Not a Degree Holder? These Work Pass Routes Could Still Get You Into Singapore

No Degree? No Problem: Your Ultimate Guide to Securing a Work Pass in Singapore

Yes, you can still secure a work pass and build your career in Singapore, even without a university degree. The key is understanding that Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) values substantial work experience, specialized skills, and high earning potential, which can often outweigh formal academic qualifications. A successful work pass application hinges on strategically positioning your professional profile to align with the specific criteria of passes like the Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, or other specialized visas. This guide will walk you through how to apply work pass Singapore, breaking down the requirements for a successful employment pass application and other viable routes.

Understanding Singapore’s Tiered Work Pass System

Singapore manages its foreign workforce through a structured, multi-tiered system designed to meet diverse economic needs. These work passes are broadly categorized for professionals, skilled and semi-skilled workers, and trainees. The system holistically evaluates foreign talent, focusing on attracting individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the economy, rather than just collecting credentials.  

For professionals without a degree, success lies in identifying the right pathway. Here’s a breakdown of the most relevant options.

1. The Employment Pass (EP): The Professional Pathway

The Employment Pass (EP) is the primary visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives (PMETs). Securing an EP is a two-stage process: you must first meet a minimum qualifying salary and then pass a points-based evaluation called the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).  

Stage 1: The Qualifying Salary

From January 2025, the minimum salary for new EP applicants starts at S5,600(S6,200 for the financial sector) and increases progressively with age. This ensures EP holders are senior or specialist professionals compensated in the top tier of the local workforce.  

Stage 2: The COMPASS Framework

After clearing the salary hurdle, your application is scored under COMPASS, where you need 40 points to pass. This is where non-degree holders can shine by leveraging other strengths.  

The scoring is based on four foundational criteria:

C1 – Salary (Up to 20 points): The higher your salary compared to local PMETs in your sector and age group, the more points you get. A salary at or above the 90th percentile earns a full 20 points.  

C2 – Qualifications (0 to 20 points): An applicant with “No degree-equivalent qualification” receives 0 points. This is the deficit you must overcome in other areas.  

C3 – Diversity (Up to 20 points): Your application scores points if your nationality is under-represented in your prospective company. Small firms with fewer than 25 PMETs automatically get 10 points here.  

C4 – Support for Local Employment (Up to 20 points): This rewards firms that have a strong core of local Singaporean employees. Again, small firms get a default of 10 points.  

How to Score 40 Points Without a Degree:

Achieving 40 points is entirely possible. Bonus points from the Shortage Occupation List (SOL)—for roles with skills in short supply—or the Strategic Economic Priorities (SEP) Bonus for firms in key growth sectors can make a huge difference.  

Scenario A: The High-Earning Expert. A candidate with a very high salary (earning 20 points) at a diverse company (earning 20 points) can easily pass with 40 points, making the degree irrelevant.

Scenario B: The Niche Specialist. A candidate with a decent salary (10 points) at a small startup (20 default points for C3 and C4) who is hired for a role on the SOL (20 bonus points) would score 50 points and pass comfortably.

2. The S Pass: The Mid-Skilled Professionals’ Route

The S Pass is designed for mid-level skilled foreign workers, such as technicians and associate professionals. It’s an excellent alternative if you don’t meet the high salary benchmark of the EP.

S Pass Eligibility Criteria:

Minimum Salary: From September 2025, the minimum salary starts at S3,300(S3,800 for financial services) and increases with age and experience.  

Qualifications and Experience: While a degree is helpful, the S Pass framework places strong value on technical certificates, diplomas, and relevant work experience. In fact, declaring educational qualifications is officially optional, though providing them strengthens your application.  

Employer Quotas and Levies: Unlike the EP, hiring on an S Pass is subject to a quota (a cap on the number of S Pass holders a company can employ) and a monthly levy paid by the employer. This means your employer must have an available quota to hire you.

3. Elite & Niche Passes for Exceptional Individuals

Singapore also offers specialized passes for top-tier global talent where exceptional achievements are valued more than academic credentials.

Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass: This premier visa is for the “best and brightest” in any field. You can qualify with a high salary (S$30,000/month) OR by demonstrating outstanding achievements in sports, arts, academia, or research. This pass offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to work for multiple companies at once, and your spouse can also work.  

EntrePass: This pass is for entrepreneurs looking to build an innovative, venture-backed business in Singapore. The focus is entirely on the strength and potential of your business idea, not your personal academic history.

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): Aimed at very high-earning professionals (minimum S$22,500/month), the PEP is not tied to a specific employer. Its high salary requirement makes it a de facto pathway for those whose extensive experience and proven success speak for themselves.  

The Work Pass Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The application process is typically managed by your employer or an authorized agent.

1. Job Offer and Fair Consideration: Your employer must first offer you a job. For EP and S Pass roles, they are usually required to advertise the position on the national MyCareersFuture portal to ensure local candidates are considered fairly.
2. Online Submission: The employer submits the work pass application online through the MOM’s portal, along with all required documents.
3. In-Principle Approval (IPA): If the application is successful, the MOM issues an IPA letter. This document serves as a pre-approved, single-entry visa for you to enter Singapore.
4. Arrival and Issuance: Once you arrive in Singapore with your IPA, your employer proceeds with the formal issuance of the pass. This may involve a medical examination and biometric (fingerprint and photo) registration.
5. Card Delivery: The physical work pass card is delivered, officially permitting you to live and work in Singapore.

Essential Documents for Your Application

While your employer will handle the submission, you’ll need to provide them with several key documents:

1. A clear copy of your passport’s personal particulars page.
2. A recent passport-sized photograph.
3. Copies of your educational certificates and professional qualifications (if you are declaring them).  
4. Your detailed resume or CV highlighting relevant work experience.  
5. A copy of your employment contract.
6. The hiring company’s business profile from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
7. Your written consent for your employer to apply on your behalf.

Note: Any documents not in English must be submitted with a certified translation.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

A university degree is not the only ticket to a successful career in Singapore. By understanding the different work pass options and strategically highlighting your skills, experience, and value, you can build a compelling case for your employment.

Navigating Singapore’s work pass system can be complex, and a well-prepared application is critical for success. To maximize your chances, it’s wise to seek expert guidance.

Ready to work in Singapore? At The Immigration People, we specialise in Employment Pass, S Pass, and other work pass applications. Our team provides personalised assessments and step-by-step support to maximise your chances of approval. Let us simplify the process so you can focus on building your career in Singapore.