Education is one of the most important investments that people can make in their lives. It provides individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their careers and contribute to society. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), individuals with higher levels of education are more likely to be employed, have higher incomes, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
The benefits of education are not just limited to individuals, however. Society as a whole also benefits from having an educated and literate population. A well-educated workforce is essential for economic growth and development. In addition, educated citizens are more likely to participate in the democratic process and hold their government accountable.
In Singapore, the government provides funding and support for citizens to pursue their education goals. One of them is SkillsFuture Grant and Funding, which was introduced in 2015.
SkillsFuture Grant and Funding is a government initiative that provides funding for Singaporeans to take courses and upgrade their skills. The grant can cover the course fees, exam fees, and other associated costs. It is available for both full-time and part-time courses, as well as for self-paced learning. Here are a few tips to help you attain the SkillsFuture Grant and Funding.
Determine Eligibility
The first step is to determine if you are eligible for the grant. You must be a Singaporean or permanent resident at least 18 years of age. If you are under 30, you must also have completed your national service.
Your eligibility will also depend on the SkillsFuture courses you’d like to take. The grant is available for paths that lead to a recognized qualification, such as a degree, diploma, or professional certification. You can also use it for courses that improve your work skills or help you make a career switch.
The grant is not available for courses that are not work-related, such as sports or hobby courses. In addition, you cannot use it for personal development courses, such as those offered by self-improvement gurus.
Identify Your Chosen Pathway
So that you know — the next step is to identify your chosen pathway. There are three main courses: academic, professional, and workplace-based.
Academic pathways lead to a recognized degree, diploma, or professional certification. These courses are typically offered by educational institutions, such as universities, polytechnics, and private colleges.
Professional pathways are those that improve your work skills or help you make a career switch. Professional bodies typically offer these courses, such as the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPA) or the Law Society of Singapore.
Workplace-based pathways are job-related and help you develop specific workplace skills. These courses are typically offered by companies, such as in-house training programs.
Check the Application Process
The next step is to check the application process. The SkillsFuture Grant and Funding is managed by different organizations, depending on your chosen pathway.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) administers the grant for academic pathways. You can apply for the grant through your school’s financial aid office.
The Professional Conversion Programme Office (PCPOP) administers the grant for professional pathways. You can apply for the grant through your employer or training provider.
For workplace-based pathways, the grant is administered by Workforce Singapore (WSG). You can apply for the grant through your company’s human resources department.
Check the Availability of Funding
Once you have determined that you are eligible for the grant, the next step is to check funding availability. This can be done by visiting the SkillsFuture website or contacting the customer service hotline.
The website will list the courses that are currently eligible for funding. It will also provide information on the amount of funding available and the application deadline. If you can’t find the course you are looking for on the website, you can contact customer service to ask about funding availability.
Funding will determine your path to a SkillsFuture course. However, you must have emergency funds available to help you pursue it.
Apply for the Grant
The next step is to apply for the grant. This can be done online through the SkillsFuture website. You’ll need to create an account and log in with your SingPass before you start the application process.
To apply, you must provide personal information, such as your name, NRIC number, and contact details. You will also need to provide information on the course you’d like to take, such as the system’s name, provider, and start date.
After you have submitted your application, you will receive a notification on the status of your application within ten working days.
Final Thoughts
If your application is successful, you will receive the funding in two tranches. The first tranche will be paid directly to the course provider to cover the course fees. The second tranche will be delivered to you after you have completed the course and passed any required exams.
SkillsFuture Grant and Funding can help you attain your educational goals and improve your employability. Be sure to check eligibility and funding availability before applying for the grant.