Singapore’s unquenchable thirst for digitalisation means no one is safe from boomer allegations. Whether you’re young or old, at the current rate of technological advancement, if you don’t keep up, there’s a good chance you’ll be left in the dust.
The SkillsFuture courses offered by the Government are a not-too-subtle nudge to remind Singaporeans to keep up and keep learning, no matter your age. So if you’re not motivated by the existential dread of not being good enough, then hopefully, the free money and credits will get your bum off the couch and into a classroom.
So if you’re ready to polish up that dusty resume, here’s what you need to get you started.
1.Everything you need to know about SkillsFuture
SkillsFuture is a national movement to encourage lifelong learning through subsidized courses and free course credits. This way, you can level up your career, pick up a weird hobby, or at least sound smart at your next dinner party, without paying a hefty sum out-of-pocket.
The entry requirements are as simple as it gets. All you need is to be a Singaporean citizen aged 25 years old and above (the perfect birthday gift for when you hit that quarter-life crisis). If you meet both criteria, you’ll have an account with a full credit score waiting for you.
Take note, while the initial S$500 Opening Credit never expires, there is an additional top-up that is slowly fading.
2. How to tap into the SkillsFuture credits
Ready to swap that S$500 for a cert and a new life skill? Here's how to get started. (Visual learners, I got your back with this video tutorial!)
- Go to MySkillsFuture.gov.sg and log in using your SingPass. Check your credit balance and confirm that expiry date!
- Find the right course, then sign up and pay for the course directly with the training provider (e.g., the school, polytechnic, or private centre). Tell them you intend to use your SkillsFuture Credit.
- Go back to the MySkillsFuture portal, locate your enrolment, and submit your claim request (upload any necessary documents, like the course registration acknowledgement email). You can usually do this up to 60 days before the course starts.
If approved, the credit is paid directly to the training provider, covering your course fee (or a large chunk of it). All you have to do is get those claims approved by 31st December and you’re good to go! The courses themselves aren’t required to start or end within this time frame.
3. Which courses to choose to optimize those credits
1. Data Analytics for Beginners (Excel, Tableau, Power BI)
If even the World Economic Forum recognises it as one of the fastest-growing skills of 2025, you just know you can’t go wrong skilling up in this industry. And with SkillsFuture’s plethora of subsidized courses ranging from beginner to advanced, you’ll be well catered to whatever your level is currently.
2. UI/UX Design (Figma Focus)
If you’ve ever raged at a website that’s impossible to navigate, then you’ll know just how important this skill is.The need for digital designers are at an all-time high and a proficiency in Figma is the bare-minimum industry requirement. So if you have any interest in design, go get your credits’ worth and enroll before it’s too late.
3. Digital Marketing
Stop guessing and start dominating the algorithms. Learn how to run ads that people actually click on and figure out how to manipulate the algorithm to your bidding. Use your credits to master the dark arts of SEO and stop praying for engagement. Click here to check out the Digital Marketing Courses.
4. Python programming
Python is the Swiss Army knife of coding; it's used for everything from massive data analysis to building web applications and powering AI. If you want a future-proof skill that looks incredible on any resume, learning Python is the ultimate move. Don’t worry, there are plenty of beginner courses that promise to get you started without making your brain explode.
5. Life skills
If you’re already satisfied with your career, there's still much that can be done with SkillsFuture credits. Stop calling a plumber for every minor leak or hiring a photographer for every event. Investing in practical Life Skills saves you thousands in the long run and gives you instant bragging rights. Learn basic AC servicing, improve your financial literacy, or finally take photos that aren't blurry and over-filtered.
4. Final Notes (AKA, Don’t Get Scammed & Don’t Sleep in Class)
- The Attendance Rule: If you’re using government subsidies (which you are), you need to achieve at least 75% attendance and pass any required assessments. If you skip too much, you might have to pay back the full course fee. Our advice? Don’t treat it like a university lecture.
- The Scam Alert: Government officials will never call or email you asking for your bank details or to transfer money to "unlock" your credits. If someone asks you to do that, hang up and go find a real course instead.
- Don't Believe the Hype (or the Cynics): While some people say SkillsFuture courses are "useless" or "only for the elderly," that's usually because they didn't look hard enough. There are thousands of courses at universities, polytechnics, and accredited institutions waiting to be claimed. Go learn to code, paint, or brew the perfect cup of coffee. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I transfer my SkillsFuture credits to someone else?
No, SkillsFuture credits are strictly non-transferable. They’re tied to your NRIC, so the only person who gets to use them is you.
2. Can I use my SkillsFuture credits for overseas courses or degree programmes?
Unfortunately, you can’t use your credits to fund any overseas courses. SkillsFuture credits only apply to approved courses offered by training providers registered in Singapore.
3. Do employers actually care if I take SkillsFuture courses?
Absolutely! Especially if the course is relevant to your industry. It shows initiative and upskilling which employers will greatly appreciate. Bonus points if you pick something useful like data analytics or project management.
(Feature Photo: MOE)
