SINGA Scholarship 2027

Overview

The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is a fully funded PhD scholarship for international graduates who want to do doctoral research at one of Singapore's top research institutions. SINGA is a joint initiative of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), the Singapore Management University (SMU), and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT).

The scholarship covers four years of PhD study: full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, a one-time settling-in allowance, and a one-time airfare grant. SINGA scholars work in science and engineering labs in Singapore under the supervision of leading researchers from both universities and A*STAR research institutes.

SINGA is open to international students of all nationalities with a strong background in science, engineering, or related fields. The programme draws top research talent to Singapore and strengthens the country's standing as a global hub for scientific research. Scholars benefit from Singapore's advanced research infrastructure, multicultural environment, and strategic location in Asia.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in collaboration with NUS, NTU, SUTD, SMU, and SIT
Host Country	Singapore
Degree Levels	PhD
Value	Full tuition fees for 4 years, monthly stipend of S$2,700 (increasing to S$3,200 after passing the qualifying examination), one-time settling-in allowance of S$1,000, and one-time airfare grant of up to S$1,500
Deadline	June 2026 / December 2026
Duration	4 years
Eligible Nationalities	Open to international students of all nationalities. Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and graduates of Singaporean institutions are not eligible.
Official Website	https://www.a-star.edu.sg/Scholarships/for-graduate-studies/singapore-international-graduate-award-singa

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in science, engineering, or a related field, with strong academic results. A Master's degree helps but is not required. Candidates should show clear research aptitude.

Nationality Requirements

SINGA is open to international students of all nationalities. Singapore citizens, Singapore permanent residents, and individuals who got their Bachelor's or Master's degree from a Singaporean institution are not eligible.

Language Requirements

Applicants must be proficient in English. Specific score requirements vary by host university, but strong English communication skills are expected across the board. TOEFL or IELTS scores may be required depending on the university and the applicant's educational background.

Work Experience

No specific work experience is required. Research experience (lab work, undergraduate research projects, publications) is valued highly and strengthens the application.

Other Requirements

Applicants must select up to three PhD research projects from the available project list when applying. The research projects span biomedical sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and computing. Two referee reports are required as part of the application.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fees covered for four years of PhD study
• Monthly living stipend of S$2,700, increasing to S$3,200 after passing the PhD qualifying examination
• One-time settling-in allowance of S$1,000 upon arrival in Singapore
• One-time airfare grant of up to S$1,500 for travel to Singapore
• Access to research facilities at A*STAR institutes, NUS, NTU, SUTD, SMU, or SIT
• Supervision by leading researchers in the chosen field
• Opportunity to work in Singapore's active research and innovation ecosystem
• Multicultural living environment in one of Asia's safest and most developed cities
• Potential for conference travel funding through host university or research institute

How to Apply

1. Browse Available PhD Research Projects: Visit the SINGA website and review the list of available PhD research projects. Projects span biomedical sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and computing. Pick up to three projects that match your research interests and academic background.
2. Prepare Application Materials: Gather your academic transcripts, passport copy, CV, and contact details for two referees. Write a research statement explaining your interest in the selected projects and your research experience. Ask referees for their reports well before the deadline.
3. Submit the Online Application: Complete the SINGA online application form and upload all required documents before the December deadline. Select up to three PhD research projects in order of preference. No hard copies are needed; the entire application is electronic.
4. Referee Reports Submitted: Your two referees will receive automated emails asking them to submit their reports through the SINGA online system. Follow up with your referees to make sure they complete their reports before the deadline.
5. Interview and Selection: Shortlisted candidates are contacted for interviews, which may be in person or via video conference. Interviews are conducted by the principal investigators of the selected research projects and faculty from the host university.
6. Receive Offer and Begin PhD: Successful applicants receive scholarship offers between February and May. Accepted scholars arrange their visa, accommodation, and travel to Singapore. The PhD programme begins in August.

Required Documents

• Completed SINGA online application form
• Official academic transcripts from all tertiary institutions attended
• Bachelor's degree certificate (and Master's degree certificate, if applicable)
• Passport copy (biographical page)
• Curriculum vitae / resume with research experience highlighted
• Two referee reports submitted through the SINGA online system
• English language proficiency scores (TOEFL or IELTS, if required)
• Research statement or statement of purpose
• List of publications (if any)

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	August 2025
Application Deadline	December 1, 2025
Results Announced	February–May 2026
Course Start	August 2026

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Tailor your research statement to the specific SINGA projects you selected. Show that you understand the research area and can contribute to it.
• Highlight prior research experience, publications, or conference presentations, as these carry real weight in the evaluation
• Explain why Singapore's research environment fits your doctoral work, referencing specific A*STAR institutes or university labs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Selecting research projects that don't match your academic background. The fit between your expertise and the project requirements is a primary evaluation criterion.
• Failing to follow up with referees, resulting in incomplete applications when referee reports are not submitted by the deadline
• Applying without genuine interest in the available research projects. SINGA is project-based, not a general PhD funding scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the SINGA scholarship monthly stipend?

SINGA scholars receive S$2,700 per month during the initial phase of their PhD. After passing the qualifying examination (12-18 months in), the stipend rises to S$3,200 per month. The stipend is paid for up to four years.

Can I choose my own PhD research topic with SINGA?

SINGA is project-based. You must select up to three research projects from the list posted on the SINGA website. You will work on the project offered to you under the supervision of the listed principal investigator.

Which universities participate in SINGA?

SINGA is a collaboration between A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore Management University (SMU), and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT).

Do I need a Master's degree to apply for SINGA?

A Master's degree is not required. Applicants with a strong Bachelor's degree in a relevant field are eligible. That said, having a Master's or significant research experience can strengthen your application.

Can Singaporean citizens apply for SINGA?

SINGA is exclusively for international students. Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and individuals who obtained their degrees from Singaporean institutions are not eligible.

What research areas does SINGA cover?

SINGA covers biomedical sciences, physical sciences and engineering, computing and information sciences, and other science and technology disciplines. The specific projects available change each intake cycle.

Is SINGA fully funded?

SINGA is fully funded: full tuition fees for four years, a monthly living stipend, a settling-in allowance, and an airfare grant. Scholars do not pay any tuition or fees.

How competitive is the SINGA scholarship?

SINGA attracts thousands of applicants from around the world each year. Selection is based on academic merit, research potential, and how well the applicant matches the selected research projects. Strong research experience and publications improve your odds.

Can I extend my SINGA scholarship beyond four years?

The scholarship is for up to four years, the standard PhD duration. Extensions beyond four years are not guaranteed and depend on the host university's policies and research progress. Scholars are expected to complete their PhD within the funded period.

What happens after I complete the SINGA-funded PhD?

There is no bond or service obligation. Graduates are free to pursue careers anywhere in the world. Many SINGA alumni continue in research roles in Singapore, while others take academic or industry positions globally.

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