2019 Scholarships for International Students in Singapore

With the cost of education rising in many international schools in Singapore, who doesn’t want to get their tuition fees paid for? The good news is that there is a small percentage of secondary schools in Singapore offering a range of scholarships to 'deserving' students. Some of Singapore’s top schools have a scholarship programme that typically covers the tuition fees for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and in some cases the two-year IGCSE programme. There are also art and sports scholarships available.

Jolene Lee, marketing manager for EtonHouse International Schools, offers an insight into why schools decide to award financial aid.

“EtonHouse has decided to offer scholarships to give back to society and nurture excellence amongst the community, rewarding students who are academically excellent, whether expatriates or Singaporeans. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, as well as to students who demonstrate strong character and leadership qualities.”

Who are scholarships awarded to?

Competition for scholarships is often high and the application process can be rigorous. Scholarships are typically awarded to students aged 14-17 in Years 10-13, regardless of nationality. International students are eligible to apply for most scholarship schemes, but most schools require students to have a Dependent’s Pass. In most cases, scholarships are available to both new and existing students at a school.

What do scholarships cover?

Scholarships range from 10% to 100% of the tuition fees; some will also cover the cost of items such as MacBooks, but not all. Parents will typically have to pay for additional fees such as uniform, books, building fund fees and capital levy.

How and when should I apply?

Schools typically require you to apply by March prior to the start of the academic year in September.

Each school has its own requirements and you should refer to the school’s website for information about who qualifies for the scholarship and how to apply – and always meet the application deadline.

Most schools require you to apply with the following:

• A one-page essay by the student expressing why they believe they deserves this scholarship
• Letters of recommendation from the student’s secondary school teachers or administrators
• An official transcript for the student’s past two years of study
• Sporting or musical achievements and/or sport certificates (if any), and sports trials if relevant

How long do scholarships last?

Most scholarships are awarded for two years, and cover either the IGCSE or IBDP programmes.

Are there any non-academic scholarships available in Singapore?

Students can apply for a swimming scholarship at Nexus International School (Singapore) (NISS). All scholarships will be for an initial two years and will be re-assessed at the end of that period. Entries are invited from children of any age, but will usually not be considered for those under 10 years of age.

Which schools in Singapore offer scholarships?

Click here for a roundup of schools that offer scholarships in Singapore