The Singapore Tuition Grant helps eligible undergraduate students reduce their tuition fees at participating universities. However, international students must meet certain eligibility criteria and, if awarded the grant, commit to working for a Singapore entity for three years after graduation.
What is the Singapore Tuition Grant Scheme?
The Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS) is a government initiative introduced by Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) to make higher education more affordable.
Under this scheme, the government subsidises a portion of the tuition fees for eligible students enrolled in approved full-time programmes at participating institutions. Students who receive the grant pay the subsidised tuition fee rather than the full, non-subsidised fee.
The grant is available to eligible Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and international students. However, the eligibility conditions and obligations differ depending on the student’s residency status.
For international students, the grant is not automatic. There is a limited number of grants available, and applications are assessed competitively based on merit.
Important: The Tuition Grant is a fee subsidy, not a scholarship. Students are still required to pay the remaining tuition fees and other applicable charges.
Who is eligible for the Tuition Grant?
The scheme has three categories of grants, depending on the student’s residency status.
| Student category | Grant category | Key conditions |
| Singapore Citizens | Tier A | Automatically awarded to eligible students. No general three-year work bond. |
| Singapore Permanent Residents | Tier B | Can apply voluntarily. Successful applicants must fulfil a three-year work obligation in Singapore. |
| International students | Tier C | Limited grants available. Selection is competitive and merit-based. Successful applicants must fulfil a three-year work obligation in Singapore. |
For Indian students applying to undergraduate programmes in Singapore, Tier C is the relevant category.
Another important eligibility condition is that students must not have previously completed an equal or higher-level qualification with a Singapore Government subsidy or sponsorship that makes them ineligible for another grant.
What is the three-year bond requirement?
One of the most important conditions of the Tuition Grant for international students is the three-year work obligation.
Students who accept a Tier C Tuition Grant must sign a Tuition Grant Agreement with the Singapore Government. Under this agreement, they are contractually required to:
- Secure employment with a Singapore entity after graduation.
- Work for a Singapore entity for three years.
- Fulfil the conditions specified in their Tuition Grant Agreement.
The university does not necessarily guarantee employment after graduation. Students are responsible for securing a job that fulfils the agreement’s requirements.
Students should therefore consider this commitment before accepting the grant. It is important to understand that the subsidy comes with a post-graduation obligation, rather than being a fee reduction without conditions.
How do international students apply for the Tuition Grant?
The application process generally involves two stages: indicating your interest during university admission and completing the formal Tuition Grant application after receiving an admission offer.
Step 1: Indicate your interest during the university application
At universities such as NTU, NUS and SMU, international applicants are asked to indicate whether they wish to apply for the MOE Tuition Grant as part of their admission application.
If you wish to be considered, you must opt in and agree to the conditions, including the three-year work obligation.
Step 2: Receive the university’s decision
If you are offered admission with a Tuition Grant, you will need to accept both the university place and the grant offer.
Remember that an admission offer does not necessarily mean that you have been awarded a Tuition Grant. International students may receive an offer on a non-subsidised, full-fee-paying basis.
Step 3: Complete the formal application
After accepting the grant offer and enrolling at the university, you will need to complete the formal registration process through MOE’s Tuition Grant and Scholarships portal.
The university will communicate the relevant application dates and instructions. International students will generally need their Student’s Pass and Singpass to access the portal.
Step 4: Sign the Tuition Grant Agreement
You and your nominated sureties will need to complete the agreement through the MOE portal within the stipulated period. The grant process is not complete until the required application and agreement formalities have been fulfilled.
Failure to complete these requirements within the prescribed deadlines may result in the student being charged non-subsidised tuition fees.
Do all Singapore universities ask about the Tuition Grant during admission?
Not necessarily in exactly the same way. However, several major autonomous universities ask Permanent Residents and international students to indicate their intention to apply for the Tuition Grant during the admission process.
The important point for applicants is to check the university’s admission instructions carefully. Do not assume that you can decide whether to apply for the grant only after joining the university.
What should students know about the Tuition Grant Agreement?
Before accepting the grant, international students should understand the following:
- Three-year work commitment: You must work for a Singapore entity for three years after graduation.
- Sureties: The agreement requires sureties. The number and eligibility conditions should be checked against the applicable MOE instructions. NTU, for example, specifies two sureties.
- Signing deadlines: Both the student and the required sureties must complete the agreement within the stipulated period.
- Previous government subsidies: Having previously received a Singapore Government subsidy or sponsorship for another qualification may affect your eligibility.
- Financial consequences: Failure to fulfil the contractual obligations can result in liability for liquidated damages under the agreement.
Students should read the agreement carefully and understand the financial implications of accepting the grant before committing to it.
What should you consider before applying?
The Singapore Tuition Grant can significantly reduce the cost of an undergraduate education in Singapore. However, for international students, accepting the grant also means committing to work for a Singapore entity for three years after graduation.
Before applying, make sure you:
- Check your eligibility: Confirm that your chosen university and undergraduate programme are covered under the Tuition Grant Scheme.
- Compare tuition fees: Check the subsidised and non-subsidised fees on the university’s official website to understand the financial benefit.
- Understand the work bond: Consider whether you are comfortable working in Singapore for three years after graduation.
- Check the application process: Review your university’s admission instructions and note the deadlines for opting in, accepting the grant and signing the agreement.
- Read the agreement carefully: Understand the obligations, surety requirements and financial consequences of not fulfilling the bond.
If you are considering undergraduate studies in Singapore, explore the Tuition Grant early in your university application process. Visit the Singapore Ministry of Education’s official website and your chosen university’s website for the latest eligibility criteria, fees and application instructions.
