Discover the best places to find Singapore government scholarship for international students. Explore eligibility, benefits, application tips, and top scholarship sources in this complete 2025 guide.

A guide to Singapore government-funded scholarship for bachelor, master’s, and PhD degrees.

Singapore is one of the world’s fastest-growing global education hubs, with top-ranked institutions, cutting-edge research opportunities, and incredible career prospects for international students. Whether you’re planning to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies, the Singapore government provides a variety of fully funded and partially funded scholarships designed to attract the best global talent.

But the biggest question students ask is:
Where exactly can you find Singapore government scholarships for international students?

This comprehensive guide explains all major sources of government-funded scholarships, eligibility criteria, application strategies, and everything you need to know to secure one of these highly competitive awards.

This 4500-word deep-dive ensures you will not only know where to find Singapore scholarships, but also how to win them.

Table of Contents

1. Why Singapore Attracts International Students

Before exploring scholarship sources, it’s important to understand why Singapore is such an ideal study destination:

1.1 A Global Education Hub

Singapore hosts world-class institutions like:

National University of Singapore (NUS)
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Singapore Management University (SMU)
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)

These universities consistently rank among the best in the world.

1.2 Government Investment in Education

Singapore invests massively in:

Research and development
Higher education funding
Innovation-driven projects
Tech and biosciences

This creates fertile ground for scholarships.

1.3 Excellent Career & Residency Opportunities

Many scholarships include post-study work requirements or industry placements, making Singapore a strategic location for career development.

1.4 High Standard of Living & Safety

Singapore offers:

A safe and secure environment
Excellent transportation
Cultural diversity
English as the medium of instruction

All these factors make it an attractive destination for international students.

2. Where to Find Singapore Government Scholarships for International Students

Singapore government scholarships are available through multiple official sources, ministries, university partnerships, and research agencies. Below are the major places where international students can find them.

3. Ministry of Education (MOE) – Main Source for Government Scholarships

The Ministry of Education (MOE) is the central authority managing government-funded scholarships for international students. MOE offers undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships through several programs, including specialized schemes for ASEAN countries and global applicants.

3.1 Types of MOE Scholarships

MOE scholarships fall into three broad categories:

Undergraduate Scholarships
Postgraduate Scholarships
Research & Fellowship Opportunities

MOE scholarships are typically fully funded and include:

Tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Accommodation allowance
Travel allowance
Health insurance
Research funding (for graduate students)

3.2 Who Should Apply?

MOE scholarships are ideal for:

High academic achievers
Students involved in leadership roles
Applicants with a strong research background
Students interested in working in Singapore after graduation

3.3 Where to Find Them?

You can locate MOE scholarships through:

Singapore Ministry of Education official portal
University scholarship offices
Education fairs conducted by MOE
MOE international outreach events and press releases
Embassy announcements in your home country

**4. Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Scholarships**

A*STAR is one of Singapore’s most prestigious research authorities. It provides scholarships for students pursuing STEM fields—science, engineering, medicine, biotechnology, ICT, and related disciplines.

**4.1 Types of A*STAR Scholarships**

A*STAR offers:

Undergraduate scholarships for STEM majors
PhD fellowships
Postdoctoral awards
Joint programs with global universities
Research internships and grants

4.2 Benefits

A*STAR scholarships typically include:

Full tuition fee support
Monthly stipend (one of the highest in Asia)
Conference funding
Research grants
Access to world-class labs
Career placement in A*STAR facilities

4.3 Where to Find Them?

You can find A*STAR scholarships through:

A*STAR scholarship portal
Partner universities like NUS, NTU, SMU
Research centers like Biopolis & Fusionopolis
International science fairs or research competitions

5. MOE Tuition Grant Scheme (Subsidy Program)

Although not a traditional scholarship, the MOE Tuition Grant Scheme is one of the most widely used government-funded financial support programs for international students.

5.1 What It Offers

The Tuition Grant covers a major portion of tuition fees for:

Undergraduate programs
Some diploma programs
Courses at autonomous universities

5.2 Work Obligation

International students must sign a 3-year service bond, typically requiring work in a Singapore-registered company.

5.3 Where to Find It?

Information is available through:

University admissions offices
MOE financial aid information pages
Orientation booklets provided after admission

6. ASEAN Scholarships – For Students from ASEAN Member Nations

Singapore offers a range of scholarships exclusively for ASEAN citizens.

6.1 Purpose

These scholarships strengthen ties between Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries.

6.2 Levels of Study

ASEAN scholarships are available at:

Pre-University (Junior College)
Undergraduate levels
Select diplomas

6.3 Coverage

Benefits typically include:

Tuition fees
Living allowances
Settlement and transportation allowance
Accommodation support
Annual grants

6.4 Where to Find Them?

ASEAN scholarships can be found via:

ASEAN Secretariat announcements
MOE scholarship portal
University scholarship sections
Singapore embassy announcements in ASEAN nations

7. Singapore Government University Scholarships

Each major university in Singapore offers government-funded scholarships specifically tailored to international students. These scholarships are among the most sought-after because they combine academic prestige with generous financial support.

7.1 NUS (National University of Singapore) Scholarships

NUS offers many government-funded scholarships for:

Bachelor’s degrees
Master’s programs
PhD programs

These scholarships are merit-based and include:

Full tuition
Housing allowance
Monthly living stipend
Travel support
Research funding

7.2 NTU (Nanyang Technological University) Scholarships

NTU’s scholarships support fields like:

Engineering
Science
Business
Education
Humanities

Government-linked scholarships offered by NTU include:

Full fee coverage
Allowances
Leadership & research opportunities

7.3 SMU (Singapore Management University) Scholarships

SMU focuses on:

Business
Law
Economics
Computer Science
Public Policy

Scholarships include:

Tuition fee waiver
Living allowances
Entrepreneurial funding

7.4 SUTD and SIT Scholarships

These universities offer scholarships supported by:

MOE
A*STAR
Industry partners

Students in engineering, design, IT, and applied fields especially benefit.

8. Government-Linked Industry & Sector-Specific Scholarships

Several ministries in Singapore fund scholarships targeted at specific sectors. These include:

8.1 Ministry of Health (MOH) Scholarships

For:

Nursing
Public health
Pharmacy
Medicine
Allied health sciences

8.2 Ministry of Communications & Information (MCI) Scholarships

For:

Media
IT
Communications
Cybersecurity

8.3 Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) & Home Team Scholarships

For:

Public service careers
Strategic studies
Engineering
Technology

8.4 Where to Find Them?

Through:

Ministry scholarship pages
Government scholarship fairs
University scholarship portals

9. Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarships

These are among Singapore’s most prestigious and competitive awards.

9.1 Who They Target

Outstanding students interested in:

Public service
Administration
Policy making
Leadership roles

9.2 Benefits

Full fee coverage
Prestige
Guaranteed career pathway in public sector

9.3 Where to Find Them?

PSC official announcements
University scholarship offices
International education fairs

10. Polytechnics & Institute-Level Government Scholarships

Students enrolling in Singapore polytechnics can find government-funded scholarships via:

Nanyang Polytechnic
Temasek Polytechnic
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Republic Polytechnic
Singapore Polytechnic

These scholarships support:

Diplomas in engineering
Biotechnology
ICT
Hospitality
Business

11. How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Singapore Government Scholarship

Because scholarships are competitive, applicants must follow strategic guidelines.

11.1 Strong Academic Record

High grades in:

Mathematics
Science
English
Relevant subjects

11.2 Leadership & Extracurriculars

Show involvement in:

Community service
Sports
Student leadership
Research projects

11.3 Strong Personal Statement

Highlight:

Purpose
Passion
Career plans
Why Singapore

11.4 Exceptional References

Choose teachers or supervisors who can explain:

Your strengths
Achievements
Academic potential

11.5 Participate in Competitions & Internships

Government scholarships prioritize applicants with:

Innovation achievements
Research exposure
Competitive awards

11.6 Apply Early

Start preparing:

At least 6–12 months before deadlines

11.7 Prepare for Interviews

Interviews assess:

Confidence
Global awareness
Leadership potential
Problem-solving skills

12. Eligibility Requirements for Singapore Government Scholarships

While each scholarship has its own criteria, below are common eligibility standards.

12.1 Nationality

Many scholarships are open to:

ASEAN nationals
Asian students
Global applicants (depending on program)

12.2 Academic Performance

Usually:

High academic grades
Excellent English proficiency

12.3 Age Requirements

Some scholarships target:

Pre-university students
Undergraduates
Postgraduates

12.4 Commitment to Service

Several government awards require:

Bond obligations
Service in Singapore companies
Contribution to national development

13. Benefits of Singapore Government Scholarships

13.1 Financial Coverage

Includes:

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Travel grants
Medical insurance
Laptop or book allowance

13.2 Research & Innovation Opportunities

Scholarship recipients may gain access to:

A*STAR labs
Industry internships
Global research conferences

13.3 Fast-Track Career Growth

Graduates often get:

Priority job placements
High earning potential
Residency opportunities

13.4 Global Networking

Singapore gives exposure to:

International faculty
Industry leaders
Multinational companies

14. Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Singapore Government Scholarships

Step 1: Identify Scholarship Sources

Use:

MOE
A*STAR
PSC
Universities

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Confirm:

Academic qualifications
Required documents
Language requirements

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Common documents:

Academic transcripts
Recommendation letters
Passport
Personal statement
Resume

Step 4: Submit Application Online

Step 5: Take Tests (If Required)

Such as:

Aptitude tests
English exams
Technical tests

Step 6: Prepare for Interviews

Step 7: Track Application Status

Step 8: Accept the Offer & Prepare to Move to Singapore

15. Common Mistakes to Avoid

15.1 Missing Deadlines

Start early.

15.2 Weak Personal Statement

Be clear, authentic, and focused.

15.3 Not Researching the Scholarship Requirements

Tailor each application.

15.4 Poor Interview Preparation

Practice common questions.

15.5 Submitting Incomplete Documents

Double-check everything before submitting.

16. Final Thoughts

Finding Singapore government scholarships does not have to be difficult. Once you know where to look—MOE, A*STAR, PSC, government ministries, and universities—you can explore a wide selection of high-value scholarships designed to support outstanding international students like you.

Singapore’s commitment to world-class education, innovation, and talent development ensures that deserving students have access to generous financial aid, cutting-edge facilities, and extensive career possibilities.

If you prepare strategically, stay organized, and apply early, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a government-funded scholarships and studying in one of the world’s most advanced educational environments.

Also Read: How Can International Students Secure Canada Government Scholarships in 2025?

Sources

A-Star Education

Ministry of Education

FAQs

1. Can international students get full Government Scholarships in Singapore?

Yes. Many government-funded scholarships offer full tuition, allowances, and additional benefits.

2. Which is the best government scholarships in Singapore?

A*STAR and MOE scholarships are the most prestigious for international students.

3. Are Singapore Government Scholarships hard to get?

They are competitive, but strong academics, leadership skills, and preparation greatly increase your chances.

4. Do Singapore government scholarships require a bond?

Some Government Scholarships, such as the Tuition Grant Scheme, require service bonds. Others do not.

5. What is the minimum GPA for Singapore Government Scholarships?

Most require excellent grades, equivalent to a strong academic standing (usually above 80%).

6. Can I work while studying in Singapore on a Government Scholarships?

Most Government Scholarships restrict part-time work, but allow internships.

7. How early should I apply?

Start preparing 6–12 months before Government Scholarships deadlines.