SBL-Khas vs SBL: Which HRDF Scheme Should Your Company Use? (2026)
A clear comparison of HRD Corp grant schemes to help Malaysian HR managers pick the right one for every training situation.
The scheme is decided by who delivers the training, not by whether it is in-house or public. Use SBL-Khas (HRD Corp Claimable Courses) when an HRD Corp-registered training provider delivers it — this covers in-house sessions of 2–50 pax as well as public classes. Use SBL when your own internal trainers run the session, or for vendor, government, NGO and overseas training.
SBL-Khas vs SBL vs BL — Full Comparison
| Feature | SBL-Khas | SBL | BL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Skim Bantuan Latihan Khas | Skim Bantuan Latihan | Blended Learning |
| Best For | Any training delivered by an HRD Corp-registered training provider — in-house OR public | In-house training run by your own internal trainers; also vendor, government, NGO and overseas training | Combination of online and classroom training |
| Training Types Covered | In-house 2–50 pax; public 1–9 pax; certification unlimited; e-learning, hybrid, remote online | Same in-house 2–50 pax and public 1–9 pax ranges; plus overseas and long-term academic programmes | Blended online + classroom delivery |
| Approval Process | Grant application required before training; no upfront payment of course fees | Grant application required before training; Grants Officer reviews within 1 working day | Requires prior HRD Corp approval |
| Application Timing | In-house can be conducted 14 days after approval; public 3 days (to 31 Dec 2026, then 14 days) | Must submit and receive approval before training begins | Must submit and receive approval before training begins |
| Claim Limit | Based on levy balance; per pax per programme allowance | Based on levy balance; covers trainer fees, materials, venue | Based on levy balance; both online and offline components |
| Claim Submission | Within 6 months of training completion | Within 6 months of training completion | Within 6 months of training completion |
| Documentation | Invoice, attendance, payment proof | Invoice, attendance, trainer profile, course outline, payment proof | Invoice, attendance (online + offline), platform logs, payment proof |
*Source: HRD Corp scheme guidelines. Verify latest details on hrdcorp.gov.my
Which Scheme Should You Choose? — Decision Guide
Is the training delivered by an HRD Corp-registered training provider?
If YES, use SBL-Khas. This covers workshops, seminars, conferences and public programmes — and also in-house sessions of 2–50 pax held at your premises, a hotel or an external training place. You still apply for the grant on e-TRiS before the training date; what SBL-Khas removes is the need to pay course fees upfront.
Is it an in-house programme run by your own internal trainers?
If YES, use SBL. This is the scheme for training your own qualified employees deliver, and it is the only one that lets you claim an Internal Trainer Allowance. SBL also covers vendor product training, government and NGO-run training, and overseas programmes.
Does the training combine online and classroom components?
If YES, consider the BL (Blended Learning) scheme. This covers programmes that have both virtual and physical sessions. Prior approval is required, and you need to track attendance for both components.
Still unsure? Default to SBL-Khas.
When in doubt, SBL-Khas is the safest and fastest option for most training needs. It covers the widest range of external programmes and has the simplest process. Check with your training provider — they can confirm which scheme applies.
Common Mistakes When Choosing HRDF Schemes
Assuming SBL-Khas cannot be used for in-house training
It can — in-house of 2–50 pax is the first training type listed under HRD Corp Claimable Courses. Employers who believe SBL-Khas is "public only" route in-house programmes through SBL unnecessarily, when the trainer is actually from a registered provider.
Applying too close to the training date
Both schemes require the grant application to be submitted and approved before training begins, and in-house programmes can only be conducted 14 days after approval. Submitting after training has started results in rejection.
Submitting claims beyond 6 months
Both SBL-Khas and SBL require claim submission within 6 months of training completion (updated June 2026). Set calendar reminders immediately after training ends regardless — don't let the longer window become an excuse to lose track of documentation.
Not checking levy balance before applying
Your claim cannot exceed your available levy balance. Always verify your balance on e-TRiS before submitting any application to avoid wasted effort.
Incomplete documentation for SBL claims
SBL claims require more documents than SBL-Khas, including trainer profiles and detailed course outlines. Prepare all documents before starting the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which HRDF scheme should I use for training by an external provider?
Use HRD Corp Claimable Courses (SBL-Khas). It applies whenever the trainer comes from an HRD Corp-registered training provider, whether the session is a public class or an in-house programme at your premises. You still submit a grant application before the training date — the scheme removes the upfront payment of course fees, not the approval step.
Can I use SBL-Khas for in-house training?
Yes. HRD Corp Claimable Courses (SBL-Khas) explicitly covers in-house training — on premise, at a hotel, or at an external training place — for a minimum of 2 pax and a maximum of 50 pax. The dividing line between the schemes is who delivers the training, not in-house versus public: if your own internal trainers run the session, you apply under SBL instead.
How long does approval take, and how early must I apply?
A submitted SBL application is reviewed by a Grants Officer within one (1) working day, though queries for additional documents can extend that. The bigger constraint is the advance window after approval: effective 15 June 2026, in-house programmes can only be conducted 14 days after grant approval, and must then commence within 90 calendar days. Public training runs 3 days after approval from 15 June to 31 December 2026, reverting to 14 days from 1 January 2027.
What if my SBL application is rejected?
You can resubmit with corrections or additional supporting documents. Common rejection reasons include incomplete trainer credentials, insufficient course objectives, or insufficient levy balance. Address the specific feedback from HRD Corp before resubmitting.
Can I switch from SBL to SBL-Khas after submission?
No, you cannot switch schemes after submission. You would need to cancel the existing application and submit a new one under the correct scheme. Ensure you select the right scheme from the start.
Is there a difference in reimbursement rates between SBL-Khas and SBL?
Both schemes follow the same HRD Corp allowable cost matrix for reimbursement rates. The difference is in the approval process and eligible training types, not the reimbursement amounts. Trainer fee limits, meal allowances, and material costs follow the same rates.
Find HRDF-Registered Training Providers
Browse our verified directory of HRD Corp-registered providers. All offer SBL-Khas eligible courses with full claim documentation support.
Find HRDF Training Providers →Perbezaan SBL-Khas dan SBL — Ringkasan dalam Bahasa Melayu
Perbezaan utama antara kedua-dua skim ini bukanlah latihan dalaman (in-house) berbanding latihan awam, tetapi SIAPA yang mengendalikan latihan tersebut. SBL-Khas (HRD Corp Claimable Courses) digunakan apabila latihan dikendalikan oleh penyedia latihan berdaftar HRD Corp — termasuk latihan dalaman untuk 2 hingga 50 orang peserta di premis syarikat, hotel, atau tempat latihan luar. Kelebihan utamanya ialah majikan tidak perlu membayar yuran kursus terlebih dahulu. SBL (Skim Bantuan Latihan) pula digunakan apabila jurulatih dalaman syarikat anda sendiri yang mengendalikan latihan, dan hanya skim ini membenarkan tuntutan Elaun Jurulatih Dalaman. SBL juga meliputi latihan oleh vendor, jabatan kerajaan, NGO, dan latihan di luar negara. Kedua-dua skim memerlukan permohonan geran diluluskan sebelum latihan bermula.
Related Resources
Last verified August 2026 against hrdcorp.gov.my and the HRD Corp Support Centre scheme articles.
Free Service
Need HRDF-Claimable Training? Get Free Quotes
We match you with HRD Corp registered providers. Compare and choose — no obligation.
Takes 60 seconds · No commitment