PEI OR application in Singapore, for new and existing private schools.
Our PEI OR application service covers both routes: Organisation Registration for existing PEIs (OR-PEI) to offer SWDA-funded courses, and registration as a new Private Education Institution under the Enhanced Registration Framework, including your Academic and Examination Boards. We are a registered PEI ourselves.
OUR OWN ACADEMY: TPQA GRADE 1 · REGISTERED PEI · IBF-ACCREDITED COURSES
You may not need a PEI at all
A part-time certificate alone does not need PEI registration, while a full-time certificate, diploma or degree does. Choosing the wrong course type can undo months of planning.
Setting up the two boards is a real hurdle
You need an Academic Board and an Examination Board of at least three members each, with more than half suitably qualified or experienced. We help you set up both.
The entry rules are concrete
New applicants also need at least S$100,000 paid-up capital and premises that meet the rules, all in place before they can rely on them.
No advertising before you are granted
You cannot advertise or recruit while your application is pending, and fees are non-refundable, so a stalled application directly delays your revenue.
What registering a Private Education Institution really involves
A Private Education Institution (PEI) offers private education under the Private Education Act 2009. SWDA now regulates PEIs and administers EduTrust. PEI registration and SWDA's Organisation Registration (OR) are different things, and a “PEI OR application” is an existing PEI applying for OR. People also search for a “PEI ATO application”, so we start by checking which one you need.
You apply through GoBusiness Licensing with Corppass. The stated fee is S$535 for registration and S$20 per course, and it is non-refundable. SWDA gives about 40 working days once an application is complete, but clarification rounds and the site inspection decide how long it really takes.
Tertiary Infotech Academy went through this process as an applicant and is a registered PEI at tertiaryinfotech.edu.sg. Our PEI service uses what the regulator actually asked us, including management's harder questions after the inspection.
Not sure where you stand? Get a free PEI route check.
Talk to a consultant →PEI OR application (OR-PEI)
Already a PEI and want to offer SWDA-funded courses? SWDA streamlined this route from 1 January 2026. Several supporting documents fall away because they were assessed under ERF. Non-EduTrust PEIs get a desktop evaluation of Systems and Capabilities instead of an on-site assessment. EduTrust-certified PEIs do not submit SOPs for that requirement and have no on-site assessment.
Course structure first
Full-time means at least one month, five days a week and three hours a day. We settle the course type, entry requirements and teacher qualifications before anything else.
Academic and Examination Boards
We help you set up both boards: composition, members' qualifications, appointment and acceptance letters and declarations, plus manager fit-and-proper checks.
Premises and contracts
At least one classroom plus an admin area, signage, capacity, student contracts, Form 12 and fee-collection limits.
Site inspection and go-live
Preparation for the inspection, then your live website checked against disclosure requirements after grant.
What you get with our PEI OR Application.
We have done it ourselves
Our PEI service is based on our own registration, not only on the published notes.
Right route first
We check whether a PEI is needed at all, which can save you a great deal of time and money.
Boards set up with you
We help you set up the Academic Board and Examination Board the application requires.
Harder questions prepared
We prepare you for what management asks after the inspection, on the credibility of people and courses.
After the grant
Notifications, annual returns and renewal timing explained so that you stay compliant.
How our PEI OR Application works, in 5 steps.
Route first, then build. SWDA states about 40 working days once complete; clarifications and inspection can extend this.
- 1Free · 30 min
Route Check
Do you need a PEI, and can your course be permitted? We answer this first.
- 2
Readiness Review
Entity, capital, name, managers, boards, premises and teachers checked.
- 3
Quotation
A fixed-fee proposal based on your courses and readiness.
- 4
Build & Submit
Self-checklist documents, course packs and application, filed by you on GoBusiness.
- 5
Inspection & Grant
Clarification replies and inspection preparation, through to go-live.
- STEP 1 · Free · 30 min
Route Check
Do you need a PEI, and can your course be permitted? We answer this first.
- STEP 2
Readiness Review
Entity, capital, name, managers, boards, premises and teachers checked.
- STEP 3
Quotation
A fixed-fee proposal based on your courses and readiness.
- STEP 4
Build & Submit
Self-checklist documents, course packs and application, filed by you on GoBusiness.
- STEP 5
Inspection & Grant
Clarification replies and inspection preparation, through to go-live.
- PEI OR application (OR-PEI) for existing PEIs adding SWDA-funded courses
- PEI service route check and readiness review
- Course structure and entry requirements
- Academic Board and Examination Board set-up
- Manager and teacher declarations support
- Premises checklist
- Student contract, Form 12 and fee policies
- Website and disclosure review
- Clarification replies and site-inspection preparation
Common questions about PEI OR Application.
Got a different question? Ask it in the form and a consultant will answer directly.
What is a PEI OR application?
A PEI OR application is an existing Private Education Institution applying to SWDA for Organisation Registration, so that it can offer SWDA-funded courses as well. SWDA calls this OR-PEI and streamlined it from 1 January 2026. SWDA still decides each application.
We are an SWDA-funded provider. Is becoming a PEI streamlined too?
No. SWDA says ERF registration stays unchanged for an existing SWDA-funded provider applying to become a PEI, because it is set by the Private Education Act and Regulations.
What is a PEI ATO application?
It is how people often describe registering as a Private Education Institution in Singapore. Strictly, it is PEI registration under the Enhanced Registration Framework, which is separate from an SWDA ATO application.
Who regulates PEIs now?
SWDA exercises the functions under the Private Education Act 2009 and administers EduTrust.
Do I need to be a PEI for short courses?
Not always. A part-time certificate alone does not need PEI registration, and courses of one month or 50 hours or less that are not diplomas or degrees do not need course permission. We check your exact plan.
Can you help set up the Academic and Examination Boards?
Yes. We help you set up both boards to the requirements: at least three members each, with more than half holding a qualification one level above your top award or five years' relevant experience. The members must be genuine and able to serve.
How much paid-up capital do I need?
A new applicant needs at least S$100,000 paid-up capital, shown on your BizFile.
Can a PEI enrol foreign students?
Only EduTrust-certified PEIs can enrol foreign students on a student pass route. Plan for this early if it matters to your business.
How long does it take?
SWDA states about 40 working days once complete. In practice, allow more time for clarification rounds and the site inspection.
Can you guarantee registration?
No. SWDA decides. We help you avoid the mistakes that cause returned applications and long delays.
Ready to start? Talk to a consultant.
Start with your free PEI route check. We'll tell you what's realistic before you spend a dollar.
Tertiary Infotech Academy is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with SWDA or IBF. Decisions rest with the regulator, and no approval or grade can be guaranteed.