The fully funded Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) for 2025–2026 is now accepting applications. International students who meet the requirements and are interested can now apply.
Singapore serves as a gateway to some of the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific area. You can further your research career, build international connections, and complete your PhD studies in Singapore with the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA).
Your entire tuition while studying in Singapore is covered by the Singapore International Graduate Award. Additionally, it offers a S$1,500 flight grant, a S$1,000 settling-in allowance, and a S$2,700 monthly stipend.
Are you prepared to submit an application? For more information on eligibility, required paperwork, and the application process for the Singapore International Graduate Award, read on.
When is the deadline for applications?
📅 December 1, 2025 (2359hrs GMT +8 Singapore Time) – For August 2026 Intake
Describe the award to me:
The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is a fully funded scholarship for international students to pursue a PhD or EngD in Singapore. It is a collaboration between:
- Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR)
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
- Singapore Management University (SMU)
- Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
The program offers a dynamic research environment in state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship from world-class researchers, and opportunities to collaborate on global research challenges.
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Which fields qualify?
SINGA supports PhD research in the following areas:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Computing and Information Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Physical Sciences
The type:
🎓 Fully Funded Research-Based PhD/EngD Scholarship
Who is eligible to apply?
- International graduates with excellent academic results and a passion for research
- Must have strong proficiency in spoken and written English
- Must obtain positive academic referee reports
- Note: Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents, and students studying/having studied in Singapore tertiary institutions are not eligible
How do they choose applicants?
Selection is based on:
- Academic performance
- Research potential and fit with available projects
- Referee recommendations
- Quality of proposed research area
- Two rounds of interviews (for shortlisted candidates)
- GRE, TOEFL/IELTS may be requested by specific universities
Which nations are qualified?
🌍 All international countries (except those with current/prior tertiary education in Singapore)
Where will the prize be accepted?
📍 Singapore – at participating universities and A*STAR research institutes
How many honors?
🎯 Not specified – highly competitive with multiple awards available each year
What advantage does the award offer?
✅ Full coverage of tuition fees
✅ Monthly stipend of S$2,200 (increases to S$2,700 after Qualifying Exam)
✅ One-time Airfare Grant of S$1,500
✅ One-time Settling-in Allowance of S$1,000
✅ Conduct research in cutting-edge labs with top-tier mentors
✅ Access to global research networks
✅ No bond (not tied to any specific organization)
What’s the duration of the award?
🕒 Up to 4 years for full-time PhD or EngD studies
How do I apply?
- Browse PhD research areas and select a project of interest
- Prepare documents:
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photo
- Transcripts (Bachelor’s/Master’s)
- Degree certificates or provisional letter
- Two online recommendation reports
- Optional: GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT scores
- Register and create an account on the SINGA portal
- Fill out the application accurately and apply under the correct scholarship: “Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)”
- Submit online before the deadline – no hard copies are accepted
- Only shortlisted candidates will be notified (within 12 weeks post-deadline)
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
🔗 Apply Now for SINGA 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
#1. What is SINGA?
SINGA is a bond-free award for international students with excellent academic results and strong research interest. It’s a collaboration among ASTAR, NTU, NUS, SMU, SUTD, and SIT. Research work is done at ASTAR or the universities, and the PhD/EngD is awarded by NTU, NUS, SMU, SUTD, or SIT.
#2. Am I required to work in Singapore or take up citizenship after graduation?
No, there is no requirement to take up Singaporean citizenship or work in Singapore. However, job opportunities exist for international PhD graduates in Singapore.
#3. Will my university admission be processed if I’m not awarded SINGA?
No. To be considered separately, you must apply to the university directly in addition to your SINGA application.
#4. How many awards are offered each year?
SINGA offers awards twice a year (January and August intakes). The number is not fixed.
#5. Are interviews held in person?
No, interviews are conducted virtually via Skype or Zoom.
#6. Can my spouse join me in Singapore during my PhD?
Yes, your spouse can apply for a social or long-term visit pass. Policies vary by university, and living expenses and insurance are the student’s responsibility.
#7. Will my spouse receive a stipend?
No. SINGA does not provide a stipend or support for dependents.
#8. Who can apply for SINGA?
International students (non-Singaporeans and non-permanent residents) who have not studied in Singapore before, with excellent academic credentials and strong research interest.
#9. Are students who previously studied or are studying in Singapore eligible?
No. They should consider other scholarships like AGS or NSS.
#10. Can current PhD students apply?
Yes, with justification.
#11. Can I apply if I have already been accepted into a PhD program?
Yes, if you haven’t started the program yet.
#12. Is there an age limit?
No, but preference is given to younger applicants. Mature applicants with experience are welcome.
#13. Can I apply without a passport?
No, a valid passport is required.
#14. Are GRE/IELTS/TOEFL scores required?
Not required for SINGA application, but may be required later by the university.
#15. When does the application open and close?
January Intake: Dec 2 – June 1
August Intake: June 2 – Dec 1
#16. Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
You can apply to other non-ASTAR scholarships but only one ASTAR scholarship at a time.
#17. Is there an application fee?
No.
#18. Does winning SINGA guarantee university admission?
No. Universities will still assess and confirm admission.
#19. Can I re-apply if I’m unsuccessful?
Yes. You can reapply in the next cycle
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