Singa Scholarship: Fully Funded PhD Study in Singapore for International Students

Each year, hundreds of international students from across the globe apply for the prestigious Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) to unlock their dream of higher education and cutting-edge research in Singapore. This international scholarship not only covers your tuition fees but also offers a generous monthly stipend and various benefits designed to support your academic journey.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about the Singa Scholarship—its benefits, eligibility criteria, the SINGA application process, and why pursuing a PhD scholarship in Singapore is a smart move.

What is the Singa Scholarship?

The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is a fully funded scholarship created for talented international students who wish to pursue a PhD degree in science and engineering at top Singaporean universities.

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This competitive award is a collaboration between four top institutions:

• Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR Research Institutes)
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

In some interdisciplinary cases, the Singapore Management University (SMU) is also involved. Together, these institutions make Singapore a hub for innovation, tech, and advanced research. With the SINGA award, students engage in world-class projects while enjoying a vibrant, multicultural environment.

What Does the SINGA Scholarship Cover?

Here’s what makes the Singa scholarship one of the most sought-after PhD scholarships globally:

Full tuition and all tuition fees for up to 4 years of PhD studies
Monthly stipend of SGD 2,200 (increases to SGD 2,700 after passing the qualifying examination)
One-time airfare grant of up to SGD 1,500
One-time settling-in allowance of SGD 1,000
Access to cutting-edge research areas in world-class labs
Strong collaboration with top universities, including Yale University, Columbia University, Harvard University, Stanford University, and Tsinghua University.

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Who Can Apply for the Singa Scholarship?

The Singa scholarship is open to all international students who demonstrate strong academic credentials and a deep interest in research. Whether you just completed your undergraduate or masters studies, this program is built to help passionate scholars like you succeed.

Basic Eligibility Criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree (A Master’s degree is not mandatory)
• Excellent academic results
• Proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS is optional but encouraged)
• Strong interest in pursuing PhD research
• Must not be a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident

There are no application fees for the SINGA application.

Fields of Study & Research Areas

The Singa scholarship supports PhD programs in the following research areas:

• Biomedical Sciences
• Computing and Information Sciences
• Engineering and Technology
• Physical Sciences

You’ll get the chance to browse PhD research projects and choose one aligned with your passion.

These programs are offered at top Singapore universities such as NTU, NUS, SMU, and SUTD, in collaboration with leading Singapore institute labs and A*STAR research institutes.

Singa Scholarship Deadlines

The SINGA scholarship is awarded twice a year, with application deadlines usually set as:

• January Intake: Apply by June 1 (Previous Year)
• August Intake: Apply by December 1 (Previous Year)

Next Upcoming Deadline:

December 1, 2025 – for the August 2026 intake

We strongly advise you to apply early to avoid last-minute issues!

How to Apply for the Singa Scholarship

Follow these steps to apply for the SINGA award and begin your exciting academic journey in Singapore:

Step 1: Browse Research Projects

Start by reviewing available PhD research projects. Identify a project and supervisor that matches your background and interests.
Visit: Browse Projects Here

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

Prepare and upload the following required documents:

• Passport
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Two recommendation letters
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Purpose
• TOEFL/IELTS/GRE scores (optional)

Step 3: Submit Online Application

Apply through the official SINGA application portal:
Apply Now
Do not send hard copies—everything is done online.

Tips to Boost Your Chances of Winning the SINGA Award

Here are some expert tips to stand out:

🎯 Select your research project wisely: Choose a topic that aligns with your past work and future goals.
Craft a compelling Statement of Purpose: Explain why you want to pursue a PhD degree in Singapore.
Strong recommendations: Ask professors who truly know your academic capabilities.
Contact potential supervisors: Reach out to discuss mutual research interests.

🇸🇬 Why Choose Singapore?

Thinking about studying abroad? Here’s why many Singa scholars choose Singapore:

• Ranked globally for innovation and research
• World-class Singaporean universities and institutions
• Safe, clean, and multicultural
• Government-backed scholarship and research funding
• Career opportunities post-PhD in multinational companies

Singapore’s academic ecosystem attracts scholars from around the world. Whether you aim for future roles at Monash University, Massachusetts Institute, Chinese University, or even a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship, the Singa award prepares you well for global academic success.

Final Thoughts

The Singapore Government Scholarship through SINGA is your gateway to becoming part of a vibrant global research network. This is more than just a scholarship—it’s a launchpad for ambitious students looking to excel in academic and professional research.

Whether you’re transitioning from undergraduate studies, looking into masters scholarships, or planning a long-term PhD journey, this is the kind of opportunity that changes lives.

Start your journey now and apply before the deadline. Apply Now for the Singa Scholarship →