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The National University of Singapore (NUS) consistently ranks as Asia’s top-ranked university and among the leading research institutions globally. For prospective graduate students seeking advanced degrees in science, engineering, computing, medicine, humanities, and social sciences, NUS Graduate School (NUSGS) Scholarships provide world-class fully funded pathways for Master’s by Research and Ph.D. programs.
These flagship awards—including the NUS Research Scholarship and the President’s Graduate Fellowship (PGF)—cover full tuition fees, provide high monthly stipends, and offer arrival allowances without requiring a post-graduation employment service bond.
This comprehensive guide details the scholarship tiers, eligibility rules, financial coverage, required application documents, and step-by-step application instructions for the 2027 academic intakes.
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Key NUS Graduate Scholarship Schemes
NUS offers multiple competitive funding pathways depending on academic performance, research potential, and degree level:
1. NUS Research Scholarship
The primary university-wide award for international and local students admitted to full-time research-based Master’s or Ph.D. programs.
- Degree Levels: Master’s by Research (up to 2 years) & Ph.D. (up to 4 years).
- Selection: Evaluated directly during the graduate admission application process.
2. President’s Graduate Fellowship (PGF)
The most prestigious doctoral award at NUS, reserved for exceptional Ph.D. applicants who demonstrate outstanding research promise and academic leadership.
- Degree Level: Full-time Ph.D. programs (up to 4 years).
- Selection: Offered via faculty/department nomination only—direct separate applications are not required.
Financial Coverage & Scholarship Benefits
| Benefit Component | NUS Research Scholarship (International) | President’s Graduate Fellowship (PGF) |
| Tuition Fee Coverage | 100% full tuition waiver | 100% full tuition waiver |
| Monthly Stipend (Master’s) | S$2,900 / month | N/A (Ph.D. candidates only) |
| Monthly Stipend (Ph.D. Pre-QE) | S$3,000 / month | S$3,900 / month |
| Monthly Stipend (Ph.D. Post-QE) | S$3,500 / month (after passing Qualifying Exam) | S$3,900 / month |
| Airfare Allowance | Varies by department/grant | Up to S$750 (one-time economy airfare) |
| Settling-In Allowance | Departmental dependent | S$1,000 (one-off arrival grant) |
| Service Bond | No post-graduation bond | No post-graduation bond |
(Note: Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents receive higher base stipend tiers ranging from S$3,000 to S$3,800/month plus CPF contributions).
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for graduate research funding at NUS for the 2027 intake, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Academic Credentials:
- Holds (or expects to complete) an undergraduate degree with at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division), Honors with Distinction, or an equivalent academic qualification from a recognized university.
- A strong relevant Master’s degree is highly advantageous for Ph.D. applicants.
- Admission Status: Must apply for and gain admission to a full-time Master’s by Research or Ph.D. program at NUS.
- English Language Proficiency:
- Non-native English speakers must submit valid TOEFL iBT (minimum 85–88 dependent on department) or IELTS Academic (minimum overall band 6.0–6.5) test scores.
- Standardized Test Scores (GRE/GMAT):
- Required or strongly recommended by select faculties (e.g., School of Computing, NUS Business School, College of Design and Engineering).
Required Application Documents Checklist
All supporting documents must be submitted electronically via the NUS Graduate Admission Portal (GDA3):
- Degree Certificates & Official Transcripts: Verified copies of all tertiary qualifications with certified English translations if applicable.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A concise 1–2 page essay detailing your academic background, research interests, career motivations, and reasons for choosing NUS.
- Research Proposal: Outline of proposed research scope, objectives, methodology, and target supervisors.
- Academic Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting research achievements, publications, patents, awards, and technical skills.
- Two Academic Recommendation Letters: Submitted directly by university professors or research supervisors via the online portal.
- Official Test Score Reports: TOEFL/IELTS and GRE/GMAT scores (uploaded and sent via institutional codes where required).
Step-by-Step Application Process
1.Identify Target Research Advisors & Department:Recommended 2–3 months prior to portal closing.
Explore the NUS Graduate School faculty directory and individual department pages. Identify potential thesis advisors whose active research projects match your interest and reach out via email with your CV and a research summary.
2.Register on the Graduate Admission System (GDA3):Official NUS Portal Entry.
Create an applicant profile on the official NUS Graduate Admission System during the open application window for your intended intake.
3.Indicate Scholarship Interest on Application:Crucial Funding Selection.
While completing your admission forms, check the box indicating your request for the NUS Research Scholarship. Top applicants checked for this box are automatically evaluated for the President’s Graduate Fellowship (PGF) via faculty nomination.
4.Upload Supporting Dossier & Submit Referees:Document Verification.
Upload clear PDF scans of your transcripts, test scores, research proposal, and statement of purpose. Input official institutional email addresses for your two academic referees.
5.Pay the Application Fee & Submit:Per application track.
Complete payment of the non-refundable application fee (typically S$50 per program) and finalize your electronic submission before the deadline.
6.Departmental Interview & Research Assessment:Mid-cycle evaluation.
Shortlisted candidates undergo technical interviews (conducted via Zoom/Teams) with departmental faculty panels. Offers released indicate both admission and scholarship award details.
Application Timeline for 2027 Intakes
NUS admits research graduate students across two annual intake periods:
| Admission Intake | Online Application Window | Results Announcement | Term Start |
| January 2027 Intake | May 2026 – August 1, 2026 | October – November 2026 | January 2027 |
| August 2027 Intake | October 2026 – November 15, 2026 | March – May 2027 | August 2027 |
(Note: Exact closing dates vary slightly by faculty or school; always verify deadlines on specific department portals).
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FAQ’s
Do international students on NUS Research Scholarships have a teaching requirement?
Yes, international Ph.D. scholars receiving the NUS Research Scholarship or PGF participate in the Graduate Assistantship Programme (GAP), completing up to 312 hours of teaching assistantship or laboratory tutoring duties across their candidature.
Is a separate application needed for the President’s Graduate Fellowship (PGF)?
No. Candidates cannot apply directly for PGF. All applicants who apply for Ph.D. admission and select scholarship consideration are automatically reviewed, and the department nominates the most outstanding applicants.
Are these scholarships bonded?
No. Neither the NUS Research Scholarship nor the President’s Graduate Fellowship carries a post-graduation employment bond. Recipients are free to pursue employment or postdoctoral research anywhere worldwide upon graduation.
ScholarshipsHive Final Tip:
When preparing your research proposal for NUS, tailor your problem statement directly to the ongoing research focus of your target laboratory or department. Demonstrating prior familiarity with recent published papers from NUS faculty members is one of the strongest ways to stand out during scholarship nominations.
Official Links & Resources
- NUS Graduate School (NUSGS) Portal: https://nusgs.nus.edu.sg
- NUS Research Scholarship Overview: https://nusgs.nus.edu.sg/scholarships/nus-research-scholarship
- NUS Graduate Admission System (GDA3): https://nusu.miraheze.org/wiki/Graduate_Admission_System
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