If you dream of pursuing a fully funded PhD in one of Asia’s most advanced research hubs — Singapore — then the Singapore International Graduate Award SINGA Scholarship 2026 is the perfect opportunity for you.
Offered by the Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR) in collaboration with top Singaporean universities, this program supports outstanding international students passionate about research and innovation.
SINGA offers a unique chance to work with world-class researchers, gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, and build a global network in one of the most dynamic economies in Asia-Pacific.
About the Host Institutions
The SINGA program is a joint initiative between:
- Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR)
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
- Singapore Management University (SMU)
- Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
Key highlights:
- NTU & NUS rank in the Top 20 globally (QS World Rankings)
- Singapore is a global R&D powerhouse in biomedical sciences, AI, engineering, and physical sciences
- A*STAR is a leader in cutting-edge research with strong industry collaborations
SINGA Scholarship 2026 Overview
Name of Scholarship | Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) 2026 |
Host Institutions | A*STAR + NTU, NUS, SUTD, SMU, SIT |
Degree Level | PhD or EngD |
Fields of Study | Biomedical Sciences, Computing, Engineering, Physical Sciences |
Eligibility | International students with strong academic background |
Application Deadline | 1 December 2025 (August 2026 intake) |
Funding Type | Fully funded |
Host Country | Singapore |
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fees for up to 4 years
- Monthly stipend of S$2,700, increasing to S$3,200 after passing the Qualifying Examination
- One-time airfare grant up to S$1,500
- One-time settling-in allowance of S$1,000
- Priority access to on-campus accommodation for first-year students
- Opportunity to study in state-of-the-art research environments
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to international graduates who are passionate about research.
- Excellent academic results in Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees
- Strong command of written and spoken English
- Good academic referee reports
- Applicants should be new international students (Singaporeans and those previously studying in Singapore are not eligible)
- No age limit — mature applicants with research experience are encouraged
Application Process
- Visit the official SINGA scholarship page
- Browse available A*STAR Supervisors and Projects
- Prepare required documents:
• Valid passport
• Passport-sized photo
• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree transcripts and certificates
• 2 academic recommendation reports
• GRE/TOEFL/IELTS scores (optional; may be requested later) - Apply online here: SINGA Application Portal
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo two rounds of online interviews.
- Final notifications within 12 weeks of application deadline
Comparison of SINGA vs Other Major PhD Scholarships
Scholarship Name | Host Country | Coverage | Fields |
Singapore International Graduate Award | Singapore | Tuition + stipend + airfare + settlement | STEM, Biomedical, Engineering |
DAAD PhD Scholarship | Germany | Tuition + monthly stipend + travel | Wide range of fields |
Commonwealth PhD Scholarship | UK | Tuition + stipend + airfare | STEM and Social Sciences |
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship | Canada | CAD 50,000/year for 3 years | Health, Natural Sciences, Engg |
Fulbright Foreign Student Program | USA | Study in the USA with full tuition, living expenses, and airfare covered | Open to various academic fields |
FAQs About SINGA Scholarship 2026 by A*STAR
- Is there an age limit to apply for the SINGA Scholarship?
No, there is no age limit. Applicants of all ages with strong academic records and research passion are welcome. - Is GRE/TOEFL/IELTS mandatory?
No, these tests are optional for SINGA application. The interview will assess English proficiency. However, universities may later request GRE/TOEFL/IELTS for formal admission. - Can I apply without prior research experience?
Yes. A strong academic record and demonstrated passion for research are the key requirements. - Can I choose any supervisor?
Yes. You may browse the project list and contact potential supervisors. You can also propose your own research idea. - Can I submit old GRE/TOEFL/IELTS scores?
Yes. If you already have these scores, you can upload them. - Is the SINGA A*STAR Scholarship award renewable?
Yes, funding covers up to 4 years of study, with progress reviewed regularly. - Do I need a Master’s degree to apply for SINGA A*STAR Scholarship 2026?
No. Applicants with a strong Bachelor’s degree are also eligible. - When will the interview happen?
Shortlisted candidates will undergo two rounds of online interviews after application. - How competitive is the selection?
The selection is competitive, with factors including academic record, publications, research potential, and interview performance. - Can I apply for multiple PhD programs in Singapore?
Yes, but for SINGA, only one application per cycle is allowed.
If you want to fast-track your research career in one of Asia’s innovation hubs, SINGA Scholarship 2026 by A*STAR offers unmatched benefits and you are free to pursue opportunities globally after graduation. APPLY NOW.