Article Summary
● Singapore is an approved destination under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, with internationally ranked universities including NUS, NTU, and SMU.
● The Saudi scholarship allowance in Singapore is separate from Singapore's SINGA scholarship. They have different funding bodies and entirely separate eligibility requirements.
● University admission requires proof of English proficiency through an IELTS or TOEFL test.
● You may study in Singapore through fully or partially funded scholarships, or at your own expense, without relying solely on the Saudi scholarship allowance.
● The process begins with university admission and funding approval, followed by obtaining a Student's Pass before travelling.
Studying in Singapore on a scholarship raises plenty of questions for Saudi students, especially as Singapore has become a serious option for those seeking high-quality technical and research education in Asia.
This guide explains scholarship opportunities in Singapore, approved universities, monthly allowances, admission requirements, and the application process.
Our goal is to help you plan with confidence and distinguish between Saudi government-funded scholarships and independent scholarships offered in Singapore before making a decision.
Is Singapore an Approved Destination Under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program?
Yes. Singapore is an eligible destination under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, and its approved universities are listed on the program’s official portal.
Singapore combines strong academic standards with an English-language learning environment.
Saudi scholarship students can access an advanced education system without the same language barrier they might encounter elsewhere. It offers an experience comparable in many ways to studying in Western countries, in a relatively accessible and secure Asian location.
Why Do Students Choose Singapore for Scholarships?
Singapore offers academic excellence alongside a highly developed research and professional environment.
These qualities make it particularly attractive to postgraduate students and those pursuing technical fields. Its relative proximity to Saudi Arabia and high safety standards may also ease concerns about a first experience studying abroad.
Requirements for Studying in Singapore on a Scholarship
Applicants seeking to study in Singapore through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program generally need to meet two sets of requirements:
Admission Requirements at Singaporean Universities
Requirements vary by institution, but leading universities such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) commonly consider the following:
1. Academic qualifications: A secondary school certificate with highly competitive grades for undergraduate study, or a strong bachelor’s or master’s degree for postgraduate admission.
2. English-language tests: Strong scores on accepted proficiency tests, such as IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL 90–100, depending on the program.
3. Additional entrance tests: Certain engineering, business, and postgraduate programs may require GRE, GMAT, or another assessment.
4. Admission letter: An official offer letter from an eligible university or institution in Singapore.
5. Student’s Pass: Applying through Singapore’s Student’s Pass system, including SOLAR where applicable, after receiving the relevant admission approval.
6. Proof of funds: Evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses for the study period.
7. Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
General Saudi Scholarship Requirements for Singapore
These requirements are tied to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program and can change with annual decisions.
- Nationality: Applicants must be Saudi citizens and meet the program’s conduct requirements.
- University admission: A key requirement is unconditional admission to a university approved by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program for Singapore.
- Eligibility: Applicants must meet the conditions of the relevant scholarship track, including any applicable age requirements.
- Grades: Applicants must meet the minimum academic performance thresholds set by the Saudi Ministry of Education.
- Compliance: Scholarship recipients must follow the program’s regulations and obligations.
Always check the latest requirements on the official scholarship program portal.
For a more detailed explanation, read our guide to Saudi overseas scholarship requirements.
What IELTS Score Do You Need for a Scholarship in Singapore?
Many Singaporean universities require an overall IELTS score of at least 6.0 for undergraduate programs, while master’s and doctoral programs commonly ask for 6.5–7.0. Requirements vary considerably by degree and subject.
Your overall IELTS band score is not always the only requirement. Some healthcare, engineering, and research programs also specify minimum scores for individual skills, particularly reading and writing.
Meeting the overall target may not be enough if one section falls below your program’s minimum.
The figures below illustrate commonly cited score ranges at major Singaporean universities.
| University | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| NUS | 6.0–6.5 (program-dependent) | 6.5–7.0 |
| NTU | 6.0–6.5 | 6.0–6.5 |
| SMU | 6.0 | 6.5 |
To assess whether your score meets your chosen program’s expectations, see our guide to IELTS scores required for scholarships by field of study.
How Can You Check Whether Your IELTS Level Meets Admission Requirements?
English proficiency is an important part of admission at many Singaporean universities. The most useful way to understand your readiness is to assess your skills under conditions similar to the real test.
Some students only discover a gap between their current performance and the required score late in the application process.
GoIELTS.ai offers IELTS practice tests based on official Cambridge content, with AI-assisted scoring estimated to be accurate to within approximately ±0.5 band.
Try a free IELTS practice test to establish a starting point before applying for a scholarship in Singapore.
For more details, read our guide on how to assess your IELTS level.
Approved Universities and Fields of Study for Scholarships in Singapore
Universities in Singapore for Scholarship Students
Singapore’s academic strengths are concentrated in a number of internationally respected universities, including:
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU): A major research university with a strong international reputation in engineering, technology, and advanced scientific research.
- National University of Singapore (NUS): Asia’s highest-ranked university, with notable strengths in engineering, medicine, and business.
- Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD): Founded in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), with a focus on innovative engineering programs.
- Singapore Management University (SMU): A respected institution known for business, economics, law, and information systems.
Lists of approved universities and programs may be updated regularly. Before applying, consult the official list of Singaporean universities on the Saudi scholarship portal.
You can also use the Saudi Ministry of Education’s university verification portal to check recognition and eligible programs.
Popular Fields of Study in Singapore
Singapore is an internationally recognised academic hub, particularly for disciplines aligned with technology and finance. Popular study areas include:
1. Engineering and technology: Computer engineering, artificial intelligence, and materials science are prominent at universities such as NTU.
2. Business and finance: As an international financial centre, Singapore offers well-regarded programs in accounting, economics, international business, and wealth management, especially at SMU.
3. Medicine and biomedical sciences: Medicine, pharmacy, and medical biotechnology benefit from Singapore’s well-developed healthcare and research sectors.
4. Law: Singapore’s law programs are among the region’s established academic options.
For further reading, see our guide to approved scholarship universities for Saudi students.
How Much Is the Monthly Scholarship Allowance in Singapore?
The basic monthly allowance for an unmarried Saudi scholarship recipient in Singapore is SAR 6,929.15, with Singapore classified among the Saudi Ministry of Education’s Category A destinations.
The monthly allowance and associated funding vary according to the scholarship recipient’s family status as follows:
- Unmarried recipient: SAR 6,929.15 per month.
- Married recipient accompanied by a spouse: SAR 10,595.82 per month.
- Married recipient with one child: SAR 11,616.65 per month.
- Additional child allowance: SAR 1,021 per month for each additional child.
Additional Financial Benefits and Allowances
The scholarship may also provide other benefits, including:
- Health insurance: Coverage for the student and approved accompanying family members.
- Air tickets: Annual flights arranged for the scholarship recipient and eligible accompanying family members to visit Saudi Arabia.
- Books and study materials allowance: An annual contribution toward learning materials.
You may also be interested in the healthcare-specialisations scholarship guide for information relevant to medical programs.
Can You Study in Singapore for Free or Without a Saudi Scholarship Allowance?
Yes. You can study in Singapore without relying on a Saudi government scholarship through two main alternatives:
1. Fully Funded Scholarships Offered by Singaporean Institutions
Singapore offers fully funded scholarships that can cover tuition, accommodation, living costs, and air travel. Notable examples include:
- SINGA: A fully funded scholarship offered in Singapore for master’s and doctoral students in science, engineering, and technology.
- NUS and NTU scholarships: Universities offer merit-based funding opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students. One example is the NUS undergraduate scholarship.
2. Singapore’s Tuition Grant Scheme
The Tuition Grant Scheme offers eligible students free or substantially reduced tuition fees, with possible reductions of around 50–80%, subject to the scheme’s conditions.
- Service bond: Eligible recipients may be required to work for a Singapore-registered company for three years after graduation.
- Living expenses: The scheme covers tuition rather than accommodation or everyday living costs, so students must budget separately or use permitted part-time employment (up to 16 hours per week during term time).
Keep in mind that fully funded study is competitive and is not automatically available to every applicant.
See also the Elite Scholarship Program.
How to Apply for a Scholarship in Singapore: Step by Step
The scholarship process generally involves four stages: academic admission, scholarship approval and funding, obtaining a Student’s Pass, and preparing for departure. The order matters because each stage builds on the previous one.
| Stage | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Academic admission | Apply directly through the university’s portal, submitting the required documents and language-test result. |
| 2. Scholarship approval and funding | Submit the scholarship application through the official Saudi portal to obtain funding approval. |
| 3. Student’s Pass | Complete the immigration and student-pass procedures with Singapore’s relevant authorities after admission. |
| 4. Pre-departure preparation | Complete any orientation requirements and arrange accommodation and travel. |
Completing these stages takes you from prospective applicant to scholarship student, ready to begin your studies with greater clarity.
For related guidance, see IELTS test centres in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Gulf.
Conclusion
Choosing to study in Singapore on a scholarship deserves careful consideration, especially for students interested in technology and research who value a strong education system in a secure and accessible location.
The key is to distinguish between funding under Saudi scholarship programs and independent Singaporean scholarships, and to confirm university and program eligibility using official sources.
Start early, follow the application stages in the correct order, and check financial figures against the relevant official authorities. With a considered plan, studying abroad becomes a practical process with clear next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
The allowance depends on your level of study and the cost-of-living category assigned to Singapore, and its amount may change from year to year. Do not rely on figures posted on unofficial websites, because allowances may be revised. The most reliable way to check the latest amount is to consult the official allowance tables on Saudi Arabia's Safir portal, which show current amounts by country and level of study.
NUS generally expects a strong academic record, proof of English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL, and additional documents that vary by degree and program. Minimum scores differ between programs, particularly in competitive fields such as medicine and engineering. Before applying, check the specific program page on NUS's official website for the exact requirements.
Fully funded study is possible, but eligibility conditions apply. The SINGA scholarship offers postgraduate research students tuition support and a monthly stipend, while some universities provide partial or full scholarships to high-achieving international students. These awards are highly competitive and are not granted automatically upon admission. Students who do not obtain full funding must study at their own expense or through another scholarship scheme.
Yes. Singapore is listed among countries that have universities included in the program's approved lists. However, approval applies to the particular university and field of study, not to the country alone. Verify that your intended university and program appear on the latest official scholarship portal lists before planning your application.
Most Singaporean universities accept either IELTS or TOEFL, and a qualifying score on one accepted test is generally sufficient. IELTS is widely accepted, but what matters is meeting the minimum score for your specific program. Some competitive programs require a higher result than the university's general minimum, so always check your program's official language requirements.
A Student's Pass is the official permission that allows you to reside and study legally in Singapore. You apply through the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) system after receiving university admission. It follows admission and does not replace it. Begin the process as soon as you receive your offer to avoid delays before your program starts.
About the Content Team at GoIELTS
GoIELTS creates specialized content for IELTS with contributions from writers experienced in education and test preparation.
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