KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Singaporeans aged 40+ can get monthly cash support while training or reskilling
- Up to S$3,000 per month for full-time courses, plus new part-time option from 2026
- Lifetime support capped at 24 months under the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme
For many Singaporeans in their 40s and 50s, taking time off to study can feel risky. Bills still need to be paid. Family commitments don’t pause.
That’s exactly where the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance (MCTA) comes in.
What Is the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance?
The Mid-Career Training Allowance is a government support scheme that gives monthly cash payouts to eligible Singapore Citizens aged 40 and above who are undergoing long-form training.
It’s meant to ease the financial pressure — whether you’re:
- Taking full-time training and stepping away from work
- Or continuing to work while attending part-time long-form courses (from 2026)
This allowance sits under the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, which focuses on helping mid-career workers stay employable in a fast-changing job market.
Who Can Apply in 2026?
You’ll qualify if you meet all of these:
- Singapore Citizen
- Aged 40 years or older
- Enrolled in an eligible long-form programme
- For full-time allowance:
Earned income within the 12 months before course start
No upper age limit. If you’re 55, 60 or beyond — still can apply. For most Singaporeans, age won’t block you. Course eligibility is the key thing.
How Much Allowance Can You Get?
Here’s a clear breakdown so you don’t need to guess.
| Training Mode | Monthly Allowance | Based On | Duration Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Training | Up to S$3,000/month | 50% of past 12-month average income | Up to 24 months (lifetime) |
| Part-Time Training (from 2026) | S$300/month (flat) | Fixed amount | Counts towards same 24-month cap |
| Minimum Payout | S$300/month | Applies to both modes | — |
Full-Time Training Allowance
If you stop work to study full-time:
- 50% of your average monthly income
- Minimum: S$300/month
- Maximum: S$3,000/month
- Paid monthly
- Up to 24 months total across your lifetime
Honestly speaking, this is meant to soften the income hit — not replace your salary fully. But for many, it makes training possible.
Part-Time Training Allowance (New From Early 2026)
Good news if you can’t afford to stop working.
From early 2026, selected part-time long-form courses qualify:
- S$300 per month
- Helps cover transport, materials, books, misc costs
- Still counted within the 24-month lifetime limit
For most Singaporeans, this makes upskilling more realistic. No need to overthink quitting your job.
What Courses Are Covered?
Not every short course qualifies. This is for serious, long-form training that improves job prospects.
Eligible programmes include:
- Full-time SkillsFuture Career Transition Programmes (SCTPs)
- MOE-subsidised full-time qualifications
(up to undergraduate degree level) - Selected Arts and approved institutional programmes
Course lists are curated and updated on the MySkillsFuture portal. Always check before enrolling.
How to Apply (Simple Breakdown)
The process is quite straightforward:
- Enrol in an eligible long-form programme
- Apply for the allowance via MySkillsFuture
- Meet attendance rules
(e.g. 75% attendance for full-time SCTPs) - Receive monthly payouts once verified
Payments continue throughout your course — as long as you meet participation requirements.
Why This Allowance Actually Matters
Mid-career moves aren’t easy.
Many Singaporeans at this stage are juggling:
- Housing loans
- Children’s education
- Ageing parents
- Job security worries
This allowance helps by:
- Reducing financial stress during training
- Making career switches less scary
- Supporting lifelong learning beyond just theory
- Giving flexibility with part-time options
For some, this is the difference between “maybe next time” and “I’ll start now”.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I receive the allowance if I’m still working?
Yes. From early 2026, selected part-time long-form courses qualify for a S$300 monthly allowance.
2. Is the allowance taxable in Singapore?
Generally, government training allowances are not treated as employment income, but tax treatment can vary. If unsure, check with IRAS or a tax professional.
3. What happens if I drop out of the course?
If you fail to meet attendance or withdraw early, payments may stop, and you could lose remaining eligibility months.
Final Verdict: Worth It or Not?
If you’re 40 or above and serious about upgrading or switching careers, this is one of the most meaningful SkillsFuture supports available.
The payouts won’t make you rich — but they make learning possible.
And sometimes, that’s all you need to take the first step.
Join