Thinking about studying in Singapore? You’re not alone. With its universities, like the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), consistently ranking among the world’s best, Singapore is a top-tier destination for ambitious Indian students. But world-class education comes with a significant price tag. For international students, annual tuition at Singapore’s public universities typically ranges from SGD 18,000 to SGD 40,000 (₹10.8 lakh to ₹24 lakh) for undergraduate programmes.
This is where scholarships in Singapore become essential. They aren’t just a small discount; they are the bridge that makes a dream education possible. This guide is your 2026 playbook for finding and winning the financial aid you need, from fully funded scholarships in Singapore to university-specific grants.
Top Scholarships in Singapore for Indian Students: 2026 Entry
Scholarships can benefit students studying in Singapore to save on fees and living costs. We’ve organized the most impactful Singapore scholarships by study level. We’ll start with options for students right out of high school.
External & Major Scholarships (Undergraduate)
Before we dive into university-specific awards, this is one of the most prestigious scholarships open to Indian students, and it applies to all major universities.
1. Dr. Goh Keng Swee (GKS) Scholarship
This is a private-sector scholarship administered by the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) to nurture talent from 15 Asia-Pacific economies, including India. It is tenable at NUS, NTU, SMU, and SUTD.
Key Facts: Dr. GKS Scholarship
| Award Covers | Full tuition & compulsory fees + SGD 6,500/year living allowance (approx. ₹4,42,000) + Hostel allowance + One-time settling-in allowance & airfare. |
| Eligible Courses | Most undergraduate programs at NUS, NTU, SMU, or SUTD. |
| Eligibility | Most undergraduate programs are at NUS, NTU, SMU, or SUTD. |
| Application | Apply for admission to the university first; you will be considered for the scholarship automatically or by indicating interest on the form. |
| Bond | Yes, a 3-year bond working in a Singapore-based company after graduation. |
University-Specific Undergraduate Scholarships
This is the most competitive category, but the rewards are life-changing. Most are automatically considered when you apply for admission.
1. National University of Singapore (NUS) Scholarships
NUS is Asia’s top-ranked university and invests heavily in attracting global talent. NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship is a broad merit-based scholarship for international students with outstanding academic results, open to all fields of study.
- Science & Technology (S&T) Undergraduate Scholarship: Aimed at students from Asian countries (including India) applying for specific STEM courses.
Key Facts: NUS S&T Scholarship
| Award Covers | Full tuition fees + SGD 6,000/year living allowance (approx. ₹4,08,000) |
| Eligible Courses | Full-time programs in Computing, Engineering, or Science (excluding Pharmacy). |
| Eligibility | Citizen of an Asian country (including India, excluding Singapore). Must have outstanding high school results (e.g., ~90%+ in Class 12) and a strong co-curricular record. |
| Application | Apply for admission to NUS first; shortlisted candidates are invited. |
| Bond | Yes, a 3-year bond working in Singapore after graduation. |
2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Scholarships
NTU is another global powerhouse, particularly known for engineering and technology.
- Nanyang Scholarship: NTU’s premier undergraduate award. It’s open to all nationalities and rewards students with outstanding academic achievements and strong leadership potential.
Key Facts: Nanyang Scholarship
| Award Covers | Full tuition fees + SGD 6,500/year living allowance (approx. ₹4,42,000) + one-time travel & computer grant. |
| Eligible Courses | All undergraduate programs. |
| Eligibility | Open to all nationalities. Must have outstanding high school (Year 12 equivalent) results, excellent co-curricular records, and strong leadership qualities. |
| Application | Submit a scholarship application along with your admission application. |
| Bond | No. |
3. Singapore Management University (SMU) Scholarships
SMU is a premier university specializing in business, economics, law, and social sciences.
- Lee Kong Chian Scholars’ Programme (LKCSP): One of SMU’s most prestigious scholarships for students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong community service record.
| Award Covers | Full tuition fees + One-time notebook grant + Grants for international exchange and overseas community projects. |
| Eligible Courses | All undergraduate programs. |
| Eligibility | Open to all nationalities. Must have outstanding academic results, strong leadership skills, and a substantial record of co-curricular or community service involvement. |
| Application | Submit a scholarship application with your admission application. |
| Bond | No. |
Key Facts: LKCSP
4. Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) Scholarships
SUTD is a newer university known for its unique design-centric, interdisciplinary approach to technology and engineering.
- SUTD Rainmaker (International) Scholarship: A highly prestigious scholarship for outstanding international students.
Key Facts: SUTD Rainmaker Scholarship
| Award Covers | Full tuition fees + SGD 10,000/year allowance (approx. ₹6,80,000) + Up to SGD 5,000 travel grant for overseas programs. |
| Eligible Courses | All undergraduate programs. |
| Eligibility | Open to international students. Must have outstanding high school (Year 12 equivalent) academic results, strong leadership capabilities, and an excellent co-curricular record. |
| Application | Considered automatically when you apply for admission to SUTD. |
| Bond | No. |
Postgraduate (Master’s & PhD) Scholarships
This is where fully funded scholarships become more common, especially for research-based degrees.
1. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is one of the most prestigious Singapore government scholarships for Ph.D. students. It’s a collaboration between A*STAR, NTU, NUS, and SUTD.
Key Facts: SINGA
| Award Covers | Full tuition fees + Monthly stipend of SGD 2,700 (approx. ₹1,83,600) + one-time airfare and settling-in grants. |
| Eligible Courses | Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, Computing, Physical Sciences, and Engineering. |
| Eligibility | Open to all international graduates with a passion for research, excellent academic results (e.g., a Bachelor’s with Honours), and strong letters of recommendation. |
| Application | Direct application portal (typically August–December for the following year’s intake). |
| Bond | No. |
2. University Research Scholarships (NUS & NTU)
Both major research universities offer their own scholarships for students not covered by SINGA or for Master’s by Research degrees.
- NUS President’s Graduate Fellowship / NTU Research Scholarship: These are the primary internal scholarships for research candidates.
Key Facts: University Research Scholarships
| Award Covers | Full tuition fees + Monthly stipend of ~SGD 2,600 – 3,000+ (approx. ₹1,76,800 – ₹2,04,000). |
| Eligible Courses | Master’s (by Research) and Ph.D. programs at the respective university. |
| Eligibility | Open to all nationalities. Must have a strong academic record, typically a Bachelor’s degree with at least Honours (Distinction) or equivalent, and be admitted to a full-time research program. |
| Application | Indicate your interest during your program application to the university. |
| Bond | No. |
3. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
This program, funded by the Japanese government, supports Master’s students in specific fields at participating institutions, which include NUS in Singapore.
Key Facts: ADB-JSP
| Award Covers | Full tuition fees + Monthly living stipend + travel expenses + health insurance. |
| Eligible Courses | Approved Master’s programs in fields like economics, management, science, and technology at NUS. |
| Eligibility | Citizen of an ADB-borrowing country (India is eligible). Must have at least 2 years of full-time professional work experience, be under 35 years old, and be admitted to an approved Master’s program at NUS. |
| Application | You must be admitted to the university first, then apply for the scholarship. |
| Bond | Yes, you must return to your home country after graduation. |
The 2026 Financial Snapshot: Costs vs. Scholarships
Understanding the cost is key to planning. Scholarships in Singapore are designed to offset these specific expenses.
| Cost Item | Estimated Annual Cost (SGD) | Estimated Annual Cost (INR) |
| Undergraduate Tuition | SGD 30,000 – 55,000+ | ₹20.4 Lakh – ₹37.4 Lakh+ |
| Postgraduate Tuition | SGD 35,000 – 70,000+ | ₹23.8 Lakh – ₹47.6 Lakh+ |
| Living Expenses | SGD 15,000 – 20,000 | ₹10.2 Lakh – ₹13.6 Lakh |
| Total (Est.) | SGD 45,000 – 90,000+ | ₹30.6 Lakh – ₹61.2 Lakh+ |
Required Documents to Apply for Scholarships in Singapore
Now that you’ve decided to pursue a scholarship, you’ll need to gather some key documents for scholarships in Singapore.
Checklist of Key Documents:
- Motivation Letter: Clearly explain your academic and career goals, why you’ve chosen Singapore and your target university, and how the scholarship will help you achieve long-term impact. (Example: For SINGA, link your research interests to Singapore’s innovation goals.)
- Academic Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from your secondary school, undergraduate, or postgraduate studies — depending on the scholarship level. These must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.
- Degree Certificates or Diplomas: Submit notarized copies of all degrees and diplomas earned to verify your educational qualifications.
- Recommendation Letters: Include 2–3 letters from professors, academic supervisors, or employers who can validate your academic excellence, leadership, and research potential.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume: Present a structured CV highlighting academic awards, research projects, internships, and community engagement relevant to your chosen field.
- Research Proposal (for postgraduate/research scholarships): Outline your research topic, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. For example, SINGA applicants should align proposals with A*STAR or NTU research areas.
- English Proficiency Test Scores: Submit valid IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores, as most Singapore universities require proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 90+ is generally preferred).
- Passport Copy: A valid passport is mandatory for identification and visa documentation for a Singapore student visa.
- Other Supporting Documents: Depending on the scholarship, you may need additional materials such as a portfolio (for design/arts programs) or financial statements (for need-based awards).
How to Secure Your Singapore Scholarship: A 5-Step Plan
A successful application is about strategy, not luck.
- Start Your Research NOW (12-18 Months Before): Don’t wait until you’re applying. Identify the scholarships in Singapore that match your academic profile (e.g., NUS scholarship for indian students) and course. Check the official university websites; they are the only source of truth.
- Excel Academically (Now): This is non-negotiable. For a Singapore scholarship for indian students after 12th, you’ll need outstanding scores in your 10th and 12th board exams.
- Build a Holistic Profile (Now): Top scholarships look beyond grades. Get involved in leadership roles, meaningful projects, or research papers (for postgrads).
- Prepare Key Documents (6 Months Before):
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Tailor it to the university and the scholarship’s values.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Get them from professors who know you well.
- Test Scores: Ensure your IELTS/TOEFL scores are valid and meet the requirements.
- Watch the Deadlines (3-6 Months Before): Most scholarship deadlines are in October-December for the intake beginning the following August. Missing a deadline is not an option.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Singapore Starts Today
Securing a scholarship in Singapore for Indian students is a marathon, not a sprint. The competition is intense, but the opportunity to study at a globally-ranked institution, funded by a prestigious award, is unparalleled. But there are many reasons to study in Singapore. You have the 2026 roadmap. The next step is to take action. Start researching the specific university programs that fit your goals and begin building the academic and personal profile that will make you the candidate they can’t ignore. Ready to explore your options? Talk to Leapscholar counselors for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How can I get a full scholarship in Singapore?
To get a full scholarship in Singapore, you need an excellent academic record, a strong statement of purpose, and impressive extracurricular or research achievements. Apply directly through university portals or government-funded programs like the SINGA or ASEAN scholarships. Early applications and meeting eligibility requirements (such as English proficiency and strong references) significantly improve your chances.
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Do Indian students get scholarships in Singapore?
Yes, Indian students are eligible for several scholarships in Singapore offered by universities, the Singapore government, and private organizations. Popular options include the SINGA Scholarship, NUS Research Scholarships, and NTU India Connect. Many of these cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
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Which country gives 100% scholarships for Indian students?
Countries like Germany, Singapore, and the UK offer 100% scholarships for high-achieving Indian students through merit- or research-based programs. For example, the DAAD in Germany, Chevening in the UK, and SINGA in Singapore are among the most competitive but fully funded options.
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Who is eligible for the SINGA scholarship?
The SINGA (Singapore International Graduate Award) is open to international students, including Indians, who are applying for PhD programs at A*STAR research institutes, NUS, NTU, or SUTD. Applicants must have a strong academic background, research interest, and proficiency in English. There’s no mandatory GRE or TOEFL requirement, but they can strengthen your profile.
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Which country gives scholarships easily?
Countries like Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands are considered relatively easier for securing scholarships because many of their public universities offer low or no tuition fees, and scholarships are widely available for international students. Singapore also offers generous scholarships, but they are merit-based and highly competitive
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How to apply for a Singapore government scholarship?
You can apply for a Singapore government scholarship through official portals such as SINGA (for research programs) or MOE/ASEAN scholarships (for undergraduate and postgraduate studies). Applications typically require academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of English proficiency. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews or assessments.
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