The Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship (NPGS) 2027–2028 at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, offers international students a fully funded PhD scholarship with a monthly stipend of S$4,300, full tuition coverage, and additional research allowances. Applications are open from 1 November to 31 December 2026. Applicants to NTU’s National Institute of Education (NIE) have a separate application period from 2 November to 30 December 2026.
The scholarship welcomes applicants of all nationalities, including final-year undergraduate students. However, candidates must hold an Honours (Highest Distinction) degree or equivalent, or provide official evidence that they are on track to achieve one. NPGS is awarded through university nomination, not a separate scholarship application. Candidates must apply for an eligible full-time PhD programme and be selected through NTU’s nomination and evaluation process.
Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship 2027–2028: Overview
| Scholarship details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship (NPGS) |
| Host university | Nanyang Technological University |
| Country | Singapore |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 |
| Degree level | Full-time PhD |
| Eligible nationalities | All nationalities |
| International student stipend | S$4,300 per month |
| Tuition fees | Covered |
| Maximum scholarship duration | 4 years, subject to renewal and funding |
| General application deadline | 31 December 2026 |
| NIE application deadline | 30 December 2026 |
| Scholarship bond | None |
| Selection | University nomination and interview |
What does the Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship cover?
The NPGS provides financial support for doctoral students, including a monthly living stipend, tuition coverage, and allowances for academic activities.
NTU revised its monthly stipend rates with effect from January 2026. The published amounts differ according to citizenship or residency status.
| Student category | Monthly stipend | Annual equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore citizens | S$5,300 | S$63,600 |
| Singapore permanent residents | S$4,800 | S$57,600 |
| International students | S$4,300 | S$51,600 |
The annual equivalents are calculated from 12 monthly payments. They are not separate annual grants.
For international students, the published monthly stipend represents S$206,400 over 48 months at the current rate, assuming uninterrupted funding for the maximum four-year period. This is an illustration, not a guaranteed total award.
Additional scholarship allowances
| Benefit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition fees | Covered |
| Overseas conference allowance | Up to S$5,000 per financial year |
| Book allowance | S$500 annually |
| IT allowance | S$1,500 once |
| Thesis allowance | S$600 once, during final-year scholarship renewal |
| Campus accommodation | Priority consideration |
The revised overseas conference allowance applies from April 2026.
The conference allowance is a maximum allocation, not an automatic cash payment. Similarly, priority for campus accommodation does not mean that housing is free or guaranteed.
Are all university fees covered? NPGS covers annual tuition fees, but this does not mean every expense is waived. NTU’s National Institute of Education specifically states that students must pay miscellaneous fees, which are not covered by the scholarship. Applicants should check the relevant fee schedule and accommodation costs before planning their living budget in Singapore.
NTU initially awards the scholarship for one year. Renewal depends on satisfactory progress, the school’s determination, and the availability of research funding. The maximum period is four years.
There is no employment bond attached to NPGS. However, international scholarship recipients must undertake teaching or laboratory supervision duties under NTU’s Graduate Assistantship Programme (GAP).
NTU also reserves the right to revise scholarship coverage and stipend amounts.
Fields of Study and Research Areas at NTU
The Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship supports outstanding applicants pursuing full-time PhD research at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. NTU offers doctoral programmes across engineering, sciences, business, humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary research.
Applicants can explore PhD opportunities in areas such as:
| Major field | Examples of research disciplines |
|---|---|
| Engineering and Technology | Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Materials Science |
| Computing and Data Science | Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computing |
| Natural and Physical Sciences | Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Environmental Sciences |
| Business and Management | Business, Management, and related doctoral research |
| Humanities and Social Sciences | Economics, Psychology, Sociology, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, and Communication Studies |
| Arts and Design | Art, Design, Media, and creative research |
| Education | Educational Research, Learning Sciences, Curriculum Studies, and Science Education |
| Interdisciplinary Research | Research projects combining expertise from multiple academic disciplines |
These are examples of NTU’s research disciplines, not a separate list of guaranteed NPGS-funded projects. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their chosen PhD programme and be considered through NTU’s scholarship nomination process.
Research opportunities at the National Institute of Education (NIE)
Applicants interested in education-related research can explore PhD programmes through NTU’s National Institute of Education.
NIE identifies research areas including Asian Languages and Cultures, English Language and Literature, Humanities and Social Studies Education, Learning Sciences and Assessment, Mathematics and Mathematics Education, Natural Sciences and Science Education, Physical Education and Sports Science, Policy, Curriculum and Leadership, and Psychology and Child and Human Development.
Students interested in education, psychology, economics, sustainability, or social science research may also explore the University of Exeter ESRC SWDTP PhD Studentships 2027 in the UK. These studentships provide tuition and living-cost support for eligible doctoral researchers, including a limited number of international applicants. Applications close on 12 January 2027.
Who is eligible for the NTU NPGS Scholarship?
Applicants must satisfy the scholarship’s academic requirements and the admission requirements of their chosen PhD programme.
The principal NPGS eligibility conditions are:
- Applicants from all nationalities may apply.
- Candidates must have an Honours (Highest Distinction) degree or an equivalent qualification at bachelor’s level.
- Final-year undergraduate students may apply if their university officially confirms that they are on track to achieve the required distinction.
- Applicants must seek admission to a full-time PhD programme at NTU.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a scholarship nomination.
Important note for NIE applicants: Although NPGS is open to all nationalities, NTU’s National Institute of Education states that preference is given to Singapore citizens and permanent residents. International applicants remain eligible, but they should be aware of this published preference when considering scholarship opportunities at NIE.
Applicants exploring other funded doctoral programmes can also consider the HBKU Scholarship 2027 in Qatar, which offers graduate funding opportunities across several disciplines. Selected international PhD students may receive a monthly stipend of 9,000 QAR, depending on their programme and funding eligibility. The application deadline for international students is 1 February 2027.
Can you apply without a master’s degree?
The central NPGS scholarship page specifies a bachelor’s-level academic distinction but does not establish one universal master’s-degree requirement for every NTU PhD programme.
Individual programmes can impose additional admission conditions.
For example, NTU’s National Institute of Education requires PhD applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree with honours at least at Second Class Upper level and a relevant master’s degree, alongside demonstrated research ability.
Therefore, applicants with only a bachelor’s degree should verify the entry requirements of their intended school before assuming they are eligible for direct PhD admission.
If your intended PhD programme recommends contacting a supervisor, prepare a short email explaining your academic background, research interests, and why the professor’s work is relevant to your proposed PhD. Our guide on how to email a professor for PhD opportunities includes examples and practical advice for approaching potential supervisors.
English language and GRE requirements
NTU’s language and standardized testing requirements depend on the school and programme.
For applicants to the National Institute of Education, the published PhD research admission requirements include:
| Test | NIE PhD requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS | Minimum overall score of 7.0 |
| TOEFL | Minimum 5.0 for tests from 21 January 2026, or 100 under the earlier scoring system |
| GRE | Minimum 319 combined Verbal and Quantitative, plus 3.5 Analytical Writing |
| GATE | At least 90%, accepted for applicants from India in place of GRE |
NIE requires in-person test results and does not accept GRE Home Edition or online TOEFL/IELTS tests. Its published rules also provide exemptions for qualifying graduates of Singapore’s autonomous universities and certain English-medium graduates.
For other NTU schools, the university’s general research admission guide describes GRE, GMAT, and GATE as optional unless the chosen programme specifically requires them.
Applicants should therefore check their school’s requirements rather than applying NIE’s test thresholds to every NTU PhD programme.
English-language test exemption: NIE states that applicants who completed their bachelor’s or master’s degree entirely in English are not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. The academic transcript should identify English as the medium of instruction. Otherwise, applicants must obtain an official statement from their university confirming this. This exemption concerns English-language testing; it does not automatically waive GRE or GATE requirements.
Required documents for the NPGS application
NTU lists the following supporting documents for scholarship consideration:
- Identification documents.
- Academic qualifications, including original-language records and official English translations where applicable.
- A research proposal.
- Two referee reports.
- A résumé or academic CV.
- Research publications, where applicable.
- English-language or standardized test scores where required by the programme.
Final-year applicants must also provide official university documentation confirming their expected degree classification.
Additional documents may be required by your school. NTU’s general research admission guide also lists a personal statement describing the applicant’s academic background, research interests, and goals. Applicants to programmes under the College of Engineering, College of Science, and Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme must also submit a short video essay. Check your intended programme’s current application instructions for the applicable format and submission requirements.
If your chosen NTU programme requires a personal statement, focus on how your academic preparation, research experience, and intended PhD direction fit the programme. Our guide on writing a statement of purpose for master’s and PhD applications provides examples of how to present these connections clearly. Follow NTU’s actual application prompts rather than assuming a standard SOP format applies.
The research proposal deserves particular attention because it allows applicants to demonstrate the research problem they want to investigate, their proposed approach, and its relevance to the intended academic field.
If you are still developing your research idea, our detailed guide on how to write a PhD research proposal explains how to identify a research gap, develop research questions, choose appropriate methods, and prepare a realistic research plan. Follow your NTU programme’s specific proposal requirements when preparing the final document.
For NIE applicants, the online system contacts referees after submission. Referees are expected to complete their reports within seven days of receiving the request, making early coordination important.
How to apply for the Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship 2027–2028
Applications are submitted through NTU’s official graduate admissions system. There is no separate NPGS scholarship form.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose a PhD programme. Review the research areas, academic requirements, and available supervisors at your intended NTU school.
Explore the NTU Graduate Program List and School
Step 2: Check your eligibility. Confirm that your academic qualifications satisfy both the PhD admission criteria and the NPGS scholarship requirements.
Step 3: Prepare your application documents. Complete your research proposal, academic CV, transcripts, and required test results. Contact your referees early.
Step 4: Submit your PhD application and request scholarship consideration. Complete the official NTU graduate admission form and indicate your interest in the “NTU Scholarship” option. NPGS does not require a separate scholarship application. The university will assess eligible candidates through its nomination and selection process.
Apply Here for Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship 2027
Step 5: Complete any additional assessment. Candidates shortlisted for NPGS may be invited to an interview as part of the university’s nomination and selection process.
For the National Institute of Education (NIE), Interested applicants may submit their applications through the Graduate Programmes Application Exercise | National Institute of Education (NIE) | NTU Singapore during the application period.
For NIE research programmes, the published application fee is S$50, including GST. Applicants should also budget for any other applicable admission expenses.
NTU’s NIE application guidance confirms that scholarship consideration is requested through the admission form rather than a separate scholarship application.
How are Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship recipients selected?
NPGS recognizes applicants with exceptional academic, research, and leadership qualities.
The official scholarship process involves nomination, shortlisting, an interview, and university evaluation. NTU does not publish a numerical scoring formula or a guaranteed academic ranking that secures an award.
Applicants should distinguish between meeting the minimum eligibility conditions and demonstrating a strong scholarship profile.
A research proposal that identifies a clear problem, a relevant academic background, documented research experience, and credible references can help reviewers assess the qualities NTU says it values.
Leadership experience may also be relevant, but applicants should describe actual responsibilities and outcomes rather than making unsupported claims.
Successful candidates receive their scholarship outcome alongside the admission offer by email.
Applicants who are asked to explain their research motivation in a written statement or interview should use specific examples from their academic work rather than general claims about ambition. Our guide on how to write a scholarship motivation letter provides examples of explaining academic goals and relevant achievements. A separate motivation letter is not a standard NPGS requirement, so submit one only if your programme requests it.
Careers Help Desk Counter Angle: Admission eligibility and scholarship nomination are different decisions
One of the most important issues for NPGS applicants is the difference between qualifying for PhD admission and being competitive for the scholarship.
An applicant may satisfy a department’s minimum entry requirements without meeting the NPGS expectation of Honours (Highest Distinction) or equivalent. Even an academically eligible candidate is not automatically nominated.
This matters particularly for international applicants whose universities use different grading systems.
Rather than assuming a particular GPA or percentage automatically qualifies as Highest Distinction, applicants should obtain an official explanation of their degree classification where necessary and ask the intended NTU school how equivalence is assessed.
NTU’s research admission guidance also emphasizes academic preparation and research suitability. Applicants should identify a relevant research group or potential supervisor and assess whether their proposed research fits the programme.
For NIE applicants, contacting a potential supervisor before applying is specifically recommended by the institute.
The practical priority is to confirm both academic eligibility and research fit before the application deadline. A well-prepared proposal cannot compensate for an unmet mandatory admission requirement.
Ready to Apply for NTU Scholarship in Singapore
The Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship 2027–2028 provides substantial funding for students seeking a research-focused PhD in Singapore. Its S$4,300 monthly stipend for international students, tuition coverage, additional allowances, and absence of an employment bond make it worth considering. However, the scholarship’s academic distinction requirement and nomination-based selection process mean that applicants should evaluate their eligibility carefully.
Before submitting, confirm the requirements of your chosen PhD programme, prepare a research proposal aligned with the relevant academic field, and arrange your references and supporting documents well ahead of the deadline. For official details and application access, visit the NTU Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship website
Official application links
- Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship – Official NTU Page
- NTU Research Programmes Admission Guide and Application Instructions
- NIE August 2027 Graduate Application Exercise
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. NPGS covers annual tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend of S$4,300 for international students under the published rates effective January 2026. It also includes specified academic allowances. However, students may still have expenses not covered by the award, including accommodation and miscellaneous fees.
2. Can international students apply for NPGS 2027–2028?
Yes. NTU accepts applicants of all nationalities. International students must meet the academic and programme-specific admission requirements and undertake Graduate Assistantship Programme duties if awarded the scholarship.
3. Is a separate scholarship application required?
No. Applicants indicate their interest in scholarship consideration through their PhD admission application. NPGS recipients are selected through a nomination process, which includes interviews for shortlisted candidates.
4. Can final-year bachelor’s students apply?
Yes. Final-year undergraduate students can apply if they provide official confirmation from their university that they are on track to graduate with Honours (Highest Distinction) or an equivalent qualification. They must also meet the admission conditions of their intended PhD programme.
5. What is the NPGS deadline for 2027–2028?
The general NPGS application deadline is 31 December 2026. For applicants to NTU’s National Institute of Education, the deadline is 30 December 2026. NTU has not specified an exact closing time on the main scholarship page.
6. Do applicants need to contact a supervisor before applying?
NTU’s National Institute of Education advises research applicants to contact a potential supervisor before submitting their application. Applicants to other NTU schools should follow their respective programme instructions. Contacting a supervisor does not guarantee admission or scholarship nomination.
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