If you are an Indian student looking for a world-class education at an Asian hub university — with fully funded scholarships, proximity to India, and exceptional career opportunities in one of the world’s most advanced economies — the Singapore Scholarships for Indian Students 2026 guide is exactly what you need. Singapore has emerged as one of the most strategically compelling study destinations for Indian students — offering access to two globally top-ranked universities, a thriving technology and finance ecosystem, and a scholarship infrastructure that rivals any country in the world for generosity and breadth.
The average annual cost of studying in Singapore for an Indian international student ranges from SGD 25,000 to SGD 55,000 per year (approximately ₹15 lakh to ₹33 lakh) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) or Nanyang Technological University (NTU). However, what makes Singapore unique among study destinations is that its government and universities fund scholarships at a scale that is completely disproportionate to the country’s size — making Singapore one of the highest scholarship-per-student destinations in Asia.
In 2026, Indian students have access to a remarkable range of Singapore scholarships — from the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) covering full PhD fees and stipend, to the NUS Research Scholarships, NTU Research Scholarships, A*STAR Graduate Scholarships, and numerous government-funded undergraduate awards — many of which are specifically designed to attract talented Indian students to study and work in Singapore.
Why Study in Singapore in 2026 — The Case for Indian Students
Singapore’s appeal as a study destination for Indian students is unique and multidimensional:
- World’s top-ranked universities — NUS ranks in the global top 15 and NTU ranks in the global top 20 — both consistently outperforming many traditional Western universities in STEM, Business, and Social Sciences rankings
- Gateway to Asia’s economy — Singapore is the financial, technology, and logistics capital of Southeast Asia — a degree from NUS or NTU opens doors across Singapore, ASEAN, China, Japan, South Korea, and the wider Asia-Pacific region
- Proximity to India — just a 3.5–4 hour direct flight from major Indian cities — making Singapore one of the most geographically accessible international study destinations for Indian families
- English-medium education — Singapore’s universities teach entirely in English — eliminating language barriers for Indian students
- Strong Indian community — Singapore has a well-established Indian diaspora (approximately 9% of Singapore’s population is of Indian origin) — providing a culturally familiar and supportive environment
- Post-graduation work opportunities — Singapore’s Employment Pass and S Pass systems allow skilled graduates to work in Singapore’s high-salary economy — with NUS and NTU graduates among the most sought-after by Singapore employers
- Research excellence — Singapore invests over 1% of GDP in R&D and is home to cutting-edge research institutes in AI, semiconductor technology, biomedical science, sustainable energy, and advanced manufacturing
- Safety and quality of life — Singapore consistently ranks as Asia’s safest city and one of the world’s most efficient and liveable urban environments
Types of Singapore Scholarships Available for Indian Students 2026
Type 1 — Singapore Government Scholarships Funded by the Singapore government through agencies including A*STAR, MOE, and EDB — fully funded and highly prestigious. Examples: SINGA, A*STAR Graduate Scholarship, Singapore Government Scholarship (international track).
Type 2 — University-Funded Scholarships Offered directly by NUS and NTU — available at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. Examples: NUS Research Scholarship, NTU Research Scholarship, NUS Undergraduate Scholarship for International Students.
Type 3 — Research Institute Scholarships Funded by Singapore’s national research institutes under A*STAR — for PhD students conducting research at specific Singapore labs. Examples: A*STAR Research Attachment Programme, Institute of High-Performance Computing Scholarships.
Type 4 — Industry-Linked Scholarships Funded by Singapore-based corporations and MNCs in partnership with NUS or NTU — for students in targeted engineering, technology, and business fields. Examples: Singapore Airlines Engineering Scholarship, DBS Foundation Scholarships.
Top Fully Funded Singapore Scholarships for Indian Students 2026
1. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is the most important and most widely applicable fully funded PhD scholarship for Indian students seeking doctoral education in Singapore. SINGA is a joint program between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) — making it the gateway to PhD research at Singapore’s top institutions.
Coverage:
- Full tuition fees for the entire PhD program at NUS or NTU
- Monthly stipend of SGD 2,700 in Year 1 and SGD 3,100 from Year 2 onwards (approximately ₹1.6 lakh to ₹1.85 lakh per month)
- One-time airfare grant of SGD 1,500 from home country to Singapore
- One-time settling-in allowance of SGD 1,000 upon arrival
- Duration: 4 years (extendable by 1 year if required)
- Total package value: Approximately SGD 150,000–200,000 (approximately ₹90 lakh to ₹1.2 crore) over 4 years
Eligible Research Fields:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Physical Sciences and Engineering
- Computing and Information Science
- Environmental Science and Sustainability
- Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering
Eligibility:
- Holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant science or engineering field
- Strong academic record — typically first class or CGPA 8.0/10 equivalent
- Must apply for and receive admission to a PhD program at NUS or NTU — SINGA is awarded to admitted PhD students
- All nationalities eligible — Indian students are strongly competitive
Number of Awards: Approximately 200–250 SINGA scholarships per year across NUS, NTU, and A*STAR research institutes
Application: Simultaneously with NUS or NTU PhD application — SINGA application submitted through the SINGA portal with research area and supervisor preferences
Deadline: Two annual intake rounds — January (for August admission) and June (for January admission)
2. A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS)
The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship is a prestigious government-funded scholarship specifically for students who will conduct their PhD research embedded within A*STAR’s national research institutes — Singapore’s world-leading government research labs.
Coverage:
- Full tuition fees at NUS or NTU (where the PhD is formally registered)
- Monthly stipend of SGD 3,200 (approximately ₹1.92 lakh per month) — higher than standard SINGA
- Conference travel grants for international academic presentations
- Research exchange allowances for overseas research collaborations
- A*STAR mentor and industry network access
- Duration: 4 years
Research Areas (A*STAR Institutes):
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) — advanced materials and nanotechnology
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII) — computational biology and genomics
- Institute of High-Performance Computing (IHPC) — AI, simulation, and scientific computing
- Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) — precision manufacturing and Industry 4.0
- Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) — communications, cybersecurity, and AI
Eligibility:
- Strong academic record in STEM fields — CGPA 8.0/10 or first-class equivalent
- Research interests aligned with A*STAR’s strategic research programs
- Apply through the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship portal and simultaneously to NUS or NTU for PhD admission
3. NUS Research Scholarship
The NUS Research Scholarship is the primary university-funded PhD scholarship at the National University of Singapore — awarded to the strongest incoming PhD candidates across all NUS faculties and departments.
Coverage:
- Full NUS tuition fees for the PhD program
- Monthly stipend of SGD 2,700–3,100 (approximately ₹1.6–1.85 lakh per month)
- Duration: 4 years (extendable)
- Subsidised NUS student housing for scholarship holders
Eligible Faculties and Schools:
- NUS School of Computing (top 10 globally for CS)
- NUS Faculty of Engineering
- NUS Faculty of Science
- NUS Business School
- NUS Yong Soo Lin School of Medicine
- NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- NUS Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
Eligibility:
- Applying for a PhD program at NUS
- Strong academic record — typically CGPA 3.8/4.0 or equivalent
- Research proposal and supervisor support
- International students including Indians are eligible — awarded competitively alongside domestic students
Application: Through the NUS graduate admissions portal — NUS Research Scholarship consideration is automatic upon PhD application
4. NTU Research Scholarship
The NTU Research Scholarship is the primary PhD scholarship at the Nanyang Technological University — consistently ranked in the global top 20 and particularly strong in Engineering, Business, and Sciences.
Coverage:
- Full NTU tuition fees for the PhD program
- Monthly stipend of SGD 2,700–3,200 (approximately ₹1.6–1.9 lakh per month)
- Duration: 4 years
- Subsidised NTU on-campus accommodation
Eligible Schools:
- College of Engineering (SCBE, SMSE, EEE, MAE, CEE)
- College of Science (SPMS, SBS, ASE)
- Nanyang Business School
- College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine
Eligibility:
5. NUS Undergraduate Scholarship for International Students
For undergraduate-level study, the NUS Undergraduate Scholarship for International Students is the flagship financial award for exceptional international applicants admitted to NUS’s bachelor’s programs.
Coverage:
- Full NUS tuition fees for the entire undergraduate degree (typically 4 years)
- Annual living allowance of SGD 6,000 (approximately ₹3.6 lakh per year)
- Return economy airfare to Singapore from home country annually
- Total value: SGD 100,000–140,000 (approximately ₹60–84 lakhs) over 4 years
Eligible Programs: All NUS undergraduate degree programs — Computing, Engineering, Business, Science, Arts, Law, Medicine (medicine on case-by-case basis)
Eligibility:
- Outstanding academic achievement — A-level equivalent of 4As or IB score of 38+, or 12th board top 1% with exceptional profile
- Demonstrated leadership, community involvement, and extracurricular achievements
- Indian students are eligible — NUS actively recruits top international students
- Bond requirement: Recipients are required to work in Singapore for 3 years after graduation — this is a critical condition to understand before applying
Number of Awards: Approximately 200–250 undergraduate scholarships per year — with strong representation from Indian applicants
Application: Through the NUS Undergraduate Admissions portal — scholarship consideration is part of the admission application
6. NTU ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship
The NTU ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship is primarily designed for ASEAN students but has an equivalent international track for students from countries outside ASEAN — including India — known as the NTU Nanyang Scholarship.
NTU Nanyang Scholarship (International Track):
- Full NTU tuition fees for the undergraduate degree
- Annual maintenance allowance of SGD 5,900 (approximately ₹3.5 lakh per year)
- Return economy class airfare annually
- Bond requirement: 3 years of working in Singapore after graduation
Eligible Programs: All NTU undergraduate programs — Engineering, Science, Business, Computing, Humanities
Eligibility:
- Outstanding academic and leadership profile
- Indian students with exceptional 12th board results or international curriculum equivalent
7. Singapore Government Scholarship — International Category
The Singapore Government Scholarship (SGS) has a dedicated international student track — funded by the Ministry of Education Singapore — for exceptional international students who wish to complete their undergraduate education in Singapore and then work in Singapore’s public or private sector.
Coverage:
- Full tuition fees at NUS, NTU, or Singapore Management University (SMU)
- Monthly living allowance
- Return economy airfare annually
- Settling-in allowance
- Bond: 6 years of working in Singapore post-graduation (2 years in a Singapore government agency or government-linked company)
Eligibility:
- Exceptional academic profile — top 5% of graduating class or equivalent international curriculum performance
- Strong leadership and extracurricular record
- Indian students are eligible — the bond requirement means applicants must be genuinely interested in building a career in Singapore
8. Singapore Management University (SMU) — International Scholarships
Singapore Management University (SMU) — Asia’s leading business-focused university — offers several scholarship programs relevant to Indian students:
SMU Global Impact Scholarship Award (GISA):
- Full tuition fees for the undergraduate program at SMU
- Annual living stipend
- Return airfare
- Bond requirement applies
- For exceptional international students — Indians regularly win GISA awards
SMU Postgraduate Scholarships:
- SMU Presidential Doctoral Fellowship — full tuition plus SGD 2,500/month stipend for PhD students
- SMU Yong Pung How School of Law Scholarships — for LLM and doctoral candidates in law
- SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business Doctoral Scholarships — full funding for DBA and PhD students in business
9. A*STAR Research Attachment Programme (ARAP)
The A*STAR Research Attachment Programme (ARAP) is specifically designed for Indian master’s students and recent graduates who wish to spend 3–6 months conducting research at a Singapore A*STAR institute — creating a direct pathway to SINGA and AGS doctoral scholarship applications.
Coverage:
- Monthly stipend of SGD 2,000–2,500 during the attachment
- Return economy airfare from India to Singapore
- Subsidised accommodation at A*STAR facilities
Strategic Value for Indian Students: Similar to Canada’s Mitacs Globalink, the ARAP is the most effective pre-PhD strategy for Indian students targeting SINGA and AGS scholarships. Research attachment experience at an A*STAR institute, combined with a recommendation from an A*STAR supervisor, dramatically increases the probability of receiving a SINGA or AGS doctoral award.
10. India-Singapore Bilateral Scholarships — IITB-NTU, IITD-NUS Programs
Several bilateral research programs between Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Singapore universities create unique scholarship opportunities for Indian PhD students:
IITB-NTU Joint PhD Programme:
- Joint doctoral program between IIT Bombay and NTU Singapore
- Students spend time at both institutions during their PhD
- NTU Research Scholarship-equivalent funding for the Singapore component
IITD-NUS Strategic Partnership:
- IIT Delhi and NUS joint research programs in selected STEM fields
- Exchange and co-supervision opportunities with Singapore stipend support
IIT-NUS and IIT-NTU Summer Research Programs:
- Fully funded 8–10 week summer research fellowships for undergraduate students at IITs to work at NUS or NTU labs
- Includes accommodation, stipend, and return airfare
- Excellent pathway for IIT students to build Singapore connections before PhD applications
11. Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKY SPP) — Scholarships
The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS is Asia’s most prestigious public policy school and offers targeted scholarships for Indian students in governance, public administration, and policy:
- LKY SPP Indian Scholarship — partial to full funding for exceptional Indian students in the Master in Public Policy (MPP) or Master in Public Administration (MPA) programs
- LKY SPP Asia Fellowship — for mid-career Asian public sector professionals
- Lee Foundation Scholarships — for students in public policy and social development fields
Eligibility:
- Strong academic record and minimum 2–5 years of professional experience in public service, NGO, or policy-related work
- Indian citizenship preferred for India-specific awards
- English proficiency — IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 100+
University-Wise Singapore Scholarship Summary for Indian Students 2026
| University / Institute | PhD Scholarship | Monthly Stipend | UG Scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|
| NUS | NUS Research Scholarship + SINGA | SGD 2,700–3,100 | NUS UG International |
| NTU | NTU Research Scholarship + SINGA | SGD 2,700–3,200 | NTU Nanyang |
| A*STAR | AGS + SINGA | SGD 3,200 | — |
| SMU | Presidential Doctoral Fellowship | SGD 2,500 | GISA |
| LKY SPP (NUS) | LKY SPP Fellowships | Program-specific | — |
Singapore vs Other Countries — Why Singapore Wins for Indian STEM and Business Students
| Factor | Singapore | USA | UK | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD Stipend (Monthly) | ₹1.6–1.9 lakh | ₹2.0–2.5 lakh | ₹1.5–1.8 lakh | ₹1.5–1.8 lakh | ₹1.5–1.8 lakh |
| Flight from India | 3.5 hours | 16+ hours | 9+ hours | 14+ hours | 10+ hours |
| Post-Study Work | EP/S Pass (no limit) | OPT 1–3 years | 2–3 years | PGWP 3 years | 2–4 years |
| University Ranking | Top 15–20 (NUS/NTU) | Top 5–100 | Top 5–50 | Top 25–100 | Top 25–100 |
| Cost of Living | High but offset by stipend | Very high | Very high | Moderate | Moderate |
| Indian Community | Very strong | Strong | Strong | Strong | Strong |
How to Maximise Your Singapore Scholarship Chances — Expert Tips for Indian Students 2026
For SINGA and AGS (PhD)
- Contact your potential NUS or NTU supervisor before applying — Singapore PhD funding is almost always linked to a specific supervisor’s research project; a supportive supervisor is the single most important factor in SINGA selection
- Align your research proposal with A*STAR’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 plan priorities — AI and Data, Advanced Manufacturing, Urban Solutions, Health and Biomedical Science — these areas receive the most Singapore government research funding
- Apply in both intake rounds — SINGA accepts applications in January (for August) and June (for January) — applying in both rounds maximises your probability if the first round is unsuccessful
For NUS and NTU Undergraduate Scholarships
- The bond requirement (3 years in Singapore) is a genuine commitment — only apply if you have a real interest in building a career in Singapore after graduation
- Supplement your application with strong extracurriculars, leadership roles, and social impact projects — NUS and NTU specifically seek candidates who demonstrate more than academic excellence
- IIT JEE Advanced rank in the top 500 or equivalent exceptional 12th board performance is typically expected for the most competitive scholarship slots
For the A*STAR Research Attachment (ARAP)
- Apply for ARAP 1–2 years before your intended PhD start — use the attachment to build a research relationship, get a publication co-authored with your Singapore supervisor, and receive a personal recommendation for SINGA or AGS
Key Deadlines — Singapore Scholarships for Indian Students 2026
| Scholarship | Application Opens | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| SINGA — Round 1 (August intake) | October 2025 | January 2026 |
| SINGA — Round 2 (January intake) | March 2026 | June 2026 |
| A*STAR Graduate Scholarship | October 2025 | February 2026 |
| NUS Research Scholarship | Rolling with PhD admission | December 2025 / May 2026 |
| NTU Research Scholarship | Rolling with PhD admission | December 2025 / May 2026 |
| NUS UG International Scholarship | September 2025 | February 2026 |
| NTU Nanyang Scholarship | September 2025 | March 2026 |
| SMU GISA | September 2025 | February 2026 |
| A*STAR ARAP | Rolling | Twice yearly |
| LKY SPP Scholarships | November 2025 | January 2026 |
Note: All deadlines are indicative based on historical patterns. Verify exact dates on each scholarship’s official portal before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the monthly stipend for Indian PhD students in Singapore in 2026?
Indian PhD students in Singapore receiving SINGA or NUS/NTU Research Scholarships receive a monthly stipend of SGD 2,700 in Year 1, increasing to SGD 3,100–3,200 from Year 2 — equivalent to approximately ₹1.6 lakh to ₹1.9 lakh per month. The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship offers a slightly higher stipend of SGD 3,200 per month. These stipends are tax-free and, given Singapore’s subsidised university housing for scholarship holders, are sufficient to cover all living expenses in Singapore — one of the world’s most expensive cities.
Q2. Is NUS or NTU better for Indian students seeking scholarships in 2026?
Both NUS and NTU are globally top-ranked and offer equivalent scholarship packages through SINGA and their own research scholarships. The choice should be driven by research fit with a specific supervisor rather than university brand preference. NUS is marginally stronger in Computing, Law, Business, and Medicine. NTU is marginally stronger in Engineering, Materials Science, and Environmental Science. For most Indian STEM PhD applicants, applying to both NUS and NTU simultaneously — identifying one supervisor at each — is the optimal strategy to maximise scholarship selection probability.
Q3. Does the NUS undergraduate scholarship require Indian students to work in Singapore after graduation?
Yes — the NUS Undergraduate Scholarship for International Students carries a 3-year bond requiring recipients to work in Singapore after completing their degree. Similarly, the NTU Nanyang Scholarship and Singapore Government Scholarship have bond requirements. Indian students who are genuinely interested in building a career in Singapore’s technology, finance, healthcare, or engineering sectors will find this bond easily fulfilled — Singapore’s employment market for NUS and NTU graduates is highly active and well-paying. Students who prefer to return to India immediately after graduation should consider bond-free PhD scholarships like SINGA instead.
Q4. Can Indian IIT students apply for Singapore scholarships directly?
Yes — and IIT students are among the strongest applicants for Singapore scholarships. NUS, NTU, and A*STAR specifically recognise the IIT brand and JEE qualification standard — IIT graduates applying for SINGA, NUS Research Scholarship, and AGS are highly competitive. Additionally, the IIT-NUS and IIT-NTU bilateral summer research programs are specifically designed for IIT students and serve as a direct pipeline to Singapore PhD scholarships. IIT students with a CGPA of 8.0/10 or above and research experience are strongly encouraged to target Singapore as their primary PhD destination.
Q5. What is the total value of the SINGA scholarship in Indian rupees?
The SINGA scholarship covers full NUS or NTU tuition (approximately SGD 20,000–25,000 per year) plus a monthly stipend that increases from SGD 2,700 to SGD 3,100 over the 4-year PhD program. Including the airfare grant, settling-in allowance, and subsidised housing value, the total SINGA package is worth approximately SGD 150,000–180,000 over 4 years — equivalent to approximately ₹90 lakh to ₹1.08 crore. This makes SINGA one of the highest-value PhD scholarships available to Indian students in Asia — comparable in rupee terms to the Australia Awards and significantly more than most European doctoral fellowships.
Q6. Are there Singapore scholarships for Indian students who want to study business or public policy rather than STEM?
Yes — though STEM scholarships are more abundant, Singapore has strong scholarship options for business and policy students. The SMU Global Impact Scholarship Award (GISA) covers full undergraduate business education at SMU. The SMU Presidential Doctoral Fellowship and Lee Kong Chian School of Business Doctoral Scholarship fund PhD students in business and management. The LKY School of Public Policy offers targeted scholarships for Indian students in public administration and governance. For master’s in business, the NUS Business School offers partial merit scholarships for exceptional MBA and specialist master’s applicants.
Final Verdict
For Indian students who want world-class education, exceptional scholarship funding, proximity to home, and a gateway to Asia’s most dynamic economy — Singapore in 2026 is the most compelling study destination available.
The Singapore Scholarships for Indian Students 2026 ecosystem — anchored by the SINGA PhD scholarship worth ₹90–108 lakhs, the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship at SGD 3,200/month, the NUS and NTU undergraduate scholarships with full tuition and airfare, and the A*STAR Research Attachment Programme as the perfect pre-PhD pathway — offers Indian students at every academic level a genuinely funded, strategically advantageous, and career-transforming educational opportunity. With NUS and NTU ranked in the global top 20, a 3.5-hour flight from India, a thriving Indian community, and access to Asia’s most advanced technology and finance ecosystem — a Singapore scholarship in 2026 is not just an education investment, it is a complete career and life strategy. Identify your supervisor, apply for SINGA and your target university simultaneously, and consider ARAP as your pre-PhD stepping stone.
India to Singapore. SINGA. NUS. NTU. A*STAR. ₹90+ lakhs in PhD funding. 3.5 hours from home. Asia’s best universities. Apply now — your Singapore scholarship journey starts today.