Singapore Updates COMPASS Points List for Employment Pass Applicants

Singapore is preparing another change to its Employment Pass (EP) system. The Ministry of Manpower (MoM) has released a new list of schools and qualifications to help foreign workers earn points under the COMPASS framework.

The updated list will be used for both new and renewal Employment Pass (EP) applications starting 1 January 2026.

What is COMPASS?

The Complementarity Assessment Framework, or COMPASS, is the points system Singapore uses to decide if someone qualifies for an Employment Pass. It looks at things like salary, qualifications, skills and diversity. It first applied to new EP applications in 2023 and then to EP renewals in 2024.

How the Points Work for Qualifications

Under COMPASS, Category C2 evaluates an applicant’s educational background and the institution they graduated from to award points.

• 20 points: Applicants who have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution on MOM’s approved list.

• 10 points: Applicants with a qualification that is considered equal to a UK bachelor’s degree, or who hold a professional qualification from MOM’s recognised list.

If a qualification is not on either list, no points will be given under Category C2.

What Changed in the 2026 List

The new lists focus on more specialised and growing fields. Some of the major updates include:

• More institutions added for maritime, technical and biomedical studies.
• Business schools reorganised and streamlined.
• Stronger recognition for Singapore’s creative and technical schools.
• Around 15 new academic qualifications have been added.
• Around 20 new professional qualifications have been added, especially in engineering, hospitality and applied science.
• Better alignment with international qualification systems like the European and German Qualifications Framework.

What This Means for EP Applicants

Anyone without a recognised degree or degree-equivalent qualification will not score points in Category C2. They can still get an EP, but they must earn enough points in other areas to reach the minimum passing score of 40.

Final Thoughts

MOM usually reviews and updates these lists each year. Further refinements to the COMPASS framework are expected as Singapore continues to align its employment policies with long-term economic and workforce goals.