Singapore, a global leader in education, technology, and research, offers international students access to world-class universities, cutting-edge facilities, and a safe, cosmopolitan lifestyle. With strong government support and academic excellence, Singapore is a prime destination for students seeking high-quality degrees and generous scholarships. A variety of funding options—offered by the government, universities, and industry partners—make Singapore an attractive choice for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies.
Types of Scholarships in Singapore
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| 🇸🇬 Government-Funded | Offered by the Singaporean government to attract top global talent. |
| 🏛️ University-Specific | Provided by NUS, NTU, SMU, and others based on academic or leadership merit. |
| 🤝 ASEAN Scholarships | Tailored for students from Southeast Asian nations. |
| 🏅 Merit-Based | Awarded to high-achieving students with excellent academic records. |
| 💸 Need-Based | Financial aid packages available for students with limited resources. |
| 🔬 Research-Based | Designed for postgraduate students in STEM and innovation sectors. |
| 🧪 Industry-Sponsored | Jointly funded by corporations and academic institutions for career-linked pathways. |
Major Scholarship Programs in Singapore for International Students
Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
Purpose: To attract top PhD talents in science and engineering fields.
Award: Full tuition, monthly stipend (S$2,200–S$2,700), airfare, and settling-in allowance.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s or Master’s graduates with a strong interest in research.
Institutions: NUS, NTU, SUTD, A*STAR Research Institutes.
Duration: 4 years (PhD).
ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship
Purpose: Supports students from ASEAN member states (except Singapore).
Award: Full tuition fees and S$5,800 annual living allowance.
Eligibility: Outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities.
Universities: Mainly NUS, NTU.
Duration: Full undergraduate degree.
NUS Research Scholarships
Purpose: For international postgraduates (Master’s/PhD) in research fields.
Award: Full tuition waiver and monthly stipend (S$1,500–S$2,500).
Eligibility: Strong academic background, research interest, and supervisor acceptance.
Duration: 2–4 years.
NTU Scholarships for International Students
Purpose: Available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Award: Tuition coverage, annual living stipend (varies by level).
Types: NTU Research Scholarship, Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship (NPGS), etc.
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) Scholarships
Purpose: For students in architecture, engineering, and design.
Award: Full tuition, living expenses, and research support.
Eligibility: Competitive academic record and leadership.
Singapore Management University (SMU) Scholarships
Purpose: For business, law, economics, and social sciences students.
Award: Varies – full tuition, partial fee waivers, and/or living stipend.
Types: SMU Global Impact Scholarship, ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship, etc.
Top Universities in Singapore Offering Scholarships
| University | Scholarship Name | Fields of Study |
|---|---|---|
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | ASEAN Scholarship, NUS Research Scholarships | Engineering, Medicine, Business, Social Sciences |
| Nanyang Technological University (NTU) | Nanyang Scholarship, NPGS | Science, Tech, Communication, Education |
| Singapore Management University (SMU) | Global Impact Scholarship, Merit Scholarships | Law, Business, IT, Social Sciences |
| Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) | SUTD PhD Fellowships, ASEAN Scholarships | Architecture, Engineering, Design |
| Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) | SIT Scholarships | Applied Sciences, Engineering, Hospitality |
| INSEAD Asia Campus | INSEAD Scholarships | MBA, Executive Programs |
General Eligibility Criteria for Singapore Scholarships
Academic Excellence: Minimum GPA requirements (typically 3.5/4.0 or equivalent).
English Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or medium-of-instruction proof.
Nationality: Open to most nationalities; some scholarships are ASEAN or region-specific.
Research Interest: For research scholarships, prior publications or proposals help.
Leadership & Extracurriculars: Strong co-curricular profile is a plus.
Age Limits: Not always stated but often under 35–40 for postgraduates.
Required Documents for Scholarship Applications
Completed University/Scholarship Application Forms
Certified Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates
IELTS/TOEFL Score Reports
Passport Copy
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Letters of Recommendation (2–3)
Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter
Research Proposal (PhD applicants)
Portfolio (for design/architecture programs)
Application Process for Scholarships in Singapore
Choose Your Program & Institution: Start at university websites or https://www.studyinsingapore.gov.sg.
Check Scholarship Availability: Some are automatic; others require a separate form.
Meet Academic and Language Requirements: Prepare your IELTS/TOEFL early.
Gather Required Documents: Translate and certify as needed.
Apply for Admission: Submit online applications on time.
Submit Scholarship Applications: Some allow dual submissions; check deadlines.
Interviews/Shortlisting: Some programs conduct virtual interviews.
Receive Admission + Scholarship Decision: Usually emailed or available in portals.
Costs Associated with Applying for Scholarships
| Description | Approx. Cost (SGD / €) |
|---|---|
| University Application Fee | S$20–50 (€15–35) |
| IELTS/TOEFL | S$300–350 (€200–250) |
| Document Certification & Notarization | S$50–100 (€35–70) |
| Student Pass Application | S$30 + S$60 issuance (€60–80) |
Student Visa Processing Time for Singapore
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Student Pass (via ICA/EMGS) | 2–4 weeks |
Tips to Win a Scholarship in Singapore
Apply Early: Many close 6–9 months before the intake.
Highlight Leadership: Mention projects, volunteering, or leadership roles.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your SOP and CV to each scholarship’s focus.
Reach Out to Supervisors: Especially for PhD and research roles.
Maintain Academic Excellence: Merit is key for most Singapore scholarships.
Include Achievements: Any Olympiads, research papers, or awards.
Key Takeaways
Singapore = Innovation & Excellence: Ranked among the top education systems globally.
Fully-Funded PhD Routes: Especially attractive via SINGA and NPGS.
Affordable & Safe: Compared to Western countries, Singapore offers value and security.
Scholarships for All Levels: From ASEAN undergraduates to global researchers.
Pathway to Industry: Many scholarships are linked with future employment prospects.
Conclusion
Singapore stands at the crossroads of East and West, offering global education, generous scholarships, and a future-ready environment. With careful preparation, strong academic performance, and a focused application, international students can access some of the most prestigious scholarships and institutions in Asia’s education capital.
Why Choose Schooling Visa?
Schoolingvisa Overseas Careers stands out as our consultant , and our track record speaks for itself. We’ve successfully served our customers.
Explore the World with schoolingvisa:
- Visit Visa: Whether for leisure or business, embark on global travel with schoolingvisa.
- Study Visa: Unlock opportunities to study in globally recognized universities.
- Work Visa: Settle in the world’s best cities and pursue your career ambitions.
- Immigration: Your comprehensive solution for all visa and immigration requirements.
- Permanent Residence: Attain the status of Permanent Resident and enjoy exclusive benefits.
Tailored Services for Your Success:
- Profile Evaluation: We analyze your unique profile history, aligning it with visa eligibility criteria, and provide guidance on the appropriate visas to pursue.
- Resume Writing: Craft a standout resume tailored to meet the expectations of immigration authorities.
- Document Procurement: Assist in gathering essential documents required for visa applications.
- Professional Guidance: From interview training to language courses and crafting impactful resumes and cover letters, we offer comprehensive support.
- Dedicated Case Officer: Enjoy personalized assistance and a singular point of contact throughout the entire process.
- Post-Landing Services: Our support extends beyond visa approval, helping you settle comfortably in your new country with customized post-landing services.
Experience a seamless journey for all your visa needs with Schoolingvisa – from profile evaluation and document preparation to post-visa settlement services. If you have questions about filing the AIPP application, reach out to us immediately. We are here to assist you in every possible way.
Take the first step – start your visa application today!
DISCLAIMER
This publication is provided for general information only and is not intended to cover all aspects of the topics discussed. The information contained in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice of this website or its affiliates. Previous results do not guarantee a similar result. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, express or implied that the contents of the publication are accurate, complete or current. Schoolingvisa.com is a service that facilitates a student’s process of acquiring a study visa by being a partner of other visa and immigration service companies. We offer consultancy services on student visas and any other visa, immigration options, but we do not directly provide any visas. We are not part of any government or immigration department. We do not provide any type of professional immigration, regardless of the destination.
Note: The information provided in this article is general, subject to frequent change and does not constitute any legal advice. For any specific study visa and legal advice you can rely on, please contact the consultants/advisors, lawyers and members of our expert team.