Singapore is a top destination for international students due to its world-class universities, multicultural environment, and strong job prospects. For students seeking financial aid, Singapore offers numerous fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and even travel costs.
The best part? Many of these scholarships do not require IELTS, making them accessible to students from non-English speaking backgrounds. In this article, we explore the top fully funded scholarships in Singapore for 2025 that do not mandate IELTS.
Why Study in Singapore?
Before diving into the scholarships, let’s look at why Singapore is an excellent choice for higher education:
✅ Top-Ranked Universities – NUS, NTU, and SMU are among the best globally.
✅ No IELTS Needed – Many universities accept alternative English proficiency proofs.
✅ Multicultural Society – Safe and welcoming for international students.
✅ Strong Job Market – High employability with post-study work opportunities.
✅ Government & Private Scholarships – Generous funding options available.
check: University of Pavia CICOPS Scholarships 2026 in Italy (Fully Funded)
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Singapore (2025) – No IELTS Required
1. Singapore Government Scholarships (SGSP & MOE)
The Singapore Government Scholarship Program (SGSP) and Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarships are among the most prestigious awards for international students.
🔹 Coverage:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly living allowance
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Airfare tickets
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Accommodation support
🔹 Eligibility:
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Open to undergraduate & postgraduate students
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Strong academic record
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Leadership qualities
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English proficiency (alternative tests accepted)
🔸 How to Apply:
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Apply via the official Singapore Government website.
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Submit academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Scholarships
NTU offers several scholarships for international students, including the NTU Research Scholarship and NTU President’s Graduate Scholarship.
🔹 Coverage:
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Full tuition waiver
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Monthly stipend (up to SGD 3,000)
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Conference & research grants
🔹 Eligibility:
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Bachelor’s/Master’s degree (for PhD applicants)
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Strong research proposal
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English proficiency waiver possible
🔸 How to Apply:
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Apply through NTU’s official admissions portal.
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Submit academic records, CV, and research proposal.
3. National University of Singapore (NUS) Scholarships
NUS provides multiple scholarship options, including the NUS Global Merit Scholarship and NUS Research Scholarship.
🔹 Coverage:
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Full tuition fees
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Living allowance (SGD 1,500–3,500/month)
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One-time settlement grant
🔹 Eligibility:
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Outstanding academic performance
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No IELTS required if previous degree was in English
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Strong extracurricular & leadership record
🔸 How to Apply:
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Submit an online application via the NUS admissions portal.
4. Singapore Management University (SMU) Scholarships
SMU offers the SMU Global Impact Scholarship and Lee Kong Chian Graduate Scholarships for international students.
🔹 Coverage:
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Full tuition coverage
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Monthly stipend
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Internship & networking opportunities
🔹 Eligibility:
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Strong academic background
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Leadership & community involvement
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English proficiency waiver available
🔸 How to Apply:
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Apply through SMU’s official scholarship portal.
Also see: Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon Fully Funded PhD Scholarships 2025
5. A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS)
The Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR) offers fully funded scholarships for PhD students in STEM fields.
🔹 Coverage:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly stipend (SGD 3,300)
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Research funding
🔹 Eligibility:
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STEM background
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Strong research potential
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No IELTS if prior education was in English
🔸 How to Apply:
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Submit an application via the A*STAR portal.
How to Get a Scholarship Without IELTS?
Many Singaporean universities waive IELTS if:
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You studied in an English-medium institution.
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You provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate.
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You take an alternative test (e.g., Duolingo, TOEFL, or university interview).
Application Tips for Singapore Scholarships
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Start Early – Deadlines vary; prepare documents in advance.
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Highlight Leadership – Scholarships favor well-rounded candidates.
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Secure Strong Recommendations – Professors or employers should endorse your potential.
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Write a Compelling SOP – Clearly state your goals and why you deserve the scholarship.
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Check University Websites – Each scholarship has unique requirements.
Conclusion
Singapore offers fully funded scholarships for 2025 with no IELTS requirement, making it easier for international students to pursue their dreams. Whether you’re aiming for NUS, NTU, SMU, or A*STAR, there are plenty of opportunities available.