Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) · All India
| Scheme Name | Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) |
| Provided By | A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) |
| Eligibility Summary | Class 11-12, Graduation, Engineering (< ₹8L Income) |
About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA). Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
S$2,700/mo (approx. ₹25.8 Lakh+)
The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is a fully funded scholarship covering full tuition fees for up to four years of PhD study. Scholars receive a monthly living stipend of S$2,700 (approximately ₹2,416,240 annually). This stipend increases to S$3,200 per month (approximately ₹2,863,640 annually) after passing the PhD qualifying examination. Additionally, recipients are provided with a one-time airfare grant of up to S$1,500 (approximately ₹111,900) and a one-time settling-in allowance of S$1,000 (approximately ₹74,600) upon arrival in Singapore. The scholarship amount is disbursed monthly, and while explicit Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts details are not specified, the stipend is provided directly to the scholar.
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Nationality:Open to international students of all nationalities.
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Prior Study in Singapore:Not eligible if you are a Singapore citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident, or if you have obtained your Bachelor's or Master's degree from a Singaporean institution, or have previously studied in Singapore tertiary institutions.
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Academic Qualification:Must hold a Bachelor's degree with excellent academic results in science, engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is helpful but not mandatory.
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English Proficiency:Good skills in written and spoken English are required.
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Research Interest:Must demonstrate a strong passion for research.
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Age Limit:There is no age limit for SINGA applicants.
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Target Degree:The scholarship is for direct PhD or EngD programs. Applicants already holding a PhD are not eligible.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | PhD |
| Course / Stream | PhD |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Completed SINGA online application form
- ✓Official academic transcripts from all tertiary institutions attended (Bachelor's and/or Master's)
- ✓Bachelor's degree certificate(s) (and Master's degree certificate, if applicable), or a letter of confirmation/attestation from the university if the degree has not yet been conferred
- ✓Valid passport copy (biographical page)
- ✓Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume with research experience highlighted
- ✓Two referee reports (to be submitted online directly by the referees through the SINGA system)
- ✓English language proficiency scores (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS, if required by the chosen university/program; not always mandatory for the initial SINGA application)
- ✓Research statement or statement of purpose tailored to selected projects
- ✓List of publications (if any)
- ✓Recent passport-sized photograph (JPEG or PNG format)
- ✓GRE results (mandatory for applicants applying to National University of Singapore (NUS) supervisors/projects, and may be requested by other universities as part of their admission requirements)
Selection Process
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Selection for the SINGA scholarship is highly competitive and based on several factors
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Applicants must demonstrate a strong passion for research and possess excellent academic results, typically equivalent to First Class Honours
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Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential, and strong academic referee reports are crucial
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The process involves submitting an online application with required documents, followed by shortlisting
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Shortlisted candidates are usually notified within 12 weeks of the application closing date and may be invited for interviews, where English proficiency might be assessed
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A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on prevailing scholarship policies.
Renewal Policy
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The SINGA scholarship is tenable for a maximum of four years for PhD programs
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Renewal of the scholarship annually is subject to the scholar's satisfactory academic progress and research performance
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The specific renewal process involves maintaining good standing in the academic program and making sufficient progress in research as assessed by the host institution.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Browse Research Projects
Visit the official SINGA website () and explore the available PhD research projects offered by A*STAR, NUS, NTU, SUTD, SMU, and SIT supervisors. Select up to three projects that align with your research interests and academic background.
- 2Contact Referees
Immediately contact two academic referees who know your academic and research capabilities well. They will need to submit confidential recommendation reports directly through the SINGA online system. Ensure they are aware of the deadlines.
- 3Prepare Required Documents
Gather and prepare all necessary documents in soft copy: * Valid Passport (biographical page) * Recent passport-sized photograph (in .jpeg or .png format) * Official academic transcripts from all tertiary institutions attended (Bachelor's and/or Master's) * Bachelor's degree certificate (and Master's degree certificate, if applicable). If your degree certificate has not been conferred, a letter of confirmation from the university on your candidature may be accepted * Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume with research experience highlighted * Research statement or statement of purpose explaining your interest in the selected projects and your research experience * English language proficiency scores (TOEFL or IELTS, if required by the university or if you wish to submit them) * GRE scores (if applying to NUS supervisors/projects or if the university requests it as part of admission) * List of publications (if any)
- 4Register and Complete Online Application
Go to the official SINGA online application portal () and register an account. Fill out the application form completely and accurately, uploading all prepared documents before the deadline.
- 5Ensure Referee Reports are Submitted
Verify that your two referees have submitted their reports through the online system before the application deadline. The application process will only be considered complete after receiving at least two reference letters.
- 6Await Notification
After submission, await notification from the SINGA office. Only shortlisted candidates are typically contacted within 12 weeks of the closing date. Application Deadlines: * For August 2027 intake: 1 December 2026 * For January 2028 intake (A*STAR and NTU only): 1 June 2027
Common Questions (FAQs)
Is a Master's degree a mandatory requirement to apply for the SINGA scholarship?
No, a Master's degree is not strictly mandatory to apply for SINGA. Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field with strong academic results. However, having a Master's degree can be an advantage and may strengthen your application.
Are IELTS or TOEFL scores required for the SINGA scholarship application?
IELTS or TOEFL scores are not always mandatory at the time of application. While not required for the initial SINGA application, submitting good scores is highly recommended and can boost your application. Individual universities participating in SINGA may require English language proficiency certificates as part of their admission criteria, or your English proficiency might be assessed during the interview stage.
Is there a service bond or work requirement in Singapore after completing the PhD through SINGA?
No, the SINGA scholarship is generally bond-free. There is no mandatory service bond or requirement for SINGA scholars to work in Singapore upon completion of their PhD studies. However, the program aims to foster research collaborations, which may lead to employment opportunities in Singapore or elsewhere.
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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) website before final submission.