The employer’s remaining SFEC balance
• Eligible and non-eligible fee components
• Claim approval by the relevant agency
• Whether GST or other charges are excluded

Employers should confirm the actual funding arrangement before registering employees for training.

Who Is Eligible for SFEC in 2026?

The current SFEC is not an open grant that companies can newly apply for in 2026.

Employers were assessed based on earlier qualifying periods and relevant employment and Skills Development Levy requirements. Businesses that qualified for the existing credit were already identified and notified.

Depending on the assessment period, qualifying requirements included factors such as:

• Employing at least three Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents
• Making the required Skills Development Levy contributions
• Having no default in levy contributions
• Maintaining an active ACRA status
• Not having qualified during an earlier assessment period

Employees counted towards the local employment requirement had to be Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents receiving salaries and CPF contributions.

Some non-business entities, including eligible associations, charities and cooperative societies, may also qualify if they meet the relevant requirements. Government agencies and their subsidiaries are generally excluded.

Do Employers Need to Apply for SFEC?

No separate application is required for the current SFEC credit.

Employers that met the qualifying criteria were identified and notified by the relevant agencies.

The credit is drawn down when an eligible employer completes an approved programme or training course and fulfils the required claim conditions. A company that does not see an available SFEC balance should not assume that registering for a supported course will automatically provide a new S$10,000 credit.

Before enrolling employees, the company should confirm:

1. Whether it qualified for the existing SFEC
2. How much credit remains
3. Whether the selected course or programme is SFEC-supported
4. Whether the training can be completed before the deadline
5. Whether a manual claim is required

How to Check Your Company’s SFEC Eligibility and Balance

The company’s CorpPass Administrator or authorised user can check its SFEC information through the relevant government portals.

1. Check Through the Business Grants Portal

The Business Grants Portal is generally used to view SFEC information related to enterprise transformation programmes. After logging in through CorpPass, eligible employers may see an SFEC section showing the company’s credit information. Companies that are not qualified may not see the SFEC section.

2. Check Through SkillsFuture for Business

For training and workforce transformation claims, employers can access the SkillsFuture for Business portal. The company’s CorpPass Administrator may first need to assign the appropriate SkillsFuture Singapore and Workforce Singapore e-service permissions to the authorised user.

After logging in, the authorised user can access the SFEC training dashboard to review:

• Available SFEC balance
• Approved claim amounts
• Claims being processed
• Previous training claims
• Credited amounts
• Disbursement information

Employers should check the live balance instead of relying only on an older eligibility notification, as some credit may already have been used for earlier grants, programmes or training.

How to Find SFEC-Eligible Training Courses

Not every corporate course or workshop is automatically eligible for SFEC. Employers should verify that the selected training is:

• Supported under SkillsFuture
• Aligned with an applicable Skills Framework
• Listed as eligible for SFEC
• Conducted by an approved training provider
• Within its approved validity or claim period
• Suitable for the employer-sponsored employee

Before registration, employers should ask the training provider to confirm:

• Exact course title
• Course reference number
• Current funding status
• SFEC eligibility
• Course commencement and completion dates
• Estimated out-of-pocket course fee
• Employee eligibility requirements
• Whether a manual claim is required
• Documents that must be retained

Course status and funding conditions may change, so employers should always verify the latest information before making payment.

How Does the SFEC Claim Process Work?

The claim process may differ depending on the programme, course and employee profile. The general process for SFEC-supported training is as follows.

Step 1: The Employer Registers the Employee

The company enrols and sponsors the employee for the eligible training course. Payment should be made by the employer, and the invoice should be issued to the company rather than the individual employee.

Step 2: The Employee Completes the Training

The employee must fulfil the applicable attendance, assessment and course-completion requirements. A final claim generally cannot be submitted for training that has not been completed.

Step 3: The Claim Is Processed

Some claims for Singapore Citizen and Permanent Resident employees may be processed automatically. In other situations, the employer may need to submit a manual claim through the SkillsFuture for Business portal. Manual submission may be required for certain foreign employees or specific training arrangements.

Step 4: The Training Provider Endorses the Claim

For manual claims, the training provider may need to review and endorse the employer’s submission through the relevant government system.

Step 5: The Relevant Agency Reviews the Claim

The agency may approve the claim, request clarification or reject it if the requirements are not met. Supporting documents may include:

• Course invoices
• Proof of employer payment
• Employee details
• Course-run information
• Attendance or completion records
• Details of the eligible out-of-pocket fee

Step 6: SFEC Is Disbursed

Once the underlying programme or training claim has been approved, the corresponding SFEC amount will be calculated. Approved claims are generally disbursed to the employer’s registered GIRO account or corporate bank account linked through PayNow Corporate. SFEC therefore usually works as a reimbursement.

Employers should not assume that the full supported amount will be deducted immediately when registering for a course.

When Does the Current SFEC Expire?

The current SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit will expire on 30 November 2026. Employers must complete eligible programmes and submit any required final claims within the applicable timeline. Unused credit will not be paid to the company in cash. It will be forfeited after the current scheme expires.

What Happens After 30 November 2026?

A redesigned SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit is scheduled to take effect from 1 December 2026. Further information regarding its eligibility criteria, funding structure and implementation is expected to be announced separately. Employers should not assume that unused credit under the current scheme will automatically transfer to the redesigned SFEC. Companies with an existing balance should treat 30 November 2026 as the deadline for using the current credit unless later official guidance states otherwise.

Why Employers Should Not Wait Until November

Although the official expiry date is 30 November 2026, waiting until the final month creates unnecessary risk.

Limited Training Availability

Popular courses may have limited class dates as more companies attempt to use their remaining credit.

Training Must Be Completed

Registering before the deadline may not be enough. The training must generally be completed before the final claim can be submitted.

Claims May Require Manual Action

Employers may need time to:

• Assign CorpPass permissions
• Submit supporting documents
• Correct invoice details
• Respond to clarification requests
• Obtain endorsement from the training provider

Internal Approval Takes Time

Management, HR and finance teams may need time to:

• Identify suitable employees
• Select relevant training
• Approve the training budget
• Arrange payment
• Plan staff coverage
• Prepare claim documents

Employers should ideally begin checking their eligibility, balance and training requirements several months before the deadline.

How SFEC Can Support Workforce Transformation

SFEC should not be used simply because funding is available. The stronger approach is to connect the training with an actual workforce or business requirement.

Improve Productivity With Generative AI

Employees can be trained to use generative AI for tasks such as:

• Research and information gathering
• Drafting workplace content
• Summarising documents
• Generating marketing ideas
• Supporting campaign planning
• Creating visual and video content
• Organising repetitive administrative work

The objective is not to replace employees with AI. It is to help employees complete suitable tasks more efficiently while maintaining proper human review, accuracy and data responsibility.

Strengthen In-House Content Capabilities

Companies often depend heavily on external agencies or production teams for everyday marketing content. Training in AI-assisted video creation, branding and storytelling can help internal teams:

• Plan content more efficiently
• Develop storyboards
• Create digital campaign concepts
• Produce short-form social-media content
• Build more consistent brand visuals
• Communicate more clearly with external production partners
• Test creative ideas before committing to larger budgets

Improve Professional Image and Customer Experience

Professional grooming and image training may support employees in roles such as:

• Sales
• Retail
• Hospitality
• Customer service
• Beauty and wellness
• Corporate presentations
• Business development

A more consistent professional image may strengthen employee confidence, customer trust and overall brand presentation.

Strengthen Customer-Facing and Workplace Skills

Depending on the company’s needs, workforce transformation may also involve:

• Service excellence
• Sales communication
• Digital marketing
• Retail capabilities
• Leadership
• Workplace communication
• Customer consultation
• Business presentation skills

• The selected training should be connected to employees’ actual responsibilities and measurable workplace outcomes.

Using SFEC for Corporate Training

SOQ International Academy provides SkillsFuture-supported and corporate training across areas such as:

• Generative AI
• Digital marketing
• AI video creation
• Branding and storytelling
• Personal grooming
• Customer-facing capabilities
• Retail
• Beauty and wellness
• Workplace communication

Eligible employers may use applicable course-fee support and potentially offset up to 90% of their remaining supportable out-of-pocket course fees through their available SFEC balance.

Funding remains subject to:

• Employer eligibility
• Employee eligibility
• Course eligibility
• Available SFEC balance
• Course completion
• Claim approval
• Prevailing government requirements

Employers can explore SOQ’s available training programmes online or speak with the corporate training team to identify suitable options based on their team size, industry and workforce objectives.

A Practical SFEC Action Plan for Employers Employers considering workforce training before the deadline can follow these steps.

1. Check the Available Balance

Ask the company’s CorpPass Administrator to review its SFEC eligibility, balance and previous claims.

2. Identify a Workforce Gap

Choose training based on a real business problem, such as:

• Low employee productivity
• Limited AI knowledge
• Weak in-house content capabilities
• Inconsistent customer-facing standards
• Digital marketing skill gaps
• Overdependence on external service providers

3. Select Suitable Employees

Choose employees who will apply the skills in their existing roles and share relevant knowledge with their colleagues.

4. Verify Funding Eligibility

Confirm the course status, funding rate, employee eligibility, estimated out-of-pocket cost and claim process before registration.

5. Complete the Training Early

Allow sufficient time for attendance, assessments, invoicing, provider endorsement and claim submission.

6. Retain Supporting Documents

Keep all relevant invoices, receipts, employee details, payment records and course information.

7. Monitor the Claim

Confirm whether the claim is automatically processed or requires manual submission, and track it until the amount has been approved and credited.

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