Study Abroad In Singapore: Scholarships For Indian Students

Universities in Singapore offer different scholarships for graduate and post-graduate studies to deserving students to support them financially in their studies. Two primary categories of scholarships are available for international students studying in Singapore: Government and university-specific. 

They have their specific eligibility criteria, which we will discuss further. These scholarships for study abroad in Singapore provide international students with a way to trust its education system, which is welcoming and provides opportunities to people.

Government Scholarships

Unsurprisingly, many Indian students and professionals consider Singapore an attractive option for studying abroad. While the universities in Singapore may provide a more affordable alternative, the expenses are still significant. Scholarships to study abroad in Singapore enhance the numerous benefits of choosing Singapore as the study destination. 

The Singapore Government’s Ministry of Education offers various scholarships for graduate and undergraduate studies in Singapore based on merit, financial need, and specific countries. The government scholarships for study abroad in Singapore are:

Tuition Grant Scheme

International students seeking financial aid can apply for the Tuition Grant, one of the Singapore government scholarships, which covers the total cost of tuition in exchange for a commitment to work in Singapore for three years after graduation. The Tuition Grant is not available to students who have previously received government funding for a qualification at the same level (e.g., diploma to diploma) or a higher level (e.g., university degree to diploma) in Singapore. Additionally, the amount of the grant you receive (including GST) depends on both your citizenship and the course you’re enrolled in. There are three tiers of funding (Tier A, Tier B, and Tier C), with Tier A offering the most significant tuition fee subsidy.

Eligibility

• Program type: Full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, or diploma program
• Commitment: Work in Singapore for three years after completion of graduation.
• Formality: Tuition Grant Agreement signed by the student

Award

• Covers: Total tuition fee

Study Abroad in Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA)

The SIPGA offers international students a chance to experience the scientific environment and collaborate with renowned researchers at A*STAR’s Research Entities to study abroad in Singapore.

Students enrolled in Computing and Information Science, Biomedical Science, Physical Science, or Engineering-related fields have the opportunity to apply for it, which lasts from two to six months.

Eligibility

• Citizenship: International students
• Field of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
• English Proficiency: Strong mandatory requirement
• Program Type: Master’s degree or 3rd/4th year of undergraduate studies (STEM program) at an international university

Award

• Amount: 2,000 SGD monthly stipend (competitive)

Dr Goh Keng Swee Scholarships

The Goh Keng Swee Scholarship (GKS) is a scholarship for students who are seeking to study abroad in Singapore from the private sector managed by The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS). Established by the financial community in Singapore to commemorate former Deputy Prime Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee, who played a crucial role in advancing Singapore’s economic growth and establishing it as a respected international financial hub.

Every year, scholarships are given to exceptional individuals from 15 Asia Pacific countries to attend undergraduate programs at different universities in Singapore. Candidates are required to fulfil a 3-year bond after finishing their studies.

Eligibility

• Citizenship: International Students
• Academic Requirements: Strong academic achievements
• Non-Academic Requirements: Strong leadership qualities
• Field of Study: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
• Program Type: Undergraduate studies at prestigious Singaporean universities (National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University, Singapore University of Technology and Design)

Award

• Full tuition fees
• Airfare
• Annual maintenance allowance of 6,500 SGD
• Hostel allowance
• One-off settling-in allowance of 200 SGD

National Science Scholarship (PhD)

The National Science Scholarship (PhD) is given to exceptional individuals who want to pursue a fulfilling research career to study abroad in Singapore. Applicants who are shortlisted will receive funding for up to five years of their academic journey, which will begin following a one-year paid research attachment at an A*STAR Research Institute.

If you are a college student who loves Computer and Information Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Physical Sciences or Engineering, consider applying for the National Science Scholarship (PhD)

Eligibility

• Citizenship: International Students with Singapore Permanent Residence
• Passion: Strong interest in chosen STEM field
• Field of Study: Computer Science, Biomedical Science, or Physical Science and Engineering

Award

• Duration: 5 years
• Benefits:
  • Full tuition fee
  • Competitive monthly living allowance
  • Return airfare

A*Star Computing And Information Science (ACIS) Scholarship

The goal of the A*STAR Computing and Information Science (ACIS) Scholarship is to support talented individuals who want to study abroad in Singapore and are interested in obtaining a PhD in computing and information science (CIS) fields, providing opportunities for successful careers in A*STAR, industry R&D labs, technology companies, spin-off ventures, and academia.

Students in the program will have countless chances to study real-world issues in all areas of computer science, such as deep learning in healthcare, data analytics for better machine learning, and modelling and simulation for advanced applications.

Eligibility

• Must be completing a Master’s degree.
• Must be enrolled at a Singapore autonomous university.

Award

• Duration: Up to 4 years
• Field of Study: Computer Science or closely related fields
• Financial Support: Comprehensive
• Benefits:
  • Full tuition fee
  • A competitive monthly living allowance of 4,550 SGD

Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)

Singapore serves as the entrance to several rapidly developing economies in the Asia Pacific area. With SINGA, you have the opportunity to pursue your PhD studies in Singapore, build international connections, and advance your research career.

SINGA nurtures a lively and culturally varied research community consisting of students from around the world. You will work with renowned researchers with the best facilities in a multicultural setting which will enhance your experience of study abroad in Singapore.

Eligibility

• Citizenship: International graduates
• Academic Requirements: Excellent academic achievements
• English Language Skills: Strong
• Research Interest: Passion for research

Award

• Full tuition fee coverage

• A competitive monthly stipend of 2,200 SGD

• One-time airfare grant (up to 1,500 SGD)
• Settling-in allowance of 1,000 SGD

GIC Scholarship Programme

This scholarship offers comprehensive financial support to exceptional students, excluding those pursuing Medicine or Dentistry at any academic level. To be considered, students must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and a strong record of co-curricular involvement. 

This program provides opportunities for an exciting career at GIC, where you will join a team involved in meaningful work in the high-energy field of investments.

Eligibility

• Academic Requirements: Outstanding academic achievements
• Non-Academic Requirements: Strong record of co-curricular involvement
• Field of Study: Excludes Medicine and Dentistry at any level

Award

• Financial Support: Comprehensive (excluding Medicine and Dentistry)
• Benefits:
  • Covers all tuition fees and mandatory charges
  • Competitive monthly living stipend
  • One-time allowance for:
    • Return airfare
    • Warm clothing (if applicable)
    • Settling-in expenses

University Specific Scholarships

Universities in Singapore offer fully funded scholarships for Indian students. Singapore has a total of 34 universities. Six national universities are included in this group. Most of these universities provide financial assistance to their outstanding students seeking admission to universities in Singapore. Below are a few scholarships available for international students in Singapore:

Nanyang Scholarships

The Nanyang Technological University offers a prestigious scholarship for international students showcasing strong leadership qualities and a history of academic and co-curricular achievements. This scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, covering the total subsidized tuition fees after applying for the Tuition Grant. 

The top undergraduate scholarship at NTU, known as the Nanyang Scholarship, is given to exceptional new students pursuing undergraduate degrees. The Nanyang Scholarship is awarded to students who excel in academics, show strong leadership potential, and have outstanding co-curricular records. Therefore, being ready at every step of the application and interview process is crucial.

Eligibility

• Citizenship: Likely international students
• Academic Requirements: Strong academic achievements
• Non-Academic Requirements: Demonstrated leadership qualities and achievements in co-curricular activities

Award

• Covers total subsidized tuition fees (after Tuition Grant)
• Monthly living allowance: 6,500 SGD
• Accommodation allowance: 2,000 SGD (for those residing in NTU hostels)
• Travel grant: Up to 5,000 SGD for overseas program (subject to terms and conditions)
• Computer allowance: 1,750 SGD (one-off)

Science & Technology (S&T) Undergraduate Scholarship

The National University of Singapore (NUS) offers a scholarship for international students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Computing, Engineering, or Science (excluding Environmental Studies and Pharmacy). To be eligible, students must demonstrate strong leadership qualities and a record of academic and co-curricular achievements. The Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship is a special scholarship for first-year students designed to assist exceptional Asian students (excluding Singaporeans).

Candidates’ applications for undergraduate admission to NUS will be used to consider and shortlist them for the scholarship. Applicants who are shortlisted will receive a separate invitation to apply for a scholarship.

Eligibility

• Citizenship: international students
• Field of Study: Computing, Engineering, or Science (excluding Environmental Studies and Pharmacy)
• Academic Requirements: Strong academic achievements
• Non-Academic Requirements: Demonstrated leadership qualities and achievements in co-curricular activities

Award

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Annual living allowance: 6,000 SGD
• One-time computer allowance: 1,750 SGD
• Settling-in allowance: 200 SGD
• Yearly accommodation allowance
• Airfare: One-way ticket to Singapore (start of program) and return ticket (graduation)

Nanyang Business School Scholarship

The Nanyang Business School Scholarship recognizes outstanding international students with strong leadership qualities and a history of academic and co-curricular achievements. This scholarship focuses on financial support for tuition fees, covering the total amount after applying for the Tuition Grant. This allows scholarship recipients to concentrate on their studies without the burden of tuition costs.

Eligibility

• Citizenship: International students
• Academic Requirements: Strong academic achievements
• Non-Academic Requirements: Demonstrated leadership qualities and achievements in co-curricular activities

Award

• Focus: Financial support for tuition fees
• Coverage: Total subsidized tuition fees (after applying for Tuition Grant)
• Living allowance of $6,000 per academic year.

Lee Kong Chian Scholars’ Programme

The Lee Kong Chian Scholars’ Programme offered by Singapore Management University is a prestigious scholarship opportunity for international students with exceptional leadership qualities and a well-rounded academic and co-curricular background. The Lee Kong Chian Scholars’ Programme (LKCSP) offers meritorious individuals the chance for holistic, intellectual, and entrepreneurial growth.

LKCSP scholars can anticipate a complete four-year exemption from tuition fees, a one-time notebook allowance, a yearly living stipend, and support for international experiences. This merit-based scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including a full tuition fee waiver, to alleviate financial burdens and allow scholars to focus on their studies. 

Eligibility

• Academic Background: Strong academic achievements
• Co-curricular Background: Well-rounded involvement in co-curricular activities
• Leadership Qualities: Exceptional leadership skills

Award

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Global Opportunities Grant: 16,000 SGD (supports international experiences)
• Annual Living Allowance: 5,000 SGD (competitive)
• One-time Computer Allowance: 1,800 SGD

SUTD Global Excellence Scholarship

The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) offers a scholarship program for talented undergraduate international students with strong leadership qualities and a history of academic and co-curricular achievements. The SUTD Global Excellence Scholarship aims to enhance the potential of students by assisting in their personal growth and offering opportunities for postgraduate studies, global exposure, and beyond. In addition to comprehensive undergraduate education coverage, the scholarship provides financial assistance for tuition fees to students looking to pursue higher education at either SUTD or SMU (for eligible courses) within three years after graduating from SUTD.

Eligibility

• Academic Background: Strong academic achievements
• Co-curricular Background: History of co-curricular achievements
• Leadership Qualities: Strong leadership qualities

Award

• Financial Support: Significant backing for up to 4 years of study abroad in Singapore.
• Benefits:
  • Covers subsidized tuition fees (after Tuition Grant application)
  • 9,000 SGD grant for Approved Overseas Programmes+ (broadens educational experience)
  • Competitive living allowance: 7,000 SGD per term (disbursed every two terms)