For ambitious international graduates interested in pursuing doctoral-level research, Singapore offers some of the most competitive and generous funding packages globally. These scholarships, often backed by the government and its research agencies, provide full tuition, substantial stipends, and research opportunities in world-class facilities.
Here is a focus on the most prominent fully-funded PhD scholarships in Singapore, particularly for international candidates.
1. The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
SINGA is the premier PhD scholarship for international students with a passion for Science and Engineering research.
- Host Institutions: A collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and autonomous universities like NUS, NTU, SMU, and SUTD.
- Coverage: Provides financial support for up to four years of PhD studies, including:
- Full Tuition Fees coverage.
- A competitive monthly stipend (S$2,700, increasing to S$3,200 after passing the Qualifying Examination).
- A one-time settling-in allowance (S$1,000).
- A one-time airfare grant (up to S$1,500).
- Eligibility Highlights: Open to all international graduates with excellent academic results and a strong interest in research in Biomedical Sciences or Physical Sciences and Engineering. The research projects are non-clinical.
- Key Requirement: Applicants are encouraged to identify and indicate interest in specific A*STAR research supervisors and projects during the application process.
2. A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS) & National Science Scholarship (NSS)
While the National Science Scholarship (NSS) is typically for Singapore Citizens, the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS) is open to non-citizens who are committed to a career in R&D in Singapore.
- Host Institutions: PhD or EngD programs at autonomous universities (NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD), often with research conducted primarily at A*STAR Research Institutes.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, generous allowances (book, computer, conference, thesis), and support for an overseas research attachment of up to 12 months.
- Eligibility Highlights: Requires applicants to have or be on track to obtain at least a Second Upper Class Honours degree (or equivalent). Non-Singaporeans must have completed (or be completing) a degree in a Singapore autonomous university.
- The Service Bond: Non-Singaporeans who receive the AGS must serve a 3-year service commitment in Singapore-based companies (R&D preferred) upon completion of their PhD.
3. University Research Scholarships (NUS, NTU, SMU)
Top universities also offer their own institution-specific research scholarships that are awarded upon admission to outstanding candidates, both local and international.
- SMU Research Scholarship (SMU-RS): The Singapore Management University (SMU) provides scholarships that waive the subsidized tuition fees and offer a monthly stipend.
- International PhD Stipend: The monthly stipend typically starts at S$2,500 and increases to S$3,000 after passing the Qualifying Examination, ensuring a comfortable living allowance in Singapore.
- NUS/NTU Research Scholarships: These universities offer similar competitive packages that cover tuition and provide a stipend, which is essential for all full-time research students.
The Critical Difference: Research Focus and Bond
When considering these top scholarships, the two main factors to weigh are:
- Research Alignment: These scholarships are fundamentally research-focused. Your application must clearly articulate a strong passion for R&D and align with Singapore’s national strategic research areas (Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Computing).
- Commitment: While SINGA has no service bond requirement, the AGS includes a 3-year bond for non-citizens, and other scholarships (like the Tuition Grant) may require a service commitment to Singapore after graduation.
Your success hinges on having an excellent academic record, compelling research proposal, and strong support from academic referees.
