How International Students Apply for Singapore Government Bursaries

4th October 2025

Postgraduate education in Singapore has become an increasingly popular option for students around the globe. The country has great schools, creative styles of learning, and the safest academic environment. For international students, the first concern is, as always, how to pay for it all, whether it be education or living expenses. In a bid for making higher studies more accessible for people, the Singapore Government offers bursaries that grant financial support for students in need.

The financial aid schemes do not just apply to local students. Many academic institutions also grant such opportunities for international students in Singapore, making it easier for students to focus on studies without the burden of financial stress. At BCES Admissions Abroad, we specialize in helping students with such choices and giving overall guidance in the whole process.

What Are Singapore Government Bursaries?

Government bursaries in Singapore are also financial aid programs that the Ministry of Education grants in collaboration with other universities. Although similar to performance-based academic scholarships, bursaries are specifically intended to cover or offset the cost of financial aid for students who have financial challenges in paying their school fees.

This also means for international students, studying at world-class universities such as Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), or Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) will likely become competitive and financially feasible with proper financial support.

Who is Eligible?

The requirements for international students for Singapore bursaries can also vary from school or university to school or university; the prerequisites normally involve:

• Enrolment in a full-time program at an accredited Singapore university or polytechnic college.
• Upholding good academic performance worthy of the school’s demands.
• Furnishing proof of financial necessity, such as details related to family income or financial background.
• By making an application through the respective university’s bursary or financial aid office during the open application period.

The procedures for applying for a bursary in Singapore.

1. Check Available Options

Each university also displays the types of government bursaries in Singapore on their university’s website. International students must read these details carefully before applying.

2. Assemble Documents

Prepare key documents such as:

• Passport and student pass information
• Enrollment verification or student identification number
• Academic documentation
• Financial statements that record household income.

3. Apply Online Through the Institution

All applications use the university’s financial aid portal. Some also need to have them submitted directly at their bursary office.

4. Interviews and Screening

Some bursaries can require an interview where students explain their academic goals and financial situation.

5. Get Results

Students will receive notification after approval and can then affirmatively accept their willingness to begin using support.

Why Should International Students Apply?

It can be a life-changing milestone for many students with proper support. One can:

Relieve financial stress and focus exclusively on studies.

• Ensure equitable educational opportunities irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.
• Achieve honors for exemplary academic achievement.
• Engage even further actively in university life without fear of additional financial costs.

2025 Latest Developments Regarding Students

Local universities such as NUS, NTU, and SIM have also fortified their financial aid systems to maintain inclusivity for students from varying backgrounds. This is a testament to Singapore’s enhanced efforts at retaining its global status as an education hub as it opens up more opportunities to international students with initiatives such as need-based bursaries.

If you wish to study in Singapore and would like to review available financial aid alternatives, please do call BCES Admissions Abroad at your earliest opportunity. Our group is committed to serving you in the achievement of your academic goals through proper guidance and opportunities.