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Singapore Revises COMPASS Scoring Criteria for Employment Pass Applicants

December 1, 2025 6:32 am

Singapore Revises COMPASS Scoring Criteria for Employment Pass Applicants

In a bid to enhance employment opportunities for skilled foreigners, Singapore is updating its COMPASS scoring criteria for Employment Pass (EP) applicants. Starting from January 1, 2026, the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) will introduce a revised list of universities and professional qualifications. This change aims to help applicants earn the necessary points under the qualifications category.

Understanding COMPASS

COMPASS, or the Complementarity Assessment Framework, is Singapore’s points-based system that evaluates foreign workers’ eligibility for EPs. Introduced in 2023, it assesses applicants based on their salary, educational background, skills, and the diversity they bring. This scoring system will apply to both new and renewed EP applications beginning in 2026.

Points System for Qualifications

Under the COMPASS framework, Category C2 focuses on an applicant’s educational qualifications and the reputation of the institutions from which they graduated.

20 Points: Awarded to those holding a bachelor’s degree or higher from institutions recognized by the MoM.
10 Points: Granted to individuals with qualifications equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or those possessing a professional qualification from the MoM’s approved list.

If an applicant’s qualifications are not listed, they will receive no points in Category C2.

Key Changes for the 2026 List

The newly revised lists emphasize specialized and emerging fields. Significant alterations include:

Expanded Institutions: More universities specializing in maritime, technical, and biomedical studies have been added.
Refined Business Schools: The lists have been reorganized to streamline business school qualifications.
Enhanced Recognition: Greater recognition for Singapore’s creative and technical institutions.
New Academic Qualifications: Approximately 15 new academic qualifications have been included.
New Professional Qualifications: About 20 new professional qualifications have been integrated, particularly in engineering, hospitality, and applied sciences.
International Alignment: The revisions aim to achieve better compatibility with international qualification frameworks, such as those in Europe and Germany.

Implications for EP Applicants

For individuals without a recognized degree or an equivalent qualification, points in Category C2 will not be awarded. Although these applicants can still obtain an EP, they must accumulate sufficient points in other categories to meet the minimum threshold of 40 points.

Conclusion

The MoM reviews the COMPASS framework annually to ensure it meets Singapore’s evolving economic needs. Moving forward, we can expect further refinements in the criteria as the country aims to align its employment policies with long-term workforce objectives. This proactive approach enhances Singapore’s position as a competitive destination for talent, encouraging skilled workers to contribute to the nation’s growth.