Is Singapore calling your name? Try SINGA

Singapore has grown leaps and bounds over the last few decades. The small but vibrant country is currently an incredible place with a strong economy, high quality of life and a rich culture. And if your dream is of experiencing this life sitting at the epicentre of Asia’s finance and tech revolution, then maybe it's time you looked up the SINGA Scholarship. 

Key Information

Country: Singapore
Level of Study: PhD or EngD
Universities: NTU, NUS, SUTD, SMU, SIT
Program Period: 4 years
Deadline: June 1 (January 2025 intake)
Official link: A*STAR SINGA Scholarship

What is the SINGA Scholarship?

The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is a fully funded scholarship for students interested in science and engineering research. It is a collaboration between A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) and top Singaporean universities like the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), etc.

Why this scholarship?

SINGA gives you full tuition cover for four years, a monthly stipend starting at $2700 (which increases to $3200 after you pass a qualifying exam), plus another $1000 settling-in allowance and $1500 airfare grant to help you get started in Singapore. It’s pretty great.

Who is eligible?

Let’s break it down: 

• You’re an international student (not a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident) 
• You’ve got excellent academic results from your Bachelor’s and/or Master’s 
• You’re passionate about research 
• You communicate well in English (spoken and written) 
• You have strong academic references 
• You’re ready to pursue a PhD or EngD in one of these fields:
  • Biomedical Sciences 
  • Computing and Information Sciences 
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Physical Sciences

How to Apply?

Here’s how you can get started:

• Visit the Research Areas page to explore current PhD project 
•  Choose a project that aligns with your research interests    
•  Prepare your application materials:
  • English-translated transcripts from Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees 
  • Degree certificate or official certification letter
  • Two recommendation reports submitted online by your referees
  • Optional: GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, or GATE scores
• Complete the online application before the deadline (based on your intended intake: January or August)

Pro tip: Applications are competitive. Start early to make sure every part of your application is thoughtful and thorough.

Career Paths After SINGA

Once you're done, the world opens up. “My SINGA journey was a game-changer during the COVID-19 pandemic. I collaborated with world-renowned researchers to be one of the first scientists in the world to dissect immune responses against a then unknown virus. This incredible experience reinforced my dream of leading as an infectious diseases researcher and strengthened my interest in clinical studies,” Dr Anthony Torres-Ruesta said. 

SINGA scholars find doors swinging open across the job market. Their prestigious credential carries weight globally, letting them jump into university roles, corporate jobs, or research teams anywhere from Singapore to overseas.

Real success stories abound - SINGA alumni now lead cancer research at Duke-NUS, develop algorithms at quantum startups, and build cutting-edge robotics labs back in their home countries. The credential provides valuable access to Singapore's innovative research community, particularly in fields receiving substantial investment like AI, biotechnology, and sustainable engineering.

If you're a problem solver dreaming of real-world solutions and building a research career in one of the most connected innovation hubs in the world, SINGA is your gateway.

Explore. Apply. And let your SINGA journey begin.