Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)

A*STAR with NUS, NTU, SUTD and SMU

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

International students who are not Singapore citizens or permanent residents, applying for a PhD in science or engineering research at NUS, NTU, SUTD, SMU or an A*STAR institute. Apply online and through the university's graduate admission portal.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

A collaboration between A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), NTU, NUS, and SUTD, SINGA targets top-tier international students with a passion for cutting-edge research in biomedical sciences, computing, engineering, and physical sciences. Scholars complete their PhD studies in world-class research environments in Singapore.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. International students who are not Singapore citizens or permanent residents, applying for a PhD in science or engineering research at NUS, NTU, SUTD, SMU or an A*STAR institute. Apply online and through the university's graduate admission portal.
2. Note the deadline. Jun – Dec and Dec – Jun (twice a year; apply by 1 Dec for the August intake - the deadline for August 2027 is 1 Dec 2026 - and by 1 Jun for the January intake) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Academic Transcripts & Certificates: Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree transcripts with stellar academic standing.; Language Proficiency: Valid IELTS or TOEFL test score reports (though some waiver criteria apply for English-medium institutions).; Letters of Recommendation: 2 confidential academic referee reports submitted through the online portal.; Research Interest Statement: Clear articulation of intended research topics matching A*STAR or university faculty labs..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Academic Merit & University Ranking (40%), Research Experience & Publications (40%), Referee Credibility & Statement Alignment (20%).

Profile of past winners

Exceptional STEM graduates who have prior undergraduate laboratory exposure, strong physics/coding/biology backgrounds, and clear ambitions for industrial or academic research careers.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
4. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
5. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
6. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)?

International students who are not Singapore citizens or permanent residents, applying for a PhD in science or engineering research at NUS, NTU, SUTD, SMU or an A*STAR institute. Apply online and through the university's graduate admission portal.

What does Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) cover?

Monthly stipend of SGD 2,700 for 4 years (plus a SGD 500 top-up after the qualifying exam), full tuition fees for 4 years, a SGD 1,000 settling-in allowance and a SGD 1,500 airfare grant

When is the deadline for Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)?

Jun – Dec and Dec – Jun (twice a year; apply by 1 Dec for the August intake - the deadline for August 2027 is 1 Dec 2026 - and by 1 Jun for the January intake) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)?

Host countries: Singapore.

What documents do I need for Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)?

Academic Transcripts & Certificates: Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree transcripts with stellar academic standing.; Language Proficiency: Valid IELTS or TOEFL test score reports (though some waiver criteria apply for English-medium institutions).; Letters of Recommendation: 2 confidential academic referee reports submitted through the online portal.; Research Interest Statement: Clear articulation of intended research topics matching A*STAR or university faculty labs..

How are applicants selected for Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)?

Academic Merit & University Ranking (40%), Research Experience & Publications (40%), Referee Credibility & Statement Alignment (20%).

How much work is the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) application?

High: Research Interest Statement + Academic Transcripts + 2 Academic Referee Reports