Call for Nominations: Singapore Australia Awards

The Singapore Australia Awards support Singapore citizens to pursue fully funded postgraduate study in Australia, building future leaders in the Indo-Pacific. The scholarships focus on priority fields such as climate, security, AI, public policy, and public health, while strengthening long-term people-to-people links between Australia and Singapore.

Overview of the Singapore Australia Awards

The Singapore Australia Awards are a flagship component of the Australia Awards Scholarships program, designed to support the next generation of global leaders in the Indo-Pacific region.

These scholarships enable high-achieving Singapore citizens to undertake postgraduate study at Australian tertiary institutions, equipping them with advanced knowledge, leadership skills, and international networks that contribute to Singapore’s development and regional cooperation.

The awards are delivered under the Australia–Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting a shared commitment to education, leadership development, and enduring bilateral ties.

Strategic Context and Partnership Significance

The scholarships were announced alongside the renewal of the Australia–Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2025.

They recognise Singapore’s role as a regional hub for innovation, policy, and economic leadership, while strengthening people-to-people connections between Australia and Singapore through long-term academic and professional engagement.

Recipients join a prestigious alumni network across Southeast Asia and beyond, extending the impact of the scholarship well beyond the study period.

Priority Fields of Study

The Singapore Australia Awards prioritise disciplines that align with regional challenges and future-focused leadership needs.

Priority fields include:

• Climate and energy
• Trade and economics
• International security
• Cyber security
• Artificial intelligence
• Business and management
• Public policy and governance
• Public health

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their proposed study aligns with these priority areas and contributes to positive change in Singapore and the wider Indo-Pacific.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Singapore Australia Awards provide comprehensive financial and academic support for the approved duration of study.

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients receive:

• Return air travel between Singapore and Australia
• Establishment allowance on arrival
• Full tuition fees for the approved program
• Contribution to living expenses for the duration of study
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Participation in an introductory academic program
• Supplementary academic support where required
• Fieldwork allowances for compulsory research components

The award covers the minimum period required to complete the approved academic program, including any necessary preparatory training.

Study Levels and Commencement

The scholarships support postgraduate qualifications at Australian institutions.

Eligible Programs

• Master’s degree by coursework
• Master’s degree by research
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Start Dates

• Semester 1, 2027
• Semester 2, 2027

Who Is Eligible?

Citizenship and Academic Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a citizen of Singapore
• Hold a completed undergraduate degree
• Meet all requirements in the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook
• Satisfy Singapore-specific eligibility conditions

English Language Requirements

English language proficiency is required only if English was not the language of instruction during undergraduate study.

Accepted tests:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• PTE

Test results must have been obtained on or after 1 January 2024.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must:

• Complete all required sections of the application form
• Submit all supporting documents by the deadline
• Meet academic admission requirements of the chosen Australian institution

Why the Singapore Australia Awards Matter

These scholarships are more than financial support for study abroad.

They aim to:

• Develop future leaders in priority sectors
• Strengthen regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
• Build long-term institutional and professional networks
• Enhance Singapore’s capacity in critical policy and technical fields
• Deepen people-to-people links between Australia and Singapore

How the Application and Selection Process Works

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Review eligibility criteria in the Policy Handbook and Singapore guidelines

2. Identify an eligible postgraduate program at an Australian institution

3. Prepare required documents, including academic records and statements

4. Submit the online application through the OASIS system

5. Ensure the application uses the full legal name as shown on the passport

6. Submit before the official deadline

Selection and Assessment

Following eligibility screening:

• Applications are shortlisted
• Only shortlisted candidates are contacted
• Shortlisted applicants attend an interview

Assessment criteria include:

• Academic competence
• Leadership qualities
• Relevant professional experience
• Potential to drive positive change in Singapore
• Ability to strengthen Australia–Singapore people-to-people links

Successful candidates are expected to be notified in late 2026, subject to Australian Government requirements.

Preparatory and Post-Selection Requirements

Successful applicants must participate in mandatory preparatory activities, including:

• Course counselling
• Pre-departure briefings
• Introductory academic programs
• Required training upon arrival in Australia

These activities ensure scholars are academically and culturally prepared for study in Australia.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the application deadline
• Submitting incomplete documentation
• Using a name that does not match the passport
• Providing outdated English test results
• Failing to align the study plan with priority fields
• Omitting research proposals or supervisor evidence for research degrees

Key Dates and Deadline

• Applications close: 30 April 2026
• Closing time: 14:00 AEST
• Study commencement: 2027 (Semester 1 or 2)

Late applications are not accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the Singapore Australia Awards?

They are fully funded postgraduate scholarships for Singapore citizens to study at Australian tertiary institutions under the Australia Awards program.

2. Who can apply for these scholarships?

Only Singapore citizens with an undergraduate degree who meet all policy and country-specific requirements are eligible.

3. What levels of study are supported?

The awards support master’s by coursework, master’s by research, and PhD programs.

4. What expenses does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel, health insurance, establishment allowance, and approved academic and fieldwork support.

5. Is English language testing mandatory?

Only applicants whose undergraduate education was not conducted in English need to submit IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE results from 1 January 2024 onwards.

6. How are candidates selected?

Selection is based on academic merit, leadership potential, professional experience, and the applicant’s ability to contribute to Singapore and strengthen bilateral ties.

7. Where do applicants submit their applications?

All applications must be submitted online through the OASIS system with required supporting documents.

Conclusion

The Singapore Australia Awards represent a prestigious opportunity for Singapore citizens to pursue world-class postgraduate education in Australia while building leadership capacity and regional influence. By investing in future leaders across priority sectors, the program strengthens both individual careers and the enduring partnership between Australia and Singapore.