SG60 Vouchers Not Valid for Courses — Here’s What You Can Use Instead

Many Singaporeans don’t realise that the SG60 Voucher can’t be used for training courses. This article breaks down what the voucher is really for and highlights the government schemes that actually support digital upskilling.

by: Vertical Institute • 1 September 2025 •

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Singapore turns 60 in 2025, and to celebrate, the government is marking this milestone with special nationwide activities and giveaways. One of these is the SG60 Voucher, a $60 token of support for all Singaporeans.

Here’s a quick look at what it includes:

🎁 $60 CDC Voucher for every Singaporean aged 21 and above
🍜 $30 for hawker stalls and heartland merchants
🛒 $30 for participating supermarkets
📱 Claimable through Singpass
⏳ Valid until 31 December 2026

While the SG60 Voucher is helpful for everyday expenses, it can’t be used for digital skills courses or training programmes. If you’re planning to upskill, there are other government schemes that offer financial support for your learning journey.

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Funding Options That Support Career Courses in Singapore

Digital tools, such as artificial intelligence, are becoming an integral part of everyday life and work. To keep up, more people are turning to short courses and practical training to stay relevant and competitive.

Fortunately, government subsidies are available that make this type of upskilling more affordable and accessible ot just for individuals, but also for businesses looking to train and future-proof their teams.

These schemes aren’t limited to students or professionals in transition. They are also open to individuals seeking to develop new skills, enrich their daily lives, or stay ahead in a digital-first world.

Here are the key funding options available in Singapore that support career and digital skills training:

🧑‍💻 For Individuals

1. SkillsFuture Credit

SkillsFuture Credit lets Singaporeans invest in their personal and professional growth with financial support from the government. With hundreds of approved courses to choose from, it’s a practical way to gain in-demand skills without paying full price.

This scheme is available to all Singaporeans aged 25 and above.
Eligible individuals receive a base credit of $500.

Here’s an example of how SkillsFuture Credit apply to Vertical Institute’s Generative AI course:

💡 You can also use SkillsFuture Credit on top of other subsidies like PSEA (for eligible younger learners) or UTAP funding (for NTUC members) to further reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

NTUC UTAP

The Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) supports NTUC members in their learning journey by helping offset course fees.

This subsidy is available exclusively to active NTUC union members.
Members can claim up to 50% of unfunded course fees, subject to annual limits.
The annual claim cap is $250, or $500 for members aged 40 and above.
Courses must be listed under UTAP’s approved training programmes.

Here’s how UTAP funding works when stacked with existing government course subsidies for NTUC members:

💡 These figures are for illustration only. Final subsidy amounts may vary depending on the course and individual eligibility.

Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA)

The PSEA is a government scheme that helps younger Singaporeans pay for their post-secondary education and lifelong learning.

This account is for Singaporeans who have completed secondary school, typically from age 17, and is valid until the year they turn 31.
Funds can be used for a wide range of approved training, including part-time diplomas, modular courses, and tech-related skills programmes.
Courses must be offered by MOE-registered institutions or SSG-approved training providers.

💡 PSEA funds are automatically transferred to the individual’s CPF Ordinary Account after expiry, ensuring the money continues to support their future.

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🧑‍💻🧑‍💻🧑‍💻For Corporate Teams

SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC)

SFEC provides a one-off S$10,000 credit to eligible employers. It allows them to cover up to 90% of out-of-pocket costs for training and workforce transformation programmes.

While individuals don’t apply directly, this support ultimately benefits employees by making subsidised learning more widely available.

A new $10,000 credit will be available to eligible companies starting in the second half of 2026, delivered via a digital wallet for immediate use — no more waiting for reimbursements.

🚨 Until the new model launches, the current SFEC reimbursement scheme remains active.

Here’s an example of how the SFEC applies to Vertical Institute’s Generative AI course for eligible SMEs:

	Singaporean / PR	Foreigner/ Work Permit/ Work Pass
Original Course Fee	$1,650	$1,650
SSG Subsidy (70%)	$1,155	$0
After Subsidy	$495	$1,650
GST	$148.5	$148.5
Upfront Payable (Single Pax)	$643.5	$1,798.5
SFEC (Up To 90%)	$445.5	$1,485
Absentee Payroll ($4.5/Hr)	$94.5	0
EIS	$99 (20% cash payout) OR $336.6 (400% Corporate Tax Rebate)	$330 (20% cash payout) OR $1,122 (400% Corporate Tax Rebate)
GST Claim	$148.5	$148.5
Total Rebatable	$787.5 (20% cash payout) OR $1,025.1 (400% Corporate Tax Rebate)	$1,963.5 (20% cash payout) OR $2,755.5 (400% Corporate Tax Rebate)

BUSINESS SUBSIDY CALCULATOR

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Absentee Payroll Funding

Absentee Payroll (AP) Funding helps employers offset salary costs when their employees attend training during working hours. This makes it easier for companies to support upskilling without disrupting day-to-day operations.

Employers can claim $4.50 per training hour per employee, capped at the employee’s hourly basic salary.
The funding is available for SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)-funded courses, including those at Vertical Institute.
AP Funding can be used on top of course fee subsidies and SFEC, further reducing total training costs.

What Courses Are Covered by Government Upskilling Schemes?

Government-backed funding schemes in Singapore make it easier for individuals to access training in areas that are highly relevant in today’s evolving job market. It’s not only for professionals, but they’re also accessible to retirees, mid-life learners, and anyone looking to better understand and use digital tools in everyday life.

Here are some examples of skills you can build with supported courses:

Generative AI Course

Learn to use tools like ChatGPT and other AI platforms. Great for content creation, automation, and everyday tasks such as planning and writing.

Data Analytics Course

Understand how to work with data using Excel, SQL, or Tableau. Helpful in making work decisions or managing personal finances.

Digital Marketing Course

Gain skills in SEO, social media, and online ads. Ideal for business growth, side hustles, or community projects.

Cybersecurity Course

Learn how to protect digital information. Important for work settings and everyday tasks, such as safe online banking.

Data Science & AI Course

Explore how AI and machine learning models work. Valuable for tech roles or anyone curious about digital systems.

UI/UX Design Course

Master design tools like Figma and user research methods. Helps professionals build better digital products or individuals improve their personal websites.

Advanced Data Analytics Course

Go deeper into analytics with advanced tools and techniques. Ideal for professionals handling large datasets or making high-impact decisions.

Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Course

Get to know how digital currencies and blockchain work. Useful for exploring and understanding secure digital transactions.

FAQs About the Subsidies Available at Vertical Institute

Who is eligible for the SG60 Voucher?

Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 in 2025 (born between 1966 and 2004) will receive $600 in total. Those aged 60 and above (born in 1965 or earlier) will receive $800.

Can I use the SG60 Voucher to pay for skills courses?

No. SG60 Vouchers can only be used for spending at participating supermarkets, hawker stalls, and heartland merchants. They are not applicable for training or upskilling courses.

Is a Singapore PR eligible for the SG60 voucher?

No. Only Singapore Citizens aged 21 and above in 2025 are eligible. The SG60 Voucher is part of the SG60 Package, a celebratory initiative honouring citizens as the nation marks its 60th year. Permanent Residents do not qualify for this benefit.

When does the SG60 Voucher expire?

The SG60 Voucher is valid until 31 December 2026. Be sure to use it before then, as unused vouchers will not be refunded or extended.

What subsidies can I use for digital skills training in Singapore?

You can use subsidies like SkillsFuture Credit, PSEA, UTAP, Absentee Payroll Funding, and the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC), depending on your age, employment status, and course eligibility.

Can I combine multiple subsidies to cover course fees?

Yes. You can stack SkillsFuture Credit with UTAP (if you’re an NTUC member) and employer-sponsored schemes like SFEC and Absentee Payroll. This can greatly reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

How do I find out if a course is subsidy-eligible?

You can search for courses on MySkillsFuture.gov.sg, which lists all SSG-approved training providers.

Can employers sponsor employees for Vertical Institute training?

Yes. Companies can tap into SFEC and Absentee Payroll Funding to sponsor staff for Vertical Institute’s in-demand courses.

Book a free call to connect with the admissions team.

What job roles can I pursue after completing these courses?

Depending on the course, you can explore roles such as Data Analyst, UI/UX Designer, Digital Marketer, Cybersecurity Analyst, AI Specialist, or Blockchain Developer. These are in-demand positions across various sectors, including tech, finance, and healthcare.

Can seniors use subsidies for beginner digital skills courses?

Yes. Seniors can tap into SkillsFuture Credit to enrol in beginner-level courses that cover everyday digital skills. These include using generative AI tools like ChatGPT, navigating basic data applications, or learning digital marketing fundamentals, skills that support communication, information access, and independent digital living.

Conclusion: Future-Proof Your Career with the Right Support

The SG60 Voucher is a thoughtful gesture for daily needs, but when it comes to long-term growth, investing in your skills offers greater value. With subsidies like SkillsFuture Credit, UTAP, PSEA, and SFEC, upskilling is more accessible than ever.