Singapore Scholarships 2027: Study in Singapore for Free (Filipino Guide)

Singapore offers some of the best educational opportunities in Asia, with world-class universities like NUS, NTU, and SMU. For Filipino students, various Singapore government and university scholarships provide fully-funded pathways to study in the Lion City.

This guide covers Singapore scholarships for Filipinos in 2026: eligibility, benefits, application process, and tips for success.

Singapore Scholarship Options for Filipinos

1. ASEAN Scholarship (Secondary School)

For Filipino students to study secondary school in Singapore.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees
• Living allowance
• Accommodation
• Return airfare (annual)

Eligibility:

• Filipino citizen
• Age 14-16 at time of application
• Excellent academic record
• Good English proficiency

Duration:

• 4 years secondary + 2 years junior college
• Or 4 years secondary + polytechnic

Note: This scholarship comes with a 3-year work bond in Singapore after graduation.

2. Singapore Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship

For undergraduate studies at NUS, NTU, SUTD, or SMU.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees
• Living allowance (SGD 6,500/year)
• One-time computer allowance
• Hostel accommodation
• Return airfare

Eligibility:

• ASEAN citizen (including Philippines)
• Strong academic record (top 10% of cohort)
• Leadership qualities
• Pass rigorous selection process

Service Bond:

• 6 years work in Singapore after graduation
• 3 years in Singapore-based organization

3. A*STAR Graduate Scholarship

For graduate studies (Masters/PhD) in science and engineering.

Benefits:

• Full tuition
• Monthly stipend (SGD 2,500+ for Masters, SGD 3,000+ for PhD)
• Conference allowances
• Research support

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree in science/engineering
• Strong academic record
• Research interest in A*STAR focus areas

Service Bond:

• 3 years for Masters
• 4 years for PhD
• Work at A*STAR research institutes

4. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)

For PhD studies in science and engineering.

Benefits:

• Full tuition
• Monthly stipend (SGD 2,500/month, increasing to SGD 3,000)
• One-time settling-in allowance (SGD 1,000)
• One-time airfare grant (SGD 1,500)

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree with honors or equivalent
• Good academic record
• Strong research background
• English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS if needed)

No Service Bond:

• Unlike some Singapore scholarships, SINGA has no bond requirement

5. University-Specific Scholarships

National University of Singapore (NUS)

NUS Undergraduate Scholarships:

• NUS Global Merit Scholarship (full coverage)
• NUS Merit Scholarship (tuition + allowances)
• Science & Technology Scholarship

NUS Graduate Scholarships:

• NUS Research Scholarship
• NUS Graduate Fellowship
• Various faculty-specific awards

Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

NTU Undergraduate Scholarships:

• Nanyang Scholarship (full coverage + overseas program)
• College Scholarship (tuition waiver)
• CN Yang Scholars Programme

NTU Graduate Scholarships:

• NTU Research Scholarship
• SINGA @ NTU
• Various industry scholarships

Singapore Management University (SMU)

SMU Scholarships:

• Lee Kong Chian Scholars Programme
• SMU Scholars Programme
• ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship

Required Documents

Standard Requirements:

• Scholarship application form
• Academic transcripts (certified)
• Standardized test scores (SAT/A-Levels for undergrad)
• English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
• Personal statement
• Recommendation letters (2-3)
• Passport copy
• Passport-size photos

Additional for Graduate:

• Research proposal
• CV/Resume
• Publications (if any)
• GRE/GMAT scores (if required)

How to Apply for Singapore Scholarships

Step 1: Research Programs

Identify scholarships matching your:

• Academic level
• Field of study
• Career goals

Step 2: Check Deadlines

Singapore scholarship deadlines vary:

• ASEAN Scholarship: Usually February-March
• A*STAR: Rolling admissions
• University scholarships: November-March

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Start 3-6 months before deadline:

• Get transcripts certified
• Take required tests (TOEFL, SAT, GRE)
• Write personal statements

Step 4: Apply Online

Most scholarships use online application:

• Create account on scholarship portal
• Fill out application form
• Upload documents
• Submit before deadline

Step 5: Selection Process

If shortlisted:

• Online/phone interview
• Written tests (some scholarships)
• In-person interview in Singapore or Manila

Step 6: Accept Offer

Successful candidates:

• Sign scholarship agreement
• Apply for student visa
• Arrange travel to Singapore

Application Timeline (Example: Undergraduate)

Tips for Success

1. Apply to Multiple Scholarships

Singapore has various schemes. Apply to all you’re eligible for.

2. Strong Academic Record

Singapore scholarships are competitive. Top grades are essential.

3. Show Leadership

Scholarships value leadership, community service, and extracurriculars.

4. Prepare for Interviews

Singapore interviews assess:

• Academic potential
• Communication skills
• Leadership qualities
• Understanding of bond obligations

5. Understand the Bond

Many Singapore scholarships require work bonds. Know the commitment before applying.

6. Research Singapore

Show genuine interest in Singapore’s development and how you’ll contribute.

Understanding Service Bonds

Many Singapore scholarships require working in Singapore after graduation:

Breaking Bond:

• Requires repaying scholarship value + penalties
• Can be very expensive (SGD 100,000+)

Consider carefully before accepting bonded scholarships.

Living in Singapore

Filipino Community:

• Over 200,000 Filipinos in Singapore
• Filipino organizations and churches
• Active Filipino student groups at universities

Cost of Living:

• Most covered by scholarship
• Accommodation: SGD 300-800/month (or hostel provided)
• Food: SGD 300-500/month
• Transport: SGD 50-100/month

Work Opportunities:

• Students can work part-time (16 hours/week during semester)
• Bond scholars work for designated organizations

Top Singapore Universities

1. National University of Singapore (NUS)

• #1 in Asia (QS Rankings)
• Strong in engineering, computing, business, law

2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

• Top 20 globally
• Strong in engineering, science, business

3. Singapore Management University (SMU)

• Top business and social sciences
• City campus, interactive learning

4. Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

• MIT-partnered
• Design and technology focus

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How competitive are Singapore scholarships? A: Very competitive. ASEAN scholarship accepts fewer than 1% of applicants.

Q: Is there an age limit? A: Varies by scholarship. ASEAN requires ages 14-16. Graduate scholarships are more flexible.

Q: Can I choose my course? A: Usually yes, but some scholarships are for specific fields (science/engineering).

Q: What happens if I break the bond? A: You must repay the full scholarship value plus penalties.

Q: Can I stay in Singapore after bond completion? A: Yes. Many Filipino scholars build careers in Singapore.

Official Links

• MOE Singapore (ASEAN Scholarship): moe.gov.sg/asean-scholarships
• A*STAR Scholarships: a-star.edu.sg/scholarships
• SINGA: singa.a-star.edu.sg
• NUS Scholarships: nus.edu.sg/oam/scholarships
• NTU Scholarships: ntu.edu.sg/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships

Final Thoughts

Singapore scholarships offer Filipino students access to world-class education in a safe, prosperous country. While competitive, these scholarships provide full funding and excellent career opportunities.

Understand the bond requirements, prepare strong applications, and take your shot at studying in one of Asia’s best education hubs.