For Indian students, a PhD in Singapore for Indian students is a popular choice because of top universities like NUS and NTU. Most PhD programs require a strong honours degree (Second Upper Class or CGPA 3.2 and above), along with IELTSor TOEFL scores. Some universities may also ask for GRE or GATE scores, a research proposal, and early contact with potential supervisors. Many students apply for fully funded options such as the SINGA Scholarship, which covers tuition fees and offers a monthly stipend. Applications usually open around August and January for major universities in Singapore.
Top Universities for PhD in Singapore 2026
Singapore has some of the best universities in the world. They are known for strong research, modern facilities, and good support for PhD students. For Indian students in 2026, these universities are attractive because of their high global rankings, industry connections, and scholarships that make studying affordable.
Here are the latest QS rankings2026 for the main institutions:
Business, law, social sciences; strong industry partnerships
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
#519 globally
Design, architecture, engineering, innovation
ASTAR Research Institutes
Not individually ranked, but globally recognized
Biomedical sciences, computing, advanced technologies, and government-backed research centres
Key Insight: NUS and NTU remain in the global top 15, SMU has shown significant improvement, while SUTD slipped slightly in 2026. Together, these institutions provide Indian PhD students with world-class research opportunities and strong scholarship support.
Singapore offers generous funding opportunities for international PhD students, including Indian applicants. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also provide monthly stipends that comfortably support living expenses. With government-backed programs like SINGA and university-specific awards at NUS, NTU, and SMU, students can pursue cutting-edge research without financial stress.
Singapore provides strong financial support for PhD students. Scholarshipscover tuition fees and give monthly stipends that are enough to manage living costs. For Indian students, this makes research in Singapore affordable and attractive.
Scholarship
What It Covers
Stipend (SGD & INR)
Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
Full tuition + monthly stipend
SGD 2,200 (₹1.35 lakh); increases to SGD 2,700 (₹1.66 lakh) after qualifying exam
Full tuition + monthly stipend + conference allowance
SGD 3,000 (₹1.85 lakh)
ASTAR Graduate Academy Scholarships
Tuition waiver + monthly stipend
SGD 2,500–3,200 (₹1.55–1.97 lakh)
SMU PhD Scholarships
Tuition support (partial/full) + monthly stipend
Amount varies by program
Note: With these scholarships, Indian students can expect full tuition coverage and stipends ranging from ₹1.2 lakh to nearly ₹2 lakh per month, depending on the program and university.
Applying for a PhD in Singapore takes planning. Indian students should start preparing documents and research proposals well in advance. Most universities and scholarships follow a yearly cycle, so keeping track of deadlines is important.
Stage
Timeline
(2025–2026)
What To Do
Preparation
Aug – Oct 2025
Collect transcripts, write a research proposal, and contact potential supervisors
Applications
Nov – Jan 2026
Submit PhD applications and scholarship forms (SINGA, NUS, NTU, SMU)
Selection
Feb – Apr 2026
Attend interviews, provide additional documents, and wait for results
Admission
Jul – Aug 2026
Confirm admission, arrange visa, prepare for travel
Note: At this point, only the 2025 cycles are officially listed.
Cost of Studying for PhD in Singapore 2026
PhD tuition fees in Singapore vary by university, but most students receive scholarships that waive these costs. For Indian students, this means the actual out-of-pocket expense is often minimal. Still, knowing the official tuition fees helps to understand the value of scholarships.
University
Annual Tuition Fee (SGD)
Approx. Annual Fee (INR)
National University of Singapore (NUS)
~8,000 – 10,000
₹4.9 – 6.1 lakh
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
~9,750 – 15,350 (subsidised) / 34,360 (full fee)
₹6 – 21 lakh
Singapore Management University (SMU)
~7,500 – 9,000
₹4.6 – 5.5 lakh
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
~7,000 – 8,500
₹4.3 – 5.2 lakh
A*STAR Research Institutes
Fully funded (no tuition)
–
Key Point: Tuition fees range between SGD 7,000–15,000 (₹4.3–9.1 lakh) per year, but scholarships such as SINGA, NUS Research Scholarship, NTU NPGS, and SMU PhD awards typically waive these costs and provide stipends.
Cost of Living in Singapore for PhD Students 2026
Cost of Living in Singaporecan be more expensive than in other Asian countries, but scholarships are designed to offset these costs. The government tracks prices through the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and provides updates on expenses for housing, food, and transportation.
Expense Category
Average Monthly Cost (SGD)
Approx. Cost in INR
Accommodation (student housing/shared flat)
500–800
₹31,000–50,000
Food & Groceries
300–450
₹18,500–28,000
Transport (public MRT/bus)
100–150
₹6,000–9,000
Utilities & Internet
120–180
₹7,500–11,000
Miscellaneous (books, personal, leisure)
200–300
₹12,000–18,500
Total Estimate: SGD 1,200–1,500 per month (≈ ₹75,000–95,000). With scholarships like SINGA, NUS, and NTU, stipends of SGD 2,200–3,000/month are enough to cover these costs comfortably.
Career Prospects After PhD in Singapore 2026
Doing a PhD in Singapore opens up strong career opportunities. The country is a hub for technology, research, and higher education. Indian students who graduate here can work in universities, government labs, or private industries like biotech, AI, and finance. Salaries are competitive and continue to grow year by year.
Role/Industry
Approx. Monthly Salary Range (SGD)
Approx. Monthly Salary Range (INR)
University Lecturer / Assistant Professor
10,500 – 11,500
₹6.6 – 7.2 lakh
Research Scientist (A*STAR, labs)
6,500 – 7,000
₹4.1 – 4.5 lakh
Data Scientist / AI Specialist
8,000 – 8,500
₹5.0 – 5.3 lakh
Biomedical Researcher
3,200 – 3,500
₹2.0 – 2.2 lakh
PhD Graduate Student (stipend)
2,200 – 2,700
₹1.35 – 1.66 lakh
Conclusion
A PhD in Singapore for Indian Students 2026 offers world-class research opportunities with tuition fees usually waived through scholarships like SINGA, NUS, NTU, and SMU awards. Monthly stipends cover living costs, making the journey financially sustainable. Graduates step into academia, biotech, AI, and finance with salaries ranging from SGD 6,500–11,500 (₹4.1–7.2 lakh), positioning Singapore as a top destination for doctoral studies and global career growth.
How much does a PhD cost in Singapore for Indian students?
PhD tuition fees in Singapore officially range between SGD 7,000–15,000 per year depending on the university. For Indian students, this translates to roughly ₹4.3–9.1 lakh annually. However, most scholarships waive these fees entirely, so the real cost is only living expenses. With stipends provided, students rarely pay out of pocket.
How to do PhD in Singapore for Indian students?
The journey begins with identifying a research area and contacting potential supervisors at universities like NUS or NTU. Applications are submitted online with transcripts, recommendation letters, and a research proposal. Scholarships such as SINGA often require a separate application, and shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews before final selection.
Is Singapore PhD fully funded?
Yes, most PhD programs in Singapore are fully funded through scholarships. These awards cover tuition fees and provide monthly stipends for living costs. Funding is competitive, so applicants need strong academic records, clear research proposals, and recommendation letters to secure a place.
Can I work while doing PhD in Singapore?
PhD students can take part-time work, but only with university approval and within visa regulations. Since stipends are designed to cover living costs, most students don’t need extra jobs. Research commitments are demanding, so balancing outside work is often challenging.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for PhD in Singapore?
Yes, proof of English proficiency is required unless your previous degree was taught entirely in English. Most universities expect IELTS scores of at least 6.5 or TOEFL scores around 90. Some programs may accept other tests like PTE, but IELTS and TOEFL are the most common.
How long does a PhD take in Singapore?
A PhD in Singapore typically takes 4 years to complete. Some students finish in 3 years if their research progresses quickly, while others may take up to 5 years depending on the complexity of their project. The timeline includes coursework, research, and thesis submission.
What is the application timeline for 2026 intake?
Applications usually open in late 2025 and close by early 2026. Interviews and selection rounds happen in the first half of 2026, with classes beginning in August. Each university publishes exact dates on its admissions portal, so applicants should check regularly.
Are Indian students eligible for SINGA scholarship?
Yes, Indian students are fully eligible for the SINGA scholarship. It is one of the most popular funding options and supports hundreds of international PhD candidates every year. The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend, making it highly attractive.
What documents are needed for PhD applications?
Applicants must submit academic transcripts, degree certificates, a research proposal, and recommendation letters. Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) is also required. Some universities may ask for GRE scores, though this is optional for many programs.
Can I settle in Singapore after PhD?
Many PhD graduates continue working in Singapore, especially in research, tech, and finance industries. Employment passes are available for skilled professionals, making it possible to build a longterm career. Some even transition into permanent residency after gaining work experience.
What are the living arrangements for PhD students?
Universities offer campus housing and help students find shared apartments. Student hostels are the most affordable option, while private rentals cost more but provide independence. Living close to campus reduces transport costs and makes balancing research and daily life easier.
What is the average acceptance rate for PhD programs in universities like NUS or NTU?
Admission into PhD programs at NUS and NTU is highly selective, with estimated acceptance rates between 10–15%, depending on the faculty. Applicants with strong research proposals, high GPAs, publications, and supervisor approval stand the best chance, especially when applying for funded positions.
Do PhD graduates qualify for Singapore Permanent Residence (PR)?
Yes, PhD graduates can apply for Singapore PR through the Skilled Migration route (Employment Pass or S Pass), especially if they secure a full-time job in approved sectors. Research and STEM graduates have a higher chance of approval due to demand for advanced talent in national priority areas.
How long does it take to process the Student Pass (PhD visa) for Singapore?
Student Pass processing for PhD students in Singapore typically takes 3–6 weeks after submission via ICA’s SOLAR+ portal. Processing time may vary based on document verification, background screening, and country of origin. Students are advised to apply at least two months before enrollment.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4236 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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