If you're looking to make studying in Singapore more affordable, there are several scholarship opportunities worth exploring. Programs such as the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) and scholarships offered by leading universities, including NUS, NTU, and SMU provide generous funding for international students. Many of these scholarships cover full tuition fees and offer monthly stipends of up to S$3,200 (approximately INR 2.31L), helping ease the financial burden of studying abroad.
Available across undergraduate, masters, and PhD programs, these scholarships often go beyond tuition support. Depending on the award, students may also receive accommodation assistance, airfare benefits, and research funding. Along with reducing education costs, they provide access to one of Asia's most respected higher education systems, known for its strong focus on research, innovation, and career opportunities.
Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Singapore
Singapore offers a range of fully funded scholarships for international students at all study levels, backed by government ministries, world-ranked universities, and private sectors.
These scholarships cover full tuition, provide monthly stipends, and include additional benefits like airfare and research grants.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 fully funded scholarships in Singapore:
These scholarships are part of Singapore’s SGD 13B+ annual education spending, with many offerings S$1,000-3,200 (approximately INR 73,637-2.3L) monthly support on top of 100% tuition coverage.
Government-Funded Fully Funded Scholarships in Singapore
A Singapore government scholarship is a fully funded award offered by national bodies like A*STAR, the Ministry of Education (MOE), and the Economic Development Board (EDB) to support high-achieving international and domestic students in priority fields such as STEM, business, and healthcare.
These scholarships cover 100% tuition fees, provide monthly stipends of S$2,200-3,500 (approximately INR 1.6L-2.3L), and often include extras like airfare, settling allowances, research grants, and work opportunities.
Here’s a breakdown of the top Singapore government scholarships offering full funding:
Scholarship Name
Administered By
Coverage
SINGA (Singapore International Graduate Award)
A*STAR + NUS, NTU, SUTD
Full tuition + S$2,200-3,200 stipend (approximately INR 1.6L-2.3L) + airfare
A*STAR Graduate Scholarship
A*STAR
100% tuition + stipend + lab funding
MOE Tuition Grant Scheme
Ministry of Education
Up to full tuition + 3-year Singapore work bond
SERC PhD Scholarship
Science & Engineering Research Council
Full tuition + monthly stipend + research allowance
SMART Graduate Fellowship (Singapore–MIT)
SMART + Govt of Singapore
Full tuition + stipend + access to MIT facilities
EDB Scholarship
Economic Development Board
Full tuition + stipend + internship + work placement
Over 3,500 international students receive government-funded scholarships in Singapore every year, contributing to the country's 30%+ foreign student enrollment across top institutes.
Fully Funded Scholarships Offered by Top Singapore Universities
Top universities in Singapore like NUS, NTU, SMU, and SUTD offer merit-based fully funded scholarships to attract high-performing international students. These scholarships usually cover full tuition fees, provide monthly living support, and may include additional benefits like travel grants, accommodation support, or research funding.
Here’s a breakdown of major fully funded university-specific scholarships in Singapore:
Scholarship Name
University
Coverage Summary
NUS Research Scholarship
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Full tuition + monthly stipend (variable based on degree track and progression status)
Nanyang Scholarship
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Full tuition + S$6,500 annual living allowance (approximately INR 4.7L) + travel grant
SMU Global Impact Scholarship Award
Singapore Management University (SMU)
Full tuition + S$5,000 study award (approximately INR 3.68L) + overseas exchange funding
SUTD President's Graduate Fellowship
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
Full tuition + S$3,600 monthly stipend (approximately INR 2.6L) + conference support
These university-funded scholarships help thousands of international students take advantage of Singapore’s top-10 global university ecosystem while minimizing education costs.
Private Fully Funded Scholarships in Singapore
In addition to government and university funding, several private organizations, charitable foundations, and industry bodies offer fully funded scholarships for international students in Singapore.
These awards are often tied to specific fields like business, finance, engineering, and public policy, and are designed to develop future leaders and innovators in partnership with top academic institutions.
Here’s a breakdown of the top private and industry-funded fully funded scholarships in Singapore:
Scholarship Name
Administered By
Coverage Summary
Lee Kong Chian Graduate Scholarship
Lee Foundation + NUS
Full tuition + monthly stipend + travel and conference allowance
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
Asian Development Bank
Full tuition + monthly stipend + airfare
INSEAD Singapore Fellowship
INSEAD Asia Campus
Tuition funding + leadership development + networking support
Tanoto Scholarship
Tanoto Foundation
Full tuition + leadership training + career workshops
Kuok Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship
Kuok Foundation
Full tuition + monthly allowance + research support
Private and foundation scholarships contribute significantly to Singapore’s goal of producing industry-ready graduates, with award values often ranging from S$20,000-40,000 (approximately INR 14.7L-29.4L)annually, including tuition and living support.
Eligibility Criteria for Fully Funded Scholarships in Singapore
To qualify, international students must meet a mix of academic, language, and profile-specific requirements set by the awarding body. While each scholarship has its own criteria, most are based on strong academic performance, leadership potential, and alignment with the field of study or research area.
Below are the general eligibility requirements for fully funded scholarships in Singapore:
Academic Excellence: MinimumGPAof 3.5/4.0 or equivalent (75% or above) in previous studies
English Proficiency: Valid IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL (90+) score for most universities
Research/Leadership Profile: Evidence of publications, project work, or leadership roles (for graduate-level scholarships)
Study Program Admission: Candidate must have secured admission to an eligible full-time program in Singapore
Bond Conditions: Certain scholarships (like MOE Tuition Grant) require a 3-year service bond in Singapore after graduation.
How to Apply Scholarship in Singapore?
The application process for these scholarships varies depending on the scholarship type (government, university, or industry-funded), but it typically involves applying online, submitting essential documents, and going through an interview or evaluation round.
Here’s how to get the scholarship in Singapore:
Official Application Routes
Each scholarship provider has a formal application channel, either directly via the respective scholarship portal or through the university’s admission system.
Government Scholarships: Apply via portals like A*STAR, MOE, or SINGA websites
University Scholarships: Apply through the university’s application portal after securing admission
Private/Foundation Scholarships: Submit applications via official foundation portals, often during intake cycles
Document Checklist
Every fully funded scholarship application requires a set of documents that verify academic performance, financial need, and personal achievements.
Below are the commonly required documents:
Academic transcripts (UG/PG certificates)
English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
Valid passport copy
Updated CV or Resume
Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Essay
Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
Research proposal (for PhD scholarships)
Evidence of extracurricular achievements or leadership roles
Benefits of Fully Funded Scholarships in Singapore
One of the biggest advantages of securing a fully funded scholarship is the freedom to focus on your studies without constantly worrying about tuition fees and living expenses. With support that often extends beyond academics, these scholarships can make the entire study abroad journey more manageable and rewarding.
Key benefits of fully funded scholarships in Singapore include:
100% Tuition Fee Coverage: No cost for degree programs at top universities like NUS, NTU, and SMU
Generous Monthly Stipends: S$1,000–3,500 (INR 67,880–2.37L) per month depending on study level
Travel & Settling Allowances: Some awards include airfare, visa support, and initial accommodation costs
Research & Conference Funding: Support for presenting papers at global conferences or labs abroad
Post-Study Work Opportunities: High employability rates; over 80% of graduates find jobs within 6 months
Access to Global Network: Collaboration with leading researchers, business leaders, and mentors
No Return Requirement (in some cases): Unlike many funded programs, not all scholarships enforce a service bond
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Fully Funded Scholarship in Singapore
These scholarships are highly competitive, especially for international students. To stand out, students must not only meet the basic eligibility criteria but also strategically enhance their profile, academic records, and application quality.
Here’s how to boost your chances of securing a fully funded scholarship in Singapore:
Start Early: Begin preparing at least 10–12 months before the deadline
Maintain Strong Academics: Aim for a GPA above 3.5/4.0 or equivalent (75%+)
Score Well in English Tests: High IELTS (7.0+) or TOEFL (100+) scores improve your profile
Build a Research Portfolio: Publish papers, complete projects, or showcase lab experience for STEM or PhD roles
Craft a Unique SOP: Highlight your goals, achievements, leadership, and genuine interest in Singapore
Get Strong LORs: Seek recommendations from professors or industry mentors who know your abilities well
Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Increase your chances by applying across categories (government, university, private)
Engage in Extracurriculars: Show leadership, volunteering, or global exposure outside academics
Prepare for Interviews: Practice common scholarship and subject-specific interview questions
With strategic planning, thoughtful writing, and timely applications, you can significantly improve your chances of winning a fully funded scholarship in Singapore.
Conclusion
For many students, a scholarship isn't just financial support; it's what makes studying abroad possible in the first place. Singapore has built a reputation for investing in talent, which is why you'll find a wide range of fully funded opportunities offered by government agencies, top universities, and private organisations. From full tuition coverage and monthly stipends to research funding and travel support, these scholarships can take a significant amount of financial pressure off your shoulders.
The real value, however, goes beyond the funding itself. A scholarship can open doors to internationally recognised universities, research opportunities, industry connections, and a multicultural learning environment in one of Asia's leading economies. If Singapore is on your study abroad shortlist, taking the time to explore and apply for these scholarships could be one of the smartest investments you make in your future.
Do fully funded scholarships in Singapore cover living and travel expenses?
Yes, many fully funded scholarships in Singapore provide monthly living allowances ranging from S$1,000–3,500 (INR 67,880–2.37L), and some include travel grants like one-time airfare. However, not all scholarships cover both components, so it’s important to review each award’s benefits in detail.
Can I apply for multiple fully funded scholarships at the same time in Singapore?
Yes, students can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously in Singapore unless explicitly restricted by the provider. However, applicants can accept only one scholarship offer at a time. Some scholarships may also require candidates to withdraw from other offers upon acceptance.
Is work experience required to get a fully funded scholarship in Singapore?
Work experience is not mandatory for most undergraduate or research-based PhD scholarships. However, experience is highly valued for competitive MBA and professional Master’s programs, especially for awards like the INSEAD Scholarship or ADB–Japan Scholarship, which prioritize leadership and career impact.
Are there scholarships in Singapore that don’t require IELTS or TOEFL?
Yes, some scholarships in Singapore waive English language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL if your previous education was conducted in English. Universities like NUS and NTU accept alternative proofs, such as medium of instruction certificates. However, this is not guaranteed for all programs.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for scholarships in Singapore?
Common mistakes include missing deadlines, submitting generic or poorly written SOPs, ignoring eligibility criteria, and failing to back up achievements with proof. Applicants should also avoid applying without a strong academic record or sending incomplete documents, as this lowers the credibility of their application.
Can I get a fully funded scholarship to study medicine in Singapore?
Fully funded scholarships for medicine are limited and highly competitive in Singapore. Medical programs at NUS and Duke-NUS offer financial aid, but most are partial awards. Fully funded options may require bonds or service commitments in the healthcare sector post-graduation.
How long does it take to receive a decision after applying for a scholarship in Singapore?
Most scholarship decisions in Singapore are communicated 2–4 months after the application deadline. For competitive awards like SINGA or A*STAR, the process may include interviews or multiple evaluation rounds, extending the decision period slightly.
Is there any interview round for scholarship selection in Singapore?
Yes, most fully funded scholarships in Singapore include an interview stage, especially for PhD or leadership-oriented programs. Interviews assess academic potential, research preparedness, communication skills, and alignment with the scholarship provider’s goals. Some interviews may be conducted virtually.
Can scholarship recipients in Singapore work part-time while studying?
Yes, international students can work part-time up to 16 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks, as permitted by Singapore’s Student Pass. However, this depends on scholarship terms, some funders may restrict work while receiving stipends.
Do Singapore scholarships cover visa and insurance fees?
Some fully funded scholarships in Singapore cover additional costs like Student Pass (visa) application fees and health insurance, especially for PhD and government-funded awards. However, this varies across providers, so applicants should verify these details before applying.
Are there scholarships in Singapore specifically for Indian students?
Yes, several scholarships in Singapore support Indian students, including the SINGA Scholarship, Lee Kong Chian Scholarship, and Nanyang Scholarship. Many of these awards are open to students from India who meet the academic and eligibility criteria, especially in STEM and management fields.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4730 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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