At the moment, Singapore is turning to be one of the prized destinations for international students, enjoying the best in world-class universities, cutting-edge research environment, and most of all, a unique multicultural atmosphere. One of the prizes for students planning to study in Singapore has to be the scholarships that do not need IELTS scores. So, if you are thinking about studying in Singapore in 2025, here is an all-inclusive guide to the scholarships on offer, eligibility requirements, and details on how you can apply without taking the IELTS.
Studying in Singapore Without IELTS
In fact, in recent years many universities in Singapore have considered waiving the IELTS requirement for overseas students-they tend to be the ones that completed their previous education in English. This greatly helps students from non-English speaking countries who would want to apply without the burden of having to take standardized English tests.
Top-notch universities like National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU) create an avenue for flexibility in the English language criteria. The students of the institutions can suffice with other methods of demonstration of proficiency, such as earlier education in English or an official English Proficiency Certificate issued by the student’s school or university.
The English Proficiency Certificate should state that the medium of instruction during the student’s education was English. Such proofs are usually acceptable instead of standardized test scores like that of IELTS or TOEFL.
Best Scholarships in Singapore for 2025
One of the most prestigious scholarships for international students wanting to pursue a PhD in science and engineering fields is the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA), which is a collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), NUS, NTU, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).
The scholarships are fully funded and cover all costs such as tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, and settlement allowance. IELTS is not mandatory; however, applicants are required to have good command over English, which can be ascertained through academic records or an interview.
For application, students need some basic documents including original passport, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement. The applicant completes the online application through the SINGA portal, generally before December each year.
Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship
NTU offers the Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship to candidates wishing to undertake doctoral studies. The scholarship is highly competitive, providing full tuition fees, stipends, conference allowances, and other benefits.
The university sets the requirement of the IELTS to prove the proficiency of the applicant. However, it could be waived for those who have completed their last educational degree in an English mode. Candidates are expected to have an excellent academic track record, preferably First Class Honours or equivalent.
The application process is online. Applications through the NTU admissions portal usually open in the last quarter of the year for the coming intake.
Amgen Scholars Program at NUS
The Amgen Scholars Program offers many undergraduate students from all over the world the opportunity to pursue hands-on research projects in science and biotechnology at the National University of Singapore. The program is fully funded and will cover flight, accommodation, and a stipend.
While IELTS is not required, students are expected to be academically excellent and demonstrate a strong interest in research. The application procedure normally requires submission of academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal essay.
General Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships
While each scholarship has its own distinct requirements, common criteria to be noted by the applicants would be these. An applicant should possess a reasonably good academic record, often with distinctions or an equivalent honour. They may also need to show proficiency in the English language, either through the medium of instruction for their prior education or by obtaining an English Proficiency Certificate.
For research-based programs, a well-written research proposal and relevant academic or professional references carry great weight in the selection process. It is encouraged for applicants to obtain strong recommendations that speak to their academic or professional experience levels from professors or supervisors who are familiar with their work.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Singapore Without IELTS
Finding out about scholarships in Singapore generally begins with research. Students will need to scrutinize all schools and scholarship programs on their academic aspirations and ensure that an IELTS test is not a compulsory requirement.
Once the options are reduced, the next step is to arrange all the necessary documentation, which may include academic transcripts, certificates, recommendation letters, a valid passport, and an English Proficiency Certificate if applicable.
Usually, applications are duly submitted online through house portals of the university or the scholarship. After submission, students should keep checking their emails for further assistance from the university or the scholarship committee and respond as soon as possible to any other request.
Final Thoughts
Singapore is a dream destination for many students, and now that most of the best scholarships have done away with the silly requirement of taking an IELTS exam, this dream is even more achievable.
By concentrating on academics, getting documents done the right way, and hitting deadlines, international students can actually avail of a fully funded scholarship and experience what it is like to attend the best education that Singapore itself has to offer. Be it state-of-the-art research or interdisciplinary learning, Singapore opens the door to a world of opportunities.