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The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) remains one of the most competitive and prestigious fully funded PhD opportunities in Asia for international students. If you’ve tried searching for the correct SINGA application portal or struggled to piece together the full process, this updated 2025–2026 guide has everything you need. As of November 14, 2025, applications for the August 2026 intake are officially open, and with the deadline set for December 1, 2025, applicants still have time to prepare, organize their documents, and submit a strong application.
This guide walks you through the updated application portal, eligibility requirements, recommended preparation steps, common mistakes to avoid, and tips that can significantly improve your admission chances. It is tailored for students searching for terms like “SINGA application portal,” “SINGA scholarship 2026,” “fully funded PhD in Singapore,” “A*STAR scholarship application,” and related keywords.
What Is the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)?
SINGA is a collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and leading universities in Singapore, namely:
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
- Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
- Singapore Management University (SMU)
- Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
It provides international students the opportunity to pursue fully funded PhD studies in a variety of science and engineering fields. Scholars benefit from world-class research labs, international supervision, and strong career development support.
The scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend starting at S$2,700
- One-time airfare allowance
- One-time settling-in allowance
- Access to A*STAR research labs and partner universities
Official SINGA Application Portal
All applications are completed online. There are no offline or postal submissions.
Official Portal: A*STAR Scholarship Applicant Portal
(For August 2026 intake: opened June 2025, closes December 1, 2025, 23:59 GMT+8.)
The portal is the central location for registration, document uploads, recommendation letters, and application tracking. Once you sign up, you can monitor your progress, view updates, and check any required actions.
Why this portal is reliable:
- Secure, encrypted submission
- Global accessibility
- Integrated with all SINGA partner institutions
- Automated referee and status-tracking system
- Works well across devices (laptops, tablets, and mobile)
Before creating an account, applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the main SINGA overview page to explore the available research areas and supervisor profiles. This helps tailor your application and boosts your chances of matching with a suitable project.
Updated and Expanded Step-by-Step Application Process (SINGA 2026)
Below is a more detailed and expanded version of the application steps, suitable for new applicants and returning candidates.
Step 1: Make Sure You Are Eligible
SINGA is open to international students who:
- Have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field
- Have a strong academic background (GPA 3.5+ recommended)
- Demonstrate good communication skills
- Show strong interest in scientific or engineering research
- Are applying for the first time (re-applications are allowed but must show improvements)
You do not need a master’s degree to apply; many applicants apply directly with a bachelor’s degree if they have strong grades and research potential.
Before proceeding, visit the Research Areas section. Topics include:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Computing & Information Sciences
- Engineering & Materials Science
- Data Science, AI, Robotics, and beyond
Shortlist 2–3 potential research projects. Doing this early strengthens your motivation statement and improves your supervisor–project match.
Step 2: Register on the A*STAR Scholarship Applicant Portal
The registration process is straightforward:
- Visit the official A*STAR portal.
- Select “Apply Now” or “Register as a new applicant.”
- Enter your personal information (full name, date of birth, nationality, email).
- Confirm your registration using the activation link sent to your email.
- Log in and select “Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)” from the list of available scholarship programs.
Tip: Use a stable email address (Gmail recommended). All notifications, including referee invitations, will be sent there.
Step 3: Fill Out Your Application Profile
The application form is divided into multiple sections. Take your time and complete each one carefully.
1. Personal Information
Upload:
- Passport photograph (400x400px, clear background)
- Passport bio-data page (must be valid for at least 6–12 months)
2. Academic History
Include:
- Bachelor’s and/or Master’s transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Official grading scale (if your university uses non-standard grading)
- Optional: GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, or SAT results
(Note: English test scores are optional but can strengthen your profile.)
3. Research Interests
Choose research fields and list potential supervisors or projects that align with your academic background.
4. Motivation Essay
Write a compelling essay that discusses:
- Why you are applying for SINGA
- Your academic and research background
- Your long-term career and research goals
- Why Singapore is the ideal place for your PhD
A strong essay can significantly improve your chances, especially given the high volume of applications.
Draft your essays offline in Word or Google Docs before pasting them into the portal.
Step 4: Add Your Referees
Provide the details of two academic referees—preferably lecturers, senior lecturers, project supervisors, or research mentors.
Once added, the portal automatically sends them secure links to submit recommendations. You can monitor the status from your dashboard.
Important:
- Remind your referees early.
- You cannot submit your application without their completed reports.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Before submitting:
- Re-check all uploaded documents
- Make sure your referees have completed their reports
- Verify spelling, grammar, and formatting
- Confirm that your documents are under 5MB and clearly named
Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. You cannot edit the application afterward.
Shortlisting and interviews occur between March and April 2026.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even well-prepared applicants encounter technical problems. Here’s how to resolve the most common ones:
- Portal not loading: Switch browsers or use incognito mode.
- File not uploading: Reduce PDF size or rename the file clearly.
- Referee not responding: Send a friendly reminder or choose a backup referee early.
- Translations: Non-English transcripts must include certified translations.
- Deadline pressure: Don’t wait until the last day—servers are often congested.
For urgent help, contact SINGA through their official enquiry email (available on the portal).
Why the SINGA Portal Is Designed for User Success
A*STAR optimized the application portal to be accessible for students across all regions, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. The interface is mobile-responsive, multilingual-friendly, and built to accommodate high traffic during deadlines. This reflects Singapore’s globally recognized efficiency and technological advancement.
More than 14,000 applications are received annually, but only around 150 scholars are selected. Strong essays, complete documents, and early submission improve your chances.
After submitting, many applicants join online communities such as:
- Reddit (r/PhD)
- LinkedIn SINGA groups
- Facebook PhD applicant groups
These platforms offer insights on interviews, recommended documents, and student life in Singapore.
Building a Broader Scholarship Strategy
Even as you apply to SINGA, consider applying to related scholarships to increase your overall chances:
- NTU Research Scholarships
- NUS Graduate Scholarships
- A*STAR Postgraduate Fellowships
- SUTD PhD Scholarships
Compared to many other international scholarships, SINGA remains one of the most generous, offering a high monthly stipend and access to world-class research institutions.
Final Call to Action: Start Your SINGA Application Today
The official SINGA application link is available through the A*STAR Scholarship Applicant Portal. With the December 1, 2025 deadline approaching, now is the best time to gather your documents, write your essays, and complete your registration.
This is more than just a scholarship—it’s an entry point into Singapore’s highly innovative research ecosystem, global laboratories, and multicultural academic environment.
