Last updated: 2026-09-14
Does a Singapore university degree guarantee an Employment Pass?
No. A degree does not guarantee an Employment Pass. MOM requires the candidate to meet the qualifying salary and, unless exempted, pass the points-based COMPASS — where a top-tier qualification can earn up to 20 points but salary, diversity and local-employment criteria still matter.
What actually decides an EP
Two stages: the qualifying salary (benchmarked to the top third of local PMET salaries) and COMPASS. A strong qualification helps the C2 criterion but cannot substitute for salary or an eligible employer. See <a href="https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility" style="color:#204F3C;font-weight:600;">MOM's EP eligibility and COMPASS</a>.
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