What changed
HRD Corp has updated the timeline rules for launching training under the HRD Corp Claimable Courses programme, which lets registered employers use their HRD levy funds to pay for in-house or public training of at least four hours, plus other allowable costs such as meal allowance, daily allowance, consumable training materials, hotel/venue rental, and airfare or transportation.
The key update relates to how soon a training programme can start after grant approval is given via e-TRiS. For in-house training, effective 15 June 2026, programmes can be conducted just 14 days after grant approval. For public training, a shorter 3-day advance approval window applies specifically from 15 June to 31 December 2026, after which the rule reverts to 14 days from 1 January 2027 onwards, aligning it with in-house training.
Who is affected
This affects HRD Corp-registered employers who plan to send staff for in-house or public training and claim the cost from their HRD levy, as well as training providers who deliver HRD Corp claimable courses and need to plan scheduling around approval timelines.
Employers relying on the older Employers' Circular No. 3/2020, which enhanced the terms and conditions for financial assistance, should also check whether these new timelines interact with existing conditions in that circular.
Key rules employers must follow
Once grant approval is obtained, the approved training programme must commence within 90 calendar days after completion of the applicable advance-approval period (14 days for in-house, or 3 days for public training between 15 June–31 December 2026).
Training claims must then be submitted within six (6) months from the training's completion date.
Applications must be submitted via e-TRiS before the training date commences, with supporting documents such as quotation/invoice, training schedule or course content, and trainer profile. At claim stage, documents like itinerary (for airfare) and receipts/invoices (for transportation) may be required, if applicable.
Employers are not required to pay training fees to the provider upfront before claiming, which is intended to ease cash-flow burden. Certification programmes or mandatory Industrial Base programmes have unlimited trainee numbers and fees, subject to the Allowable Cost Matrix (ACM) for other expense limits.
What employers and providers should do now
Review the Allowable Cost Matrix (ACM) on the HRD Corp website to understand claimable cost items, maximum claim amounts, and eligibility per training type.
Training providers scheduling public training between 15 June and 31 December 2026 should note the shortened 3-day window and plan grant applications and course dates accordingly so training can commence within the 90-day rule.
Employers should build in buffer time for e-TRiS applications, factoring in the 14-day (in-house) or 3-day (public, mid-2026 only) advance approval requirement, and track the 90-day commencement deadline and 6-month claim submission deadline to avoid losing eligibility.
Source: HRD Corp Claimable Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HRD Corp Claimable Courses programme?
It's an HRDF scheme that allows HRD Corp-registered employers to fund in-house or public training (minimum 4 hours) for employees using their training levy, covering costs like meal allowance, daily allowance, consumable materials, venue rental, and travel, subject to the Allowable Cost Matrix.
When can HRD Corp in-house training start after grant approval?
Effective 15 June 2026, in-house training programmes can be conducted 14 days after grant approval, and must commence within 90 calendar days after that 14-day period ends.
How soon can public training start under HRD Corp in 2026?
From 15 June to 31 December 2026, public training programmes can be conducted just 3 days after grant approval. From 1 January 2027, this reverts to the standard 14-day rule used for in-house training.
What is the deadline to submit HRDF training claims?
According to the source, training claims must be submitted within six (6) months from the completion date of the training programme.
Do employers need to pay training providers before claiming from HRD Corp?
No. Employers are not required to pay the training fees to the provider upfront, which is meant to reduce their financial burden while awaiting the HRD Corp claim.