HRD Corp Claimable Courses: A Guide for Malaysian Employer

Introduction

Employee training and development are important for organisations that want to improve productivity, strengthen employee capabilities and remain competitive. In Malaysia, employers registered with the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) can use their levy contributions to support eligible employee training throughHRD Corp Claimable Courses.

HRD Corp Claimable Courses is a programme designed to help registered employers retrain and upskill their employees according to their operational and business requirements. The programme can support different types of training, including in-house, public, online and other approved learning formats. (HRD Corp)

What Are HRD Corp Claimable Courses?

HRD Corp Claimable Courses, formerly known as the SBL-Khas scheme, allows eligible HRD Corp-registered employers to apply for financial assistance for approved employee training.

Under the scheme, the training programme must be registered with HRD Corp and conducted by a registered training provider. Employers apply for the training grant through the HRD Corp e-TRiS system before the training begins. (HRD Corp)

The scheme is intended to make it easier for employers to use their levy contributions for meaningful employee development while reducing the financial burden associated with training.

What Types of Training Are Covered?

HRD Corp Claimable Courses can cover different training arrangements depending on the programme and applicable requirements.

Examples include:

• In-house training – Training conducted specifically for employees of an organisation.
• Public training – Employees attend training programmes that are open to participating employers.
• Online learning – Employees participate in approved online training programmes.
• Remote online training – Training is delivered remotely through online platforms.
• E-learning – Employees complete structured digital learning programmes.
• Blended learning – A combination of online learning and other approved training methods.
• Coaching and mentoring – Individual or small-group development focused on improving employee skills and performance.
• Job coaching – Training designed to support persons with disabilities in developing practical workplace skills.
• Certification programmes – Approved certification or mandatory industrial-based training programmes. (HRD Corp Support Centre)

The eligibility and financial assistance available can differ according to the type of training, training format and applicable HRD Corp requirements.

Who Can Apply?

HRD Corp Claimable Courses are intended for employers registered with HRD Corp.

Employers should ensure that they meet the relevant requirements before submitting an application. For example, employers with outstanding levy and interest are not eligible to apply for financial assistance under the HRD Corp Claimable Courses scheme.(HRD Corp Support Centre)

The training provider must also be registered with HRD Corp, and the relevant training programme must meet the applicable registration requirements.

What Costs Can Be Claimed?

Depending on the training programme and the applicable Allowable Cost Matrix, employers may be able to claim eligible training-related expenses.

These may include:

• Course fees
• Meal allowance
• Trainee allowance
• Consumable training materials
• Transportation
• Airfare
• Hotel rental package or training venue rental
• Internet data costs for eligible remote online learning

Not every cost is automatically claimable. Employers should check the latest HRD Corp Allowable Cost Matrix and the approved grant conditions before making a claim. (HRD Corp)

Minimum Training Duration

HRD Corp states that HRD Corp Claimable Courses generally require a minimum training duration of four hours.

The applicable claimable amount can depend on the training format and number of training hours. For example, HRD Corp guidance provides different calculation methods for training conducted on an hourly or daily basis. (HRD Corp)

Therefore, employers should confirm the current allowable rate and calculation method before submitting their grant application.

How to Apply for HRD Corp Claimable Courses

The application process is completed through the HRD Corp e-TRiS system.

Step 1: Select a Suitable Training Programme

Employers should identify a training programme that matches their employees’ skills gaps, business needs and development objectives.

Step 2: Select a Registered Training Provider

The training provider should be registered with HRD Corp and the programme should meet the relevant HRD Corp Claimable Courses requirements. (HRD Corp)

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Common supporting documents include:

• Course quotation or invoice
• Training schedule or course content
• Trainer profile

HRD Corp may request additional documents where necessary for verification. (HRD Corp)

Step 4: Submit the Grant Application

The employer submits the application through e-TRiS before the training commencement date.

Employers should not assume that a training programme is claimable simply because it is offered by a training provider. The appropriate grant approval and applicable requirements must be followed.

Step 5: Conduct the Training

Once the required approval period has been completed, the approved training programme can proceed according to the grant conditions.

Step 6: Submit the Claim

After the training has been completed, the relevant claim must be submitted with the required supporting documents.

HRD Corp states that training claims must generally be submitted within six months after the completion of the training programme. (HRD Corp Support Centre)

Important 2026 Changes Employers Should Know

Employers should pay attention to the current approval timelines.

For in-house training, HRD Corp states that, effective 15 June 2026, programmes can be conducted 14 days after grant approval. The approved programme must commence within 90 calendar days after the completion of the 14-day advance approval requirement.

For public training, a temporary three-day advance approval period applies from 15 June to 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027, the requirement is scheduled to return to the 14-day rule. (HRD Corp)

Because HRD Corp requirements can change, employers should always check the latest official guidelines before applying.

Benefits of Using HRD Corp Claimable Courses

1. Reduce Training Costs

Eligible employers can use their HRD Corp levy to support approved employee training, helping reduce the financial burden of professional development.

2. Improve Employee Skills

Training can help employees develop technical, digital, communication, leadership and other workplace skills.

3. Support Business Performance

A more skilled workforce can contribute to better productivity, improved work processes and stronger organisational performance.

4. Encourage Continuous Learning

Regular training creates opportunities for employees to continuously improve their knowledge and capabilities.

5. Support Workforce Development

By investing in employee development, organisations can prepare their workforce for changing technologies, business requirements and industry expectations.

What Should Employers Check Before Applying?

Before submitting an application, employers should consider the following:

• Is the company registered with HRD Corp?
• Does the selected training provider meet HRD Corp requirements?
• Is the training programme registered and eligible?
• Does the course match the company’s training needs?
• Has the application been submitted before training starts?
• Are the quotation, course content and trainer profile available?
• Are the expected costs allowable under the current rules?
• Is the training duration sufficient?
• Are attendance records and supporting documents properly maintained?
• Will the claim be submitted within the required timeframe?

Checking these details in advance can help reduce delays, queries or potential issues during the claim process.

HRD Corp Claimable Courses for Employee Development

HRD Corp Claimable Courses can be a useful option for Malaysian employers looking to invest in employee development while making effective use of their HRD Corp levy.

From leadership and communication programmes to digital skills, coaching, technical training and other approved learning programmes, organisations can select training that supports their workforce and business objectives.

However, claimable does not mean automatically approved. Employers should always follow the current HRD Corp requirements, obtain the necessary grant approval and ensure that the training provider, programme, costs and documentation meet the applicable conditions. (HRD Corp)

Conclusion

HRD Corp Claimable Courses provide Malaysian employers with an opportunity to strengthen their workforce through structured training and development. By using the scheme correctly, companies can invest in employee skills while making better use of their available levy.

The key to a successful claim is proper preparation. Employers should choose an appropriate registered training provider, select a suitable programme, submit the grant application before training begins and maintain the required documentation throughout the process.

Sources:

HRD Corp – HRD Corp Claimable Courses
Official page explaining the HRD Corp Claimable Courses scheme, eligibility, claimable costs, application process and latest updates