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 | PhD · No income limit |
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) provides comprehensive financial support for up to four years of PhD studies. This includes full tuition fees for the entire duration of the program. Scholars receive a monthly stipend of S$2,700, which is approximately ₹202,500 (based on an approximate exchange rate of 1 SGD = 75 INR). This stipend increases to S$3,200 (approximately ₹240,000) per month after passing the PhD Qualifying Examination. In addition to the monthly stipend, a one-time airfare grant of up to S$1,500 (approximately ₹112,500) and a one-time settling-in allowance of S$1,000 (approximately ₹75,000) are provided. The total estimated annual amount for the first year, including the one-time grants and initial monthly stipend, is approximately ₹2,617,500. The minimum annual amount, representing the monthly stipend before the qualifying examination, is approximately ₹2,430,000. It's important to note that health insurance is generally not covered, and scholars must arrange their own coverage. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts is not applicable as this is an international scholarship paid 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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The selection process for the SINGA scholarship is highly competitive and merit-based
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Candidates are initially shortlisted based on their academic excellence, the quality of their academic referee reports, and how well their research interests align with the available PhD projects at A*STAR Research Institutes and partner universities (National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore Management University (SMU), and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT))
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Shortlisted candidates are then invited for an interview, which may be conducted in person or via video conference
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During the interview, the applicant's passion for research, their ability to contribute to their chosen field, and their English language proficiency are assessed
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While not always mandatory, submitting good scores for English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, and standardized tests like GRE (especially for NUS projects), can strengthen an application
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Successful applicants typically receive scholarship offers between February and May.
Renewal Policy
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The SINGA scholarship is tenable for one year in the first instance and is typically awarded for up to four years of PhD study
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Renewal for subsequent years is subject to the scholar's satisfactory academic progress and performance, as determined by the host university's discretion
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Scholars are generally expected to complete their PhD candidature within five years from their admission date
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If a scholar is unable to graduate within this timeframe, they may apply for a candidature extension, which, if approved, may incur tuition fees for the extended period
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During the scholarship tenure, scholars are required to reside in Singapore and must not accept other employment or hold other scholarships or financial assistance without prior approval from the university.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Research Projects
Begin by visiting the official SINGA website (via the A*STAR Scholarships portal) and browse the extensive list of available PhD research projects offered by A*STAR Research Institutes and partner universities (NUS, NTU, SUTD, SMU, SIT). You can select up to three projects that align with your research interests and academic background.
- 2Prepare Documents
Gather all necessary documents in advance. These typically include a copy of your valid passport, a recent passport-size photograph, official academic transcripts from all tertiary institutions (Bachelor's and/or Master's), Bachelor's/Master's degree certificates (or a letter of confirmation if not yet conferred), a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting your research experience, and a research statement outlining your interests. Ensure all documents are in English (or translated and certified).
- 3Identify Referees
Identify two academic referees who know your academic and research capabilities well. Inform them of your application and ensure they are prepared to submit their confidential recommendation letters online through the SINGA system.
- 4Register Online
Visit the official A*STAR Scholarship Applicant Portal (`sms-applicant-app.a-star.edu.sg`) and create an account. Fill in all required registration details accurately.
- 5Complete Application Form
Log into your newly created account, select the 'Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)' scholarship, and meticulously complete the online application form. Upload all prepared documents in PDF or JPG format as specified.
- 6Submit Application & Referee Reports
Submit your online application well before the deadline. Once your application is submitted, your referees will receive an automated email prompting them to submit their recommendation letters directly through the online portal within 7 days. It is crucial to follow up with your referees to ensure they submit their reports on time.
- 7Status Tracking
After submission, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Notifications are typically sent within 12 weeks after the application deadline. There is no real-time status tracking guide beyond awaiting email notification. It is advisable to keep your email inbox active and check it regularly.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a Master's degree to apply for the SINGA scholarship?
No, a Master's degree is not strictly required. Applicants with a strong Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant science or engineering field, along with excellent academic results and a passion for research, are eligible to apply directly for a PhD program through SINGA.
Is an IELTS or TOEFL score mandatory for SINGA application?
While not always explicitly mandatory for the SINGA application itself, good skills in written and spoken English are essential and can be assessed during the interview process. However, some individual universities participating in the SINGA program may require applicants to submit satisfactory IELTS or TOEFL scores as part of their admission requirements. Submitting strong scores, if available, can enhance your application.
Is there a service bond or obligation after completing the SINGA scholarship?
No, the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is completely bond-free. Scholars are not required to work in Singapore for a specific period after completing their PhD studies and are free to pursue their careers anywhere in the world.
Plan your study abroad
Use these guides to plan your next steps. Check this scholarship's eligibility before choosing a university or program.
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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.