Fully Funded Scholarships in Singapore for International Students 2025

In 2025, fully funded scholarships in Singapore have opened significant opportunities for international students. Programs like the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA), NUS Research Scholarship, and A*STAR Graduate Scholarship make it possible to study at top universities without worrying about tuition or cost of living.  

Highlights of Fully Funded Scholarships in Singapore 2025: 

Highlight	Details
Tuition Coverage	Full tuition fees at top universities
Monthly Stipend	SGD 2,000–3,500 per month
Living & Accommodation	Support for housing and daily expenses
Research Support	Extra funding for postgraduate research projects
Graduate Employability	Rates above 90%
Cost Advantage	Studying costs 40–50% lower than the US or UK
Number of Scholarships	Over 10 major scholarships available in 2025
Types of Scholarships	Government, University, Private/Research-based
Top Scholarships	SINGA, NUS Research Scholarship, A*STAR Graduate Scholarship, Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship
International Students Enrolled	Over 70,000 students from 170+ countries

This blog will walk you through the top fully funded scholarships in Singapore for 2025, their benefits, and how to apply. 

What are fully funded scholarships in Singapore? 

Fully funded scholarships in Singapore cover tuition, living costs, and research support for talented students worldwide. They reward academic excellence, leadership, and research potential while providing global exposure.  

Here are the main scholarships offering these benefits in 2025: 

Scholarship Name	Type	Coverage/Benefits
Singapore Government Scholarship	Government	Full tuition, living stipend, travel allowance
ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship	Government	Tuition fees, monthly allowance, accommodation support
Nanyang Global Scholarship	University	Tuition coverage, monthly stipend, leadership programs
NTU Talent Scholarship	University	Tuition, monthly stipend, research funding, housing support
Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship	University	Full tuition, stipend, research/project funding, international travel
NUS Research Scholarship	University	Tuition fees, monthly stipend, research grant
A*STAR Graduate Scholarship	Research	Tuition, monthly living allowance, research & conference support
University Engineering Scholarship	University	Tuition, monthly stipend, lab/research support
BPI Scholarship	Private/  University	Tuition, monthly stipend, partial accommodation support

These scholarships provide comprehensive support, helping students focus on academics, research, and career growth in Singapore.  

Which levels of study are supported by fully funded scholarships in Singapore? 

Fully funded scholarships in Singapore support students at undergraduate, master’s, and research levels. 

Here are the scholarships offered for each level of study: 

Level of Study	Scholarships
Undergraduate	• Singapore Government Scholarship  • ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship  • Nanyang Global Scholarship  • University Engineering Scholarship  • NTU Talent Scholarship  • BPI Scholarship
Postgraduate (Master’s)	• Singapore Government Scholarship  • NTU Talent Scholarship  • Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship  • BPI Scholarship
Postgraduate (PhD / Research)	• SINGA  • NUS Research Scholarship  • A*STAR Graduate Scholarship  • NTU Talent Scholarship  • BPI Scholarship

 Also Read: Top PG Courses to Study in Singapore 

Who is eligible for fully funded scholarships in Singapore? 

Fully funded scholarships in Singapore are for students who have strong academic records, show leadership, and fit the scholarship program. Both Singaporean and international students can apply if they meet the requirements.  

Here are the main eligibility criteria: 

• Merit Grades: High academic performance is required. 
• Age Limit: Most scholarships require applicants to be under 35 years old. 
• English Language Skills: International students must meet minimum scores: 

Test	Minimum Score
IELTS	6.5 overall
TOEFL iBT	90 overall
PTE Academic	61 overall

• Leadership and Activities: Participation in leadership roles, community service, or achievements in relevant areas. 
• Field or Program Requirements: Some scholarships are for specific subjects like STEM, business, or research programs. 

How can students apply for fully funded scholarships in Singapore? 

Applying for fully funded scholarships in Singapore is easy if students follow the right steps. Being organized and preparing all documents on time is key.  

Here’s how to apply: 

• Step 1: Find the Right Scholarship 
  Look for scholarships that match your study level, field, and eligibility. Use official university or government websites. 
• Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready 
  Collect transcripts, a Letter of Recommendation, proof of English, and other required papers (see next section). 
• Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form 
  Complete the official form carefully. Make sure all the information is correct and matches your documents. 
• Step 4: Submit on Time 
  Follow the instructions to submit online or by mail before the deadline. Late applications are not accepted. 
• Step 5: Attend Interviews 
  Some scholarships may require interviews, tests, or presentations. 

Which documents are mandatory during the application? 

Scholarship applications in Singapore need certain documents to check your grades, skills, and eligibility.  

Here’s what you need: 

• Academic transcripts and certificates 
• Letters of recommendation (2–3) 
• Statement of purpose or motivation letter 
• Proof of English skills (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE) 
• Passport or valid ID for international students 
• CV or resume showing achievements and leadership 
• Research proposal (for research-based scholarships like SINGA or A*STAR) 

Do you know?  

You can grab a fully funded Singapore scholarship by applying 6–12 months early! Get your documents ready, secure recommendation letters, and hit those English scores to boost your chances. 

How can students increase their chances of getting a fully funded scholarship in Singapore? 

Getting a fully funded scholarship in Singapore is competitive, but students can boost their chances by preparing carefully and focusing on key areas.  

Here’s what to do: 

• Strong Grades: Keep high marks; many scholarships expect top academic performance or a specific GPA. 
• Leadership & Activities: Highlight leadership roles, community work, volunteer projects, or research experience. Show measurable impact. 
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): Write a clear, personal SOP explaining your goals, achievements, and why you fit the scholarship. Tailor it to each program. 
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Ask referees who know you well academically or professionally. Ensure letters highlight your skills and potential. 
• Essays & Written Materials: Follow prompts carefully, structure essays well, and proofread to avoid mistakes. 
• Early Preparation: Gather documents, take English tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE), and secure recommendations well before deadlines. 
• Clear Career & Research Goals: Show how your study plans align with long-term career or research objectives relevant to the scholarship. 

What mistakes should applicants avoid during applications? 

Even strong applicants can lose out if they make simple mistakes.  

Here are common mistakes to avoid: 

• Missing deadlines or sending incomplete forms 
• Using generic statements instead of customizing your application 
• Weak or unrelated recommendation letters 
• Typos or errors in essays or forms 
• Not meeting English or academic requirements 
• Ignoring instructions for documents 

What happens after receiving a fully funded scholarship in Singapore? 

Receiving a fully funded scholarship in Singapore opens exciting opportunities. After being awarded, there are clear steps to follow to ensure a smooth transition.  

Here’s what happens next: 

• Formal Acceptance & Documentation: 
  Confirm your scholarship officially and submit all required documents such as academic transcripts, ID, and scholarship-specific forms. 
• Visa/Student Pass Processing: 
  International students must apply for a Student Pass through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Scholarship offices often guide you through this process. 
• Pre-departure Orientation: 
  Attend orientation programs to learn about living in Singapore, academic expectations, cultural norms, and scholarship rules. 
• Service Bonds (if applicable): 
  Some scholarships, especially government-backed ones, require students to work for a sponsoring organization after graduation. Terms and duration are clearly stated in the award letter. 
• Stipends & Allowances: 
  Scholarships usually cover tuition and provide monthly stipends. Additional allowances may cover accommodation, books, or research-related expenses. 
• Academic Expectations: 
  Maintain required academic performance, such as GPA or progress reports, to continue receiving scholarship benefits. 
• Additional Benefits: 
  Some scholarships include research funding, mentorship programs, or internship opportunities. 
• Renewal Process (if applicable): 
  Certain scholarships are renewed yearly based on academic performance and adherence to scholarship guidelines. 

Conclusion 

Studying in Singapore with a fully funded scholarship is a life-changing opportunity. These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and often provide additional support for research and career growth. With careful preparation, strong applications, and a clear focus on your goals, you can make the most of what Singapore’s top universities have to offer. 

Applying may seem challenging but remember that every successful scholar started where you are today. By planning, understanding the requirements, and putting your best effort into your application, you can turn this dream into reality and unlock a bright future in Singapore. 

Need guidance? upGrad experts can help you navigate the process and strengthen your application for fully funded scholarships in Singapore. Book a 1:1 free counselling session today to take your first step toward this opportunity.