SINGA Scholarship Introduction
Singapore International Graduate Award, more commonly known as the SINGA scholarship, is a prestigious scholarship program funded by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in partnership with Singapore’s top universities: Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). The SINGA scholarship aims to attract outstanding international PhD candidates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Overview of the SINGA Scholarship Program
Established in 2001, the SINGA scholarship seeks to nurture future leaders in research who can contribute to Singapore’s knowledge economy and R&D efforts. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a generous monthly stipend for living expenses. Recipients also receive support to attend local and overseas conferences as well as access to state-of-the-art facilities at the partner universities. In return, awardees are expected to commit to working in Singapore-based research positions for 3 years after graduation.
Over the last two decades, the SINGA scholarship has supported over 500 PhD students from 50 countries in diverse fields ranging from artificial intelligence to quantum computing. The program has given Singapore access to top research talent from around the world, attracting candidates from leading universities like MIT, Cambridge, Stanford, Tsinghua University, etc.
How To Apply Singa Scholarship
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Go to the SINGA scholarship website (a-star.edu.sg) and check that you meet all the eligibility criteria in terms of nationality, age, academic qualifications etc.
Step 2: Identify Research Area
Browse through the list of universities and research areas offered under the SINGA scholarship. Choose a tentative research area aligned with your interests and qualifications.
Step 3: Contact Potential Supervisors
Make a list of potential supervisors in your chosen research area from the universities you are interested in. Email them to inquire about possible research topics and availability to supervise you if you get the scholarship.
Step 4: Prepare Required Documents
Keep the required documents ready including a valid passport, all academic transcripts and certificates, CV, and a tentative research proposal for the research area you have selected.
Step 5: Submit Online Application
Once you have all the documents ready, submit your SINGA scholarship application online through the application portal before the deadline of 1st June 2024.
Step 6: Appear for Interview
If shortlisted, you will be intimated regarding your interview to be conducted either in-person or via video conferencing. Prepare well for the interview.
Step 7: Accept Offer Letter
Finally, if selected, accept the offer letter from the chosen university and A*STAR. Complete any further formalities as needed.
Career Support After Graduation
An interesting aspect of the SINGA scholarship program is that it grooms recipients to take on R&D leadership responsibilities in Singapore after completing PhD studies. All scholars commit to working for a Singapore institution or company for 3 years.
The partner universities have career services units that provide support in identifying suitable post-doctoral positions in industry or faculty jobs in Singapore. There are also initiatives like the National Research Foundation’s Competitive Post-Doctoral Program to continue high-impact research across fields in the local ecosystem.
In essence, the SINGA scholarship invests not just in the PhD phase, but also lays the foundation for scholars to establish their research careers here and contribute to Singapore in the pivotal early-stage period after PhD graduation.
FAQs
Q1. Can I apply for SINGA if I am not from Singapore?
Yes, the SINGA scholarship is meant specifically for international students who are not Singapore citizens or permanent residents. You can be of any nationality as long as you meet other eligibility criteria.
Q2. What is the acceptance rate for SINGA scholarships?
The SINGA scholarship program is highly competitive, with a historical acceptance rate of around 15% of applicants getting the award each year.
Q3. Does SINGA cover school application fees?
No, SINGA does not cover university application fees. You will need to apply to the PhD programs at NTU/NUS/SUTD separately and bear those costs.
Q4. How much is the stipend provided by SINGA?
The monthly stipend is between S$3,000 and S$3,500 depending on qualifications. This covers living expenses comfortably.
Conclusion
SINGA scholarship offered by A*STAR is an exclusive program aimed at attracting top PhD talent in strategically important science and technology domains. The merits of the scholarship include fully paid tuition, generous living stipends, travel grants and access to world-class research infrastructure. In return, SINGA recipients commit to advancing impact-driven R&D agendas and taking on research leadership mandates in Singapore after obtaining their PhDs. For international students keen on powerful support for PhD studies and building an enduring R&D career in Asia afterwards, the SINGA scholarship stands out as a compelling choice.