The worldwide fame of Singapore is due to its high-class education system. Therefore, students from all over the world are considering Singapore for a study abroad destination. Various scholarships will be available for international students for the academic year 2025, including study options without the IELTS requirement. This guide clearly discusses various scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.
Singapore Without IELTS
Some universities in Singapore offer options for international students to study in the country without IELTS. Generally, if your last education was in English or you can produce an English Proficiency Certificate from your previous institution, you can be waived from IELTS. In addition, some universities conduct their own tests for assessing English proficiency.
Top Scholarships for 2025
Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
SINGA is one of the collaborations between A*STAR, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore Management University (SMU), and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). Students from abroad get to do their PhD or EngD studies in Biomedical Sciences, Computing and Information Sciences, Engineering and Technology, and Physical Sciences. It is without bond and covers tuition fees, grants a monthly stipend, and allowances for settling in and airfare.
The applicant has to be an international graduate with good academic results and keen on research. The applicant will have a good command of the written and spoken English language and furnish strong letters of recommendation in support of their application.
Applications are submitted via the online SINGA portal. They must include supporting documents like academic transcripts, a valid passport, a recent passport photo, and two recommendation reports. The deadline for submitting applications for the January 2026 intake would be on June 1, 2025.
Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship (NPGS)
The NPGS offered by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is a competitive and prestigious graduate scholarship awarded to outstanding graduates or final-year students pursuing a PhD program at NTU. Full tuition fees are covered by the scholarship along with a monthly stipend and allowances for conference attendance and IT equipment.
Eligible candidates are graduates or final-year students with a strong academic record with a First Class Honours degree or equivalent who demonstrate great interest in research.
Application is via the NTU admissions portal. Applicants are to submit their academic transcripts, a research proposal, referee reports as well as proof of English language proficiency. Waiving of IELTS could be requested if the prior education of the candidate was conducted in the English language.
National University of Singapore (NUS) Scholarships
NUS offers many scholarships for international students, with one of the scholarships being the NUS Research Scholarship for full-time graduate research students. The scholarship covers tuition fees and pays a monthly stipend.
Applicants should have at least a Second Class Upper Honours degree or equivalent, as well as the experience of strong academic records and research interest.
Applications can be made online via the NUS Graduate Admission System. Examples of documents required include academic transcripts, reports from referees, and proof of one`s proficiency in English. There will be instances when waivers may apply for IELTS, granted that certain requirements are met by the applicant.
Application Tips
Commence the preparation of your application materials well before deadlines. Personal statements or statements of purpose should be tailored to your specific research interests and the strengths of the university. Obtain powerful recommendation letters from professors or professionals attesting to your academic and research capabilities. For your application regarding the studies without an IELTS, ensure that you also have the English Proficiency Certificate from your last schooling.
Conclusion
Singapore throws a lot of scholarship opportunities for international students in 2025, with avenues in which to pursue studies without the IELTS reciprocity. Awareness of the eligibility criteria and application processes and assiduous preparation thereof will give you an edge in securing a scholarship to embark on an exciting academic journey in Singapore.