Scholarships in Singapore

Studying in Singapore with a scholarship

Singapore has a compact but highly competitive higher education system. International students can study at institutions such as the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University, Singapore University of Technology and Design and other recognised institutions.

Funding is usually provided through the university itself, a research organisation, or a government-supported scheme rather than through one single scholarship application covering the whole country.

This means students should research scholarships institution by institution.

A scholarship at NUS may have different conditions from one at NTU, while PhD funding through A*STAR follows a completely different process from undergraduate university scholarships.

Undergraduate scholarships can be very generous

International undergraduate students can access substantial scholarships at Singapore’s major universities.

At NUS, for example, the NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship is open to applicants from all countries except Singapore. Candidates are considered through their undergraduate admission application rather than submitting a completely separate scholarship application at the beginning. (nus.edu.sg)

The current scholarship package includes:

• 100% coverage of subsidised tuition fees
• S$5,800 annual living allowance
• S$5,000 annual accommodation allowance
• S$1,750 one-time computer allowance

The scholarship is aimed at applicants with strong academic results, leadership potential and a strong co-curricular record. (nus.edu.sg)

Applicants should still remember that the phrase subsidised tuition fees is important. The scholarship is calculated after the Singapore Ministry of Education Tuition Grant.

ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship

Students from ASEAN countries also have another major route at NUS.

The ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship is available to citizens of ASEAN member countries other than Singapore. Eligible students are considered through their NUS admission application. (nus.edu.sg)

The current benefits include:

• full subsidised tuition coverage after the MOE Tuition Grant
• S$5,800 annual living allowance
• S$3,000 annual accommodation allowance
• S$1,750 one-time computer allowance

The scholarship is highly competitive and considers academic achievement, leadership and extracurricular involvement. (nus.edu.sg)

Students should not assume that being from ASEAN automatically makes them competitive. The scholarship is intended for outstanding applicants.

NTU also offers scholarships to international students

Nanyang Technological University has its own major scholarship programmes.

The Nanyang Global Scholarship is open to applicants of all nationalities and is aimed at high-performing undergraduate students with strong leadership and co-curricular achievements. (ntu.edu.sg)

Current benefits include:

• full subsidised tuition after the Tuition Grant
• S$6,500 annual living allowance
• up to S$2,000 annual accommodation allowance
• S$2,000 one-time computer allowance
• up to S$8,000 toward an approved overseas programme

The scholarship continues for the normal programme duration if the student maintains the required academic performance and conduct. (ntu.edu.sg)

This is a good example of why students should compare university awards carefully. Two scholarships may both cover tuition but provide different levels of accommodation, travel and living support.

The Tuition Grant is important

International students applying to Singapore should understand the MOE Tuition Grant before accepting an undergraduate scholarship.

The Tuition Grant reduces the tuition fee charged by participating institutions. Many major scholarships are calculated on the subsidised fee after this grant has been applied.

For international students, accepting the Tuition Grant generally comes with a three-year service obligation after graduation. NTU explicitly notes that international scholarship recipients remain subject to the three-year obligation connected with the MOE Tuition Grant. (ntu.edu.sg)

This is not a small detail.

A scholarship may itself be described as having no additional bond, while the Tuition Grant used alongside it still carries an employment obligation.

Applicants should understand this before accepting the offer.

What the three-year obligation means

The Tuition Grant service obligation generally requires international students who received the subsidy to work for a Singapore entity for the required period after graduation.

This means students should not treat subsidised tuition as completely unconditional financial aid.

Before accepting any scholarship linked to the Tuition Grant, ask:

• Is the Tuition Grant compulsory for this scholarship?
• What service obligation applies to international students?
• What happens if I do not complete the obligation?
• What types of employers qualify?
• When does the service period begin?

Read the official Tuition Grant agreement, not just the scholarship summary.

Graduate funding works differently

Master’s and PhD funding should be researched separately from undergraduate scholarships.

Coursework master’s programmes in Singapore can be expensive and may not automatically provide substantial scholarships.

Research programmes are different.

PhD applicants can find funding through universities, research institutes and A*STAR.

One of the most important programmes for international researchers is the Singapore International Graduate Award, known as SINGA.

Singapore International Graduate Award

SINGA is designed for international students pursuing PhD research in Singapore.

It is a collaboration involving ASTAR and major Singapore universities, including NUS, NTU, SUTD and SMU. International students undertake doctoral research with participating universities and ASTAR research institutes. (a-star.edu.sg)

The programme is particularly relevant to applicants interested in science, engineering, computing and related research fields.

A*STAR states that SINGA is open to international applicants with strong academic performance, strong research interest, English proficiency and good academic references. (a-star.edu.sg)

What SINGA covers

The current A*STAR information states that SINGA can provide funding for up to four years of PhD study.

Support includes:

• tuition fees
• monthly stipend
• one-time airfare grant
• one-time settling-in allowance

Successful applicants also receive research supervision through A*STAR and participating universities. (a-star.edu.sg)

Students should verify the latest stipend amount on the current application page rather than relying on older scholarship articles, because funding figures can change.

SINGA is research-focused

SINGA is not a general scholarship for every postgraduate student.

Applicants are expected to have a genuine interest in research and normally need a strong academic background.

The application process can include:

• selecting research areas
• preparing academic documents
• submitting transcripts
• obtaining strong references
• interviews

A*STAR notes that shortlisted applicants can go through two rounds of interviews. (a-star.edu.sg)

Students should therefore choose research topics that genuinely match their academic background rather than applying simply because the award is funded.

Research fit matters

For PhD applicants, academic fit is one of the most important parts of the application.

Before applying, review:

• available research projects
• participating research institutes
• faculty interests
• laboratories
• recent publications

If your previous work is in data science, for example, applying to a completely unrelated laboratory without a clear explanation will make the application weaker.

A good research application should show a logical connection between:

previous study → research interests → proposed project

Pre-graduate research opportunities

A*STAR also offers the Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award, or SIPGA.

This is designed for international students who want a short research attachment rather than a full PhD.

The current programme supports international third- and fourth-year bachelor’s students and master’s students in STEM-related fields.

Attachments generally last between two and six months, and the current stipend is S$2,000 per month. (a-star.edu.sg)

This can be useful for students who want research exposure before deciding whether to pursue a doctorate.

University admission is highly competitive

Singapore’s leading universities attract strong applicants from around the world.

Meeting the stated minimum requirements does not guarantee admission or scholarship selection.

Undergraduate applicants may be assessed on:

• high school results
• recognised national or international qualifications
• programme prerequisites
• leadership
• extracurricular activities
• interviews or tests where required

Graduate applicants may additionally need:

• bachelor’s degree
• research experience
• statement of purpose
• academic references
• research proposal
• GRE or GMAT for some programmes
• English-language evidence

Students should check the exact degree programme because requirements differ considerably.

English-language requirements

English is the main language of instruction at Singapore’s major universities.

However, applicants whose previous education does not satisfy the university’s English-language criteria may need to provide a recognised test.

Universities can accept qualifications such as IELTS or TOEFL depending on the programme.

Minimum scores are not identical across universities.

Graduate programmes can also impose stricter English requirements than undergraduate courses.

Always use the programme’s own admission page.

Living costs need serious planning

Singapore can be expensive, particularly when accommodation is not included.

Current NUS graduate guidance estimates that a student may spend approximately:

• S$1,200 to S$2,100 per month while living on campus
• S$1,550 to S$3,400 per month while living off campus

The estimate includes accommodation, food, transport and personal expenses but does not cover major discretionary costs. (nusgs.nus.edu.sg)

Housing is one of the largest variables.

Students should therefore evaluate the scholarship package together with accommodation availability.

Housing can be competitive

University accommodation can be cheaper than renting privately, but places are limited.

NUS specifically notes that demand for on-campus housing can exceed supply, particularly for graduate students. (nusgs.nus.edu.sg)

Coursework master’s students may need to prioritise private accommodation.

Before travelling, confirm:

• whether accommodation is guaranteed
• hostel cost
• room type
• meal arrangements
• duration of housing
• what happens during holidays

Do not assume that receiving a university scholarship automatically guarantees a dormitory room unless the award explicitly says so.

Undergraduate living costs

NUS currently estimates general undergraduate living expenses excluding accommodation at around S$6,000 per academic year.

On-campus accommodation can add approximately S$4,000 to S$10,290, depending on the residence and room type. (nus.edu.sg)

These figures are useful as a planning guide, but actual spending can be higher.

Students with substantial accommodation allowances should compare the award against the actual housing cost.

Scholarship percentages can be misleading

If a scholarship says “100% tuition coverage,” check whether that refers to:

• full unsubsidised international tuition
• subsidised tuition after the Tuition Grant
• only part of the programme
• tuition excluding compulsory fees

At NUS and NTU, several major international scholarships cover the subsidised tuition fee after the MOE Tuition Grant. (nus.edu.sg)

This distinction should be explained clearly whenever The Scholarship Circle publishes a Singapore scholarship.

Student’s Pass

International students admitted to full-time higher education in Singapore generally need a Student’s Pass.

Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority states that foreign students accepted into full-time programmes at recognised Institutes of Higher Learning normally need to apply for the pass unless they already hold another qualifying immigration status. (ica.gov.sg)

Applications are handled online through Singapore’s immigration system.

When to apply for the Student’s Pass

For students attending an Institute of Higher Learning, ICA currently advises applicants to submit the Student’s Pass application at least two months and no more than three months before the course begins. (ica.gov.sg)

Students do not need to already be in Singapore while the application is being processed.

In fact, ICA recommends obtaining approval before travelling.

Student’s Pass fees

The current Student’s Pass application includes a S$45 non-refundable processing fee.

After approval, a further S$60 issuance fee applies, together with an additional S$30 Multiple Journey Visa fee where applicable. (ica.gov.sg) (ica.gov.sg)

These amounts can change, so students should verify them before applying.

In-Principle Approval

If the Student’s Pass application is successful, ICA issues an In-Principle Approval letter, commonly known as an IPA.

Students may need this document when travelling to Singapore and completing immigration formalities.

ICA also makes clear that an IPA does not itself guarantee entry into Singapore. Final admission at the border remains subject to immigration checks. (ica.gov.sg)

Applicants should follow the exact instructions contained in their own IPA letter.

Documents for the Student’s Pass

ICA may request information and documents including:

• school registration information
• passport biodata
• birth certificate where applicable
• educational history
• employment history
• financial support information
• residential address
• family information
• passport photograph

Documents not in English may need official translation according to ICA requirements. (ica.gov.sg)

Do not rely on another student’s document checklist because individual cases can differ.

Part-time work has restrictions

Holding a Student’s Pass does not automatically give unlimited permission to work.

Foreign students may work only when they satisfy Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower requirements and the conditions attached to their institution and immigration status. ICA specifically directs students to the Ministry of Manpower rules for employment eligibility. (ica.gov.sg)

Students should therefore avoid planning to finance a large scholarship shortfall entirely through part-time work.

Some scholarships have academic renewal requirements

Scholarships can be reviewed throughout the degree.

The Nanyang Global Scholarship, for example, requires recipients to maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 5.0 together with satisfactory conduct. (ntu.edu.sg)

Other universities can use different requirements.

Before accepting an award, check:

• minimum GPA
• renewal frequency
• conduct requirements
• whether changing degree affects funding
• whether taking longer than the normal programme duration is covered

Winning the scholarship is only the first stage. You also need to know how to keep it.

Applicants should compare the full package

When comparing Singapore scholarships, write down the real value of each offer.

Include:

• tuition coverage
• whether the MOE Tuition Grant is required
• any service obligation
• living allowance
• accommodation allowance
• computer allowance
• travel support
• research funding
• scholarship duration
• renewal conditions

A scholarship with a slightly smaller allowance but fewer obligations may be more suitable for one student than a larger award with conditions they do not want.

Do not choose only by university ranking

Singapore’s leading universities are highly ranked, but rankings should not be the only reason to apply.

Also consider:

• academic programme
• research strengths
• scholarship conditions
• tuition after funding
• service obligation
• accommodation
• career goals
• cost of living

A scholarship should make sense academically and financially.

Scholarship applications should sound personal

Singapore’s major scholarships look for more than examination results.

Leadership and co-curricular involvement feature prominently in NUS and NTU scholarship selection. (nus.edu.sg) (ntu.edu.sg)

Applicants should use specific examples rather than generic statements.

Instead of writing:

“I have excellent leadership skills.”

Explain:

• what responsibility you had
• what problem existed
• what you did
• what changed
• what you learned

A real example is much stronger than impressive-sounding language without evidence.

What applicants should check before applying

Before applying for a scholarship in Singapore, confirm:

• international students are eligible
• study level
• academic requirements
• language requirements
• whether scholarship consideration is automatic
• whether a separate application is required
• tuition coverage
• whether the MOE Tuition Grant is involved
• any post-graduation service obligation
• living allowance
• accommodation support
• research funding
• Student’s Pass requirements
• scholarship renewal conditions
• admission deadline
• scholarship deadline

For PhD applicants, also check whether the funding is university-based or linked to A*STAR research.

Avoid scholarship scams

Be cautious if anyone promises:

• guaranteed NUS admission
• guaranteed NTU admission
• guaranteed SINGA selection
• guaranteed Student’s Pass approval
• scholarship approval in exchange for unofficial payments

Singapore’s major scholarships use formal selection processes.

Applications should be made through the university, A*STAR or the official institution responsible for the programme.

Scholarship websites can help students discover opportunities, but the final application information should always be verified through the official provider.

Final advice

Singapore offers some excellent scholarship opportunities for international students, particularly for academically strong undergraduate applicants and research-focused PhD candidates.

At undergraduate level, NUS and NTU offer substantial university scholarships, but students should understand the relationship between those awards and the MOE Tuition Grant, including the service obligation that can apply to international students.

For research students, SINGA provides one of the strongest routes into funded doctoral study through A*STAR and participating Singapore universities.

Before applying, compare not only the scholarship amount but also tuition structure, accommodation, living costs, academic renewal rules and any bond or service obligation.

The scholarship listings below can help students discover opportunities in Singapore, while the official university, A*STAR and Singapore Government pages should remain the final source for current requirements.

Last reviewed: September 10, 2026