Continuing Education and Training Courses
Explore SSI's Continuing Education and Training programme designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of professionals in the social service sector.
Last updated 21 August 2026
Overview
The Social Service Institute (SSI) provides a wide range of Continuing Education and Training (CET) programmes to help learners enhance their skills and knowledge as social service professionals. This could include certificates, diploma and degrees.
Higher Diploma in Social Service
The Diploma is designed for both new entrants and existing professionals in the social service field, particularly those aspiring to become Social Work Associates.
The goal of this programme is to give students the fundamental abilities they need to engage with vulnerable clients and stakeholders in a collaborative, client-centric, strategic and compassionate manner.
The curriculum covers key areas such as human behaviour, family life cycles, psychology, sociology, and culture, and applies these concepts to real-world social service contexts. Learners’ skills will be further enhanced by additional modules on legal frameworks, research methodologies, writing and presentation skills and utilising online information.
Successful applicants will also be required to attend an Academic Integrity Workshop and participate in a Social Service Field Experience to better prepare them for the programme and help them in their learning journey.
The diploma programme also provides an articulation pathway into a Bachelor in Social Work at the Singapore University of Social Services (SUSS), for learners who want to pursue a further education and their aspiration to become a Social Worker.
Join us for the Higher Diploma in Social Service (HDSS) Course Preview on 28 September 2026.
Requirements and Eligibility
Applicants should possess the following criteria:
A minimum grade of C6 for GCE ‘O’ level English (or its equivalent).
At least two years of full-time working experience.
Complete the complimentary e-learning course: Understanding Singapore’s Social Compact and Social Policies (opens in new tab) (download the e-certificate and submit it upon registration for this programme)1 .
This e-learning course offers an overview of Singapore's social services development, covering key principles, six areas of social service provision and future challenges.
Applicants should also possess any one of the following qualifications:
SSI Advanced Certificate in Social Service
WSQ Advanced Certificate in Social Service
SGUS Social Service Assistance Programme
SSI Diploma in Social Service
SSI Diploma in Disability Studies
SIM-SSTI Specialist Diploma in Human Services
Diploma from local polytechnic
Two GCE 'A' and two 'AO' levels passes
All shortlisted applicants will have to sit for a Written Aptitude Test (WAT). Only applicants who successfully pass the WAT will be considered for admission into the programme.
Course Details
Cohort Size: One cohort of 25 pax
No of Modules: Nine
Programme Duration: 16 months. This is a part-time course with lessons being conducted two to three times a week.
Programme Date: February 2025 to August 2026
Course Timing: 7pm to 10 pm
Full Fees: $10,800 (before GST)*
Estimated Nett Fees: $3,240 (after SSG Subsidy)*
GST on Nett Fees: $291.60*
Total Payable Course Fees after SSG Funding: $3,531.60 (including 9% GST for courses commencing 2024 onwards)*
Assessment: Written Assessment and Written Assignment
Mandatory Components: Programme Orientation in January 2025 (exact date TBC)
All learners will also be required to undergo the Social Service Field Experience (except for learners who have undergone the Social Service Field experience in the WSQ ACSS or SSI ACSS programme).
Eligible Learners will be provided with the details for the Social Service Field Experience registration and payment of S$180 (before GST) separately by the programme coordinator.
Course fees for the programme have to be paid upon acceptance of the offer letter within the timeline provided in the offer letter.
Learners must achieve at least 75% attendance per module and be certified competent in all the assessment components in order to be eligible for Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) funding. Learners or their sponsoring organisations will have to pay the full course fees in the event that the learners fail to meet the attendance/ assessment requirements and/or any other terms and conditions for SSG funding eligibility.
*Please note that course fees are subjected to changes.
FAQ
Explore our FAQ for detailed answers and guidance (opens in new tab) about the Higher Diploma in Social Service.
Advanced Certificate in Social Service
The Advanced Certificate is a foundational programme designed to give students the knowledge and skills they need to become resilient, client-focused and compassionate practitioners.
It equips individuals to effectively support stakeholders, collaborate with volunteers in Social Service Agencies (SSAs) and provide clients with appropriate support. Additionally, para-counselling is covered in the program, enabling students to offer beneficial service support.
Join us for the Advanced Certificate in Social Service (ACSS) Course Preview on 28 September 2026.
Requirements and Eligibility
Applicants must:
Have a Grade of C6 for GCE 'O' Level English (or equivalent).
Complete the complimentary e-learning course: Understanding Singapore’s Social Compact and Social Policies (opens in new tab) (download the e-certificate and submit it upon registration for this programme).
This e-learning course offers an overview of Singapore's social services development, covering key principles, six areas of social service provision and future challenges.
Applicants should also possess at least one of the following criteria:
At least 2 years of working experience (for applicants with a minimum of 3 GCE 'O' Level credits).
NITEC in Community Care and Social Services with at least 1.5 years of full-time working experience (including industry attachment)
Course Details
Cohort Size: 20 pax
Programme Duration: 13 months. This is a part time course with lessons being conducted two to three times a week.
Course Timing: 7 pm to 10 pm
Fees: Full Fees: $9,100*
Estimated Nett Fees: $2,730* (excluding GST, after SSG subsidy).
GST on Nett Fees: $245.70*
Total Payable Course Fees after SSG Funding: $2,975.70* (including GST)
Course fees must be paid prior to the course start date, upon the acceptance of offer and within the given timeline provided in the offer letter.
Learners must achieve at least 75% attendance per module and be certified competent in all the assessment components in order to be eligible for Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) funding. Learners or their sponsoring organisations will have to pay the full course fees in the event that the learners fail to meet the attendance/ assessment requirements and/or any other terms and conditions for SSG funding eligibility.
*Please note that course fees are subject to changes.
FAQ
Explore our FAQ for detailed answers and guidance (opens in new tab) about the Advanced Certifcate in Social Service.
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