Singapore is one of the most prestigious and competitive places to study in the world. It has a strong economy, world-class universities, and job opportunities all over the world. It also has a number of scholarships that are only open to international students, including Africans.
Singapore doesn’t have as many “fully funded” options as China or South Korea, but it does have high-value scholarships, research funding, and tuition grants that make studying there very cheap.
This guide tells you everything you need to know about the best scholarships, who can apply, the benefits, and how to do it right.
Why African Students Should Study in Singapore
Singapore is a major centre for business, technology, and research, and it has some of the best universities in the world.
Some of the main benefits are the following:
- Degrees that are recognised around the world
- Good chances of getting a job after graduation
- A safe and well-developed place
- English as the main language of instruction
- Access to multinational companies
Singapore also actively supports international students through government and university scholarships.
Best Scholarships in Singapore for African Students
1. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) – Best Fully Funded Option
The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is the most popular fully funded scholarship in Singapore.
It is funded by the government and research institutions and is open to students worldwide, including Africans.
What SINGA Covers
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payment
- Payment for settlement
- Help with airfare
- Funding for research
SINGA is hosted by some of the best schools in Singapore and lets students get a PhD in science and technology.
Main Features
- Length: Up to four years
- Focus: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
- Very competitive
2. The NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship
One of the best undergraduate scholarships is offered by the National University of Singapore.
What It Gives
- Paying for tuition
- Money for living
- More help with schoolwork
Who Can Apply
- Students from all over the world
- Students who do very well in school
- Strong leadership skills and extracurricular activities
When you apply for admission, you automatically get this scholarship.
3. Scholarships from Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
International students can get more than 100 scholarships from Nanyang Technological University.
Different kinds of scholarships
- Scholarships based on merit
- scholarships based on need
- Scholarships based on talent
These scholarships might pay for:
- Tuition in full or in part
- Money for living
- Help with housing
4. The Goh Keng Swee Scholarship
The banking industry in Singapore pays for this well-known scholarship.
Pros
- All tuition costs
- Money for living
- Housing
It is given to outstanding international students who are studying for their undergraduate degree in Singapore.
5. Scholarships from the Commonwealth (Singapore)
Open to students from Commonwealth countries, which includes many African countries.
Pros
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payment
- Costs of travel
Level of Study
- Master’s
- Doctorate
6. The Singapore Government Tuition Grant (MOE)
The Singapore government gives out tuition grants that make school much less expensive.
Pros
- Covers a lot of the cost of tuition
Important Note
- After they graduate, students usually have to work in Singapore for about three years.
7. Scholarships for specific universities
A lot of colleges and universities in Singapore give scholarships to students from other countries.
Some examples are:
- The University of Management in Singapore
- The Singapore University of Technology and Design
- The Singapore Institute of Technology
These scholarships could be:
- Fully funded (not common)
- Partial waivers of tuition
- Awards based on merit
Different Types of Scholarships
In Singapore, there are three main types of scholarships:
1. Scholarships that pay for everything
These include:
- Paying for school
- Cost of living
- Go on a trip
For example:
- SINGA
2. Scholarships that only cover part of the cost
These include:
- Tuition costs (in full or in part)
This is where most university scholarships fit.
3. Scholarships for Tuition
These cut down on:
- The cost of going to school
But there may be work obligations after graduation.
Requirements for Eligibility
Different scholarships have different requirements, but some common ones are:
Requirements for school
- Great grades in school
- High GPA
Other Things You Need
- Qualities of a leader
- Accomplishments outside of school
- Being able to talk to people well
Requirement for English
- Some programmes require the IELTS or TOEFL.
- Or a letter saying you know English
A lot of colleges will accept other proof of English.
Documents Needed
You need the following to apply successfully:
- Certificates for school
- Transcripts
- A copy of your passport
- Your personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- A CV or resume
For people who have already finished college:
- You may need to write a research proposal.
How to Apply in Steps
Step 1: Pick Your Scholarship
To begin:
- SINGA (for a PhD)
- Scholarships for college
Step 2: Send in your application to a university
Most scholarships require you to apply first.
Step 3: Get your papers ready
Pay attention to:
- A strong personal statement
- Being great in school
Step 4: Send in your application
Send in your application:
- Portal for college
- Scholarship portal
Step 5: The Interview
People who are on the shortlist may be asked to come in for interviews.
Step 6: Wait for Results
Results usually come out in a few months.
Timeline for Applications (2026 Intake)
A normal timeline:
- SINGA: due date is around June
- Undergraduate scholarships: vary by university
- Results: mid-year
Can You Study in Singapore Without IELTS
Yes, in some cases.
Other options are:
- Letter of English proficiency
- Previous study of English
But some top universities might still require IELTS for programs that are hard to get into.
Living expenses in Singapore
The cost of living in Singapore is higher than in most other Asian countries.
Average costs:
- Room: moderate to high
- Food: there are cheap options available
- Transportation: cheap and effective
Scholarships and stipends help pay for these things.
Advantages of Studying in Singapore
You can get the following by studying in Singapore:
- Access to job markets around the world
- Education of high quality
- Ways to meet new people
- Getting used to the world of international business
Things You Shouldn’t Do
Many applicants don’t get hired because of the following:
- Weak personal statement
- Not doing well in school
- Only applying for one scholarship
- Not meeting deadlines
- Not getting ready well
Last Words
Singapore has some of the best scholarships in the world, especially for students with excellent grades.
To do well:
- Focus on SINGA to get all the money you need.
- Send applications to more than one school.
- Make sure your academic and personal documents are strong.
- Get started early
Even if you don’t get a full scholarship, Singapore still has great partial scholarships and tuition grants that make studying there very worthwhile.