Singapore COMPASS Education and Shortage Occupation List 2026

Key Point  

• Singapore has updated the COMPASS framework, revising education qualification lists and shortage occupation criteria for Employment Pass applicants 

COMPASS Framework 

Beginning 1 January 2026, Singapore will implement updated education qualification lists and the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) criteria under the COMPASS system for Employment Pass (EP) applications. Applicants must earn at least 40 points across six criteria to qualify. 

Education Qualifications (C2) 

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree or higher from institutions on MOM’s updated top‑tier list will receive 20 points. Those with U.K. bachelor’s degree equivalents or recognized professional qualifications will receive 10 points. Applicants whose qualifications are not listed will receive zero points under C2 but may still pass COMPASS if they achieve a total of 40 points. Key changes include:

• Broader recognition of technology, engineering, and applied science fields. 
• Expanded professional qualifications in hospitality, culinary arts, architecture, cybersecurity, nursing, physiotherapy and other applied fields. 
• MOM’s updated lists now include institutions such as Boston University, ETH Zurich, the National University of Singapore, the University of Cambridge and many others. 
• Degree‑equivalent qualifications recognized at 10 points include ACCA, CPA Australia, Chartered Engineers (UK, Singapore, Australia), CREST cybersecurity certifications, nursing diplomas, culinary diplomas and professional licenses in aviation and maritime sectors. 

Shortage Occupation List (C5) 

The updated SOL awards up to 20 bonus points to EP applicants filling roles where local talent is in short supply.  

New additions include:

• Healthcare roles include clinical psychologists, diagnostic radiographers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, registered nurses, podiatrists and medical social workers. 
• Agritech roles such as alternative protein food application scientists and novel food biotechnologists. 
• Financial services roles, including investment advisers and relationship managers serving ultra‑high net worth clients. 
• Green economy roles include carbon project managers, carbon traders and carbon verification specialists. 
• Information and communication technology roles, including artificial intelligence (AI) scientists and engineers. 

Removals/adjustments:

• Certain occupations previously listed have been removed to reflect current labor market demand. 

Key Takeaways from Envoy Global

Regina Tung, Senior Immigration Advisory Manager at Envoy Global, offers additional insight into the 2026 COMPASS updates:

Singapore’s COMPASS changes are part of a broader global shift in how countries are modernizing their immigration and work visa systems. Around the world, governments are expanding shortage occupation lists, recognizing a wider range of qualifications and moving toward digital‑first processing.

Below, Regina highlights how these global trends align with Singapore’s latest updates.

Singapore’s COMPASS updates taking effect on 1 January 2026 reflect the country’s broader strategy to attract global talent while safeguarding local workforce priorities. By expanding recognized qualifications and updating shortage occupations, MOM is signaling long‑term demand in technology, applied sciences, hospitality and healthcare.

These changes also align with major global immigration trends — expanding shortage occupation lists, recognizing broader qualifications, digitalizing application systems and tightening compliance requirements. For employers, this means workforce planning must be globally informed but locally compliant. For applicants, it signals clearer and more predictable pathways to Employment Pass approval when their skills align with Singapore’s strategic demand sectors.

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Reach out today to learn how we can support your company’s immigration needs and help you navigate this rapidly evolving situation.