[Visa] COMPASS Guide ③ C2 Qualifications - Is Your Uni Top-Tier?

COMPASS Mastery Series Part 1: Understanding the 6 Evaluation Criteria | Part 2: C1 Salary Benchmarks by Sector | Part 3: C2 Education Criteria (This Post) | Part 4: Exemption Conditions

Quick Overview

• Top-tier Universities (20 pts): Includes 6 major Korean universities like SNU, Yonsei, and Korea University
• Degree-equivalent (10 pts): All recognized Bachelor's degrees and professional qualifications worldwide
• 2026 Changes: Stricter education verification and expanded recognition for AI/Data-related professional certifications

When working or preparing for a job change in Singapore, the first practical hurdle you'll face is the visa. With the introduction of the COMPASS scoring system, many naturally wonder, "How many points is my university worth according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)?"

The criteria for scoring aren't just about a school being 'good'; the Singapore government has very specific benchmarks. Today, we’ll dive deep into the C2 Education category, which is of most interest to Korean applicants.

20 pts vs 10 pts: What is Your Degree Worth?

The COMPASS C2 category divides an applicant's educational background into two tiers. Whether you receive 20 points or 10 points can significantly impact your overall visa approval probability. The scoring system is as follows:

It is important to note that not being from a Top-tier university does not mean your visa will be rejected. A standard Bachelor’s degree still secures a baseline of 10 points. However, scoring 20 points makes it much easier to compensate for other categories where you might be short (e.g., salary or diversity).

Which Korean Universities are 'Top-tier'?

This is likely the question on everyone's mind. MOM updates its list annually based on global rankings like QS and THE. As of 2026, there are currently six universities in Korea that qualify for the full 20 points:

1. Seoul National University (SNU)
2. KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)
3. POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology)
4. Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
5. Yonsei University
6. Korea University

Graduates from these institutions automatically receive 20 points in the C2 category. However, a word of caution: starting January 2026, the list may become more granular. There are indications that some universities might be classified under 'Group B,' where points are only awarded for specific majors or programs. It is wise to double-check the MOM website to ensure your graduation year and degree match their records exactly.

No Degree? Professional Qualifications are Your Lifesaver!

For those asking, "What if I don't have a Bachelor's degree?" or "Is there another way to boost my score if my university isn't on the list?", there is an alternative: Degree-equivalent Qualifications.

MOM recognizes expertise in specific fields as equivalent to a degree. This is particularly advantageous for those in finance or accounting. Key recognized qualifications include:

• Finance/Accounting: CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), ACCA, and national CPA certifications
• Law/Healthcare: Licensed lawyers or medical doctors in their respective countries
• Tech/Engineering: Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect licenses

2026 Update! In line with digital transformation, approximately 20 new certifications are expected to be added. High-level certifications related to Cybersecurity, AI/ML, and Data Science are likely to be included, offering a great opportunity for IT professionals.

2026: Stricter Education Verification

The Singapore government's recent stance is focused on eliminating 'fake degrees.' While submitting a copy of your diploma used to be sufficient, Third-party Verification is now becoming mandatory.

You must go through designated verification agencies like DataFlow to confirm the authenticity of your degree directly with the school. This process can take anywhere from two weeks to over a month. If you are preparing for a job change, it is best for your peace of mind to have your original degree and English certificates ready before you even receive an offer.

Practical Strategies for Lower Education Scores

What if your university isn't Top-tier and you don't have a professional certification? Don't be discouraged—COMPASS is a cumulative scoring system!

1. Boost C1 Salary Points: If your salary falls within the top 10–25% for your sector, you can earn 20 points.
2. Target C5 Shortage Occupation List (SOL): If your role is in a shortage occupation (e.g., healthcare, cybersecurity), you can earn up to 20 bonus points.
3. Leverage C3 Diversity Points: Moving to a company with fewer Korean employees can help you gain points from the company's diversity score (C3) to offset lower education points.

Ultimately, the goal is to reach a total of 40 points, not to get a perfect score in every single category!

References

• MOM - Official Guide to C2 Qualifications
• Fragomen - 2026 COMPASS Educational Institutions Update Report
• MOM - Overview of the COMPASS Framework