Scholarships

Financial Assistance

Scholarships

Full scholarships covering registration and tuition fees, and including a stipend are available to outstanding candidates. 

PhD scholarship

Citizenship

Monthly Stipend Before Qualifying Examination*

Monthly Stipend After Qualifying Examination*

Singapore CitizenS$3,200S$3,700
Singapore Permanent ResidentS$2,800S$3,300
Foreign StudentS$2,500S$3,000

MPhil scholarship

Citizenship

Monthly Stipend

Singapore CitizenS$3,200
Singapore Permanent ResidentS$2,400
Foreign StudentS$2,300

Notes:

  • The monthly stipend rates are from 1 January 2024 onwards.
  • From August 2015, Singapore Citizens will be provided with 17% CPF contribution.
  • The scholarships are renewable yearly, condition on good academic performance, for the first 4 years of the PhD candidature.
  • Beyond the scholarship duration, students may receive continued support through research assistantships and teaching assistantships or industry grants at SMU.
  • Scholarship recipient must pass the Qualifying Examination before the 25th day of the month to be eligible for stipend increment in the next immediate month.

Conference Funding

Students are encouraged to attend academic conferences, and to present research papers at conferences. PhD students with papers accepted for presentation at reputable conferences may apply for funding up to a maximum of S$4,000.


Presidential Doctoral Fellowship

Presidential Doctoral Fellowships are awarded to exceptionally qualified PhD students. Students awarded the fellowship receive a higher monthly stipend for one year, and research trip support. 

For more details on scholarships, fellowships and other financial assistance schemes, please click here. 


Postgraduate Insurance

For more information on Postgraduate Insurance, please click here.