When looking out for scholarship opportunities in a foreign country as an international student, you may be required to take different tests including an English proficiency test. However, it is possible to be awarded Scholarships in Singapore without IELTS.
Studying in Singapore is expensive most especially for students from low-middle-income countries and this could be very frustrating to students who may wish to make Singapore their study destination. This does not however mean that it isn’t within your reach to study in Singapore as an international student.
Why Study in Singapore?
With cheaper options than universities in USA or UK, Singapore has rapidly gained global acceptance as a study abroad destination for students from all over the world. More so with scholarship offers awarded to international students in Singapore to give them the financial boost that they need to pursue their choice courses.
Singapore hosts several reputable public and private universities delivering quality education and a wide range of courses for foreign students to choose from. This makes the country a coveted study destination for higher education. Apart from the high standard of education available in Singapore, students also enjoy Singapore’s fascinating cultural disposition.
In Singapore, there are government scholarships which are supported by the Government of Singapore to attract and support foreign students as well as external and university-specific scholarships. There are some scholarships available for international students in Singapore that do not require IELTS test scores.
Universities to Study in Singapore Without IELTS
There are top ranking Singaporean universities that do not require IELTS score to be granted admission as an international student. These Singapore universities do not need you to take English Language Tests. The top Universities in Singapore requiring no IELTS to study in Singapore includes:
- National University of Singapore
- Singapore Management University
- National College of Singapore
- Nanyang Technological University
- Singapore University of Technology and Design
What to do to Study in Singapore Without IELTS?
For international students who are worried about submitting an IELTS score for a scholarship in Singapore or for admission purposes, you can use this simple alternative. If you had obtained a previous degree from a University of college that their medium of communication was English language, you do not need an IELTS score to apply for admission into the aforementioned Singaporean universities.
Applicants can obtain an official certificate/declaration/letter of English proficiency from their former university. It should be captured in the letter that the applicant had completed all his courses in English. This official letter can be used in place of the IELTS certificate. Some universities may further choose to do an online interview or a video interview. If your application is granted, you may be required to participate in an online interview with your university.
Document Requirements to Study in Singapore
- Photocopy of passport
- Birth/age declaration certificate
- Attested copies of all educational certificates
- Standardized Tests e.g. GMAT, GRE (where applicable)
- Two academic references
- Passport-size photographs
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Updated Resume/CV
- Draft for application fees, if applicable
Here is a List of Scholarships in Singapore without IELTS
#1 Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
This is one of the many prestigious scholarship offers available to international students who wish to enroll in a graduate program at a Singaporean institution of higher learning. The scholarship is a collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Nanyang Techological University (NTU), The National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).
SINGA provides the opportunity and support graduates with a passion for research demonstrating excellent academic performance to apply for a Ph.D. scholarship.
The scholarship provides full funding including complete tuition fee assistance for the duration of the doctoral program, a monthly stipend of SGD 2000-2500, a one-time travel grant of SGD 1500 and a settling allowance of SGD 1000.
#2 GIIS Singapore Global Citizen Scholarship
The GIIS Global Scholarship is offered to students with exceptional educational abilities who have finished class 10th to continue their studies in Singapore. Successful students may receive up to SGD 90,000 in financial aid. The scholarship is organized by the Global Indian International School.
#3 Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA)
SIPGA is another prestigious award offered to foreign students studying for bachelor’s or master’s degrees program in an institution of higher learning in Singapore. It is financed by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research. Students considered for the award should have a significant interest in biomedical, scientific, or engineering research. For the duration of their research engagement, successful students are awarded a monthly stipend of SGD 15000
#4 Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship (National University of Singapore)
The National University of Singapore ranks amongst the top 15 universities in the world and is notable for advancing science and technology education. The Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship (AUS) scheme are for students enrolled in full-time studies in Singapore seeking to stucy courses in Engineering, Computing and science. The scholarship is a freshman scholarship awarded to support excellent and outstanding students from ASEAN member countries to advance their educational career.
The scholarship covers full tuition costs for the entire duration of the program at the National University of Singapore as well providing cover for flights and lodging. Students also get an annual stipend of SGD 6000 and also a one-time settling-in fee of SGD 200.
#5 INSEAD Scholarships
These scholarships which has a maximum grant of SGD 22500 are provided to support MBA programs by the INSEAD Business School, one of the prestigious business schools in the world. Scholarships are awarded for MBA studies to nationals of emerging nations who live and work in the developing countries. Scholarships are offered on the basis of academic success, business and financial management prowess, desire to contribute to nation building and leadership potential.
#6 President’s Graduate Fellowship
This graduate fellowship is offered by the National University of Singapore and is open to applicants from around the world enrolled in a Ph.D. program. The fellowship is a one-year fellowship covering full tuition, a one-time settling allowance (SGD 1000), a one-time travel allowance (SGD 750), and a monthly stipend (SGD 3000).
#7 Goh Keng Swee Scholarship
This scholarship is a private-sector scholarship administered by the Association of Banks in Singapore. The scholarship is named after Singapore’s former Deputy Prime Minister. It offers up to 4 scholarships annually to excellent students who are national of 15 Asia-Pacific countries. The scholarships can be held at National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University and Singapore University of Technology and Design.
The scholarship covers full tuition and other expenses including return flight, dormitory allowance, annual maintenance allowance (SGD 6500) and a one-time settling-in stipend (SGD 200).