Discover the top fully funded scholarships in Singapore for international students in 2025, including eligibility, benefits, application steps, and key programs.
Singapore has rapidly become one of the world’s most desirable study destinations, offering globally ranked universities, cutting-edge research, and excellent career opportunities. Known for safety, innovation, and world-class infrastructure, Singapore attracts students from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East every year.
The best part? Several fully funded scholarships are available for international students, covering tuition fees, monthly stipends, research support, accommodation, and airfare. These scholarships are offered by the Singaporean government, universities, and scientific research agencies.
This comprehensive guide explores the top fully funded Singapore scholarships in 2025, eligibility requirements, benefits, application documents, deadlines, and expert tips to help you succeed.
🌏 Why Study in Singapore in 2025?
International students choose Singapore for several reasons:
- Top-ranked universities (NUS & NTU among global top 20)
- Strong English-medium education
- High graduate employability
- Hub for finance, technology, biomedical research
- Safe, clean, multicultural environment
- Government-supported scholarships and research funding
Fully funded scholarships make Singapore a competitive alternative to the USA, UK, and Australia—especially for research-focused programs.
Here are the leading programs offering complete financial coverage:
1️⃣ SINGA – Singapore International Graduate Award (PhD)
The most prestigious fully funded scholarship for international PhD students.
Ideal For
- Students pursuing PhD in science, engineering, and technology
- Research-oriented applicants
Offered By
- A*STAR
- NUS
- NTU
- SUTD
Benefits
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend (increased after qualifying exam)
- One-time settling allowance
- Airfare support
Highlights
- No requirement to return home after graduation
- Open to all nationalities
- Conduct research in world-class labs
2️⃣ NUS Research Scholarships (Master’s & PhD)
Fully funded research-based graduate scholarships at the National University of Singapore.
Supports
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Additional funding for conference travel
Ideal For
- STEM fields
- Business, humanities, computing, and social sciences (research tracks)
Key Features
- Highly competitive
- Requires strong academic background
3️⃣ NTU Research Scholarships (Master’s & PhD)
Awarded by Nanyang Technological University, one of Asia’s highest-ranked institutions.
Benefits
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly living allowance
- Subsidies for academic expenses
Available For
- PhD programs in engineering, sciences, humanities, and business
Additional Option
- Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship (NPGS)
- Covers full tuition
- Higher stipend
- Top-tier selection based on leadership & academic excellence
4️⃣ Nanyang Scholarship (Undergraduate, Fully Funded)
One of Singapore’s most competitive scholarships for international bachelor’s students.
Covers
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Accommodation support
- Travel and computer grants
Eligibility
- Outstanding academic record
- Leadership and co-curricular excellence
5️⃣ NUS Global Merit Scholarship (Undergraduate)
A prestigious fully funded undergraduate award.
Supports
- Full tuition fees
- Annual living allowance
- Accommodation support
- One-time grant for enrichment or overseas programs
Ideal For
- High-achieving international students
6️⃣ Singapore–MIT Alliance for Research & Technology (SMART Fellowship)
A fully funded fellowship for PhD and postdoctoral researchers.
Benefits
- Full financial support
- Research funding
- Access to MIT-aligned labs in Singapore
Focus Areas
- Artificial intelligence
- Bioengineering
- Urban solutions
- Energy and resilience
7️⃣ A*STAR Graduate Scholarships (AGS & SINGA-Track)
Awarded by Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology & Research.
Supports
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Research funding
- Internship and overseas training opportunities
Levels
- PhD
- Master’s leading to PhD
- Postdoctoral fellowships
8️⃣ SMU Scholarships (Singapore Management University)
Several fully funded awards available to international students.
Notable Options
- Lee Kong Chian Scholars’ Programme
- SMU Global Impact Scholarship
Benefits
- Full tuition
- Living allowance
- Overseas study funding
- Leadership development
9️⃣ ASEAN Scholarships (Selected Countries)
Although primarily for ASEAN nationals, some fully funded awards extend to international school-level applicants.
Covers
- Tuition fees
- Annual allowances
- Accommodation costs
✅ General Eligibility Criteria for Singapore Scholarships (2025)
Most fully funded programs require applicants to:
✔ Hold excellent academic results
✔ Demonstrate research or leadership potential
✔ Meet English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
✔ Provide strong recommendation letters
✔ Submit a clear study or research purpose
Some programs have no age limit, while others require recent graduates.
📌 Required Documents for Application
Prepare the following:
- Academic transcripts & degree certificates
- CV or academic resume
- Personal statement or motivation letter
- Research proposal (for PhD programs)
- Recommendation letters
- Passport copy
- English test scores
- Publications (if applicable)
⏳ Application Timeline for 2025 Intake
Most deadlines fall between:
- August 2024 – March 2025
SINGA typically has two cycles per year, while university scholarships follow academic admissions timelines.
✅ Step-by-Step Application Process
- Select the scholarship and academic program
- Check specific eligibility requirements
- Contact potential supervisors (for research programs)
- Prepare required documents early
- Submit online application before deadline
- Attend interviews or assessments
- Wait for final decision and acceptance offer
⭐ Tips to Increase Your Chances in 2025
✅ Apply early—Singapore deadlines are strict
✅ Show innovation and research potential
✅ Align goals with Singapore’s national priorities
✅ Demonstrate leadership and extracurricular excellence
✅ Tailor essays—avoid generic statements
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete documentation
- Weak research proposal
- Missing English scores
- Waiting until last week to apply
- Not understanding scholarship obligations
✅ Conclusion
Singapore offers some of the world’s most generous and competitive fully funded scholarships for international students in 2025. Whether pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies, options like SINGA, NUS, NTU, A*STAR, and university-funded merit programs provide exceptional financial and academic support.
With proper preparation, strong academic performance, and a compelling application, students can build a world-class future in one of the most innovative nations globally.
Also Read: Which DAAD Scholarships Can International Students Apply for in 2025?
Sources
A-Star+2Singapore Institute of Technology+2
❓ FAQs
1. Can international students get fully funded scholarships in Singapore?
Yes—programs like SINGA, NUS and NTU Research Scholarships, and Nanyang Scholarship are fully funded for international applicants.
2. Do Singapore scholarships cover living expenses?
Most fully funded scholarships include monthly stipends for housing, meals, and personal expenses.
3. Are there fully funded scholarships for undergraduate students?
Yes—such as the Nanyang Scholarship and NUS Global Merit Scholarship.
4. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
Often required unless previous studies were in English—varies by program.
5. Is work experience necessary?
Not for most scholarships, except some research-focused or leadership-based programs.
6. Can I work in Singapore after graduation?
Singapore offers post-study pathways; graduates of research programs are highly employable.