Dreaming of pursuing a world-class, fully funded PhD in the heart of Asia? The Singapore International Graduate Award 2026 (SINGA) offers exactly that – a life-changing opportunity for outstanding international students to complete their doctoral research at Singapore’s top institutions.
SINGA is a collaborative initiative between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). Successful applicants will conduct research leading to a PhD degree at one of these universities while receiving generous financial and professional support.
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Why Choose Singapore for Your PhD?
- Home to globally ranked universities and cutting-edge laboratories
- Gateway to the fast-growing Asia-Pacific research ecosystem
- Multicultural society with outstanding quality of life and safety
- English as the main language of instruction and research
- Vibrant startup & innovation scene supported by government funding
Key Benefits of the Fully Funded SINGA 2026
- Full Tuition Fees Covered: No tuition bills throughout the 4-year PhD programme.
- Competitive Monthly Stipend: Starting at S$2,200, increasing to S$2,700 after passing the Qualifying Examination.
- One-Time Relocation Grant: Up to S$1,000 for airfare plus S$1,000 settling-in allowance.
- Research Support: Access to state-of-the-art facilities, international conferences, and industry networks.
- Career Development: Workshops, mentorship, and talent programmes that boost employability in academia & industry.
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be international students (non-Singapore citizens).
- Have a good bachelor’s degree (honours) or equivalent.
- Demonstrate excellent academic results and strong interest in research.
- Provide English proficiency proof (IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / C1 Advanced) if medium of instruction was not English.
- Submit two recommendation reports from academic referees.
Required Documents
- Valid passport copy
- Recent passport-sized photo (jpg / png)
- All academic transcripts & certificates (in English)
- GRE / GATE scores (optional but may strengthen application)
- English test score report (if applicable)
- Research proposal / statement of purpose
- Two referee reports (submitted online)
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Create Account: Visit the official SINGA portal and register an account.
- Fill Online Form: Complete personal, academic, and research sections.
- Upload Documents: Attach all required files in PDF / image formats.
- Nominate Referees: Provide referees’ emails – they will receive a secure link to submit reports.
- Submit Application: Review information carefully before final submission.
- Track Status: Log in regularly to monitor application progress and interview invitations.
Official Application Link: Apply online for SINGA 2026 here.
Important Dates (Tentative)
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | June 2025 |
| Application deadline | 1 December 2025 (23:59 SST) |
| Shortlisted interviews | January–March 2026 |
| Final results released | April 2026 |
| PhD intake | August 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply if I am currently finishing my undergraduate degree?
Yes. You can submit provisional transcripts and an expected graduation letter. Final documents will be required upon admission.
2. Is there an age limit?
No specific age limit, but most SINGA scholars are early-career researchers within five years of graduation.
3. Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying?
No. Shortlisted candidates will match with potential supervisors during the interview stage.
4. How competitive is SINGA?
SINGA receives thousands of applications globally, with an acceptance rate below 5 %. Highlight strong research potential, publications, and fit with Singapore’s R&D priorities.
5. Can I work part-time during my PhD?
SINGA recipients are expected to focus full-time on research; part-time employment is generally not permitted.
Conclusion
The Fully Funded Singapore International Graduate Award 2026 is a golden ticket to cutting-edge research, generous funding, and a multicultural experience in one of the world’s most innovative nations. Ready to unlock your research potential? Visit the official portal, prepare your documents, and submit a standout application before the deadline.
For more funding opportunities, explore our huge list of fully funded scholarships or browse other scholarships in Singapore.
Good luck with your application – we look forward to welcoming you to Singapore’s vibrant research community!
Author | Mohamed Hussein
Mohamed is an education consultant and scholarship advisor with 8+ years of experience guiding students to fully funded programmes worldwide. He has helped over 500 scholars secure grants in STEM and social sciences.
