Scholarships in Singapore for Indian Students in 2024

Ever thought about studying in Singapore, but affordability is a concern? Scholarships in Singapore could be your ticket to a world-class education without emptying your wallet.

Singapore, a country known for its stunning skyline and leading universities, is a popular destination for international students. With over 10,000 students from India currently enrolled, Singapore has a thriving international student community.

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The variety of scholarships in Singapore is a significant draw for students worldwide. These scholarships will allow you to chase your academic dreams without the stress of finances.

Scholarships like the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA), NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship, and ADB-Japan Scholarship Program are just a few examples of programs that can help you achieve a top-notch education without the financial burden.

This guide will explore the noteworthy scholarships in Singapore, their importance, types, eligibility requirements, and the surprisingly simple application process.

Ready to go on your educational adventure in one of Asia’s most passionate and academically respected countries? This blog will reveal the several opportunities awaiting you in Singapore!

Key Highlights

Here’s an overview of things you will learn in greater detail in this blog

Significance of Scholarships in Singapore

Singapore’s world-class reputation extends beyond its stunning cityscape and delicious food scene. It’s also a hub for top-ranked universities!

Think National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), consistently ranked among the top 10 by THE (Times Higher Education) Asia University Rankings 2024. These universities and others in Singapore offer a wide range of scholarships.

These scholarships go beyond tuition fees! Many cover living and travel expenses and even provide internship or research opportunities.

If you’re a high-achiever seeking financial support, Singapore’s scholarships are a dream come true. From government-funded programs to university-specific awards, countless options cater to different fields and study levels.

The country’s reputation as an education powerhouse is undeniable. Every year, it attracts over 55 thousand international students. A significant reason for this popularity? The incredible variety of available scholarships in Singapore!

Whether you’re a fresh-faced undergraduate starting your academic adventure, a postgraduate student seeking to specialise, or a researcher searching for groundbreaking discoveries, Singapore has a scholarship program with your name on it. 

With options for all academic levels and fields of study, Singapore ensures that your financial worries will not prevent you from achieving your educational goals.

Check out the range of scholarships in Singapore available for various academic levels.

1. Undergraduate Scholarships

Thinking about kicking off your college journey in Singapore? Great! Many Singapore international student scholarships are specifically designed to help bright students like you get started with your bachelor’s degree.

These scholarships aim to bring talented international students to Singapore’s top universities. For example, the NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship helps exceptional students pursue their bachelor’s degrees at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

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2. Graduate Scholarships

Singapore’s universities are here to help you with your Master’s degree. 

The graduate scholarships are often merit-based, rewarding students with exceptional academic achievements. 

For instance, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) offers the Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship to outstanding international students, including those from India, pursuing their Master’s degrees.

3. Doctoral and Research Scholarships

Many scholarships are available specifically for PhD studies, and they don’t just cover tuition fees. Most of them also provide generous funding to support your research activities.

For example, the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Research Scholarship helps outstanding international students pursue research-based Master’s and PhD programs. The maximum grant offered is SGD 1900 to  SGD 2500 (INR 1,2L to INR 1.5L) every month.

Also Read: Study in Singapore for Indian Students: Top Universities & Courses

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Top 9 Scholarships in Singapore for Indian Students

Did you know? In 2023 alone, there were more than 79,000 foreign student pass holders in Singapore.

The country offers many scholarships to fit all kinds of students. These Singapore international student scholarships are designed to help you achieve your academic dreams in this world-class education hub.

There are two main types of scholarships in Singapore: government-funded and university-specific. Each offers unique benefits and has its application process, giving you plenty of options to find the perfect financial fit for your studies.

Government-Funded Scholarships

While Singapore snagged the 15th spot for international students in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 ranking, the cost of education can be a bit higher than in some other destinations. For instance, the cost of study in Singapore is around INR 15L to INR 25L (SGD 25K to SGD 40K), while the cost of study in Malaysia is INR 4.5L to INR 12L (MYR 25K to MYR 73K). 

However, this is where scholarships can be a game-changer! The Singapore government offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to help you bridge the financial gap and make studying in this world-class education hub a reality for you.

Here’s a list of some significant Singapore government scholarships.

1. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) 

Singapore has a fantastic scholarship if you’re considering a PhD in biomedical sciences or physical sciences and engineering. It’s called the SINGA scholarship, known as one of the best in the country.

SINGA is an effort by the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore. It allows you to get admission to any one of the four best universities in Singapore Like the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), or even the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). On top of that, you get to do your research at any of their labs! 

Eligibility Criteria

• You should be an international graduate interested in research
• You should have a strong academic background
• You should have excellent written & spoken communication skills

2. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program

The ADB-JSP scholarship might be perfect for you if you want to level up your education in Asia. It’s been around since 1988, helping out students from countries borrowing money from the Asian Development Bank.

If you want a master’s degree in economics, science, business, management, or technology, this scholarship program could be a game-changer. The government gives out around 300 scholarships yearly, but there’s a catch: you can only use it at universities that are part of the program.

Eligibility Criteria

• You should not have dual citizenship in a developed countries
• You should have a bachelor’s (or equivalent) with a superior record
• You should have a minimum of two years post-grad work experience (full-time)
• You should be proficient in English(written & oral)
• You should not be older than 35 years of age

3. Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA)

The SIPGA program is your chance if you have ever dreamed of working with top researchers in Singapore. This scholarship is for international students like you, working on bachelor’s or master’s degrees in science and tech fields. Think computers, biology, physics, engineering – anything in that zone.

SIPGA lets you team up with outstanding researchers at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) for 2 to 6 months. There are four main areas to pick from: Biomedical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Computing and Info Sciences, and Engineering and Technology. So, even if you have not researched, you can find a project that interests you!

Eligibility Criteria

• You should have a strong academic record
• You should have strong English proficiency (written & oral)
• You should have a strong interest in research

University Specific Scholarships

Singapore offers a profitable job market for graduates, with an impressive employment rate of 68. 6%. 

Scholarships in Singapore come in all shapes and sizes. In addition to government-funded scholarships, many universities in Singapore provide university-specific scholarships for international students.

Here’s a list of some significant university-specific scholarships in Singapore that you can benefit from.

1. Nanyang Scholarship

The Nanyang Scholarship might be your perfect match if you dream of studying for your bachelor’s degree at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore.

This is the university’s top scholarship for first-year students, and it goes to students with excellent grades, who show they can be leaders and who have a history of rocking extracurricular activities. Because of this, you’ll want to be fully prepared for every step of applying and interviewing for this scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

• You should be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate programme at NTU
• You should have outstanding academic qualifications
• You should show strong leadership skills

2. NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship

The NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship could be your ticket to an amazing education! This scholarship is specifically for high-achieving international students like you. 

The great thing is that you don’t even need to fill out a separate application for the scholarship. When you apply for undergraduate admissions at NUS, the university will automatically consider you for this award if your grades are great. 

If you make it to the shortlist, NUS will then reach out and ask you to submit a separate scholarship application.

Eligibility Criteria

• You should show strong leadership skills
• You should have outstanding academic qualifications
• You should be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate application at NUS

3. Lee Kong Chian Scholars’ Programme

The Lee Kong Chian Scholars’ Programme (LKCSP) at Singapore Management University (SMU) might be your perfect fit if you are looking for a scholarship that pays for everything and helps you grow as a person.

This is one of SMU’s most prestigious scholarships. It will help you cover your entire tuition for four years, plus a laptop, cash for living expenses, and even funding to travel and experience new things abroad! SMU has a unique centre dedicated to helping LKCSP scholars succeed.

Eligibility Criteria

• You should be enrolled in a single or double-degree program
• You should have strong leadership skills
• You should have strong communication skills

4. SUTD Global Excellence Scholarship

Starting in 2020, the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) introduced a super cool scholarship called the SUTD Global Excellence Scholarship. This is one of the university’s top awards.

The scholarship will cover your entire undergraduate tuition and might even help you pay for grad school later at SUTD or a partner school (SMU). On top of that, it will help you develop your skills and give you opportunities to experience the world!

Eligibility Criteria

• You should have an excellent academic record
• You should show strong leadership skills

5. INSEAD Scholarship for Emerging Markets

Syngenta, a giant in the world of farming, offers scholarships to attend INSEAD, a top business school. Syngenta creates new technology to help farms grow food sustainably. They’re looking for intelligent students from developing countries, including those from India, who are good at business and finance. 

Most importantly, they want future leaders passionate about helping their home countries thrive!

INSEAD grants two scholarships and you could be one of two students to get this excellent scholarship. It covers most of your tuition fees at INSEAD.

Eligibility Criteria

• You should be a resident of an emerging economy 
• You should have Industry experience
• You need to show financial need

6. Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship

NUS offers the Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship specifically to first-year students like you who wish to study in the field of science and technology. 

Just like with the NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship, you don’t need to submit a separate application for this award. 

When you apply for undergraduate admissions at NUS and show them your amazing grades, the university will automatically consider you for this scholarship. If you make it to the shortlist, NUS will reach out and ask you to submit a separate scholarship application.

Eligibility Criteria

• You should be a citizen of an Asian country
• You should have strong leadership qualities
• You should have outstanding high school results
• You should be applying for a full-time undergraduate course in the Science or Technology field.

Also Read: Top Universities in Singapore: Fee, Visa & Best Courses

Application Process and Deadlines for Scholarships in Singapore

Did you know? Singapore is the happiest country in Asia, as per the 2024 World Happiness Report.

Ready to chase your academic dreams in Singapore but worried about the application process? Don’t worry; with some planning and preparation, you can find the best Singapore scholarship for Indian students.

The key to success lies in organisation. Understanding the general application timeline, carefully gathering required documents, starting the application process early, and keeping track of deadlines will significantly boost your chances of landing a scholarship. 

This section will help with the application process for Singapore scholarships for Indian students. You will learn about timelines, the necessary documents needed, and some tips to ensure you quickly meet every deadline.

General Timeline for Application Submissions

Did you know? The average visa acceptance rate in Singapore is around 93%.

Scholarship applications in Singapore typically happen annually, with application portals opening several months before the final deadline. This gives you plenty of time to prepare all the necessary documents and craft a strong application.

What is a Fall Intake?

Fall intake might be the perfect time for you if you are thinking about studying abroad. The fall semester typically starts in September and runs until December, and it’s the busiest time for universities in the US and many other countries around the world. 

This means more courses to choose from, more scholarship opportunities, and a chance to connect with a bigger group of incoming students!

Here’s a typical timeline you can consider for the Fall intake.

• June – July (Previous Year): This is your research and planning phase. Explore different universities and programs in Singapore that align with your academic goals.
• August – September: Gear up for the application process! Gather required documents like transcripts, standardised test scores (if applicable), and letters of recommendation. Review each program’s specific requirements carefully.
• October – November: This is crunch time! Ensure all application materials are complete and polished before submitting them before the deadline. Many universities in Singapore have deadlines in this period.
• December – February: Sit back, relax (a little!), and wait to hear back from universities. This is typically when admissions decisions are communicated.
• March: Once you receive acceptance letters, it’s time to focus on finances. Explore scholarship opportunities, secure funding, or arrange loans if needed.
• May – June: Don’t forget the visa! Apply for your student visa well in advance to ensure a smooth transition to Singapore.
• July – August: Pack your bags, get excited, and prepare for your adventure! This is the time to finalise travel arrangements and prepare for your studies in Singapore.
• August – September: Congratulations! Your academic journey in Singapore begins!

Remember, this is a general timeline. Specific deadlines and requirements may vary depending on the university and program.

Also Read: Singapore Study Visa: Fees, Processing Time & Requirements for Indians

What is Spring Intake?

Spring intake, which usually starts in January or February, is becoming a hot option for international students like you! This means you can skip the summer heat and get into your studies with fresh energy. 

Plus, some universities might offer special programs or scholarships specifically for spring intakes. So, if the fall semester feels a bit too soon, spring could be your perfect time to launch your study abroad adventure!

Here’s a typical timeline you can consider for the Spring intake.

• March – April (Previous Year): This is your research and planning phase. Explore different universities and programs in Singapore that align with your academic goals.
• May – June: Gear up for the application process! Gather required documents like transcripts, standardised test scores (if applicable), and letters of recommendation. Review each program’s specific requirements carefully.
• July – August: This is crunch time! Ensure all application materials are complete and polished before submitting them before the deadline. Many universities in Singapore have deadlines in this period.
• September: Once you receive acceptance letters, it’s time to focus on finances. Explore scholarship opportunities, secure funding, or arrange loans if needed.
• October – November: Don’t forget the visa! Apply for your student visa well in advance to ensure a smooth transition to Singapore.
• December – January: Pack your bags, get excited, and prepare for your adventure! This is the time to finalise travel arrangements and prepare for your studies in Singapore.
• January – February: Congratulations! Your academic journey in Singapore begins!

Again, remember, this is a general timeline. Specific deadlines and requirements may vary depending on the university and program.

Required Documents

Now that you’ve decided to pursue a scholarship, you’ll need to gather some key documents for scholarships in Singapore.

Here’s your checklist to ensure a smooth and successful scholarship application process.

• Motivational Letter: Craft a compelling letter explaining your academic goals, why you’re drawn to your chosen program and university, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your dreams.
• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from your previous schools are a must. These documents showcase your academic performance and potential.
• Degrees and Diplomas: Do you have any degrees or diplomas? Include certified copies to showcase your educational background.
• Recommendation Letters: Seek one letter each from professors or employers who can vouch for your academic abilities and potential. Strong recommendations can significantly boost your application.
• CV or Resume: Showcase your academic achievements, relevant work experience, and extracurricular activities in a well-formatted CV or resume.
• Research Proposal (if applicable): For research-based scholarships, prepare a detailed proposal outlining your intended research project and its significance.
• English Proficiency Test Scores: Since Singapore’s universities operate primarily in English, proof of proficiency is essential. 

Here’s an overview of typical standardised tests and their minimum scores.

Pro Tip: Always double-check the specific requirements for each scholarship you apply for. Scholarship websites often have dedicated application portals where you can upload all your documents.

Remember, accuracy and completeness are key! Ensure all documents are up-to-date, formatted correctly, and submitted before deadlines.

Additional Resources and Support for Scholarship Applications

Did you know Singapore is ranked 5th worldwide in the Global Peace Index? It is one of the most peaceful countries in the world.

Scoring a scholarship to study in Singapore can feel daunting, but fear not! Resources and support systems are readily available to guide you through the process and make your application shine.

Here’s a breakdown of some essential resources to leverage and increase your chances of scholarship success.

1. Workshops and Webinars for You

Creating a winning application can feel tricky, which is why many universities and scholarship organisations in Singapore offer workshops and webinars specifically designed to help you excel.

Have a look.

• University Workshops and Open Days: Universities like the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore host workshops and open days for international students. These events cover essential topics like crafting winning motivational letters, preparing for scholarship interviews, and understanding the application process from start to finish.
• Scholarship Webinars: Scholarship organisations frequently host online webinars. These sessions offer in-depth information about specific scholarships, eligibility requirements, and application tips. Often led by scholarship coordinators or former scholarship recipients, these webinars are a goldmine of valuable insights and advice.
• Ask the Experts: Don’t be shy! Use Q&A sessions during workshops and webinars to ask specific questions about your application. Get clarity on any confusing aspects and address any concerns you might have.

By actively utilising these resources and events, you’ll gain valuable knowledge, refine your application, and feel confident submitting a solid application for scholarships in Singapore.  

2. Consultants and Advisors for You

Even with all these resources, sometimes you want more tailored advice. That’s where one-on-one consultations come in! You can chat with academic advisors or scholarship experts to get personalised guidance. Here’s how you can benefit from them.

• University Advisors: Universities like the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have dedicated advisors specifically for international students. These advisors are there to guide you! They can help you understand the scholarship opportunities available for your chosen program, answer questions about the application process, and even provide feedback on your materials.
• Scholarship Consultants: If you crave in-depth, personalised advice, consider hiring a professional scholarship consultant. These experts have extensive experience helping students like you secure scholarships. They can offer tailored guidance on crafting a winning application, answer specific questions about your background and goals, and even help you prepare for scholarship interviews with confidence.
• Peer Mentors: Connect with the power of shared experience! Seek out current or former scholarship recipients from your prospective university or program. These peers can offer invaluable insights into the application process, share their experiences of what worked for them, and provide practical tips to help you stand out from the crowd.

Conclusion

By now, it’s clear that Singapore presents an incredible opportunity to launch your academic journey abroad. World-class universities and a vibrant international student community await!

The good news is that financial barriers need not hold you back. Scholarships are readily available to ease the burden, ranging from generous annual sums up to SGD6K (INR 3.7L) to help cover tuition or living expenses.

Remember, with careful research, strategic planning, and utilising the resources highlighted in this guide, you can transform your scholarship dream into a reality. Get ready for an unforgettable educational adventure in Singapore!

Also Read: Job Opportunities in Singapore for Indians in 2024

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