The President’s Graduate Fellowship (PGF) is awarded to candidates who show exceptional promise or accomplishment in research. A number of PhD research students are selected each semester by the University for the award.
NUS Graduate School
nusgsenquiry@nus.edu.sg Qualification Types
PhD Students
Nationalities
Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, All International Students
Graduate Programmes Scholarship Holders Must Pursue
Scholarship holders can pursue any graduate programmes
Academic Pre-Requisites
No specific academic pre-requisites.
Other Eligibility Criteria
We invite graduates with strong academic potential and a keen interest in research to join our research-based doctoral programs. PhD admission criteria encompass a robust academic background, a passionate interest in a research topic, and good character. The following information will be considered for a careful evidence-based assessment:
- A good GPA in a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- A well-crafted statement of purpose detailing research interests, career aspirations, and motivations for choosing our program.
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees, offering valuable insights into the applicant’s qualifications and research potential.
- A comprehensive CV highlighting academic accomplishments and pertinent experience.
- Standardized test scores such as the GRE.
- Publications or involvement in research projects.
- For non-native English speakers, proficiency demonstrated through tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
Items (1) to (4) are compulsory.
Items (5) to (7) are optional; however, do note that evidence of strong quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills through GRE scores, as well as indicators of research skills and experience will significantly strengthen your application.
| PhD Students | |
|---|---|
| Singapore Citizens | SGD 4800 / Month |
| Singapore Permanent Residents | SGD 4400 / Month |
| All International Students | SGD 3900 / Month |
*The typical award period for PhD Students are 4 years.
*CPF will be given on top of the stipend amounts for Singapore Citizens.
*Full waiver of tuition fees at the University
*With effect from 1 August 2015, Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions shall be provided at a rate pegged to the prevailing employer’s contribution rate set by CPF, on top of the monthly stipend received.
NUSGS Research Incentive Award (Effective from AY2023/24 Intake)
PGF recipients are eligible for the NUS Graduate School (NUSGS) Research Incentive Award, which is a supplement to PGF.
This comprises of:
- A monthly allowance (#) over 4 years; and
- A one-time research allowance, upon passing the PhD Qualifying Examination (PQE) in the 2nd year of PhD candidature.
# NUS Graduate School reserves the right to adjust or revise the monthly allowance as/when it deems fit.
PGF Allowance and Airfare Claims
- One-off Settling Allowance: S$1,000 (only for international students).
- One-off Air Travel Allowance: Up to S$750 for a single-trip, economy-class airfare from the student’s home country to Singapore to commence study (applicable to newly registered international students).
Submission Guidelines
- Airfare claims must be submitted within one (1) month from the date of travel.
- Submit your claim using the PGF Claim Form, attaching all relevant supporting documents (e.g. receipts or invoices for airfare).
- Email the completed claim form and documents to gradenquiry@nus.edu.sg with the subject line: “Submission of PGF Airfare Claim – [Name of School/Faculty]”
Service Commitments
International students with President’s Graduate Fellowship, who are admitted from AY2014/2015, are required to perform 312 hours of teaching duties under the Graduate Assistantship Programme.
Service Bonds
Other Terms and Conditions
Award Period
The Fellowship is tenable for one (1) year in the first instance and thereafter may, subject to the Recipient’s satisfactory progress, be renewed each semester at the University’s discretion. The maximum period of the Fellowship is four (4) years. For NUS Research Scholars who are selected for the Fellowship, the maximum period for the NUS Research Scholarship and the Fellowship must not exceed four (4) years.
Application Procedure
To be considered, excellent PhD applicants have to be nominated by the Faculty/Department. The application procedures will be advised when the applicants are assessed to be eligible. For the President’s Graduate Fellowship (funded by Lee Kong Chian Scholarship), preference is given to candidates who exhibit leadership ability and commitment to community service.
Notification of Award
Successful applicants will be informed of the outcome of their applications sometime in May (for admission in August) or October (for admission in January). Successful applicants are required to sign a letter of undertaking agreeing to observe the terms and conditions for the award of the Fellowship.
Disclaimer
The above information is subject to change at any time. For the latest updates on the Fellowship, please contact the graduate division of the relevant faculty or school.
| For Admission in | Application Window |
|---|---|
| August (Semester 1 Intake) | Please refer to faculty websites for respective application deadlines |
| January (Semester 2 Intake) | Please refer to faculty websites for respective application deadlines |