What scholarships are available for studying in Singapore for a Master's/PhD?
Singapore offers several fully-funded scholarships for Master's and PhD students, including the SINGA award covering full tuition and a SGD 2,700 to SGD 3,200 monthly stipend, the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship, NUS President's Graduate Fellowship, and the ADB Japan Scholarship Program for developing country citizens.
Singapore is one of the best-funded graduate study destinations in the world, and the scholarship landscape is genuinely competitive but very rewarding if you qualify. Most fully-funded awards target research-intensive programs at NUS, NTU, SMU, and SUTD. Here is a structured breakdown of what is available and what each covers.
Government and University Scholarships for PhD Students
| Scholarship | Funding Body | Coverage | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) | A*STAR / Singapore Government | Full tuition, one-time airfare grant, settling-in allowance | SGD 2,700 to SGD 3,200 |
| A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS) | Agency for Science, Technology and Research | Full tuition at NTU, NUS, SMU, or SUTD | Generous stipend (amount varies by cohort) |
| President's Graduate Fellowship (PGF) | NUS and NTU | Full tuition, relocation and airfare allowances | SGD 3,100 to SGD 4,800 |
| Nanyang President's Graduate Scholarship (NPGS) | NTU | Full tuition and extensive stipend benefits | Competitive (merit-based) |
| University Research Scholarships (RSS) | NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD | Tuition fees for full-time research Master's or PhD | Monthly stipend (varies by university) |
Regional and Alternative Scholarships for Master's Students
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| ADB Japan Scholarship Program | Citizens of ADB developing countries (including India) | Full Master's degree in economics, management, or science at designated institutions including NUS |
| Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan | Citizens of Commonwealth countries | Postgraduate degrees in science and integrated fields |
| ASEAN Foundation Scholarships | Students from ASEAN member states | Graduate-level coursework financial assistance (limited eligibility for Indian students) |
| MOE Tuition Grant Scheme | International Master's students at Singapore universities | Government subsidy reducing tuition fees significantly. Requires 3-year work bond with a Singapore-registered company after graduation. |
My Advice
For Indian students, SINGA and the ADB Japan Scholarship Program are your strongest fully-funded starting points for a PhD or Master's respectively. Apply to SINGA through the A*STAR portal and note that it is highly competitive - your research proposal and alignment with Singapore's science and technology priorities matter enormously. If you do not secure a full scholarship, the MOE Tuition Grant is a practical fallback that still saves a significant amount, though the 3-year work bond is a commitment you should weigh carefully before accepting.
More expert answers
Yes, Singapore offers several fully funded PhD programs for international students, with comprehensive financial support.
You can expect:
- Full tuition coverage for the duration of your PhD
- Monthly stipend (typically SGD 3,600 - 4,550 for international students; higher for citizens/permanent residents)
- Additional allowances for books, computers, conferences, and sometimes overseas research attachments
- Living expenses and other research-related costs are usually included
Funding details, stipend amounts, and covered fields vary by scholarship and university. Application deadlines and eligibility are subject to change.
If you want help identifying the best-fit programs or understanding the application process, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.
Yes, there are several scholarship options for studying in Singapore.
Based on your profile (Master’s in Business Administration, 7.4 CGPA, 60 months of work experience, 30 LPA CTC), you can consider:
- NUS Graduate School Research Scholarship: Full tuition and monthly stipend for research-based Master’s at NUS. Apply during admissions.
- NUS Commonwealth Scholarship: For Commonwealth citizens (including India) in research Master’s/PhD at NUS. Covers full tuition and stipend. Apply during admissions.
- Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA): For research Master’s/PhD at NUS, NTU, SMU, or A*STAR. Covers full tuition, monthly stipend (from SGD 2,000), airfare, and settling-in grant. Apply on the SINGA portal; deadlines subject to change.
- MOE Tuition Grant: 40 - 60% tuition reduction for international students at public universities. Requires a 3-year work bond in Singapore after graduation.
Scholarship details and deadlines are subject to change. For tailored guidance, reach out to your LeapScholar counsellor.
Most government scholarships in Singapore are available only to Singapore citizens or permanent residents, and typically require a service bond after graduation.
- Eligibility: International students are generally not eligible for major government scholarships like the PSC Master's Scholarship or Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship. - Bond requirements: These scholarships usually require recipients to work in Singapore's public sector for a set period after completing their degree. - Coverage: Scholarships often include tuition, maintenance allowance, and other benefits, but are restricted to citizens or permanent residents.
If you are an international student, you may want to explore university-specific scholarships or private funding options instead. Scholarship policies are subject to change.
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