When Will the SkillsFuture Credit Top-Up Expire? Use It Before 2026 Ends

The one-off SkillsFuture credit top-up from 2020 is expiring by the end of 2025. Learn what it covers, how to use it, and why now is the best time to enrol in a course.

by: Vertical Institute29 August 2025

Your $500 SkillsFuture credit top‑up awarded in 2020 will expire on December 31, 2025, and once it’s gone, there’s no extension. According to The Straits Times, over 70 per cent of eligible Singaporeans have yet to use their top-up.

In this article, you’ll learn precisely what this top‑up covers, which courses it can pay for, and how to redeem it before it disappears.

What Is the SkillsFuture Credit Top-Up Expiring in 2025?

When Will Skillsfuture Credit Top Up
The SkillsFuture Credit top-up is a one-time $500 credit top-up that must be used before December 31, 2025. Only the $500 top-up from 2020 is expiring.

  • The top-up was introduced in 2020 to support adult upskilling. 
  • It was credited to all Singaporeans aged 25 and above as of 31 December 2020. 
  • It is separate from the base $500 SkillsFuture credit Singaporeans receive when they turn 25.

⚠️ This is a one-off credit with no extensions available.

 

  • Also in 2020, Singaporeans aged 40 to 60 got a one-off $500 SkillsFuture Credit top-up for mid-career reskilling. 
  • The 31 December 2025 expiry for this top-up will be removed. 
  • Balances will be merged with the new $4,000 top-up.

 

 

Related Article: SkillsFuture Credit for PR: Are Permanent Residents Eligible?

What Courses Can You Take With Your Credit Top-Up at Vertical Institute

You can use your SkillsFuture credit top-up to enrol in a wide variety of government-approved courses. SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) further emphasises that Singaporeans are actively enrolling in future-focused areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, e-commerce, and digital marketing, showing a strong interest in acquiring emerging and future-relevant skills.

Here are some popular options you can enrol in:

 

Generative AI

 

Learn how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to write, plan, and boost productivity at work or in daily tasks.

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Generative AI Course

Boost efficiency and enhance productivity using Generative AI.

Claimable with SFC, PSEA & UTAP

 

Data Analytics

 

Discover how to read and understand data to make smarter decisions at work or for your own projects.

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Data Analytics Course

Turn data to practical insights Using SQL, Excel & Tableau

Claimable with SFC, UTAP & PSEA

 

Advanced Data Analytics

 

Take your data skills further to analyse trends, create dashboards, and make confident business decisions.

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Advanced Data Analytics

Master advanced Excel, SQL, Tableau with industry experts.

Claimable with SFC & UTAP

 

Data Science and AI

Explore how AI and data science work behind the scenes — great for those curious about tech and automation.

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Data Science & AI Course

Stay Relevant: Learn Python, AI, Machine Learning & More.

Claimable with SFC, PSEA & UTAP

 

UI/UX Design

 

Learn how to create simple, user-friendly websites and apps. 

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UI / UX Design Course

Design impactful digital experiences, enrich your portfolio.

Claimable with SFC & PSEA

 

Digital Marketing

 

Understand how to promote products or services online using tools like social media and Google ads.

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Digital Marketing Course

Gain digital marketing skills in SEO, SEM, social media & more.

Claimable with SFC

 

Cybersecurity

 

Learn how to secure digital systems, detect threats, and safeguard sensitive data.

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Cybersecurity Course

Acquire key Cybersecurity skills and tools for a career boost.

Claimable with SFC

Ready to build Marketing SkillsFuture skills? Vertical Institute’s Marketing Course SkillsFuture takes you from the basics to hands-on practice.

 

Blockchain

 

Get to know how digital currencies and secure online transactions work in real-world settings.

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Blockchain & Crypto Course

Learn blockchain, Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and more.

Claimable with SFC & UTAP

How to Redeem Your SkillsFuture Credit Top-Up Before It Expires

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you redeem your credit before it expires:

  1. Go to myskillsfuture.gov.sg and log in with Singpass. 
  2. Check your balance. Your remaining credits will be shown under your profile. 
  3. Choose a course from Vertical Institute or the SkillsFuture course directory. 
  4. Sign up for the course. 
  5. Apply your credits during payment — no upfront cash needed if fully covered.

FAQs About the SkillsFuture Credit Top-Up

How do I know if I received the $500 top-up?

If you were 25 or older as of 31 December 2020, you likely received it. Log in to MySkillsFuture to check.

What’s the difference between base credits and the top-up?

Base credits (e.g., $500 at age 25) do not expire. The 2020 top-up is the only one that expires at the end of 2025.

Can I use the top-up for any course?

No, only SkillsFuture-approved courses are eligible. Check the official directory or Vertical Institute’s site for approved options.

Can I use the credit to pay for the full course fee?

Yes, if your credit covers the full cost. If not, you’ll pay only the balance after credit is applied. Gere’s how it can work for the Generative AI Bootcamp at Vertical Institute:

 

Singapore Citizens (40 years and above)

 

Course Fee  $1,650.00
Course Fee (with 9% GST) $1,798.50
Less: 70% Course Subsidy –$1,155.00
Nett Course Fee After Subsidy $643.50

 

Singapore Citizens (Below 40 years) and PR

 

Course Fee  $1,650.00
Course Fee (with 9% GST) $1,798.50
Less: 50% Course Subsidy –$825.00
Nett Course Fee After Subsidy $973.50

Can seniors use these credits too?

Absolutely! Courses at the Vertical Institute are beginner-friendly and open to seniors seeking to acquire new skills.

Can I enrol in more than one course?

Yes, as long as you have enough credit to cover the course fees, you can enrol in multiple programs.

What happens if I don’t use my credit by 2025?

The 2020 top-up will be forfeited permanently. There are no extensions or refunds.

What other subsidies can I use on top of SkillsFuture Credit?

Besides using your SkillsFuture Credit, you may also be eligible for additional support schemes:

SkillsFuture Credit: All Singaporeans aged 25 and above can use their SkillsFuture Credit to help cover the remaining course fees.

UTAP (Union Training Assistance Programme): NTUC members are eligible to claim up to 50% of the unfunded course fees, capped at $500 per year.

PSEA (Post-Secondary Education Account): Singaporeans aged 21 to 31 can tap into their PSEA funds to offset eligible training costs.

Conclusion

If you’re one of the 70% of Singaporeans who still haven’t used this credit, now’s the time to enrol in a course that helps you build skills for the future.

Start with something practical. Courses like Generative AI can show you how to use tools like ChatGPT to plan, write, or streamline everyday tasks. It’s designed to be approachable even if you’re not confident with tech.

Explore what’s possible, and make your credit count before it expires.