Latest update: According to Singapore’s Ministry of Education, over 2,000 international scholarships were granted in 2024 alone, with a growing trend projected into 2025.
Fully funded scholarships in Singapore help students study at top-ranked universities without paying for tuition or living expenses. These scholarships are offered by the Singapore government and major universities like the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU).
Every year, over 950 international students are awarded scholarships like the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA), Commonwealth Scholarship, and NUS Research Scholarship. Many of these cover full tuition, airfare, and monthly living support of SGD 1,200 to SGD 3,000(INR 74,400 to INR 1,86,000). Postgraduate courses in Singapore can cost around SGD 25,000 to SGD 40,000 (INR 15,50,000 to INR 24,80,000), making these awards a big relief.
This guide breaks down the top fully funded scholarships in Singapore, their benefits, who can apply, how to apply, and deadlines you should not miss.
List of Fully Funded Scholarships in Singapore for Indian Students 2025
For the 2025 intake, several fully funded scholarships are specifically designed to support talented Indian students. These awards cover essential costs like tuition and living expenses, removing the financial barrier to a world-class education.
Below is a detailed list of the top scholarships that can turn your academic goals into a reality:
NUS Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship
The NTU Nanyang Scholarship is a reputable,100% funded honour for excellent students pursuing UG programs at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The Scholarship is one of the most reputable scholarships around the globe as it covers education fees,stay costs, and living costs.
Category
Details
Applicable Fields
Full-time undergraduate degrees in Computing, Engineering, and Science at NUS.
Benefits
Full coverage of subsidized tuition fees (after MOE Tuition Grant).
S$6,000 (~₹4.9 lakhs) annual living allowance.
1,750 (₹1.4 lakhs) one-time computer allowance.
S$200 (₹16,000) one-time settling-in allowance
Annual accommodation allowance.
Travel allowance for a flight from the home country to Singapore and a return flight after graduation.
Eligibility Criteria
Must be a citizen of an Asian country.
Possesses outstanding high school academic results.
Demonstrate strong leadership qualities.
Have an excellent record of co-curricular activities.
Transfer students are not eligible.
How to Apply?
No separate scholarship application is needed.
All eligible students who apply for admission to relevant NUS courses are automatically considered.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview between January and July.
Outcomes are typically released by mid-July.
Terms & Conditions
Bond: A six-year bond is required, where graduates must work for a Singapore-registered company after completing their studies.
Other Awards: Cannot hold other scholarships or grants concurrently.
Renewal: Must maintain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 for renewal each semester.
NTU Nanyang Scholarship
The NTU Nanyang Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded award for outstanding students pursuing undergraduate studies at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.
It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and accommodation costs, making it one of the most competitive scholarships in the country.
Category
Details
Applicable Fields
All full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
Key Benefits
Full coverage of subsidized tuition fees (after MOE Tuition Grant).
Annual living allowance of S$6,500 (₹5.3 lakhs).
S$2,000 (₹1.6 lakhs) per year.
One-off computer allowance of S$2,000 (₹1.6 lakhs).
S$8,000 (₹6.5 lakhs) for an overseas programme (₹6.5 lakhs).
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all nationalities.
Must have excellent academic results
Strong leadership qualities and potential.
Excellent co-curricular activities record.
How to Apply?
Apply for the scholarship after submitting your application for admission to NTU.
The application includes a personal essay (max 250 words).
Requires one online referee appraisal from a school teacher.
Shortlisted candidates are interviewed between March and May.
Terms & Conditions
Bond: No dedicated bond, but international students must undertake the standard 3-year MOE Tuition Grant bond.
Other Awards: Cannot hold other scholarships or loans concurrently without approval.
Renewal: Must maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 out of 5.0.
Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is a premier, bond-free PhD scholarship for students in Science and Engineering. The award is open to all international graduates, including students from India, especially those studying in Singapore for the first time.
It’s a joint program between A*STAR and Singapore’s top universities like NTU, NUS, SUTD, SMU, and SIT. They work together to offer this scholarship.
Category
Details
Applicable Areas
PhD or EngD programs in fields like Biomedical Sciences, Computer and Information Science, Engineering and Technology, and Physical Sciences.
Benefits
Full coverage of tuition fees for up to 4 years.
Monthly stipend of S$2,700 (₹2.2lakhs), which increases to S$3,200 (₹2.6 lakhs) after passing the Qualifying Exam.
One-time airfare grant of up to S$1,500 (₹1.2 lakhs).\1,000 ( ₹82,000).
Eligibility Criteria
Must be an international student with an excellent academic record.
Not a Singaporean citizen or Permanent Resident.
Strong interest in research and good reports from academic referees.
Good written and spoken English skills.
How to Apply?
The application is done online through the official SINGA portal.
Applicants must browse and select research projects of interest.
Required documents include a valid passport, academic transcripts, degree certificates, and two recommendation reports.
It is advised to apply early to ensure referees have time to submit their reports before the deadline.
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Graduate Scholarships
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy(LKYSPP), Singapore, provides a variety of scholarships to help postgraduate students around the globe.
These honours are provided to various fields of education, nationalities, and career stages,varying from intermediate career professionals to extraordinary PhD research workers.
LKYSPP-Hinrich Global Trade Leader Scholarship
This scholarship helps mid-career professionals from any country grow into global trade leaders by supporting their Master's in International Affairs program.
Feature
Details
Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
Benefits
Full tuition waiver for the MIA programme.
Eligibility
At least 2 years of work experience.
Strong interest in global trade or international trade policy.
Preference for candidates who want to work in Asia after their graduation.
Obligations
Recipients must stay in touch with the Hinrich Foundation for guidance, possible job help, and to be part of their alumni group.
Enpee Group Scholarship
This scholarship is meant for public servants from Nigeria and India. It helps them study for a Master’s in Public Administration at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
Feature
Details
Nationality
Nigeria, India
Benefits
The scholarship helps fund the MPA programme (specific value not detailed).
Eligibility
Must be a citizen of Nigeria or India.
Must have a demonstrated passion for public service.
Must possess excellent and professional records in the public sector.
NUS Research Scholarship
This is the main scholarship from the National University of Singapore (NUS). It supports talented PhD students from any country during their full research journey.
Feature
Details
Target Audience
PhD candidates.
Nationality
All.
Duration & Renewal
Awarded for one year initially.
Renewable annually for a maximum of 4 years.
Renewal is subject to a satisfactory academic progress review.
Conditions
The scholarship will end if the student gets an academic warning or is put on probation for poor progress.
President’s Graduate Fellowships (PGF)
President's Graduate Fellowship is one of the NUS's most reputed awards provided to a limited number of exceptional PhD students who have reflected sheer hardwork in research or shown impressive accomplishments.
This fellowship supports scholars to fully submerge in their research work.
Feature
Details
Nationality
All.
Eligibility
Both incoming PhD students and current NUS Research Scholars (who have passed their PhD Qualifying Examination) are considered.
Certain programs like SMA and GPBE are excluded.
Benefits
Full coverage of tuition fees.
Monthly Stipend: S$3,400 ( ₹2.8 lakhs)\1,000 for overseas students ( ₹82,000).
One-off air travel allowance of up to S$750 for overseas students ( ₹61,500).
Duration & Renewal
The scholarship is given for up to 4 years, but you must pass a yearly review to keep it.
Notification
The results of the fellowship are usually announced in May each year.
Duration & Renewal
Awarded for one year initially.
Renewable each semester, subject to the scholar's performance and faculty recommendation.
The maximum tenure of the award is four years.
INSEAD-Syngenta MBA Scholarships for Developing Country Leaders
This scholarship is a collaboration between INSEAD and Syngenta, aimed at developing future leaders from emerging economies.
It provides financial support to talented individuals who have a commitment to contributing to their home country's development after completing their MBA.
Feature
Details
Nationality
Open to nationals of emerging countries, including India.
Key Benefit
The scholarship award is €22,500 ( ₹19.9 lakhs). Two scholarships are awarded per class.
Eligibility
Must be a national of an emerging economy and have spent a substantial part of their life in the developing world.
Must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and an aptitude for business.
Preference is given to candidates who can prove their need for financial assistance.
Experience in industry is considered a plus.
How to Apply?
Applications are accepted during Rounds 1 and 2 of the MBA admissions process.
You need to apply online and write specific essays on topics like business leadership in your country and sustainable farming.
You also need to submit an essay explaining your financial need.
Commitment
Applicants should clearly show their intention to make a positive impact in their home country or region after completing their studies.
This scholarship is offered by the National University of Singapore to support exceptional international freshmen from all countries.
It is an award that recognizes outstanding academic achievements and leadership qualities, covering most costs associated with an undergraduate education.
Feature
Details
Nationality
Open to all international students, including Singapore Permanent Residents.
Key Benefits
Covers the full subsidized tuition fees after the MOE Tuition Grant is applied.
Annual living allowance of S$5,800 (₹4.7 lakhs).\1,750 (₹1.4 lakhs).
Annual accommodation allowance of S$5,000 (₹4.1 lakhs).
Eligibility
Must not be a Singapore citizen
Should have excellent high school academic results
Must show strong leadership potential
Should have a strong record in co-curricular activities
Transfer students are not eligible
How to Apply?
No separate scholarship application is required.
All eligible international students who apply for admission to NUS are automatically considered.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview between January and July.
Outcomes are released by mid-July.
Terms & Conditions
Must accept the MOE Tuition Grant, which comes with a 3-year work bond at a Singapore-registered company.
Dentistry and Medicine students must serve a 5- or 6-year bond with Singapore’s Ministry of Health.
Cannot receive any other scholarships at the same time without official approval.
To renew the scholarship, students must keep a GPA of at least 3.5.
Note: Scholarship details like who can apply, how much you get, and deadlines can change each year. Always check the official website of the university or government before you apply.
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships in Singapore provide outstanding opportunities for Indian students to continue higher education in a globally reputed educational environment.These scholarships supports students to remove financial burden facilitating students to focus on their educational and career goals.
Understanding various scholarships,application process and the positive effect these scholarships can provide, help students to increase chance of getting scholarship.The commitment of Singapore to nurture talent makes it an ideal destination for aspiring students finding quality education and career.
At upGrad, we help Indian learners and professionals facilitate international education and relocation. Our experts support you from selecting the right course to preparing for life abroad and ensure you're well informed about every step of the procedure.
Can Indian students work while studying in Singapore?
Yes, you can work up to 16 hours a week during classes. On holidays, full-time work is allowed. Just make sure your college is approved and you have a valid Student Pass. Rules are clear, but stick to the work-hour limit.
Are scholarships taxed in Singapore for students?
Most student scholarships aren’t taxed. If the money only goes toward things like tuition, books, or school fees, it usually stays tax-free. But it’s always smart to check with the university or provider, just to be safe.
Do I need IELTS to get a scholarship in Singapore?
Many scholarships need proof of English skills, so yes, IELTS or TOEFL is often required. Not every scholarship asks for it, though. Always check the exact rules on the scholarship’s official website before applying.
Are scholarships in Singapore hard to get for Indians?
Yes, they are tough since many students apply. But good grades, a strong SOP, and clear goals really help. It’s not just about marks. Show your skills, story, and why you deserve it. That makes a big difference.
Can I get a scholarship if my grades aren’t great?
Yes, you still can. Some scholarships look at more than grades. If you’ve done community work, have a good reason for low marks, or need support, they may consider your story. Write a strong SOP and be honest.
How much does it cost to live in Singapore as a student?
You’ll spend around SGD 1,000 to 1,500 per month (INR 62,000 to 93,000). This includes rent, food, and daily stuff. It’s more in the city, but sharing rooms and cooking at home can help you save.
Do all universities in Singapore give scholarships?
No, not all. But big ones like NUS, NTU, and SMU offer a lot of scholarships. Some cover full fees, others cover part. Always go to the university’s official site and check what they offer for your course.
Can diploma holders apply for scholarships too?
Yes, if you're planning to study further, you can apply. Some scholarships are open to diploma students joining degree programs. Just check the rules to see if your background and course match the scholarship.
Is a Student Pass enough to keep my scholarship?
Yes, but not just that. You also need to follow the rules, like keeping good grades and going to class. The Student Pass lets you study legally, but the scholarship stays only if you meet the conditions.
What if I lose my scholarship during the course?
If you lose it, you may have to pay the remaining tuition yourself. Sometimes the university gives a warning. It depends on the rules. Stay on track with grades and attendance to avoid problems later.
Can I apply again if I don’t get the scholarship?
Yes, you can. If you don’t get it now, work on your profile and apply next time. Many students don’t make it on the first try but get it later with better scores or a stronger application.
Are some scholarships only for certain courses?
Yes, some are only for certain subjects like science, tech, or business. Government or university scholarships may focus on these. Always read the details to know if your course is included or not.
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