Singapore Scholarships Without IELTS 2025

Singapore’s world-class education, cutting-edge research, and thriving job market make it a top choice for students worldwide. And now, with scholarships covering tuition, living expenses, and more, a Singaporean education is even more attainable.

This guide will walk you through the best fully and partially funded scholarships available for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in 2025 – all without the IELTS hurdle.

Singapore Scholarships Without IELTS

For PhD Studies:

1. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA): Open to international students pursuing PhD studies in science and engineering. Covers full tuition, monthly stipend, and airfare grant.
2. National University of Singapore (NUS) Research Scholarships: For international students enrolling in research-based master’s or PhD programs. Provides full tuition coverage, monthly stipend, and research support.
3. Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) President’s Graduate Fellowship: Open to international PhD students in technology and design. Covers full tuition, monthly stipend, and conference funding.
4. SMART Graduate Fellowship: For international students pursuing PhDs in science, technology, and engineering. Offers a full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, and research funding.
5. NUS Graduate School Scholarship for Integrative Sciences and Engineering: For international PhD students in interdisciplinary research fields. Covers tuition, research costs, and living allowances.

For Graduate Studies (Master’s & PhD):

6. Lee Kong Chian Graduate Scholarships (NUS): For international students enrolling in full-time graduate programs at NUS. Includes full tuition waiver, stipend, and research allowance.

For Undergraduate Studies:

7. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Scholarships: Open to outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate students worldwide. Offers a full tuition waiver, living allowance, and research grant.
8. ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship: For students from ASEAN countries applying for undergraduate programs. Covers full tuition and living expenses.
9. Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) Global Excellence Scholarship: For international undergraduate students with exceptional academic achievements. Covers tuition fees and provides a living stipend.

For Both Undergraduate & Graduate Studies:

10. Singapore Management University (SMU) Scholarships: Open to outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate students worldwide. Offers partial to full tuition coverage, living stipends, and research grants.

Other Funding Opportunities:

11. MOE Tuition Grant Scheme: Provides significant tuition fee subsidies to international students admitted to government-funded universities in Singapore. (Note: This is a grant, not a scholarship.)
12. Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA): Open to undergraduate and master’s students in science and engineering. Provides a research grant and monthly stipend. (Note: This is a pre-graduate award, not a scholarship in the traditional sense.)

List Of Alternative English Tests to Study in Singapore without IELTS

General Academic Tests:

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A widely recognized test assessing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in an academic context. Scores typically range from 80-100 for competitive admission. Fees: $180-$300 USD.
2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System): (While you didn’t include it, IELTS is a very common test and should be mentioned.) Assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Scores are reported on a band scale (0-9), with most universities requiring 6.0 or higher. Fees: Similar to TOEFL.
3. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): A computer-based test evaluating speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Scores typically range from 50-70. Fast results (2-5 business days). Fees: $150-$200 USD.
4. Cambridge English Qualifications (C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency): Demonstrates high-level English proficiency. C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) requires a score of 180 or higher; C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE) requires 200 or higher. Fees: $150-$250 USD.
5. Duolingo English Test: An online test assessing all four language skills. Scores typically accepted with a minimum of 100-120. Results available within 48 hours. Fees: $49 USD.
6. IDP English Language Proficiency Test: Offered by IDP Education. Accepted by many Singaporean institutions. Scoring similar to IELTS. Fees: $100-$200 USD.

Specialized Tests:

7. TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication): Primarily for business and professional settings. Some institutions may accept it, especially for related courses. Focuses on listening and reading, with optional speaking and writing sections. Scores typically 700 or higher. Fees: $85-$200 USD.
8. OET (Occupational English Test): Specifically for healthcare professionals. Accepted by some universities for health-related programs. Requires a minimum grade B in all sections. Fees: ~$350 USD.

University-Specific Tests:

9. Language Proficiency Tests (LPTs): Some universities, like NUS and NTU, offer their own English language assessments. These are typically available to applicants who have received an offer of admission. Fees vary.

How To Study In Singapore Without IELTS

Follow this steps to study in Singapore without the hurdles of IELTS IN 2025.

1.Apply to Universities That Do Not Require IELTS

Several reputable universities in Singapore consider applications without IELTS scores if specific criteria are met. These institutions often accept alternative English proficiency tests or grant exemptions based on prior education. Some examples include:

• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
• Singapore Management University (SMU)
• Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
• James Cook University (JCU) Singapore
• Curtin University Singapore

It is crucial to check each university’s specific admission requirements as policies vary.

2. Get The Alternative English Proficiency Tests Accepted in Singapore

If you don’t have an IELTS score, consider these widely accepted alternatives:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A popular option, typically requiring a score between 80-100. Cost: $180 – $300 USD.
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): A computer-based test with a required score generally between 50-70. Cost: $150 – $200 USD.
• Duolingo English Test: A convenient online option, often requiring a score between 100-120. Cost: $49 USD.
• Cambridge English Tests (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency): High-level tests accepted by some universities. Minimum scores: C1 (180+), C2 (200+). Cost: $150 – $250 USD.
• TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication): Often accepted for business programs, typically requiring a score of 700+. Cost: $85 – $200 USD.

Some universities may also administer their own English proficiency tests.

3. Study in English-Medium Schools Before Applying

You may be exempt from IELTS requirements if you’ve completed your previous education in English. This often applies to those who:

• Completed secondary or undergraduate studies at an English-medium institution.
• Studied in countries where English is an official language.
• Can provide a letter from their previous institution confirming instruction was in English.

In these cases, an English Language Proficiency Certificate from your previous school can usually be submitted.

4. Enroll in a University’s English Language Program

Some universities offer preparatory English language courses for students who don’t meet IELTS requirements. These programs help improve English skills before starting a degree program. Examples include programs at NUS, NTU, and SMU. Successful completion of these programs often waives the IELTS requirement.

5. Working and Studying in Singapore:

International students on full-time programs at recognized universities are generally allowed to work part-time (up to 16 hours per week during term time) and full-time during vacations. Studying without IELTS doesn’t affect work eligibility as long as visa requirements are met. Common student jobs include on-campus positions, retail/hospitality work, and freelancing (subject to visa regulations).

6. Apply for Scholarships That Do Not Require IELTS

Several scholarships are available that don’t require IELTS scores. Some examples include:

• Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA): Fully funded for PhD students; IELTS may be waived for English-medium education.
• Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship: Covers tuition and provides a stipend; alternative English proficiency proof may be accepted.
• ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship: Available for ASEAN students; IELTS may be waived for those from English-speaking backgrounds.

7. Visa Process for Studying in Singapore Without IELTS

After gaining university admission, you’ll need a Student Pass (Student Visa). The application process generally involves:

• Receiving an Admission Letter: Obtain an official acceptance letter.
• Applying for a Student Pass: Submit your application through the SOLAR system.
• Preparing Documents: Include Valid passport. Passport-sized photographs. University admission letter. Financial proof showing funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
• Paying Visa Fees: Fees typically range from $30 to $90 USD.
• Attending an Interview (if required): Some applicants may be interviewed.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of international scholarships can feel daunting, especially with language requirements like IELTS. However, as we’ve explored, the prospect of studying in Singapore on a scholarship without an IELTS score is a very real possibility.

From exploring alternative English proficiency tests and leveraging your prior English-medium education to targeting specific scholarships that waive the IELTS requirement, numerous pathways exist to make your Singaporean academic dream a reality.