Quick Scholarship Snapshot

About the Nanyang President Graduate Scholarship (NPGS)

The NPGS is awarded to exceptional graduates and final-year students who show outstanding academic records and research potential. Successful candidates are usually those with a clear research plan, strong recommendations, and a demonstrated ability to contribute to NTU’s research environment. The scholarship is intended for PhD candidates only — master’s level programs are not covered under NPGS.

NTU is a global research university with strong emphasis on science, engineering, business, and interdisciplinary research. The NPGS enables NTU to attract the very best doctoral candidates and to support their development into future research leaders.

What the NPGS Covers — Financial & Academic Support

NPGS recipients receive a comprehensive funding package that typically includes:

• Full tuition fees for the duration of the PhD program (subject to satisfactory progress).
• Generous annual allowance (typical reported equivalent ~S$66,000 per year covering stipend, research and living allowances — see breakdown below).
• Monthly stipend: STEM disciplines: up to S$6,700 (Singapore citizens) and typically around S$5,000 for international students; SSH disciplines: lower but competitive monthly stipends are available.
• Conference & travel allowance: up to S$4,000 per year to support international conferences and fieldwork.
• Book & IT allowance: annual book allowance (~S$500) and a one-time IT grant (approx. S$1,500) to support research needs.
• Thesis allowance: one-time support (~S$600) in the final year for printing and submission costs.
• Priority access to campus housing and other graduate facilities where available.

The scholarship tenure usually spans up to four years for PhD candidates, contingent on progress and NTU regulations.

Eligibility Criteria — Who Should Apply

To be considered for NPGS 2026 you should demonstrate the following:

• Be a Singapore national or an international applicant eligible to enroll in a full-time PhD at NTU.
• Hold an undergraduate honours degree (Highest Distinction) or an equivalent top-ranking Bachelor’s degree; finalists in their last undergraduate year must provide evidence they are predicted to graduate with Highest Distinction or equivalent.
• Demonstrate strong research potential through publications, research experience, or a compelling research proposal.
• Be prepared to undertake graduate assistantship duties (teaching or laboratory supervision) if required under NTU’s Graduate Assistantship Programme.

NTU expects NPGS recipients to be high-caliber researchers who will contribute to the university’s research goals and produce internationally recognized outputs during their candidature.

Required Documents — What to Prepare

Prepare the following documents early to ensure a complete application:

• Completed NTU PhD application form (online).
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (certified copies and translations if not in English).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing research experience, publications, projects, and relevant work.
• Research proposal or statement of research interests outlining objectives, methodology, and expected contributions.
• Two or more academic references (strong letters from supervisors or lecturers).
• Proof of final-year standing or expected graduation (for finalists).
• Passport copy and any required identification documents.

Additional department-specific forms or requirements may apply — always confirm details on your intended school/department page.

How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to submit a competitive NPGS application:

1. Choose a research area: Identify an NTU school and research group aligned with your interests. Review faculty profiles and current projects.
2. Contact potential supervisors: Reach out to prospective PhD supervisors with a concise email, CV and a draft research idea. A supportive supervisor greatly strengthens an NPGS case.
3. Prepare application documents: Collect transcripts, references, a polished research proposal, and your CV.
4. Submit the NTU PhD application: Complete the online application and indicate interest in scholarship consideration where prompted.
5. Apply for NPGS nomination: Some departments may nominate candidates — confirm departmental instructions so you are considered for the scholarship.
6. Await outcome: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews; successful applicants receive an offer letter with scholarship details.

Apply well before the November 28, 2025 deadline and ensure references and transcripts are submitted on time. Early contact with potential supervisors is crucial and often decisive.

Selection Criteria — How Decisions Are Made

Selection committees evaluate applicants holistically, with emphasis on:

• Academic excellence and prior achievements (grades, awards, publications).
• Research potential and quality of the proposed project.
• Fit with supervisor expertise and the department’s research priorities.
• Strength of references and evidence of independent research ability.
• Likelihood to produce high-impact research during the PhD tenure.

Strong candidates typically show a combination of top academic results, well-thought research plans, and clear evidence of commitment to research careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is NPGS open to international students?

A: Yes — NPGS is open to international applicants as well as Singaporean candidates, provided you meet admission requirements and scholarship criteria.

Q: Are master’s applicants eligible?

A: No. NPGS is intended for PhD candidates only. Applicants seeking Masters support should consult other NTU scholarships or departmental funding.

Q: What is the typical scholarship tenure?

A: The scholarship usually supports PhD candidature for up to four years, subject to satisfactory progress and NTU policies.

Q: Do I need to secure a supervisor before applying?

A: While not always mandatory, securing a willing supervisor greatly increases admission and scholarship chances. Contact relevant faculty early.

Q: What if I do not have publications?

A: Publications strengthen an application but are not strictly required. Strong research proposals, relevant project experience, and excellent references can offset limited publications.

Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Start early: Engage potential supervisors 3–6 months in advance and refine your research idea collaboratively.
• Craft a clear proposal: Demonstrate feasibility, novelty, and methodology — reviewers value clarity and realistic objectives.
• Obtain strong references: Ask referees who can speak to your research aptitude and potential contribution to academia.
• Highlight research-related experience: Include lab work, fieldwork, internships, datasets handled, and technical skills.
• Be concise and evidence-driven: Use metrics where possible (e.g., results, pilot data, prior outputs) to demonstrate capability.

Conclusion — Is NPGS Right for You?

If you are an exceptional graduate or final-year student with a strong research interest and the ambition to pursue a PhD at a world-class research university, the Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship (NPGS) 2026 is among the best global opportunities available. The award’s generous financial and research support empowers scholars to pursue ambitious research with minimal financial distraction.

Remember to prepare early, seek out a strong supervisor match, and build an evidence-based proposal that clearly demonstrates your potential to contribute to NTU’s research mission.