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.
| Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) | Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) | |
|---|---|---|
| PhD Students | PhD Students | |
| Singapore Citizens | SGD 4500 / Month | SGD 4300 / Month |
| Singapore Permanent Residents | SGD 4100 / Month | SGD 3900 / Month |
| All International Students | SGD 3600 / Month | SGD 3400 / Month |
*The typical award period for PhD Students are 4 years.
*CPF will be given on top of the stipend amounts for Singapore Citizens.
*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.
^Effective from AY2023-24 intake, PGF recipients are eligible for the NUSGS Research Incentive Award, which is a supplement to PGF. This comprises
(i) a monthly allowance (#) over 4 years;
(ii) a one-time research allowance, upon passing of the PhD Qualifying Examination in the 2nd year of PhD candidature.
# NUS Graduate School reserves the rights to adjust and revise the monthly allowance as/when it deems fit.
2. Tuition fees at the University;
3. A one-off air travel allowance** for one-way ticket of up to S$750 on economy class and up to 20 kg baggage per trip (only for newly registered international students’ trip from home country to Singapore to commence study);
**All airfare claims must be made within one (1) month from the date of travel. Please complete this PGF claim form and email the softcopies with supporting documents (e.g. receipt(s)/invoice(s) of airfare, etc.) to gradenquiry@nus.edu.sg [Subject: Submission of PGF Airfare Claim (Name of School/Faculty)].
4. A one-off settling allowance of S$1,000 (only for international students).
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 |