Last updated 23 April 2025
There are various opportunities for your son or ward to continue learning while serving National Service (NS). This includes self-paced online courses and sponsored diplomas.
The SkillsFuture@National Service (SF@NS) initiatives provide your son or ward with learning, education and career opportunities towards the last few months of his full-time National Service (NS). These initiatives provide access for NSFs to gain practical personal and professional skills, and facilitate transition from NS to further studies or into the workforce.
Unlimited access to over 75,000 online courses
For your son or ward’s last 3 to 6 months of NS
Information about career and education opportunities
Meet prospective employers and education institutes
Learn practical career skills such as:
resume writing
networking
workplace communication
Visit the OneNS web portal for more information on the SkillsFuture@NS initiatives.
Your son or ward can apply to study for a diploma or attain partial university credits while serving National Service (NS) under the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) Work-Learn Schemes (WLS). Under these schemes, he will:
Serve up to 4 years with SAF
Undergo specialised on-the-job training
Obtain a MINDEF-sponsored diploma or partial university credits
The 4 years of service includes both full-time NS and Regular service. This means that your son or ward will receive a Regular service salary after completing the full-time NS component of his contract.
These are the 8 Work-Learn Schemes available:
Vocations
Medic Specialists (Diploma)
Army Technicians (Diploma)
Supply Supervisors (Diploma)
NSF Trainers (Partial university credits)
How to apply
Complete the Army Recruitment Centre (ARC) Work Learn Scheme Application form.
Alternatively, contact ARC at 1800 687 2769 or arcoffr@defence.gov.sg.
Vocation
Naval Warfare System Specialists (Diploma)
How to apply
Complete the Navy Recruitment Centre (NRC) Work Learn Scheme Interest Form.
Alternatively, contact NRC at 1800 278 0000 or navycareers@defence.gov.sg.
Vocation
Air Force Technicians (Diploma or partial university credits)
How to apply
Complete the Air Force Recruitment Centre (AFRC) Work Study Diploma Application Form.
Alternatively, contact AFRC at 1800 270 1010.
Vocations
Cyber Specialists (Partial university credits)
Digital Specialists (Partial university credits)
How to apply
Complete the Digital and Intelligence Service Recruitment Centre (DIRC) Work Learn Scheme Application Form.
Alternatively, contact DIRC at disworklearn@defence.gov.sg.