Singapore has one of the strongest education systems in the world. In the OECD PISA 2022 results, students in Singapore scored above the OECD average in mathematics, reading, and science, and Singapore also had the highest proportions of top performers in reading, mathematics, and science among participating education systems.
English is also widely spoken in the country, so the language barrier that many foreign students face is less of an issue. These are just some of the reasons Singapore remains a popular destination for international students. While tuition can be expensive, exceptional students may be eligible for scholarships in Singapore.
Top Scholarships in Singapore for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Provider | Eligible Degrees | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| Nanyang Global Scholarship | Nanyang Technological University | Bachelor’s | Full coverage of subsidized tuition fees, plus allowances
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| ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship | Nanyang Technological University | Bachelor’s | Full tuition fees, S$5,800 annual living allowance, S$3,000 annual accommodation allowance, and S$1,750 computer allowance
|
| Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship | National University of Singapore | Bachelor’s | Full tuition and compulsory fees, S$6,000 annual living allowance, computer and settling-in allowances, and round-trip airfare
|
| INSEAD Scholarships | INSEAD | Master’s | Varies by scholarship; MBA scholarships average about €24,000
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| NUS Research Scholarship | National University of Singapore | Selected Master’s by Research and Ph.D. | Full tuition waiver and monthly stipend
|
NTU Research Scholarship | Nanyang Technological University | Master’s and Ph.D. | Full tuition fees plus monthly stipend of S$2,900 for Master’s and S$3,000 for Ph.D. students |
| Singapore International Graduate Award | External | Ph.D. | Tuition support for up to 4 years, stipend, airfare grant, and settling-in allowance
|
1. Nanyang Global Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full coverage of subsidized tuition fees, plus allowances
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
The Nanyang Global Scholarship is offered to outstanding freshmen pursuing full-time undergraduate degrees at Nanyang Technological University. Applicants should demonstrate excellent academic performance, strong leadership potential, and a good co-curricular record.
The scholarship covers subsidized tuition fees and provides allowances for living expenses, accommodation, eligible overseas programs, and a computer. Applicants must first apply for admission to NTU and may be shortlisted for an interview.
2. ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship (Nanyang Technological University)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Value: Full subsidized tuition fees, S$5,800 annual living allowance, S$3,000 annual accommodation allowance, and S$1,750 one-time computer allowance
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
The ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship at Nanyang Technological University supports outstanding students from ASEAN countries, excluding Singapore, who are pursuing eligible full-time undergraduate programs.
The scholarship covers subsidized tuition fees and provides living, accommodation, and computer allowances. Applicants should have strong academic results, leadership qualities, and excellent co-curricular records.
One scholar’s journey: Nicholas Russell Saerang was considered for the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship through his NUS admission application and, after being shortlisted, prepared an essay for the scholarship interview. He credits his success to combining strong academics with activities such as student council and volunteering. View More ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship recipients →
Here is what ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship Scholars Say:
“Valued at approximately S$100,000, the scholarship provides full coverage of my subsidized tuition fees for all four years of study, along with several additional allowances.”
Archie Kenichi Prayogo
3. Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition and compulsory fees, S$6,000 annual living allowance, computer and settling-in allowances, and round-trip airfare
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
The Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship is offered by the National University of Singapore to outstanding students from Asian countries or regions, excluding Singapore, who are applying for full-time undergraduate programmes in Computing, Engineering, or Science. Applicants should have strong academic results, leadership qualities, and an excellent co-curricular record.
The scholarship covers subsidized tuition fees and compulsory fees, along with a S$6,000 annual living allowance. Scholars also receive a one-time computer allowance and settling-in allowance, as well as round-trip airfare between their home country and Singapore.
4. INSEAD Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Varies by scholarship; MBA scholarships average about €24,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s
INSEAD is a business school with locations in France, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and San Francisco. It offers business education across several degree programs, including the MBA, Master in Management, Global Executive MBA, Executive Master in Finance, Executive Master in Change, Tsinghua-INSEAD Executive MBA, and Ph.D. in Management.
INSEAD offers a wide range of scholarships for master’s students. For the MBA, INSEAD currently lists more than 170 scholarship funds across its Fontainebleau and Singapore campuses. Scholarships may be need-based, merit-based, or awarded directly to candidates with outstanding admissions profiles.
INSEAD reports that its average MBA scholarship amount is about €24,000, and candidates may access the scholarship portal after submitting their MBA application. Scholarship availability, eligibility, and award amounts vary by program and scholarship fund.
5. NUS Research Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition waiver and monthly stipend
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s by Research and Ph.D. students
The National University of Singapore Research Scholarship is one of the top scholarships in Singapore for graduate research students. It is awarded to outstanding graduate students pursuing research leading to a higher degree at NUS.
Applicants must generally have at least Second Class Honours, Upper Division, Honours with Distinction, or an equivalent qualification. NUS also reviews applicants’ academic background, research interest, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, CV, and, where applicable, standardized test scores or English proficiency evidence.
To apply, incoming graduate students should indicate their interest in the scholarship as part of their admissions application. Application deadlines depend on the relevant faculty or school.
The scholarship provides a full waiver of tuition fees. From January 1, 2026, international students receive a monthly stipend of S$3,000 for Ph.D. studies or S$2,900 for master’s by research studies. Ph.D. students receive an additional S$500 per month after passing the Ph.D. qualifying examination.
The scholarship is tenable for one year in the first instance and may be renewed each semester, subject to satisfactory progress. The typical maximum award period is four years for Ph.D. candidates and two years for master’s by research candidates.
6. NTU Research Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full annual tuition fee coverage plus a monthly stipend of up to S$3,000 for international students, with a possible additional stipend of up to S$500 per month for eligible Ph.D. scholars
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s and Ph.D.
The NTU Research Scholarship is awarded to outstanding local and international graduate students pursuing full-time research programmes at Nanyang Technological University. Applicants must have at least an Honours (Distinction) degree or its equivalent.
For international students, the scholarship provides a monthly stipend of S$2,900 for Master’s students and S$3,000 for Ph.D. students, in addition to covering the annual tuition fee. The award is initially granted for one year and may be renewed based on satisfactory academic progress, for up to two years for Master’s candidates and four years for Ph.D. candidates.
One scholar’s journey: You Yuan focused his NTU Research Scholarship application on a research proposal that closely matched his prospective supervisor’s work. He says this research fit helped his application stand out, while his interview focused on his research ability, motivation, and relevant background. He secured the scholarship and is pursuing a PhD at Nanyang Technological University. View More NTU Research Scholarship recipients →
Here is what ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship Scholars Say:
“For many PhD scholarships, academic background matters, but research fit is also very important.”
YOU YUAN
7. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Tuition support for up to 4 years, stipend, airfare grant, and settling-in allowance
- Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.
SINGA is a collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Nanyang Technological University, the National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design. It supports international candidates pursuing Ph.D. training in science and engineering fields in Singapore.
Awarded students may conduct research at A*STAR and/or one of the partner universities. Research areas broadly include Biomedical Sciences, Computing and Information Sciences, Engineering and Technology, and Physical Sciences.
The award provides support for up to four years of Ph.D. studies, including tuition support, a monthly stipend, a one-time airfare grant, and a one-time settling-in allowance.
Applicants should have excellent academic results, a strong passion for research, proficiency in written and spoken English, and strong academic references. Required documents generally include a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photo, degree certificates and transcripts, and two recommendation reports. Test scores such as GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, or GATE may be submitted if applicable or requested by the university.
Applicants do not necessarily need a master’s degree before applying. Singapore institutions may admit students with a bachelor’s degree to graduate work leading to a Ph.D.; students complete coursework and research requirements and continue after passing the qualifying examination.
Awardees are chosen based on academic record, research potential, recommendations, personal achievements, passion for research, and interview performance if shortlisted.
One scholar’s journey: Elif Esra Aydin first contacted a prospective PhD supervisor, who encouraged her to apply for the Singapore International Graduate Award. Although architecture was not initially listed among the eligible departments, she highlighted the value of her design background in her application and interviews. She secured SINGA and completed her PhD in Architecture and Sustainable Design at SUTD. View More SINGA recipients →
Here is what Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) Scholars Say:
“This scholarship covers the full tuition fee, a one-time settling-in allowance, a one-time airfare grant, and a competitive stipend every month for four years.”
Manoj Chamlagain
“Find an advisor first, and don’t hesitate to ask tough questions about research funding and future opportunities.”
Elif Esra Aydin
“Based on feedback from professors and peers, SINGA was mainly awarded to engineering students from Turkiye. Many believed I had little or even no chance compared to engineering applicants.”
Elif Esra Aydin
We hope that this article on the top scholarships in Singapore for international students was helpful. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
