Complete Guide to
Singapore University Scholarships 2026
50+ scholarships across NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, SIT & SUSS — plus sovereign, corporate & government awards worth up to $250K+
Why Scholarships Matter After A-Levels
With A-Level results releasing on 25–27 February 2026, scholarship applications open immediately after. Whether you scored straight As or decent grades, there are scholarships suited for every profile — from academic to leadership to sports.
This guide covers every major scholarship available to Singapore students entering university in 2026, including bond-free merit scholarships, government scholarships, and industry awards through the SGIS programme.
Bond-Free Scholarships
No obligation to work for the sponsor after graduation. Offered by universities based on merit. You're free to pursue any career path.
Bonded Scholarships
Requires 3–6 years of service with the sponsoring organisation after graduation. Higher value and often includes overseas study opportunities.
Key Upcoming Deadlines
Singapore Industry Scholarships (SGIS) 2026
The MOE Singapore Industry Scholarship is one of the most comprehensive scholarship programmes in Singapore. It connects students with 54 sponsoring organisations across 14 industries, covering:
Industries include Technology, Engineering, Finance, Healthcare, Aerospace, Maritime, and more. Each organisation offers unique benefits — from overseas exposure to mentorship programmes.
View All 54 SGIS OrganisationsUniversity Merit Scholarships (Bond-Free)
These are the most sought-after scholarships because they come with no bond obligations. You receive full financial support during your studies and are free to pursue any career after graduation.
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Deadline: 19 March 2026
NUS Global Merit Scholarship
NUS's highest-tier scholarship with a guaranteed spot in the Student Exchange Programme (SEP). For top A-Level scorers (typically 87.5+ RP).
NUS Merit Scholarship
Full tuition, $2,000/year living allowance, 1 overseas programme. For outstanding A-Level results with strong CCA and leadership.
NUS Science & Technology Scholarship
Full tuition and allowances for students in Science and Computing faculties. Strong H2 Math/Science results preferred.
NUS Sports Scholarship
Tuition fees and annual allowance for national or varsity-level athletes. Must maintain competitive participation in chosen sport.
NUS Performing Arts Scholarship
Tuition fees for outstanding performers in music, dance, or theatre. Audition required.
Sources: NUS Office of Admissions | NUS Deadlines (1 Feb–19 Mar 2026)
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Deadline: 19 March 2026
CN Yang Scholars Programme
NTU's most prestigious scholarship. Full tuition, $6,000/year living allowance, overseas research attachment, and mentorship. Named after Nobel laureate CN Yang.
Nanyang Scholarship
NTU's premier award, known for its higher living allowance compared to many peers.
NTU College (Nanyang Merit) Scholarship
50% tuition subsidy for students admitted to NTU College interdisciplinary programmes. Based on academic merit and holistic assessment.
Renaissance Engineering Programme (REP)
Full scholarship including 2 overseas stints (1 semester + summer). For top engineering students. Extremely selective with ~40 places.
Ng Bok Eng Engineering Scholarship
Full tuition and allowance for engineering students demonstrating academic excellence and passion for engineering.
Sources: NTU Nanyang Scholarship | NTU Scholarships Overview
Singapore Management University (SMU)
Deadline: 19 March 2026
Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme
SMU's flagship scholarship. Full tuition, living allowance, 2 overseas programmes (exchange + community service), guaranteed internship. Valued at ~$150,000+.
SMU Global Impact Scholarship
SMU's flagship award designed for leadership. Unique “Masters” component where they may fund a postgraduate degree.
Yip Pin Xiu Scholarship
Full tuition for para-athletes. Named after Singapore's most decorated Paralympian. Strong academic results and competitive sports achievements required.
Sources: SMU Global Impact Scholarship | Lee Kong Chian Scholars | SMU Deadlines
Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD)
Deadline: 19 March 2026
SUTD Global Distinguished Scholarship
Full tuition, $12,000/year living allowance, overseas exchange opportunities. SUTD's top-tier scholarship for exceptional students.
SUTD Merit Scholarship
50–100% tuition subsidy based on academic merit and co-curricular achievements.
Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Scholarship
Full tuition with $6,000/year allowance. For students demonstrating financial need alongside academic merit.
SUTD Trailblazers Scholarship
For students who have demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, or significant community impact.
SIT
SIT Scholarship
Full tuition and monthly allowance. For students with strong academic results and commitment to applied learning.
DBS Scholarship (at SIT)
Full tuition, allowance, and internship at DBS. For students in technology or business programmes.
SUSS
Deadline: 15 Mar 2026SUSS Global Excellence Scholarship
Full tuition and overseas exchange programme. For academically strong students with global aspirations.
SUSS Social Impact Scholarship
Full tuition for students with outstanding community service records. Aligns with SUSS's social mission.
Scholarship Values Comparison
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the top university merit scholarships. Values are approximate and may vary by faculty.
| Scholarship | Tuition | Annual Allowance | Overseas | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUS Global Merit | Full | $6,000/yr | 2 programmes | None |
| NUS Merit | Full | $2,000/yr | 1 programme | None |
| NTU CN Yang | Full | $6,000/yr | Research attachment | None |
| NTU Nanyang | Full | $6,500/yr | $8,000 travel grant | None |
| NTU REP | Full | Varies | 2 overseas stints | None |
| SMU Lee Kong Chian | Full | Yes | 2 programmes | None |
| SUTD Global Distinguished | Full | $12,000/yr | Exchange | None |
| PSC Scholarship | Full | $10,000+/yr | Overseas university | 4–6 yrs |
| GIC Scholarship | Full | Yes | Exchange + summer | 3–5 yrs |
| Temasek UG Overseas | Full | Yes | Overseas STEM | 4 yrs |
| CAG Scholarship | Full | Yes | Postgrad option | 3–5 yrs |
| Jardine (Oxbridge) | Full | Generous stipend | Oxford / Cambridge | None |
| OCBC Local UG | $11K/yr | — | Internship | None |
| SGIS Industry | Full | Varies | Some sponsors | 3–6 yrs |
| CIMB ASEAN | Full | Yes + laptop | Any top-tier uni | Max 5 yrs |
Values are approximate. Check individual scholarship pages for exact figures. Bond-free = no obligation to work for any organisation after graduation.
The “Big 3” Bond-Free Comparison
These are the three most coveted bond-free awards for Singapore Citizens. Here's how they stack up head-to-head:
| Feature | NUS Global Merit | NTU Nanyang | SMU Global Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Allowance | S$6,000/yr | S$6,500/yr | Yes |
| Computer Grant | S$2,000 | S$2,000 | S$1,800 |
| Accommodation | ~S$5.5–6.9K/yr | S$2,000/yr | Part of S$9K Flexi |
| Overseas/Exchange | Up to S$7,500 | S$8,000 | S$14,000 (GLOW) |
| Unique Perk | Guaranteed SEP spot | Highest annual cash | Masters up to S$40K |
| Bond | None | None | None |
Recommendation for Top Candidates
Apply for all 4: Apply for PSC (if interested in policy/govt) and all three university scholarships (NUS, NTU, SMU). They are competitive — securing one is not guaranteed even with 90 Rank Points.
Prioritise the interview: Top scholarships look beyond grades. For SMU, emphasise leadership and entrepreneurship. For NUS/NTU, emphasise academic depth and research. For PSC, emphasise public service and policy interest.
Check “Tier 2” options: If you miss the top tier (Global Merit/Nanyang), you may be automatically considered for the next tier (e.g., NUS Merit or NTU College Scholarship), which are still excellent but usually have lower allowances.
Government Scholarships (Bonded)
Government scholarships are the most prestigious and valuable, often covering overseas university fees at top institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and MIT. They come with a service bond of 4–6 years in the Singapore public sector.
Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarship
Deadline: 15 Mar 2026Singapore's most prestigious government scholarship. Grooms future Permanent Secretaries and CEOs of statutory boards. Covers overseas or local university education with full tuition, living allowance, and return airfare. Types: Engineering, Foreign Service, Legal Service, Teaching, and Open (General).
Source: PSC Gateway (1 Sep 2025–15 Mar 2026)
MOE Teaching Scholarship / Award
Deadline: 15 Mar 2026Full tuition and monthly allowance for students committed to becoming teachers. Teaching Scholarship (overseas study, 4-yr bond) and Teaching Award (local study, 3-yr bond) available. Passion for education required.
MOH Healthcare Scholarships
Check MOH websiteMultiple scholarship tracks for Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry and allied health. Bonds range from 3–5 years in the public healthcare sector. Both local and overseas programmes available.
SPF / MHA Scholarships
Deadline: 15 Mar 2026Scholarships for careers in the Singapore Police Force, Central Narcotics Bureau, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, and Singapore Civil Defence Force. Full overseas/local university education with 4–6 year bond.
Defence & Research Scholarships
If you're interested in defence technology, scientific research, or engineering, these scholarships offer strong career pathways with competitive benefits.
SAF Scholarships
SAF Overseas Scholarship (SAFOS)
Top overseas universities. 6-year bond. For future SAF leaders. Extremely prestigious and selective.
SAF Merit Scholarship
Local or overseas university. 4–6 year bond. For academically strong candidates with leadership potential.
SAF Academic / Engineering
Local university. 4-year bond. For those pursuing STEM degrees who wish to serve in the SAF.
SAF Medicine Scholarship
For medical students who will serve as military doctors. 5-year bond.
DSTA Scholarship
Deadline: 1 May 2026 | NO BOND!The DSTA Scholarship has no bond — a rare feature for a government-linked scholarship. Covers full tuition at local universities for students interested in defence technology, cybersecurity, AI, and engineering. Includes internship opportunities at DSTA.
Why this stands out: Unlike most government scholarships, DSTA has no bond requirement, making it one of the best value scholarships in Singapore. Apply by 1 May 2026.
Source: DSTA — Scholarships & Awards
A*STAR Scholarships
Deadline: 15 Feb 2026For students passionate about scientific research. A*STAR offers both undergraduate and graduate tracks.
A*STAR Undergraduate Scholarship
Full tuition at overseas universities (PhD-track). 3–4 year bond at A*STAR research institutes.
A*STAR National Science Scholarship
For exceptional scientists. Covers PhD and postdoctoral research overseas. 6-year bond.
Sovereign & Corporate Elite Scholarships
These are among the most prestigious and lucrative scholarships in Singapore, offered by sovereign wealth funds, GLCs, and top multinationals. They often include fast-track career development and competitive corporate salaries after graduation.
GIC Scholarship
Deadline: 13 Mar 2026Awarded by Singapore's sovereign wealth fund. Full tuition, living allowance, return airfare (overseas), and sponsorship for exchange/summer programmes. Scholars enter the GIC Professionals Programme (GPP) upon graduation — an accelerated career track in global investments.
Best for: Students aiming for finance, economics, data science, or engineering who want a career in global investments. Open to all nationalities — rare for a sovereign fund scholarship.
Source: GIC Careers — Scholarship Programme (Deadline: 13 Mar 2026)
Temasek Undergraduate Overseas Scholarship
AY2026/27: ClosedOffered by Temasek Holdings for STEM students pursuing degrees at top overseas universities. Covers full tuition, living allowance, relocation costs, and application fees for up to 5 universities. Includes mentoring and internships within the Temasek ecosystem.
Note: The AY2026/27 application window has closed. Next cycle (AY2027/28) typically opens around Q4 2026. Listed for reference — plan ahead if you're a polytechnic graduate targeting STEM overseas. Household income ceiling of S$15,000/month applies.
Changi Airport Group (CAG) Scholarship
Deadline: ~Mar 2026One of Singapore's most prestigious corporate scholarships. Full tuition, living allowance, return airfare (overseas), and opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies. Scholars rotate across diverse airport business functions including Jewel, T5 development, and commercial operations.
Best for: Engineering, Business, Data Science students who want a career at the world's best airport. Open to all disciplines except Medicine/Dentistry. Overseas assignments and secondments available.
CIMB ASEAN Scholarship
Opens: ~Apr 2026A full-ride regional scholarship from CIMB Group covering tuition, living allowance, laptop, books, and airfare at any top-tier university worldwide. Backed by CIMB's RM50 million education pledge. Five-stage selection process.
Best for: ASEAN citizens (SG, MY, ID, TH, VN) aged 25 or younger pursuing Business, Finance, Engineering, Sciences, or Digital courses. Guaranteed employment at CIMB Group post-graduation.
Source: CIMB Group — ASEAN Scholarship
The Jardine Scholarship (Oxford & Cambridge)
The “holy grail” for Oxbridge applicants. A full-ride, bond-free scholarship covering tuition, college fees, board and lodging, books, and living expenses at select Oxford and Cambridge colleges. One of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, alongside the Rhodes Scholarship.
Note: The 2026 intake application closed October 2025. Next cycle opens ~August 2026 for 2027 intake. If you have an Oxbridge offer, this should be your top scholarship target. Extremely competitive — strong academics, leadership, and community service required.
Industry Scholarships
Major companies offer scholarships with guaranteed employment after graduation. These combine academic support with real-world industry experience through internships and mentorship.
OCBC Scholarships
BOND-FREEDBS Sustainability Scholarship
Singtel Scholarships
Want More Industry Scholarships?
The SGIS portal lists 54 organisations across 14 industries offering scholarships — far more than we can list here.
Browse All SGIS OrganisationsBond Requirements Summary
Understanding bond obligations is crucial before accepting a scholarship. Here's a clear breakdown of what each category entails.
| Scholarship Type | Bond Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University Merit (NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD) | None | Completely free — no obligation after graduation |
| DSTA Scholarship | None | Rare government-linked scholarship with no bond |
| Jardine Scholarship (Oxbridge) | None | Full-ride at Oxford/Cambridge, completely bond-free |
| OCBC Local Undergraduate | None | S$11,000/yr, no obligation to work at OCBC |
| MOE Teaching Award | 3 years | Teaching in Singapore schools |
| SGIS Industry Scholarships | 3–6 years | Work at sponsoring company after graduation |
| A*STAR Undergraduate | 3–4 years | Research role at A*STAR institutes |
| PSC Scholarship | 4–6 years | Singapore public service — various ministries |
| MOE Teaching Scholarship | 4 years | Overseas university + teaching in Singapore |
| SAF Scholarships | 4–6 years | SAFOS is the longest at 6 years |
| GIC Scholarship | 3–5 years | 3 yrs (local), 5 yrs (overseas) — sovereign fund |
| Temasek UG Overseas | 4 years | STEM overseas, polytechnic graduates only |
| CAG Scholarship | 3–5 years | 3 yrs (local), 5 yrs (overseas) — Changi Airport |
| CIMB ASEAN | Max 5 years | 1yr/local study yr, 2yr/overseas yr, capped at 5 |
Key Application Deadlines
Mark these dates in your calendar. Red means closing soon, amber means upcoming, and green means you have more time.
Application Tips
Apply to Multiple Scholarships
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to university merit, government, and industry scholarships simultaneously. You can choose the best offer later.
Prepare Your CCA Portfolio Early
Most scholarships look beyond grades. Document your leadership roles, community service hours, competitions won, and any special achievements. Quality over quantity.
Write a Compelling Personal Statement
Your essay should tell a story, not list achievements. Explain why you want to study your chosen field and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals. Be specific and authentic.
Prepare for Interviews (March–May)
Scholarship interviews typically happen in March to May. Practice current affairs, articulate why you chose your field, and be ready to discuss your CCA involvement. For PSC, expect panel interviews with senior government officials.
Know the GPA Requirements
Most scholarships require maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.5/5.0 (Second Upper Honours equivalent). Some top scholarships like NUS Global Merit expect 4.0/5.0. Understand the commitment before accepting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes, and you should. University merit scholarships, government scholarships (PSC, MOE), and industry scholarships (SGIS) all have separate application processes. Applying to several increases your chances, and you can choose the best offer later. There is no penalty for applying to multiple scholarships.
Q:What GPA do I need to keep my scholarship?
Most scholarships require maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.5/5.0 (Second Upper Honours equivalent). Top scholarships like NUS Global Merit expect around 4.0/5.0. If you fall below the threshold, you may receive a warning letter first. Continued poor performance can lead to scholarship withdrawal and repayment of funds received.
Q:What happens if I break my scholarship bond?
Breaking a scholarship bond requires repaying the full scholarship value plus a penalty (typically 10–50% of the total bond value). For a PSC scholarship worth $200,000+, the liquidated damages can be substantial. Some organisations may also restrict your future government career prospects. Bond-free scholarships have no such obligations — consider these if you value career flexibility.
Q:When will I know if I got the scholarship?
University merit scholarships typically notify applicants between April and June, after interviews are conducted in March–May. PSC scholarships notify around June–July. SGIS industry scholarships vary by organisation. Most scholarship results are confirmed before the academic year begins in August.
Q:Do I need to apply separately for university scholarships?
It depends. NUS and NTU automatically consider all applicants for their top merit scholarships (Global Merit, CN Yang) based on A-Level results. However, most other scholarships require a separate application through the university portal, PSC website, or the SGIS portal. Always check individual scholarship requirements to avoid missing deadlines.
Q:Are there scholarships for polytechnic graduates entering university?
Yes. Most university scholarships are open to both A-Level and polytechnic graduates. NUS, NTU, and SMU have merit scholarships for poly graduates with outstanding GPAs (typically 3.8/4.0 and above). PSC and SGIS scholarships also accept poly graduates. Some scholarships like the SIT Scholarship specifically target applied learning students.
Related Resources
SGIS Scholarships 2026
54 organisations, 14 industries — full database
A-Level UAS Calculator
Calculate your score and see matching courses
Low Rank Points? Your Options
37+ courses you qualify for with CCC to BBB grades
Application Deadlines 2026
NUS, NTU, SMU deadlines with countdown
A-Level Results 2026 Hub
All guides, calculator & resources in one place
NUS Medicine Cutoff & IGP
NUS YLL vs NTU LKC entry requirements
Official Scholarship Resources
SGSchoolKaki Education Team
Ex-MOE Teachers, Private Tutors & Education Data Analysts with 15+ Years Combined Experience
Reviewed by: KW Phoon
Founder, BEng(Hons) in Computing Engineering
Data-Driven Education Platform
SGSchoolKaki Education Team
Ex-MOE Teachers, Private Tutors & Education Data Analysts with 15+ Years Combined Experience
Reviewed by: KW Phoon
Founder, BEng(Hons) in Computing Engineering
Data-Driven Education Platform