Did You Know You Can Now Use Your SkillsFuture Credits for Coursera Courses?

Upskilling has become critical for professionals in Singapore’s competitive job market. Whether you’re an aspiring professional, transitioning careers, or leading a business, acquiring new skills is essential for maintaining relevance and securing long-term success.

In response to this growing demand, the SkillsFuture programme has significantly expanded, now offering access to over 30,000 online courses. Among these options is Coursera, a globally renowned platform that provides certifications in high-demand fields such as data science, digital marketing, and programming. With its flexibility and international recognition, Coursera continues to be a preferred choice for many professionals seeking to enhance their skills.

In this article, we’ll explore how you can use your SkillsFuture credits on platforms like Coursera. We will also look at Vertical Institute’s learning format covered under SkillsFuture, offering unique benefits tailored to different learning needs. We’ll also guide you on maximising your SkillsFuture credits for Coursera courses and other training providers, ensuring your learning path aligns with your career goals and supports your professional development.

Related: List of Courses Eligible for SkillsFuture Credits in Singapore

How to Use SkillsFuture Credits on Coursera

You can use your SkillsFuture credits to enrol in courses spanning various topics, including technology, business and personal development, on Coursera. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a claim: 

1. Visit the MySkilsFuture Portal

Go to the MySkillsFuture portal to manage your credits and submit your claims.

2. Login Using SingPass

Log in using your SingPass to access your account.

3. Submit a Claim

Once logged in, select the “Submit SkillsFuture Credit Claim” option.

4. Search for Coursera Courses

In the search bar, enter the Coursera course you’re interested in and ensure it’s SkillsFuture-approved.

5. Enter Course Details

Select your course, enter the amount of credits you want to claim, and upload the necessary documents, such as the course invoice.

6. Submit Your Claim

After completing the required fields, review the terms and conditions and submit your claim. You can monitor the status of your claim directly through the portal.

Exploring Alternatives to Coursera for SkillsFuture Credits

While Coursera offers vast courses, it may not provide the hands-on experience needed for specific tech-related roles where practical, industry-specific skills are critical. This is where local alternatives like Vertical Institute come into play. 

Let’s look at the key differences between Coursera and Vertical Institute to help you choose the right provider for your career goals:

Learning Format

• Coursera: Primarily offers self-paced, theory-based learning with recorded lectures. This format is ideal for independent learners who need flexibility in managing their time.

• Vertical Institute: Offers online, instructor-led classes conducted via Zoom, with sessions typically lasting 3 hours. These are led by industry experts who provide learners with direct interaction and guidance. The institute focuses on a structured, hands-on learning environment that includes project-based learning, which helps students apply their skills in real-world scenarios.

Course Scope

• Coursera: Covers a wide array of disciplines, ranging from business and arts to technology. It’s suitable for learners exploring various fields or seeking global certification.

• Vertical Institute: Specialises in tech-related skills such as Data Analytics, UI/UX Design, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Digital Marketing and Data Science, focusing on meeting the demands of Singapore’s job market. 

Certification

• Coursera: Offers globally recognised certifications from prestigious institutions like universities and tech companies.

• Vertical Institute: Provides industry-recognised certificates relevant to Singapore’s tech sector and various industries. Courses are often paired with practical projects to ensure learners gain hands-on experience and job readiness. With over 100 hiring partners, Vertical Institute helps connect graduates to employment opportunities, enhancing their career prospects in high-demand sectors.

Learning Experience

• Coursera: Best suited for self-motivated individuals who thrive in flexible, self-directed learning environments.

• Vertical Institute: Ideal for those who prefer a structured learning environment with direct mentorship, hands-on projects, and smaller, interactive classes. It’s also a great fit for working professionals looking to upskill without disrupting their schedules, allowing them to achieve their professional development goals while balancing their work commitments.

Related: 5 Ways to Maximise Singapore’s Course Subsidies For Your Career Growth

How to Maximise Your SkillsFuture Credits

By adopting these strategies, you can make the most of your SkillsFuture credits and invest in courses that will help boost your professional development or even support a complete career change.

1. Choose Courses Aligned with Your Career Growth.

It’s important to consider a course that aligns directly with your current role or future career goals. Focus on courses that address the skill gaps in your desired industry or help you acquire in-demand skills, such as leadership, presentation, or digital transformation. Such fields are highly employable, making them a wise investment in career development.

2. Decide Whether to Upskill or Reskill Based on Your Career Goals.

Deciding between upskilling and reskilling depends on whether you want to advance in your current role or transition into a new career. Upskilling helps deepen existing expertise, while reskilling can open doors to entirely new industries, such as technology, healthcare, or the green economy. If you’re mid-career, consider courses that will ease transitions into high-growth sectors like the digital and green economies.

3. Maximise Funding Options

Apart from your initial SkillsFuture credits, there are additional subsidies to help reduce the cost of training. For instance, professionals aged 40 and above can access the Mid-Career Support Credit, which provides up to $4,000 for eligible courses. Additionally, employers can claim Absentee Payroll Funding, which reimburses part of the salary costs incurred when employees attend training. By combining these subsidies, you can enrol in more comprehensive or higher-priced courses, easing the financial burden while enhancing your skills.

4. Plan and Track Credit Expiry

It’s important to monitor the expiry dates for your SkillsFuture credits and use them before they lapse. Prioritise enrolling in valuable, high-demand courses before your credits expire.

Conclusion 

When choosing between Coursera and Vertical Institute, consider your learning style and career goals. Whether you prefer self-paced learning or a structured, hands-on approach, each platform provides distinct advantages. Coursera offers a global perspective, while Vertical Institute focuses on industry-relevant courses tailored to Singapore’s competitive job market. The key is to select the platform that aligns with your professional aspirations and helps you acquire skills that open new opportunities.

About Vertical Institute 

Vertical Institute is shaping the future of work by preparing individuals for tomorrow’s job market. Our courses and certification focus on teaching essential skills and nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders.

As an Approved Training provider (ATO) accredited by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and the Institute of Banking & Finance Singapore (IBF), our courses adhere to the highest standards. They are government-subsidised and eligible for SkillsFuture Credits or NTUC UTAP Funding.