Singapore International Graduate Award 2024

About SINGA scholarship

Pursuing higher education has become a global aspiration, transcending borders and cultures. For Indian students with dreams of academic excellence and research, the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This prestigious scholarship offers a gateway to pursuing doctoral studies in Singapore, a country known for its world-class education and research facilities. This blog discusses the SINGA requirements and application process and how Indian students can make the most of this remarkable opportunity.

Understanding the SINGA scholarship

The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is a collaboration between the Singapore Management University (SMU), the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). SINGA aims to attract bright minds from around the world to conduct research in Singapore’s leading universities.

Some important facts about the SINGA scholarship

The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) scholarship has an acceptance rate of around 240 grants per year but it varies from year to year and depends on various factors like the number of applicants, available slots, and the competitiveness of the applications.

• Scholarship country- Singapore
• No. of Scholarships- 240
• Degree-  Ph.D., Masters leading to Ph.D.
• Funding- Fully Funded
• Application deadline- 1st week of June

SINGA requirements for Indian applicants

Indian students aspiring to apply for the SINGA scholarship should meet the following criteria-

• Educational qualifications- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with honors (typically a First Class or Second Class Upper) or equivalent, and for PhD programs, a relevant master’s degree.
• English language proficiency- Proficient in the English language, demonstrated through IELTS or TOEFL scores.
• Research ability- Candidates should demonstrate strong research potential and a passion for pursuing scientific research in areas relevant to the program
• Recommendation Letters- Strong letters of recommendation from academic referees who are familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or research achievements.
• Compliance with Visa Regulations- Compliance with visa regulations set by the Singapore government.

Application process of SINGA

• Selecting a university- Choose from the participating universities, such as NUS, NTU, or SUTD, based on your research interests and alignment with the university’s areas of expertise.
• Identify the research area- Explore the university’s research areas and identify the one that aligns with your academic pursuits.
• Prepare documents- Gather all necessary documents, including transcripts, recommendation letters, English proficiency scores, CV, and research proposal.
• Online application- Submit your application through the official SINGA portal during the designated application period.
• University application- Apply separately to your chosen university for admission to the doctoral program. If shortlisted for the scholarship, you will also get consideration for admission.
• Interview- Shortlisted candidates will undergo an interview process, usually conducted via video call.
• Selection- The selection panel evaluates applications based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with university research areas.
• Offer and acceptance- If selected, you will receive an offer letter for the SINGA scholarship. Accept the offer and begin preparations for your academic journey.

Benefits of the SINGA scholarship

• Full tuition fees- The scholarship covers full tuition fees for the entire duration of your Ph.D. program.
• Monthly stipend- SINGA provides a monthly stipend of S$2,200 (134,986 INR), which will increase up to S$2,700 after passing the qualifying examination to cover living expenses, enabling you to focus entirely on your research.
• Settling-in allowance- A one time allowance to assist with settling into your new life in Singapore.
• Travel expenses- A one time air travel grant of up to S$1,500 (92,060 INR) is available.
• Opportunity to work with experts- Collaborate with world-renowned researchers and gain exposure to advanced research projects.
• Global network- Build a network with fellow researchers, academicians, and professionals from around the world.

Required documents of SINGA

• Academic transcripts for a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree.
• Bachelor’s degree certificate(s) and a letter of confirmation from the university on your candidature if you haven’t received your degree certificate.
• Two letters of recommendation (which the candidates must submit online).
• Candidates applying to NUS supervisors or projects programs must submit their GRE scores together with their SINGA application.
• As part of the selection process, the university may require certain GRE scores from all the applicants.
• For selection purposes, you might have to submit IELTS, TOEFL, SAT I & II, and GATE results.
• Current passport
• Current passport-size photo in the required format (the photo should be in .jpeg or.png format).

Tips for a successful application

• Research universities- Thoroughly research the universities and their research areas to tailor your application to their strengths.
• Craft a strong proposal- Your research proposal should be well-defined, innovative, and aligned with the university’s research priorities.
• Show your passion- Clearly convey your passion for research and how the SINGA scholarship aligns with your academic and career aspirations.
• Choose recommenders wisely- Select recommenders who can provide meaningful insights into your academic abilities and potential as a researcher.
• Prepare for the interview- If shortlisted, be prepared to discuss your research proposal, motivations, and contributions to the academic community.
• Follow guidelines- Adhere to application guidelines and deadlines to ensure your application is complete and on time.

Key takeaways

• Pursuing a Ph.D. through the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity for Indian scholars to access world-class education and research.
• The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) scholarship holds a multitude of benefits, such as full tuition coverage, monthly stipend, settling allowance, and so on, for Indian scholars aspiring to pursue doctoral studies in Singapore.
• Tailored applications, networking, and collaboration, as well as a clear expression of your motives for studying in Singapore, can help in successfully submitting your application.

Did this guide provide valuable insights for your academic journey? If so, we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below! For any further inquiries, clarifications, or personalized guidance, click here to connect with us. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. 

Liked this blog? Read next: Columbia University | Top 40 FAQs answered!

FAQs

Q1. What is the duration of the SINGA scholarship?

Ans- For Ph.D. programs, the SINGA grant is renewable for a maximum of four years. The time may vary based on the progress of the research and the guidelines of the university.

Q2. Are SINGA scholars required to work in Singapore after completing their Ph.D.?

Ans- There is no service commitment or necessity for SINGA scholars to work in Singapore after finishing their education. The program’s goal is to establish research collaborations and strong networks, which could lead to job opportunities in Singapore or elsewhere.

Q3. Can I apply for SINGA with a Ph.D. degree?

Ans- No, SINGA is just for those interested in pursuing a research-based Ph.D. program in Singapore. If you already have a Ph.D., you are ineligible for the award.