Study in Singapore 2025: Scholarships and Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

Singapore continues to be a prime destination for Indian students pursuing higher education in Asia, following China and Hong Kong. The country is home to top-ranking institutions like the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU), which attract a global student population. Singapore’s robust academic environment and dynamic cultural scene make it ideal for students, especially those interested in fields such as technology, business, and biomedical sciences.

As higher education costs continue to rise, scholarships provide crucial support to international students. Various Singaporean institutions offer financial aid specifically for international students, allowing them to gain world-class education without the burden of significant financial strain. This guide covers several scholarships, including their benefits and eligibility criteria, that Indian students can consider for studying in Singapore in 2025.

1. Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA)

The Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA) is offered by the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore. This scholarship is intended to give international undergraduate and master’s students an opportunity to conduct research in fields such as computing, biomedical science, and engineering. Recipients gain valuable experience by working alongside leading researchers in state-of-the-art labs, gaining exposure to Singapore’s research ecosystem.

Eligibility Criteria:

Open to international 3rd and 4th-year undergraduate students and master’s students from overseas universities in STEM fields.
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with at least a Second-Class (Upper) Honours or equivalent.
Must have completed class 10 and be proficient in written and spoken English.
Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in a research-oriented career.

Application Deadline: The application deadline for SIPGA ends on November 30 each year.

This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for those who wish to further their education through practical research experience and connect with peers and mentors worldwide.

2. Scholarships by the National University of Singapore (NUS)

The National University of Singapore (NUS) provides various scholarships for international students, promoting cultural diversity and academic excellence. These scholarships aim to attract talented students from Asian countries, including India.

a) Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship

The Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship supports outstanding students from Asian countries (excluding Singapore) interested in pursuing undergraduate programs in science and technology. It covers tuition fees, provides an annual living allowance, and includes a settling-in allowance.

Eligibility Criteria:

Open to students from Asian countries (except Singapore).
Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence, strong co-curricular achievements, and leadership potential.
Selection is based on academic merit and strength of the application.

b) NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship

The NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship is open to meritorious students from all countries (except Singapore). It is a merit-based scholarship where students are assessed for eligibility based on their applications. Shortlisted candidates are notified by email and must undergo selection interviews from January to July.

Eligibility Criteria:

Open to students from all countries (except Singapore).
Candidates are assessed based on academic merit, leadership potential, and achievements in co-curricular activities.
Selected applicants are invited for an interview, with results announced by mid-July.

The NUS scholarships provide a gateway for students to receive world-class education while easing the financial burden. With NUS consistently ranked among the top universities globally, these scholarships offer immense value to students pursuing careers in STEM fields.

3. Nanyang Scholarship by Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

The Nanyang Scholarship is NTU’s premier undergraduate scholarship aimed at outstanding freshmen. This scholarship is open to students of all nationalities and covers the full duration of the recipient’s study at NTU. It is highly competitive and is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and strong co-curricular achievements.

Eligibility Criteria:

Open to all nationalities.
Candidates must have excellent academic records, such as the Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘A’ level, polytechnic diploma in Singapore, NUS High School diploma, International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, or other equivalent qualifications.
Candidates must exhibit strong leadership qualities, a proven record in co-curricular activities, and a potential for contribution to NTU’s community.

The Nanyang Scholarship offers benefits such as coverage for tuition fees, living allowance, accommodation allowance, and travel grants, making it a well-rounded scholarship for students looking to experience all NTU has to offer.

4. Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship by Singapore Management University (SMU)

The Singapore Management University (SMU) offers the Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship for outstanding students from Asian countries and regions. This scholarship specifically targets students interested in Bachelor of Science programs in Information Systems, Computer Science, and Software Engineering offered by SMU’s School of Computing and Information Systems.

Eligibility Criteria:

Open to full-time, first-year undergraduate students at SMU pursuing degrees in Information Systems, Computer Science, or Software Engineering.
Eligible applicants include citizens of India, PRC, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic records with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.40.
Candidates should have leadership and communication skills, a good record of co-curricular activities, or community service involvement.
Applicants should also have a character reference to support their application.

This scholarship is ideal for students passionate about technology and innovation, as it supports them financially while enabling them to study in Singapore’s vibrant academic environment.

Why Study in Singapore?

Singapore has built a reputation for academic excellence, safety, and an international environment that makes it a favored destination for students worldwide. Below are some reasons why students continue to choose Singapore for their higher education:

High-Quality Education: Singaporean universities are known for their strong academic standards, especially in technology, business, and science.
English Language: English is the primary medium of instruction in most Singaporean institutions, making it accessible for Indian students.
Strategic Location: Singapore’s location in Southeast Asia places it in close proximity to various Asian countries, and its connectivity makes it easy for international students to travel.
Vibrant Multicultural Environment: The country’s diverse cultural landscape offers international students a welcoming environment, enhancing both their educational and personal growth.
Safe and Well-Regulated Society: Singapore is known for its safety and strict laws, providing students and their families with peace of mind.

Application Tips for Indian Students

When applying for scholarships in Singapore, Indian students should consider the following tips to increase their chances of success:

Start Early: Begin researching scholarships and application requirements at least a year before the intended start date.
Meet All Deadlines: Ensure you know the deadlines for each scholarship and submit all required documents on time.
Prepare a Strong Application: Highlight academic achievements, leadership roles, and community involvement to demonstrate your strengths and suitability.
Prepare for Interviews: Many scholarships require interviews, so practice speaking about your goals, achievements, and how you plan to contribute to the university.
Proofread Your Application: A well-written, error-free application reflects professionalism and attention to detail.

Conclusion

With the support of scholarships, studying becomes a realistic goal for many Indian students aiming for a high-quality education. The scholarships offered by institutions like NUS, NTU, SMU, and A*STAR provide ample opportunities to gain specialized knowledge, develop research skills, and immerse oneself in a multicultural environment. These financial aids not only reduce the economic burden but also enrich the students’ academic journey by connecting them with global peers and mentors. Indian students looking to study in Singapore in 2025 should explore these options thoroughly and apply to scholarships that best align with their academic interests and career aspirations.