CPF Education Withdrawal Singapore: How to Pay Tuition Fees with CPF

CPF Education Withdrawal Singapore: How to Pay Tuition Fees with CPF

CPF Education Withdrawal allows Singapore CPF members (or their children) to use CPF Ordinary Account (OA) funds to pay for approved full-time higher education courses at designated institutions. The scheme reduces the cash burden of tuition fees but requires repayment with accrued interest after studies. This article is for informational purposes only. Refer to the CPF Board website for the latest rules.

CPF Education Withdrawal Singapore

What is CPF Education Withdrawal?

The CPF Education Scheme allows CPF members to use their OA savings to pay tuition and miscellaneous fees for approved courses. The member can use their own OA or their parent’s/guardian’s OA. Only the OA (not SA or MediSave) can be used for education withdrawals.

Eligible Institutions and Courses

As at Q1 2026, the CPF Education Scheme covers full-time subsidised diploma and degree courses at: Singapore’s five autonomous universities (NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, SUSS), polytechnics (Ngee Ann, Singapore, Temasek, Nanyang, Republic), and ITE for certain courses. Part-time courses are generally not eligible.

How Much Can You Withdraw?

The amount is capped at total tuition and miscellaneous fees payable after government subsidies, CPF grants, and bursaries. You can only withdraw up to the available OA balance. There is no fixed SGD cap per year — it depends on your course fee and OA balance.

Repayment Rules

Repayment must begin within 1 year of completing or leaving your course. The repayment period is up to 12 years. Repayment must be made in cash — returned to your own CPF OA (or your parent’s OA if they funded the withdrawal). Early repayment is encouraged since interest accrues continuously.

Interest Accrual and True Cost

The withdrawn amount accrues CPF OA interest at 2.5% per annum during the course and repayment period. This interest must also be repaid. The longer you delay repayment, the higher the total owed. See our CPF Retirement Sum Calculator and CPF Investment Strategy guide for broader context.

CPF Education Withdrawal vs Tuition Fee Loan

Tuition Fee Loans (TFL) from POSB/DBS and OCBC charge approximately 4.75% per annum. CPF OA interest at 2.5% is lower — making CPF Education Withdrawal a cheaper financing option, provided you repay promptly. However, using OA reduces housing purchase power and retirement savings. Use our CPF FIRE Number Calculator to model impact on your retirement trajectory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use CPF for education in Singapore?
CPF members can use their own OA or a parent’s/guardian’s OA to pay for approved full-time courses at designated local institutions. The member must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
What is the CPF Education Scheme interest rate?
The withdrawn amount accrues CPF OA interest at 2.5% per annum during and after your course until fully repaid. This accrued interest must also be repaid in cash.
Do I have to repay CPF education withdrawal?
Yes. Repayment is mandatory and must begin within 1 year of completing or leaving your course. Repayment must be in cash back into the CPF OA from which funds were withdrawn.
Can I use CPF MediSave or Special Account for education?
No. Only CPF OA funds can be used for the CPF Education Scheme. MediSave is restricted to healthcare and insurance. SA funds are locked for retirement.
What happens if I do not repay CPF education withdrawal?
Failure to repay is treated as a loan default. The CPF Board can take legal action to recover the outstanding amount, which continues to accrue interest. Early repayment saves money.