Are there countries where one can get education without IELTS? Sounds unlikely, right? Yet, Singapore offers excellent education with such many scholarships that are completely funded. This is why Singapore has become one of the most sought-after destinations by international students in 2026.
Are you thinking about studying overseas, but don’t wish to take the IELTS test? This article will help you know about universities, scholarships, eligibility, fees, and applications without any complications. And we have done it using a structured ranking format.
Why Study in Singapore in 2026?
India is a popular destination for studying abroad for Indian students interested in studying in Singapore. This is because Singapore is close to India, resulting in cheaper travel costs and less cultural adjustment difficulties as well.
Key Benefits:
- World-ranked universities with high academic standing
- Education through English medium
- Clean, safe, and multilingual society
- Well-paid career prospects on completion
- Singapore Scholarships 2026 available
Can You Study in Singapore Without IELTS in 2026?
Learning in Singapore without IELTS is possible under specific conditions. Singapore is a highly sought-after country among Indian students who want to study abroad without IELTS certification.
IELTS Alternatives Accepted:
- Certificate in Medium of Instruction (MOI)
- Study in English medium institutes
- TOEFL/Duolingo scores (optional)
- Web-based interview at the university level
Top Universities in Singapore Without IELTS
The Universities in Singapore are very facilitative and have a well-structured system that ensures the overall well-being of students, and especially, the students do not have to waste their time and effort on IELTS; instead, they can directly concentrate on preparing for their university examinations or studying.
Here are some of the best universities where IELTS is not mandatory:
| University Name | Popular Courses | IELTS Alternative |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | Engineering, Business, Data Science | MOI / Interview |
| Nanyang Technological University (NTU) | Technology, AI, Management | TOEFL / MOI |
| Singapore Management University (SMU) | Business, Economics, Law | Interview |
| Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD) | Design, Engineering | MOI |
These universities are among the top-ranked universities in the world.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Singapore 2026
If one is interested in pursuing further studies in Singapore without having to pay a lot of money, the answer lies in scholarships available in Singapore.
Top Scholarships:
| Top Scholarships | ||
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Degree Level |
| Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) | Tuition + Monthly stipend + Airfare | Masters/PhD |
| NUS Scholarships | Full/Partial tuition + Living allowance | UG/PG |
| NTU Research Scholarship | Full funding + Stipend | PG/PhD |
| SMU Global Impact Scholarship | Tuition + Expenses | UG/PG |
| A*STAR Scholarship | Full funding (STEM fields) | Masters/PhD |
These are full scholarships available in Singapore that cover all your costs.
Eligibility Criteria for Singapore Scholarships
In order to apply for scholarships like SINGA, one should have an impressive academic profile (more than 75%). The following are the requirements for gaining admission:
One must satisfy the following criteria to get admission:
- Academic marks between 65-80%
- Evidence of English medium education (MOI)
- Good SOP
- Recommendation letters (LOR)
- Relevant educational background
Required Documents
Each procedure requires verification and documentation; hence, ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork ready before submitting your application:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Valid passport
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
- Updated CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Scholarship application form
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Process)
Start your scholarship application process 6-8 months before admission (January/August 2026).
Follow this simple process:
- Select your university and course
- Check IELTS waiver eligibility
- Prepare all required documents
- Apply through the official university website
- Apply separately for scholarships
- Attend interview (if required)
- Receive admission offer and apply for visa
Cost of Studying in Singapore
Scholarships are awarded to reduce 100% cost. Most fascinating aspect of Singapore is that it offers scholarships worth 100%, that is, there is no cost involved in studying at all.
| Expense Type | Average Cost |
| Tuition Fees | SGD 10,000 – 40,000 per year |
| Living Expenses | SGD 800 – 1500 per month |
Tips to Increase Your Selection Chances
Do you want to enhance your chances of selection? Follow these simple steps to increase your chances of admission and winning scholarships.
- Apply early before deadlines
- Maintain at least 70–80% marks
- Write a strong and clear SOP
- Choose courses relevant to your background
- Apply to multiple universities
Conclusion
An education in Singapore without IELTS in scholarship for Indians in 2026 can be highly rewarding since it has all the necessary resources to give Indians quality education without any financial worries.
Plan ahead and make the right applications while ensuring that you prepare well enough through high-quality documents and SOPs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I study in Singapore without IELTS after 12th?
Yes, some universities accept MOI or conduct interviews instead of IELTS.
2. Is MOI accepted in Singapore universities?
Yes, most universities accept a Medium of Instruction certificate as proof of English proficiency.
3. What GPA is required for Singapore scholarships?
Generally, 65–80% or equivalent GPA is required, but top scholarships prefer higher scores.
4. Is Singapore expensive for Indian students?
It can be expensive, but scholarships can cover most or all expenses.
5. Which is the best scholarship in Singapore?
SINGA and A*STAR are among the best fully funded scholarships.