For the past several years, the popularity of MBA programs has been increasing all around the globe, and Singapore is one of the popular destinations to get a degree. Singapore, commonly known as the business and IT hub of Asia, offers numerous study opportunities for students seeking to pursue their higher education in this country. Another factor that attracts students to Singapore to pursue an MBA degree is the availability of numerous MBA scholarships and funding options to help them enroll in the right MBA program. This article provides a brief introduction to various MBA funding options, assisting students experience a contemporary and unique educational system.
Scholarship And Financial Aid Opportunities For MBA Students In Singapore
Several MBA scholarships and financial aid options are available for MBA students in Singapore, including both international and local students. Some of these are university-specific scholarships, while others are funded and sponsored by the government and external organisations. The majority of these financial aids and scholarships for MBA students cover the living and full tuition expenses of students. Here is a list of some of the best scholarship and financial aid opportunities for MBA students in Singapore.
IU International University Of Applied Sciences Scholarship
This MBA funding is available to students of every nationality for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MBA programs. This offers an excellent opportunity for students to study at one of Germany’s leading universities with a scholarship, without the need for an IELTS score. Here are the details.
- Scholarship amount or coverage- This University offers a scholarship of up to 50% of the tuition fees to MBA candidates from non-EU and EU countries.
- Eligibility criteria- No particular eligibility criteria are mentioned on the scholarship site. The profile of each student is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Application process-
- Submit your complete online application form.
- Submit your CV and a written letter of motivation mentioning the reasons for the new beginning and the goals you are pursuing.
- Submit your university entrance qualification.
- Submit your English proficiency test certificate.
- Submit your research proposal.
- Submit the official transcript.
- Submit the recommendation letter (two copies).
- Deadline- October 2025
- Additional notes: IU provides the flexibility to pursue your studies either 100% online or on campus in Germany, accommodating different learning styles and lifestyle
Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
This is Government-sponsored MBA funding that aims to attract the best international students to postgraduate courses in Singapore. Here are the details.
- Scholarship amount or coverage- This scholarship offers up to 4 years of financial support for PhD students, covering full tuition fees, a monthly stipend between S$2,700 and S$3,200, a settlement allowance of S$1,000, and an airfare grant up to S$1,500.
- Eligibility criteria- International graduates with excellent academic results, proficiency in English, and a research interest. Besides, they have to enrol in the Nanyang Technological University, the Singapore Management University, the Singapore University of Technology and Design, or the National University of Singapore.
- Application process-
- Check the research areas and browse through the projects you are interested in.
- Prepare the necessary documents (a valid passport and a recent passport-size photograph in JPG or PNG format) before applying for the scholarship.
- An English translation should accompany all transcripts. The transcripts include: Bachelor’s and/or Master’s academic transcripts, Bachelor’s degree certificate(s) /scrolls(s) or the letter of certification from the university mentioned on your candidature, 2 recommendation reports (completed and submitted online by the referees), in some cases you may be requested to submit satisfactory GRE scores as part of the requirement of university admission. Besides, it is optional to submit the results of TOEFL/ IELTS/ GATE/ SAT I & II.
- Deadline- The deadline for the January 2026 intake is 1st June 2025.
- Additional notes: Unlike most scholarships, SINGA does not require a post-study bond, giving graduates the freedom to explore career opportunities worldwide without any obligations.
Read More:- 5 Affordable Online MBA Programs For Singapore Students
INSEAD-Syngenta MBA Scholarships for Developing Country Leaders
These scholarships for MBA students are awarded to MBA students from developing countries who are financially unstable and unable to pay for the courses. Two scholarships are awarded every class.
- Scholarship amount or coverage- up to €30,000
- Eligibility criteria- Applicants should be nationals of an emerging economy. They must have spent a considerable part of their lives in the developing world, gaining professional or educational experience. Professional experience will be considered advantageous in this case. Applicants who need proven financial assistance will get preference.
- Application process- Applicants eligible for scholarships for MBA students must complete an online application and submit the necessary essays. The essays include the requirements for successful business leadership in your country today and the measures required for sustainable agriculture in your country/region in the context of urban and rural development.
- Deadline- The deadline for round 1 of the December 2026 class is April 28, 2025; the deadline for round 2 is June 9, 2025; and the deadline for round 3 is August 4, 2025.
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Graduate Scholarships
These scholarships for MBA students are meant for postgraduate candidates from specific countries, including Singapore, who are excelling in academics, leadership, and planning to join a Master’s in Public Administration course.
- Scholarship amount or coverage – This scholarship provides partial funding of up to S$50,000 towards the annual allowance for students. The scholarship covers tuition fees, examination fees, and other approved fees, as well as medical insurance fees for the students. Besides, a monthly maintenance allowance is available throughout the study period.
- Eligibility criteria- Applicants must possess excellent professional and academic records and a demonstrated passion for public service.
- Application process- The application process involves submitting an online application and completing it with the supporting documents, a video interview, and an essay. If shortlisted, candidates will get information about the next stages to attend and the steps to follow.
- Deadline- Dec 15, 2025 for the academic year 2026
- Additional notes: These scholarships are also valid for residents of Singapore.
Nanyang International Scholarships (NTU)
These full tuition MBA scholarships are open to undergraduate students from all countries, demonstrating exceptional academic performance and leadership potential.
- Scholarship amount or coverage- These scholarships include complete coverage of the subsidised tuition fees, S$6,500 as a living stipend, an accommodation allowance of S$2,000, S$1,750 as a computer allowance, and a travel allowance of S$5,000.
- Eligibility criteria- Good academic and co-curricular accomplishments and strong leadership qualities.
- Application process-
- Apply for an undergraduate course at NTU for session 2026-27
- Then, apply for the scholarship by filling out the application form.
- Complete the application by using “Click Here To Apply”.
- Include a personal essay on the scholarship application form on any mandatory topic. (a maximum of 250 words).
- Apart from that, you must upload a recent passport-size digital image and a referee’s appraisal online. Your school teacher must complete this appraisal and not any of your relatives or family members.
- Deadline- March 30, 2026 (expected)
- Additional notes: If shortlisted, applicants will receive an email invitation for the interview between March and May 2026.
Also read:- Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Consider an Online MBA?
Government-Sponsored Scholarships
These MBA scholarships are funded by the Singapore Government and include several prestigious awards like the Lee Kong Chian Graduate Scholarships and the NUS Global Merit Scholarship. All these scholarships aim to draw global talent to the leading universities in this country. Here are the details.
- The Lee Kong Chian Graduate Scholarships: These full-tuition MBA scholarships are offered primarily by SMU, also known as Singapore Management University, to support international students in pursuing master’s degrees. These scholarships are awarded based on criteria such as global awareness, academic excellence, and leadership skills.
- Scholarship amount or coverage- These scholarships offer SGD 3,000 for MBA students, a full subsidy of tuition fees, and an annual book allowance.
- Eligibility criteria- These scholarships are intended for both international and local students in Singapore with brilliant academic scores and research potential. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate community involvement, leadership, and other co-curricular achievements.
- Application process – The applicant should have a strong GMAT score (680+ for Tier 2 and 700+ for Tier 1). To apply to this course, one needs to secure admission to a full-time graduate program at the NUS or the National University of Singapore first. After that, you can apply for online MBA scholarships. Recommendation letters are not mandatory.
- Deadline- January 2026 (expected) for the 2026-2027 academic year.
2. NUS Global Merit Scholarship: It is an esteemed, merit-based MBA funding offered by the National University of Singapore (NUS) to extraordinary students.
- Scholarship amount or coverage- This scholarship, with a value of S$25,000, potentially supports MBA courses, offering tuition fees and living allowances to the students.
- Eligibility criteria- International students, citizens, and permanent residents of Singapore with academic excellence, extracurricular achievements, leadership skills, and an effective demonstration of community impact can apply for this scholarship.
- Application process- The scholarship holders must pursue an MBA from the National University of Singapore with English Proficiency Test Scores. The part-time applicants should submit their test scores (GRE, GMAT/GMAT Focus, or EA) for scholarships.
- Deadline- March 2026 (expected) for the next academic year of 2026-27.
- Additional notes- There is no need to apply separately for the scholarship. The applicants can apply for it within their admission applications and fulfil the additional scholarship application requirements from there. If shortlisted, the candidates will be assessed depending on their interview process and application strength.
Also Read: Exploring the Best Online MBA Programs: Cost, Accreditation, and Comparison
How To Apply For Scholarships And Financial Aid?
For international students, it is often a daunting process to apply for MBA scholarships in Singapore. However, you can make it seamless by following a well-organised approach. Here are the step-by-step details of how to get a scholarship to study abroad for an MBA.
Research and find out the right scholarship options
Different full-tuition MBA scholarships are available in Singapore for eligible candidates. Study and explore the ones which align with your field of interest and academic level. Then visit the official websites of these scholarship providers or universities to verify the necessary details.
Prepare the necessary documents
Get the necessary documents that the majority of the scholarships for MBA students need. These include:
- Letter of recommendation.
- Academic certificates and transcripts.
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS).
- The Statement of Purpose.
- Financial proof for the need-based scholarships.
Submit applications
The majority of the university-based MBA scholarships are combined with the admission process. Therefore, applying for the course automatically enrols you for the scholarship consideration. However, there are some standalone scholarships, where you have to apply for online MBA scholarships through the dedicated scholarship portals. Make sure you attach all the necessary documents to the application.
Appear for interviews
Some scholarships may organise interviews to assess the eligibility and motivation of the candidates. So, prepare answers about your leadership experience, academic goals, and reasons why you want to join an MBA program in Singapore.
Get offer and acceptance
Successful candidates will get their offer letters post-interview. Accept that offer and follow the additional instructions given by the scholarship provider.
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Conclusion
Singapore is known for its academic excellence and global opportunities. With several top-tier universities, this Asian country combines state-of-the-art infrastructure with world-class education. Another factor that distinguishes this country is the generous support for both local and international students through various types of scholarships.
upGrad helps applicants in Singapore secure MBA scholarships by providing guidance on applying for both offline and online MBA scholarships, as well as offering them the necessary resources on scholarship opportunities.
You can also explore the Master of Business Administration program offered by Golden Globe University, which offers up to 70% scholarship for 5,000 students. For details, reach out to our experts at email query@upgrad.com or call +65-6232-6730
FAQs on Scholarships & Financial Aid For MBA Program
Q: Can international students get financial aid in Singapore?
Ans:- Yes, international students can get different types of financial aid, like MBA scholarships and loans, while pursuing an MBA in Singapore.
Q: How to get a 100% scholarship for an MBA?
Ans: If you ask “how to get a scholarship to study abroad for an MBA”, then the answer is that to secure a 100% scholarship for an MBA in Singapore, you must demonstrate a high GMAT score, exceptional academic performance, and strong leadership skills.
Q: Are there scholarships specifically for women pursuing an MBA in Singapore?
Ans:- Yes, there are scholarships meant for women pursuing an MBA in Singapore.
Q: Can an MBA be fully funded?
Ans:- Yes, there are several fully-funded scholarships for international MBA students in Singapore.
Q: What is the age limit for an MBA scholarship?
Ans:- The age limit often varies for scholarships for MBA students in Singapore. However, the majority of the scholarships prefer applicants under the age of 35.
