If you are looking at Singapore for your higher education, the good news is that scholarships here are genuinely generous, not just token discounts. The Nanyang Scholarship atNTU covers full tuition along with a living allowance of S$6,500 per year (around ₹4,74,500), plus a housing allowance of up to S$2,000 (around ₹1,46,000).NUS has something similar with its Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship.
Most top-tier scholarships in Singapore come with a 3 to 6 year work bond, which means you commit to working in Singapore for a set period after graduating. It is worth knowing this upfront since it shapes which scholarship makes sense for you.
In the sections below, you will find the top scholarships, eligibility, how to apply, deadlines, and tips to strengthen your application.
Top Scholarships in Singapore and Their Types
Scholarships in Singapore mostly come from three places: the government, the universities themselves, and private foundations. Here's a breakdown:
Government and National Scholarships
SINGA stands out among these since it's genuinely one of the better PhD scholarships out there, coming with no bond attached, which is rare for Singapore.
Scholarship Name
Who Can Apply
Scholarship Benefits and Coverage
ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship
Students from ASEAN countries applying for a bachelor's degree at NUS, NTU, or SMU
Tuition fee coverage, annual living allowance, accommodation allowance, and other study-related benefits
Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
International students pursuing a PhD in STEM disciplines
Full tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend starting at S$2,000 to S$2,200 (around ₹1.46 lakh to ₹1.61 lakh), increasing to S$2,700 (around ₹1.97 lakh) after passing the PhD Qualifying Examination, plus airfare and one-time settling-in allowance; no bond required
MOE Tuition Grant
International undergraduate students enrolled at eligible Singapore institutions
Significant reduction in tuition fees in exchange for a three-year work commitment in Singapore after graduation
Most top-tier scholarships at NUS and NTU require a 3 to 6 year post-graduation work bond in Singapore, so factor that into your decision before applying.
Scholarship Name
University Offering the Scholarship
Scholarship Value and Coverage
NUS Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Full tuition fee waiver, annual living allowance, accommodation allowance, and round-trip airfare
Nanyang Scholarship
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Full tuition fee waiver, S$6,500 per year living allowance (around ₹4.75 lakh), S$2,000 housing allowance (around ₹1.46 lakh), S$5,000 travel grant (around ₹3.65 lakh), and S$1,750 computer allowance (around ₹1.28 lakh)
Nanyang Merit Scholarship
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Tuition fee coverage, annual living allowance, and overseas travel allowance; open to students of all nationalities
Research and PhD Opportunities
PhD scholarships in Singapore generally function more like research assistantships, so you get paid a monthly stipend rather than just a tuition waiver.
Scholarship Name
Who Can Apply
Scholarship Benefits and Coverage
Nanyang President's Graduate Scholarship
Outstanding graduates with an Honours (Highest Distinction) degree; open to applicants of all nationalities
Full tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend, conference and thesis allowances, and no service bond; renewable based on satisfactory academic progress
University Research Scholarships
Master's (by Research) and PhD candidates at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Full tuition fee waiver plus a monthly stipend of around S$2,000 to S$3,200+ (around ₹1.46 lakh to ₹2.34 lakh+), depending on citizenship status and academic progress
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in Singapore
Every scholarship in Singapore has its own checklist, but once you look at a few of them side by side, the same patterns keep showing up. Here is what actually matters when you are applying:
Academic Requirements
This is where most applications get filtered out before anything else is even looked at, so your transcripts need to be strong from the start.
Bachelor's degree for Master's programs; Master's degree for PhD positions
Minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0, or around 75% to 80% in percentage terms, for most top scholarships
Competitive fields like engineering, business, or medicine at NUS and NTU often expect even higher academic standards
Language Proficiency
Since most programs in Singapore are taught in English, your test scores need to clear a certain bar before the rest of your application even gets reviewed.
National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), and other universities for master's and PhD programs
If your previous education was conducted entirely in English, some universities will waive the test requirement, though it is always worth confirming directly with the admissions office.
Motivation Letter and Personal Essay
A lot of applicants treat this as a formality, but at competitive scholarships like the Nanyang Scholarship, the personal essay is genuinely one of the deciding factors.
Should explain your academic interests, career goals, and why Singapore specifically fits into that plan
Needs to be written fresh for each scholarship rather than reused across applications
Should mention leadership experience, co-curricular involvement, or any research work you have done
For NTU's freshmen scholarships, the personal essay is capped at 250 words, so being concise matters as much as being convincing
Work Experience and Research Background
If you are applying for a research-based or graduate scholarship, having something to show beyond just grades makes a real difference.
1 to 3 years of professional or research experience is common for graduate and mid-career scholarships
Published papers, conference participation, or a clear research proposal strengthen PhD applications significantly
For undergraduate scholarships, strong co-curricular records and leadership roles matter more than formal work experience
Bonds, Age, and Other Conditions
This is the part people sometimes skip over, and then are surprised by later, so it is worth reading closely before you apply.
Most top-tier NUS and NTU undergraduate scholarships come with a 3 to 6 year work bond in Singapore after graduation
SINGA and a few other PhD scholarships are bond-free, which makes them more flexible if you are not sure about staying long-term
There is generally no fixed age limit for most scholarships, though specific programs may have their own cut-offs
Always read the bond terms carefully, since early termination usually requires repayment
The good news here is that most scholarships in Singapore do not need a separate, complicated application. In many cases, applying for admission is enough to be automatically considered.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here is how the process generally works, whether you are applying through NUS, NTU, or a government-backed scholarship:
Apply for University Admission: For most undergraduate scholarships, including the Nanyang Merit Scholarship, you simply apply for admission first. The scholarship application form becomes available once you have an active application
Check Eligibility: Go through the specific GPA, English proficiency, and nationality requirements for the scholarship you are targeting
Submit the Scholarship Form: For NTU, this is found through the "Apply for Scholarship" link at the end of your online admission application, using your assigned application number
Get Your Referee's Appraisal: Many undergraduate scholarships require a teacher referee to submit an online appraisal, so let them know in advance and follow up if needed
Wait for Shortlisting: Only shortlisted candidates are contacted, typically by email, for the next stage
Attend the Interview: Scholarship interviews are usually held between March and May, and this is where a strong, well-prepared candidate stands out
Note: Some scholarships, like SINGA, require a fully separate application through their own portal rather than going through general admissions. Always check the specific process for the scholarship you are applying to.
Required Documents Checklist
Here is what you will generally need ready before you start applying:
A few things genuinely move the needle when you are competing against thousands of strong applicants:
Apply as early as possible, since several scholarships review applications on a rolling basis even before the official deadline
Keep your personal essay focused and specific rather than generic, especially given NTU's 250-word limit
Highlight leadership and co-curricular involvement clearly, since academic scores alone rarely set you apart at this level
Reach out to your referee well in advance so the appraisal does not become a last-minute bottleneck
If you are invited for an interview, prepare to talk genuinely about why Singapore and why that specific program, rather than giving a rehearsed answer
Top Universities in Singapore Offering Scholarships
Singapore's university scene is small but mighty, and most of the country's scholarship money is concentrated in a handful of institutions. Here is a closer look at the ones worth knowing about:
National University of Singapore (NUS)
NUS is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities globally, and its scholarships reflect that level of ambition. The Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship is one of its flagship awards.
Scholarship: Full subsidised tuition under the MOE Grant, S$5,800/year living allowance (around ₹4,23,400), S$1,750 one-time computer allowance (around ₹1,27,750), and S$5,000/year accommodation support (around ₹3,65,000)
Level: Undergraduate
Selection: Highly competitive, based on academic merit, with a 3-year work bond required (5 to 6 years for Medicine or Dentistry)
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
NTU has built a strong reputation in engineering, technology, and sustainability, and its Nanyang Scholarship is one of the most generous undergraduate awards in the country.
Scholarship: Full tuition, S$6,500/year living allowance (around ₹4,74,500), S$2,000 housing allowance (around ₹1,46,000), plus a one-off S$5,000 travel grant (around ₹3,65,000) and S$1,750 computer allowance (around ₹1,27,750)
Level: Undergraduate
Selection: Open to all nationalities, based on academic excellence and co-curricular leadership
Singapore Management University (SMU)
SMU leans heavily into business, economics, and law, and its scholarships reflect that focus while still being open to strong students from other backgrounds.
Scholarship: Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme, one of SMU's most prestigious awards, covering tuition along with leadership development opportunities
Level: Undergraduate
Selection: Strong academics combined with demonstrated leadership and community involvement
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
SUTD is newer than NUS and NTU but has carved out a strong identity in design-centric engineering, and it participates in several of the cross-university PhD scholarships like SINGA.
Scholarship: Tuition coverage and stipend support through SINGA and university-specific research scholarships
Level: PhD and select graduate programs
Selection: Research potential and alignment with SUTD's interdisciplinary focus
A scholarship in Singapore usually takes care of tuition, but it is worth knowing what your day-to-day costs will actually look like, since Singapore is not a cheap city to live in.
Monthly Living Costs
Most students, even with a scholarship stipend, end up budgeting carefully here. The average monthly cost of living for international students ranges between S$1,200 and S$2,500 (around ₹87,600 to ₹1,82,500), depending on accommodation and lifestyle.
Expense Category
Estimated Monthly Cost
Is It Typically Covered by Scholarships?
Accommodation
S$450 to S$600 (around ₹32,850 to ₹43,800)
Often covered or subsidised under top scholarships
Food and Groceries
S$300 to S$500 (around ₹21,900 to ₹36,500)
Sometimes covered through monthly living allowances
Transportation
S$100 to S$150 (around ₹7,300 to ₹10,950)
Rarely covered directly; usually paid by the student
Scholarships like the Nanyang Scholarship and NUS Science and Technology Scholarship include a living allowance that genuinely makes a difference here, since accommodation alone can otherwise eat up a large chunk of your monthly budget.
Student Life and Campus Culture
Beyond academics, Singapore offers a genuinely international, fast-paced student environment that a lot of students find easy to settle into.
Strong international student communities at NUS, NTU, and SMU, with dedicated support offices for newcomers
English-taught programs across nearly all disciplines, which makes the transition easier for Indian students
A safe, clean, and well-connected city, consistently ranked among the best in Asia for student life
Active student clubs, hackathons, and industry tie-ups, particularly strong in tech and business fields
Healthcare and Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students in Singapore, and this is usually one of the smaller costs in the bigger picture.
All international students must have health insurance, either through the university or a private provider
Many scholarships, including NUS and NTU's flagship awards, include health insurance as part of the package
Singapore has an efficient, well-regarded healthcare system, so access to clinics and hospitals is rarely an issue
Always confirm with your university whether insurance is bundled into your scholarship or needs to be arranged separately
Conclusion
Scholarships in Singapore are some of the most rewarding in Asia, not just because of how much they cover, but because of what comes after. Graduates from NUS and NTU walk into one of the strongest job markets in the region, and the work bond that comes with most scholarships often turns into the start of a real career in Singapore.
The key thing to remember through all of this is that most scholarships do not need a separate, complicated process. Apply for admission with a strong profile, write an essay that actually sounds like you, and the rest tends to follow. If you are aiming for a PhD, look closely at SINGA since it is one of the few options here that does not tie you down with a bond.
The most reliable path is through top-tier merit awards like the Nanyang Scholarship at NTU or the Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship at NUS, both of which cover full tuition, living costs, and additional allowances. For PhD students, SINGA offers full funding without a work bond. The general approach is the same across all of them: strong academics, a genuine personal essay, leadership or research experience, and applying as early as possible.
Can I get a 100% scholarship in Singapore?
Yes. Several scholarships in Singapore cover 100% of costs, including the Nanyang Scholarship, NUS Science and Technology Scholarship, SINGA, and ASEAN scholarships. Most of these require a 3 to 6 year work bond except SINGA, which is bond-free. Coverage typically includes full tuition, living allowance, accommodation, and sometimes travel grants.
Can I study in Singapore after 12th?
Yes. Indian students can pursue undergraduate studies in Singapore right after Class 12. Scholarships like the Nanyang Merit Scholarship and NUS undergraduate awards are specifically designed for freshmen straight out of school. Some government-backed options, such as the SIA Youth Scholarship, even support students for pre-university studies before they begin a full Bachelor's program.
How to apply for a Singapore scholarship?
Most scholarships do not require a separate application process. You apply for university admission first, and the scholarship application form becomes available once you have an active application, usually accessible through a link at the end of your admission portal. For scholarships like SINGA, you apply directly through their own dedicated portal. Either way, you will need academic transcripts, a personal essay, recommendation letters, and language test scores ready in advance.
Is SINGA only for STEM students?
Yes. SINGA, the Singapore International Graduate Award, is specifically for PhD applicants in Biomedical Sciences, Computing, Physical Sciences, and Engineering. It is jointly offered by A*STAR, NUS, NTU, and SUTD, and is one of the few major scholarships in Singapore that comes with no work bond attached.
Do I need GRE or TOEFL for Singapore scholarships?
Not always. SINGA, for example, does not mandate GRE or TOEFL, though strong scores can strengthen your application. For undergraduate scholarships, IELTS or TOEFL is generally required unless your prior education was conducted in English, in which case some universities waive the requirement.
What is the Dr Goh Keng Swee Scholarship?
It is a private-sector award administered by the Association of Banks in Singapore, supporting high-achieving students from 15 Asia-Pacific economies, including India. It is tenable at NUS, NTU, SMU, and SUTD, and covers full tuition along with a living allowance, hostel allowance, and a one-time settling-in and airfare grant. It also comes with a 3-year work bond.
How much do scholarships in Singapore actually cover monthly?
This varies by scholarship and study level. Fully funded undergraduate scholarships typically include a living allowance of S$5,800 to S$6,500 per year (around ₹4,23,400 to ₹4,74,500). Graduate and PhD scholarships like SINGA and university research awards offer monthly stipends ranging from S$2,400 to S$3,200 (around ₹1,75,200 to ₹2,33,600), depending on the program.
What happens if I break the work bond attached to a Singapore scholarship?
If you accept a scholarship with a work bond and choose not to fulfil it, you are typically required to repay the scholarship amount, sometimes with interest, as outlined in your scholarship agreement. This is a serious financial commitment, so it is worth thinking through carefully before accepting a bonded scholarship.
Are there scholarships in Singapore specifically for female students?
Yes. The Shirin Fozdar Scholarship, offered by Singapore Management University, is reserved for outstanding female international undergraduates with strong academic records and demonstrated leadership and community involvement. It provides partial funding of up to S$15,000 (around ₹10,95,000).
Can Indian students apply for need-based scholarships in Singapore, not just merit-based ones?
Most Singapore scholarships are merit-based rather than need-based, but a few financial need scholarships do exist for economically weaker international students who can demonstrate they are unable to fund their studies. These are less common than merit awards, so it is worth checking directly with your target university's financial aid office for current options.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4756 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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