Great news for aspiring researchers! Applications are now open for the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA), a fully funded opportunity for international students pursuing doctoral research. This article outlines the scholarship benefits, eligibility, and application process.

The SINGA Scholarship 2025-2026 covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend of S$2,000, a one-time settling-in allowance of S$1,000, and a one-time airfare grant of up to S$1,500. It is a collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).

SINGA allows PhD candidates to work in a vibrant research environment, gain exposure to some of Asia-Pacific’s fastest-growing economies, and establish strong global research networks. Research areas include Biomedical Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Engineering.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: PhD
Institution: A*STAR (in collaboration with NTU, NUS, SUTD)
Host Country: Singapore
Fields of Study: Biomedical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering
Program Duration: 4 years
Application Deadline: June 01 (for January 2025 intake)

Scholarship Coverage

The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) covers

Tuition fees
Monthly stipend of S$2,700 which will be increased to S$3,200 after the passing of the Qualifying Examination
One-time airfare grant of up to S$1,500
One-time settling-in allowance of S$1,000

Eligibility Criteria for Singapore International Graduate Award

To be eligible for Singapore International Graduate Award, you must fulfill the following criteria:

Required Language: English
Eligible Countries: All World Countries.
Open for application to all international graduates with a passion for research and excellent academic results.
Good skills in written and spoken English.
Good reports from academic referees.

How to Apply for Singapore International Graduate Award?

Please follow the following instructions to avail Singapore International Graduate Award:

(1) Go to Research Areas to browse the projects you are interested in. From here:

(2) Prepare the following documents in advance before applying:

Identification card or Passport.
A recent passport-sized photo (in .jpeg or .png format).
Bachelor’s and/or Master’s academic transcripts.
Bachelor’s Degree certificate(s) / scroll(s) or a letter of certification from the university on your candidature if your degree certificate / scroll has not yet been conferred.
Two recommendation reports
minimum (to be completed and submitted online by the referees).

(3) Register from here.

(4) Log into your account and press apply to scholarship (choose Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)).

(5) Fill the application form.

Notes:

Do not mail any hard copy documents to SINGA Office. All necessary documents are to be submitted online.
ALL transcripts need to be in English translation.
GRE / IELTS / TOEFL / SAT I & II / GATE results are optional.
It is recommended to complete the essay questions on a word processor outside of the applicant portal, and to copy and paste the essays to the respective questions when completed.
Please ensure that you referee rapport are submitted within 7 working days upon submitting the application forum.

Website

To know more about Singapore International Graduate Award, please visit official website:

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is SINGA and who organizes it?

The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is a fully-funded PhD scholarship jointly offered by A*STAR, NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, and SIT in Singapore. It supports international students pursuing PhD or EngD studies in science and engineering at top-tier institutions.

Who is eligible to apply?

Open to international graduates (excluding Singapore citizens/PRs and those who have previously studied in Singapore tertiary institutions). Applicants must hold a BSc (or MSc), proficient in English, with strong academic results and good academic references.

Do I need a Master’s degree?

No. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree can directly apply for PhD under SINGA. A Master’s degree is optional, but may enhance your application

Are English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL mandatory?

Not mandatory. While SINGA does not require IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/SAT/GATE, submitting good scores can strengthen your application. You may be asked to take an interview or provide scores later at the university’s request.

What does the scholarship cover?

You’ll receive:

Full tuition waiver for up to 4 years
Monthly stipend: S$2,700 initially, increasing by S$500 post-qualifying exam
One-time settling-in allowance: S$1,000
One-time airfare grant up to S$1,500

Is there an obligation to work or take citizenship in Singapore after graduation?

No. There’s no bond, and you're under no requirement to remain in Singapore or become a citizen after your PhD.

Can I start with coursework before diving into research?

Yes. SINGA follows a direct PhD structure: you begin with coursework and research, then transition to full research after passing a qualifying exam. PhDs are typically completed in 4 years.

Is a separate university application required alongside SINGA?

No, a separate university application isn't required. If you're selected, SINGA handles your admission. However, if you want independent consideration, you may also apply directly to the university in parallel

When are the application deadlines and intakes?

There are two intakes each year:

Intake	Application Window	Deadline (GMT+8)	Start
January	Dec 2 – Jun 1	June 1	Following Jan
August	Jun 2 – Dec 1	December 1	Following Aug

Shortlisted candidates are typically notified within 12 weeks of the deadline

Can spouses or dependents join me in Singapore?

Yes. You can bring your spouse and children under visit or Long‑Term Visit Passes (LTVP). The stipend does not increase, so you'll need to finance their expenses. You’re also encouraged to secure insurance for them.