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Last Updated: 24 Apr 2024

Deferment to pursue further studies

You need to apply for deferment to pursue full-time further studies at Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) without government grant, in a private or an overseas institution. Learn how to apply.

You must apply for a bond deferment to pursue full-time further studies:
  • Without tuition grant in polytechnics, Institute of Technical Education, arts institutions, and autonomous universities in Singapore. This includes diploma, advanced or specialist diploma, undergraduate or post-graduate courses.
  • At a private institution.
  • At an overseas institution.
  • If you are working, and your company has granted you no-pay leave for your studies.

You do not need to apply for a bond deferment if you:

Pursue part-time further studies while working full-time
Please remember to update your employment status and information on the TG&S portal.
Apply for another Service Obligation grant to further your studies
  • If you have an existing bond obligation after graduating from your previous course and you are eligible to apply for another Service Obligation grant to further your studies, your institution will arrange for you to sign a new Service Obligation Agreement.
  • The new Agreement allows you to defer your existing bond until you have graduated from further studies.
  • Once you have started working, you can serve your bond concurrently with any outstanding Service Obligation grant bond obligation from your previous course.

How to apply

  1. Submit a request for deferment via the TG&S portal at least 6 weeks before the start of your course. You can refer to the step-by-step guide.
  2. Upload the course acceptance letter onto the TG&S portal. The letter should have the start and end dates of the course.
  3. Submit a Banker’s Guarantee.

If you have recently graduated and tried to apply for deferment on the TG&S portal, but received an error message, contact us for assistance.

  • You must obtain our approval for deferment before you commence your further studies. You may be liable to pay liquidated damages if you fail to do so.
  • If the deferment is approved, you must serve the outstanding tuition grant bond in a Singapore entity upon graduation from your further studies.

Extending your deferment

You can apply for an extension through the TG&S portal. You must obtain a letter from your institution indicating that you need more time to complete your further studies.

The letter should include the:

  1. Reasons for the extension.
  2. Length of extension required.

Extension of deferment to pursue a new course of study will not be approved. You must apply for a second deferment.

You must apply at least 6 weeks before the expiry of your current deferment period. Failure to submit your application on time could result in rejection and you would be liable for liquidated damages.

Applying for second deferment

Your second bond deferment request will only be considered if you have served at least 18 months of your bond period. 

You must submit a request for deferment via the TG&S portal at least 6 weeks before you start your further studies.