Your Complete Guide to Government Scholarships in Singapore

Dreaming of studying in Singapore, a global hub for education and innovation? You’re in the right place. Government-funded scholarships can turn that dream into a reality by covering tuition, living expenses, and more. This guide will walk you through the top government scholarships for international students, including what they offer and how you can apply.

Understanding Singapore's Scholarship Landscape

Singapore is deeply committed to attracting top talent from around the world. To achieve this, the government and its affiliated institutions offer a range of prestigious scholarships. These awards are highly competitive and are typically granted to students with outstanding academic records, strong leadership potential, and a passion for their chosen field.

While some scholarships are offered directly by ministries, many are administered through the country’s world-class universities, such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). These scholarships aim to nurture a community of bright scholars who can contribute to Singapore’s knowledge-based economy.

Top Government-Funded Scholarships for International Students

Let’s explore some of the most prominent scholarships available. We’ll cover who they’re for, what they include, and the general eligibility requirements.

1. The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)

The SINGA is perhaps the most well-known government scholarship for international students pursuing postgraduate research. It’s a collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).

  • Target Audience: International students who want to pursue a PhD in Science and Engineering.
  • What It Covers: This is a comprehensive award designed to let you focus entirely on your research.
    • Full tuition fees for up to four years.
    • A monthly stipend of S\(2,200, which increases to S\)2,700 after you pass your Qualifying Examination.
    • A one-time airfare grant of up to S$1,500.
    • A one-time settling-in allowance of S$1,000.
  • Eligibility:
    • Open to all international graduates with a passion for research.
    • Applicants must have excellent academic results.
    • Strong written and spoken English skills are required.
  • How to Apply: Applications are typically submitted online through the SINGA portal. You’ll need to provide academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal. There are usually two application cycles per year, so it’s important to check the official website for exact deadlines.

2. The ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship (AUS)

This scholarship is specifically for students from ASEAN member countries, reflecting Singapore’s strong ties within the region. It is offered for undergraduate studies at Singapore’s top universities.

  • Target Audience: Citizens or permanent residents of ASEAN member countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam).
  • What It Covers:
    • Full tuition fees.
    • An annual living allowance of S$5,800.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must be a citizen of an ASEAN country.
    • Strong academic record and leadership qualities.
    • Must apply for admission to NUS, NTU, or another participating university.
  • Service Bond: It’s important to note that this scholarship comes with a bond. Recipients are required to work in Singapore for three years upon graduation. This is a common feature of many government-funded undergraduate scholarships in Singapore.

3. Scholarships at Government-Supported Universities

Beyond the broad scholarships like SINGA and AUS, the autonomous universities in Singapore, which are heavily supported by the government, offer their own range of scholarships for international students. These often cater to specific fields of study or nationalities.

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Scholarships

NTU offers the Nanyang Scholarship, its premier undergraduate award. While highly competitive, it is open to all nationalities and recognizes students who excel academically and demonstrate strong leadership potential. It covers full tuition fees and provides a living allowance.

National University of Singapore (NUS) Scholarships

NUS provides various financial aid options, including the NUS Merit Scholarship. Like its NTU counterpart, this scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and is open to students of all nationalities. It covers tuition fees and includes an annual living allowance.

General Tips for Your Scholarship Application

Applying for these competitive scholarships requires careful preparation. Here are some key tips to strengthen your application:

  • Start Early: Researching scholarships and preparing your documents takes time. Begin the process at least a year before your intended start date.
  • Excel Academically: A strong academic record is the most important factor. Focus on achieving high grades in your current studies.
  • Highlight Your Achievements: Don’t just focus on grades. Include information about your participation in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, volunteer work, and any awards you have received.
  • Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to tell your story. Explain why you want to study in Singapore, why you’ve chosen your specific course, and what your future aspirations are. Be authentic and passionate.
  • Secure Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities and character. Give them plenty of notice and provide them with all the necessary information about the scholarship.
  • Check a Scholarship’s Bond Requirement: Be fully aware of any service bond attached to a scholarship. This is a commitment to work in Singapore for a set period after you graduate, and it’s crucial to understand this obligation before you accept the award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are government scholarships only for specific subjects? Many prominent scholarships, like SINGA, are focused on STEM (Science, Technology,Engineering, and Mathematics) fields to support Singapore’s research and development goals. However, university-specific scholarships like the ones at NUS and NTU are available for a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, arts, and business.

Do I need to apply for university admission separately from the scholarship? Yes, in most cases. For undergraduate scholarships like the AUS, you must first apply for and receive an offer of admission from a participating university. The scholarship application is often a separate process, though sometimes you are automatically considered. Always check the specific requirements for each scholarship.

What is the cost of living in Singapore for a student? While scholarships provide a generous stipend, it’s good to be aware of living costs. A student can expect to spend between S\(1,000 to S\)1,500 per month on accommodation, food, transport, and other personal expenses, depending on their lifestyle. The allowances provided by major scholarships are designed to comfortably cover these costs.