TFIP 2026: not running this year. How it worked, and what to apply to instead
The Institute of Banking and Finance says it will not run TFIP in 2026. In past cycles TFIP was an 18-month, full-time programme of training plus a placement at a bank, paying S$5,500 a month. Applicants sat an online aptitude test, then interviewed with up to three banks. If you were waiting for TFIP, that's a frustrating year to lose. The closest paid alternatives are AI Singapore's apprenticeship, CSIT's cyber traineeship, SGInnovate's PowerX and employer-run traineeships.
- IBF's TFIP page says it will not run TFIP in 2026.
- The 2025 cycle: 18 months, Software Engineering (with AI) and Data Analytics tracks, S$5,500 a month with no CPF or income tax.
- Selection: aptitude test (results not released), then interviews with up to 3 preferred banks.
- Offers came through IBF, and candidates reported about 3 days to accept.
- Leaving early lets the host bank charge a penalty to recover training costs.
Is TFIP running in 2026?
No. IBF's programme page says it will not conduct TFIP this year. Its FAQ still describes the 2025 cycle, which is the most recent set of official rules. If IBF announces a future intake, it will appear on that page first.
How TFIP worked in 2025
- Format. Full-time for 18 months, combining structured training with an attachment at a financial institution. No job was guaranteed at the end.
- Tracks. Software Engineering (with AI application) and Data Analytics in 2025. Earlier cycles had more tracks, including cloud, cyber and business analysis.
- Allowance. S$5,500 a month, not subject to CPF or income tax, for the whole programme.
- Selection. An aptitude assessment for eligible applicants, then shortlisting and interviews by up to 3 preferred financial institutions. IBF does not release aptitude results.
- Commitment. Selected applicants had to resign from their jobs. Withdrawal needed a month's notice, and the host bank could impose a penalty to recover training costs.
The tests and the timeline candidates reported
| Stage | What candidates reported |
|---|---|
| Aptitude test | Run on TestGorilla for software and data tracks, AgilenLite for cyber and cloud, HireQuotient for the AI track (2022-2023). Webcam and full-screen proctoring |
| Data analytics test | 2022: 10 multiple-choice questions, 10 minutes each, on algebra, logic and patterns, with no going back |
| Bank screening | Some banks added their own step: DBS's Predictive Index questionnaire through its JIM chatbot, UBS's culture test |
| Interviews | Usually September in mid-year cycles; a 2025 cycle held them in March |
| Offers | Consolidated by IBF and sent through RecruiterPal; about 3 days to accept |
| Start | Training began between December and February in mid-year cycles; 30 June in 2025 |
Paid alternatives to TFIP
Read the bond before you sign. Several of these programmes tie you to an employer for two or three years and charge for leaving early.
| Programme | Who it is for | Pay | Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Singapore AI Apprenticeship (AIAP) | People with prior AI and machine learning knowledge | Monthly stipend and sponsored fees (an OECD listing gives S$3,500 - S$5,500) | Technical assessment, then interview. 95% attendance; drop out and you repay the sponsored value |
| CSIT Cyber Traineeship (CCTP) | Singaporeans entering cybersecurity | S$2,500, then S$3,500 (with CPF) | Six months' training, two-year bond; the July 2026 class closed on 30 April 2026 |
| SGInnovate PowerX | Singaporeans and PRs with a diploma or degree, STEM preferred | Up to S$5,000 a month in support | 12-month traineeship; candidates reported a pattern test and a HackerRank test |
| Temus Step IT Up | Singaporeans without an IT background | Stipend, then a full-time job | Candidates reported about S$3,000 in training; the 4th intake closed in March 2025 |
| Red Alpha (cybersecurity) | Career switchers into cyber | Candidates reported S$2,500 in training, at least S$4,000 after | Candidates reported a three-year bond |
| Grab GRIT | Early-career tech trainees | Candidates reported S$2,400 a month | Six months, classed as an internship |
Most of these programmes start with an aptitude test
Practise timed numerical and logical questions on forge, starting with the free diagnostic.
Take the free diagnosticWhat we could not confirm
IBF has not said whether TFIP will return in 2027. Pay for Red Alpha, Temus and Grab comes from candidates, not the employers. Programme pages change between intakes, so confirm the current allowance and bond on each official page before applying.
Sources
- IBF: Technology in Finance Immersion Programme
- IBF: TFIP frequently asked questions
- CSIT: Cyber Traineeship Programme
- SGInnovate: PowerX
- AI Singapore: AIAP obligations
- Temus: Step IT Up Singapore
Related guides
- TestGorilla tests explained
- Predictive Index (DBS)
- Singapore graduate and intern pay
- Notice periods, bonds and non-competes
- Singapore graduate hiring calendar
Frequently asked questions
Is TFIP running in 2026?
No. IBF's TFIP page says it will not conduct TFIP this year. The 2025 cycle is the most recent with published rules.
How much was the TFIP allowance?
In 2025, S$5,500 a month for the Software Engineering (with AI application) and Data Analytics tracks, not subject to CPF contribution or income tax. Some earlier tracks, such as business analysis, paid S$4,500.
What was the TFIP aptitude test like?
Candidates reported online tests on TestGorilla, AgilenLite or HireQuotient depending on the track, with webcam and full-screen proctoring. The 2022 data analytics test had 10 multiple-choice questions on algebra, logic and patterns, 10 minutes each, with no going back.
Could you leave TFIP early?
Withdrawal needed a month's notice and a reason, and the host financial institution could impose a penalty to recover the cost of training.
What can I apply to instead of TFIP in 2026?
AI Singapore's AI Apprenticeship Programme, CSIT's Cyber Traineeship, SGInnovate's PowerX traineeship and employer-run traineeships such as Temus Step IT Up. Each has its own eligibility, pay and bond, so check the official page for the current intake.
Applying in Singapore?
Singapore hiring processes by employer covers the steps at each employer, from application to offer.
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