Singapore Scholarship (SINGA Award): Fully Funded PhD in Singapore (No GRE Required)

If you are a Nigerian student or a fresh graduate looking to apply for the Singapore Scholarship (SINGA Award), you have come to the right place.

Considering the current reality in Nigeria, between ASUU strikes, the skyrocketing exchange rate, and the general “hustle”, furthering your studies abroad from your own pocket can be exhausting.

The “Japa” dream is real for many, but the cost is often a massive barrier. You look at schools in the US or UK, and the tuition fees alone look like a phone number.

Then, you add the stress of writing GRE or IELTS, which costs hundreds of thousands of Naira just to sit for.

But what if I told you there is a way to bypass the GRE, skip the tuition fees, and actually get paid to do your research in one of the most advanced countries in the world?

Allow us to introduce you to the Singapore scholarship (SINGA).

This isn’t just a partial waiver; this is the full package. If you are looking for a science and engineering PhD opportunity that respects your talent without draining your bank account, this guide is for you.

READ ALSO: MEXT Scholarship Japan (Research Students): Embassy Track Guide

What is the Singapore Scholarship (SINGA)?

The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is a collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR scholarship), the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and the Singapore Management University (SMU).

In simple English? The government of Singapore wants the brightest minds from all over the world to come and do Asian research in their labs. They are investing heavily in innovation, and they are willing to pay top dollar for talent.

Unlike some scholarships that force you to learn a new language before you start, PhD training under SINGA is carried out in English. This is a massive advantage for Nigerian students.

READ ALSO: Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Funding for PhD at Cambridge

What the Singapore Scholarship Award Offer

Let’s talk about the part everyone is scrolling to see. How does this scholarship help your pocket as a PhD Student?

Studying abroad is expensive. If you were to fund a PhD in Singapore yourself, you’d be spending tens of millions of Naira per year. SINGA covers that, plus living expenses.

1. Full Tuition Fees

For up to 4 years of PhD studies, your school fees are fully paid.

2. Monthly Stipend

You will receive a monthly stipend of S$2,700 (Singapore Dollars).

• Note: Once you pass your Qualifying Examination (usually after the first year), this increases to S$3,200.
• Naira Context: At current market rates, S$2,700 is a significant amount of money (running into millions of Naira monthly). It is more than enough to live comfortably, eat well, and save.

3. Airfare Grant

They provide a one-time airfare grant of up to S$1,500. This covers your flight from Lagos or Abuja to Singapore.

4. Settling-in Allowance

Moving to a new country is stressful. They give you a one-time payment of S$1,000 to buy bedsheets, pots, adaptors, and settle into your new hostel or apartment.

READ ALSO: How to Write a Research Proposal for a PhD Scholarship

Scholarship Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

The Singapore scholarship (SINGA) is highly competitive, but very open. They don’t care about your tribe or religion; they care about your brain.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be an International Student: Nigerians are fully eligible.
• Have a Passion for Research: This is strictly for a science and engineering PhD. If you are looking for Arts or Humanities, this specific award isn’t for you.
• Academic Excellence: You need a very strong Bachelor’s degree (First Class or strong Second Class Upper). If you have a Master’s, that’s a bonus.
• English Proficiency: Since Nigerian universities teach in English, you generally do not need IELTS/TOEFL, provided your university can issue a letter stating your medium of instruction was English. However, having it can strengthen your profile if your grades are borderline.

Important Note: There is no GRE required for this application. This saves you the stress of studying for months and paying the high exam fees associated with US admissions.

READ ALSO: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship: $50,000/Year for PhDs

Available Research Areas for this Scholarship

You can study in Singapore under SINGA in two main categories:

1. Biomedical Sciences:
   • Biochemistry, Immunology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, etc.
2. Physical Science and Engineering:
   • Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Chemistry, Materials Science, etc.

If you are a tech bro or a science sis, this is your playground.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for the Singapore Scholarship Award

The application process for the Singapore Scholarship is entirely online. No need to mail physical documents via DHL or FedEx.

Step 1: Browse Projects

Before you apply, you need to know what you want to research. Go to the A*STAR or university websites (NTU, NUS, SUTD) and look at the Supervisors and their projects.

You don’t necessarily have to contact them before applying, but it helps significantly if you identify a supervisor whose work aligns with your final year project or Master’s thesis.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Start preparing this now. Do not wait until the deadline. In Nigeria, getting transcripts can be a war, so you have to start on time.

• Passport: Valid international passport.
• Passport-sized photo: JPEG format.
• Transcripts: Bachelor’s and Master’s (if applicable).
• Degree Certificates.
• Recommendation Letters: You need two academic referees.
  • Pro-Tip: Choose lecturers who actually know you and can write about your research skills, not just one who will write “David is a good boy.”

Step 3: Apply Online

Visit the official SINGA application portal. Fill in your details. You will need to select your research proposals/areas of interest.

Step 4: The Interview

If you are shortlisted, you will be interviewed. This is usually done online via Zoom.

They will ask technical questions about your previous research and why you want to come to Singapore.

READ ALSO: TETFund Scholarship for Nigerian Lecturers: Steps to Apply

Why Choose Singapore Over UK/USA?

1. Safety: Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world.
2. Speed: A PhD in the US can take 5-7 years. In Singapore, the target is 4 years.
3. No GRE: We cannot emphasize this enough. It removes a huge barrier for Nigerian applicants.
4. Networking: You are in the heart of Asian innovation. The connections you make here are global.

Important Disclaimer

Official Verification: While we strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information at Campus Hustle NG, scholarship details can change. Always verify dates and requirements on the official A*STAR / SINGA website.

Safety Warning: NEVER pay anyone money to process this scholarship for you. The application is free. Anyone asking for “processing fees” is a scammer.

READ ALSO: Commonwealth Shared Scholarship: Participating UK Universities

FAQs on Singapore Scholarship (SINGA Award)

Is GRE or IELTS mandatory for the SINGA scholarship?

No, no GRE required. IELTS/TOEFL is also not mandatory for applicants from universities where English is the main language of instruction (like Nigerian Federal and State Universities), though the university may request it in rare cases.

Can I apply with a Second Class Lower (2:2)?

It is very difficult. SINGA is merit-based and highly competitive. Unless you have significant research publications or a very strong Master’s degree result to back it up, a 2:1 or First Class is the standard.

Can I work while studying on the SINGA scholarship?

Generally, PhD students are expected to focus full-time on their research. However, there are opportunities for Teaching Assistantships (TA) within the university, which can provide extra income and experience.

Is there an age limit for SINGA?

There is no explicit age limit mentioned, but the scholarship is targeted at “young international graduates.” Most applicants are typically under 35 years old.

READ ALSO: Top 7 Universities in UK Accepting HND for Masters

In Summary

The Singapore scholarship (SINGA) is one of the best “Japa” routes for academic stars in Nigeria right now. It removes the financial burden and places you in a world-class environment.

Don’t let “Village People” thoughts stop you from applying. If you have the grades and the drive, gather your documents, chase your lecturers for those reference letters, and submit your application.

Have you ever considered studying in Asia, or is your mind set only on the UK/Canada? Let us know in the comments below!