Singapore’s Educational Course Fee Relief has long been a valuable tax benefit for individuals upgrading their skills. However, with the scheme set to end after Year of Assessment (YA) 2025, this is your final chance to claim it. Here’s everything you need to know to maximise your savings before it’s gone.
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📌 What Is the Educational Course Fee Relief?
The Educational Course Fee Relief allows taxpayers in Singapore to claim tax relief for eligible course fees paid for approved training, certification, and higher education. This relief supports lifelong learning and skills upgrading, directly reducing your taxable income.
✅ Who Qualifies?
You are eligible if you:
- Paid course fees in the previous year for yourself (not for family members)
- Undertook the course for skills or knowledge relevant to your current job or career
- Attended an IRAS-approved course provider or institution
- Incurred expenses between 1 Jan 2024 and 31 Dec 2025
💵 Relief Amount & Limits
You can claim up to S$5,500 per Year of Assessment for eligible course fees. This amount is subject to the overall personal relief cap of S$80,000 per year.
The claim covers registration, examination, and tuition fees, but excludes materials, transportation, and overseas accommodation.
🛑 Why 2025 Is Your Last Chance
The Singapore Government has announced that the Educational Course Fee Relief will be removed from YA 2026 onwards. This means your course must be completed and fees paid by 31 December 2025 to qualify.
📋 How to Claim the Relief
- Ensure your course provider is on the approved list by IRAS.
- Keep original receipts and proof of payment.
- When filing your tax return for YA 2025, declare the amount under “Course Fees Relief.”
💡 Tax Planning Tips
- Time Your Enrolment: If planning multiple courses, ensure payment falls before the 31 Dec 2025 deadline.
- Combine with Other Reliefs: Pair with SkillsFuture Credit usage for maximum out-of-pocket savings.
- Leverage Employer Sponsorship: If your employer reimburses you, note that you cannot claim this relief.
📌 Final Thoughts
The Educational Course Fee Relief is a valuable but soon-to-expire tax benefit in Singapore. If you’ve been considering skill upgrades or professional certification, now is the time to act. Make sure you enrol and pay before the cut-off to secure your final claim for YA 2025.