Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA): 2025 Profile & Application Guide
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)03 Oct 2025, 11:40 Z
TL;DR
The Singapore International Graduate Award funds international PhD talent to conduct research at A*STAR labs and partner universities—deliver a compelling research proposal, supervisor fit, and collaborative mindset.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Dates Not Available (last checked 2025-10-03)
- Official Portal: SINGA – Singapore International Graduate Award
- Who It Targets: International bachelor's or master's graduates keen on research-intensive PhD programmes in Singapore
- Eligibility: Excellent academic results, strong research portfolio, proficiency in English, and alignment with partner labs
- Tenable Institutions: NTU, NUS, SUTD (PhD candidature hosted by A*STAR research institutes)
- Bond: No bond; scholars encouraged to contribute to Singapore's R&D ecosystem
Award Components
- Full PhD tuition fee coverage and monthly stipend (supplemented after qualifying exams)
- One-time settling-in, airfare, and computer allowance for overseas scholars
- Access to state-of-the-art A*STAR laboratories, shared facilities, and industry collaborations
- Research mentorship from joint university-A*STAR supervisors and structured development workshops
- Conference funding and professional support for publishing in top-tier journals
Application Roadmap
- Define research interests aligned with A*STAR institute focus areas (biomedical, materials, AI, quantum).
- Shortlist supervisors by browsing SINGA project listings and contacting potential mentors with tailored emails.
- Prepare documents – academic transcripts, referee reports, research proposal, CV, and English proficiency proof.
- Submit application through the SINGA online portal before the biannual deadlines (typically June and December).
- Interview stage with proposed supervisors and A*STAR representatives assessing research fit and motivation.
- Offer & enrolment – accept scholarship, finalise university matriculation, and plan relocation to Singapore.
Preparation Playbook
- Strengthen research skills: highlight publications, poster presentations, or lab achievements in your statement.
- Show interdisciplinary thinking: illustrate how your work bridges sectors (e.g., AI for health, materials for sustainability).
- Cultivate referee support: brief referees early so they can deliver detailed endorsements of your research potential.
- Develop soft skills: practise explaining complex ideas succinctly to demonstrate readiness for cross-cultural collaboration.
- Plan long-term goals: articulate how SINGA advances your academic or industry research aspirations beyond the PhD.
