---
title: "Does a Singapore university degree guarantee an Employment Pass?"
topic: "Singapore Universities & Education FAQ"
resource: "https://www.eh-immigration.com/faq/universities/does-a-singapore-university-degree-guarantee-an-employment-pass"
last_updated: "2026-09-14"
---

# Does a Singapore university degree guarantee an Employment Pass?

Last updated: 2026-09-14

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 [MOM's EP eligibility and COMPASS](https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility).

Canonical page: https://www.eh-immigration.com/faq/universities/does-a-singapore-university-degree-guarantee-an-employment-pass