A*STAR SINGA Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded PhD

The A*STAR SINGA Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded doctoral program designed for international students who wish to pursue cutting-edge research in Singapore. With world-class universities, top-tier laboratories, and vibrant multicultural living, Singapore has grown into one of the leading global destinations for postgraduate research. The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) represents a unique opportunity to earn a PhD or EngD degree in a highly collaborative environment.

This scholarship is ideal for recent graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree who have a strong interest in research and innovation. Backed by Singapore’s government agencies and universities, the A*STAR SINGA program opens doors to unparalleled academic training, financial support, and international exposure.

Overview of the A*STAR SINGA Scholarship 2026

The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is a joint collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and several of Singapore’s top universities. These universities include:

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

The goal of SINGA is to attract exceptional international talent to Singapore and to provide scholars with the opportunity to carry out PhD or EngD research in a wide range of scientific and technological disciplines.

Scholarship Details at a Glance

• Host Country: Singapore

• Degree Level: PhD or EngD
• Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded
• Duration: 4 Years
• Application Deadline: 1st June 2025
• Number of Awards: Around 240 scholarships awarded annually

The scholarship is completely bond-free, which means that recipients are not obligated to stay in Singapore after the completion of their studies unless they wish to.

Participating Universities and Degree Programs

Depending on the research field and supervisor availability, scholars will be enrolled in a PhD or EngD program at one of the five participating universities. Each university has its own areas of research excellence, and candidates may choose the institution that best aligns with their academic goals.

• NUS: PhD in multiple research domains
• NTU: PhD in science, engineering, and interdisciplinary studies
• SUTD: PhD and EngD programs
• SMU: PhD and EngD, especially in business analytics and computing
• SIT: EngD with industry-integrated research focus

All degrees will be awarded by the respective universities, but research may be conducted in close collaboration with A*STAR’s research institutes.

Fields of Study

The A*STAR SINGA Scholarship supports research in the following major areas:

• Biomedical Sciences
• Engineering and Technology
• Computing and Information Sciences
• Physical Sciences

These fields are broad and multidisciplinary. Applicants can select from a comprehensive list of projects during the application process. Each project includes information about the research topic, supervising professor, and affiliated university or institute.

Financial Coverage and Benefits

The SINGA Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support throughout the duration of the PhD/EngD program. This includes:

• Full Tuition Fees
  All academic tuition and university administrative fees are covered for four years.
• Monthly Stipend
  Scholars receive a monthly stipend of SGD 2,700. After passing the Qualifying Examination (usually within 12–18 months), the stipend increases to SGD 3,200 per month.
• One-Time Airfare Grant
  An allowance of up to SGD 1,500 is provided for travel to Singapore at the beginning of the program.
• Settling-In Allowance
  A one-time allowance of SGD 1,000 is provided upon arrival to help cover initial accommodation and setup expenses.
• Research Support
  Access to world-class labs, mentorship, and cross-disciplinary research support from A*STAR institutes and university partners.

Living in Singapore as a Scholar

Singapore offers an excellent quality of life with world-renowned safety, public infrastructure, and diversity. Students benefit from:

• Safe, modern living environments
• A vibrant community of international researchers
• Efficient public transport systems
• Access to cultural, recreational, and educational amenities

The cost of living for students ranges from SGD 1,400 to SGD 2,000 per month, which covers accommodation, food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. Given the stipend amount, scholars can live comfortably while studying in Singapore.

Eligibility Criteria

The SINGA program is open to applicants from all nationalities and academic backgrounds, provided they meet the minimum eligibility criteria:

• International Status: Applicants must be international students with no prior studies or work experience in Singapore.
• Educational Background:
  A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required. Applicants with a master’s degree may also apply, but it is not mandatory.
• Academic Excellence:
  Strong academic record, preferably in the top tier of the graduating class.
• English Proficiency:
  Proficiency in written and spoken English is necessary. Standardized English test scores such as IELTS or TOEFL are not required at the time of application but may be requested during university admission.
• Recommendation Letters:
  Two strong academic referee reports are required and must be submitted online.
• Personal Qualities:
  Motivation for research, independence, critical thinking, and a commitment to innovation are valued attributes.
• Passport Requirement:
  A valid passport is needed for the application process. National identity cards or temporary travel documents are not accepted in place of a passport.

There is no age restriction, and applicants from all countries are encouraged to apply.

Required Application Documents

The following documents are necessary for a complete application:

• Recent Passport-Size Photograph
• Valid Passport
• Academic Transcripts
  • Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
  • Master’s degree certificate and transcripts (if applicable)
  • English translations must be provided for documents in other languages
• Two Recommendation Letters
  • Submitted directly by referees via the scholarship portal
• Motivation Letter or Personal Statement
• Optional Test Scores
  • GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, or GATE scores are not mandatory but can enhance the application

Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Select Your Research Area

Review the list of available PhD research projects and choose those that align with your academic interests and background.

Step 2: Prepare Application Documents

Gather all the required documents and ensure they are scanned in high quality. Convert your academic documents into English if they are in another language.

Step 3: Register and Apply Online

Create an account on the official scholarship portal and complete the application form carefully. Upload all required documents and provide accurate information.

Step 4: Submit Referee Details

Ensure that your academic referees receive the system-generated link to submit their recommendation letters online before the application deadline.

Step 5: Review and Submit

Double-check all sections of your application. Once satisfied, submit the application before the deadline.

• Apply now via this link Here!
• Click here to visit the Official Website!

Application Deadline:

June 1, 2025

Applications must be submitted before 11:59 PM (GMT +8) on the deadline day.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 12 weeks after the application deadline for further steps, which may include interviews.

What Happens After You Apply?

• Your application will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility.
• A selection panel will evaluate your academic potential, research interest, and fit with available projects.
• Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview via video call.
• Final results are typically announced a few months before the academic session begins.
• Accepted candidates will receive official admission offers and scholarship letters.

Why Choose the SINGA Scholarship?

Here are some compelling reasons why the SINGA Scholarship stands out:

• No Bond Requirement: You are free to choose your future path post-graduation without any work commitment in Singapore.
• Global Research Network: Access to internationally recognized faculty and collaboration with leading scientists.
• Diverse International Community: Over 170 countries are represented among SINGA scholars.
• Innovation at Its Core: Singapore is Asia’s hub for science, tech, and entrepreneurship, making it an ideal research environment.
• Fully Funded with No Hidden Costs: From tuition to living stipends, SINGA takes care of everything.

Success Tips for Applicants

• Begin your application well before the deadline.

• Research the supervisors and labs you are interested in and mention them in your application.
• Write a clear and focused motivation letter that explains your research interests and long-term goals.
• Contact your referees early and guide them about the scholarship and its significance.
• Pay attention to detail in every part of your application.

>>>Official Application Link

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