Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS)
Higher course fee subsidies for SMEs that sponsor their SC, PR or LTVP+ employees for SWDA-funded courses. Subsidy is applied upfront.
- Support
- Up to 90% of course fees for Tier 1 courses; up to 70% for Tier 2 courses.
- Maximum funding
- No fixed cap published
- How to apply
- Enrolment through the training provider; SME status via SWDA
- Apply before starting?
- Yes, before any commitment or payment
Recent changes
No rate change found for 2025/2026. Page moved to OurWorkforce after the SSG/WSG merger into SWDA (1 Jul 2026).
Who is eligible
- Registered and operating in Singapore
- Group annual turnover of S$100,000,000 or less (for SME support rates)
- 200 or fewer employees (for SME support rates)
- Not more than 200 employees OR annual sales turnover not more than $100 million
- Trainees are SCs, PRs or LTVP+ holders (LTVP+ not eligible for MOE-funded full qualifications at ITE/Polytechnics/AUs)
- Course fees fully paid by the employer
- Open to non-ACRA entities such as VWOs and societies, and to sole proprietorships; government bodies excluded
- Part-time SC/PR employees eligible if the employer pays their CPF
Quick eligibility check
- 1. Is your organisation registered or incorporated in Singapore?
- 2. Does your company have not more than 200 employees, or annual turnover of not more than $100 million?
- 3. Are the trainees Singapore Citizens, PRs or LTVP+ holders?
- 4. Will your company pay the full course fee?
- 5. Is the course SWDA-funded and listed in the Course Directory?
- 6. Is your organisation a non-government entity?
0 of 6 answered.
What it covers
- Course fees for SWDA-funded certifiable courses (excluding GST)
How to apply
- Confirm SME status (apply for SME status if needed, per SWDA guide)
- Pick an eligible course from the Course Directory
- Register staff with the course provider as employer-sponsored
- Pay the nett course fee
Processing time: Subsidy applied upfront at enrolment
Claims: Course fee subsidy is applied upfront. Absentee payroll (if any) is claimed after training.
Documents you need
- No separate application for the subsidy
- SME status declaration/application with company employment size or turnover details, if requested by SWDA
- Employee details for enrolment
- Corppass account
Frequently asked questions
What is the Enhanced Training Support for SMEs?
Higher course fee subsidies for SMEs that sponsor their SC, PR or LTVP+ employees for SWDA-funded courses. Subsidy is applied upfront.
How much funding does ETSS give?
Up to 90% of course fees for Tier 1 courses; up to 70% for Tier 2 courses.
Who is eligible for ETSS?
Applicants must be registered and operating in Singapore, have group annual turnover of S$100,000,000 or less (for SME rates), have 200 or fewer employees (for SME rates). Not more than 200 employees OR annual sales turnover not more than $100 million Trainees are SCs, PRs or LTVP+ holders (LTVP+ not eligible for MOE-funded full qualifications at ITE/Polytechnics/AUs) Course fees fully paid by the employer Open to non-ACRA entities such as VWOs and societies, and to sole proprietorships; government bodies excluded Part-time SC/PR employees eligible if the employer pays their CPF
How do I apply for ETSS?
Apply through Enrolment through the training provider; SME status via SWDA. You must apply before the project starts or any payment is made. Processing time: Subsidy applied upfront at enrolment.
What documents do I need for ETSS?
No separate application for the subsidy; SME status declaration/application with company employment size or turnover details, if requested by SWDA; Employee details for enrolment; Corppass account.
Sources
- Official page: https://www.ourworkforce.gov.sg/programmes-directory/industry-insights-and-resources/enhanced-training-support-for-smes
- https://www.tpgateway.gov.sg/training-grants/training-grants-from-government-agencies/course-fee-grants-for-employers
Information last verified on 23 Oct 2026. Grant rules change often. Always confirm with Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) before you apply.