Are you an ambitious researcher looking to push the boundaries of knowledge in a world-class academic hub? The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Research Scholarship (RSS) for the 2026/2027 academic year offers an exceptional, fully funded pathway for domestic and international students to pursue Master’s by Research or PhD degrees in Singapore.

Ranked consistently among the world’s elite institutions, NTU Singapore provides state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship under globally renowned faculty, and an ecosystem built on innovation. Best of all, this premier scholarship carries no post-graduation service bond, offering you complete career freedom upon graduation.

At a Glance: Scholarship Overview

Financial Coverage & Monthly Stipends

The NTU Research Scholarship is designed to ensure financial peace of mind, allowing scholars to dedicate their full energy to groundbreaking research. The scholarship covers 100% of annual tuition fees and provides a highly competitive monthly living stipend.

Breakdown of Monthly Allowances

The monthly stipend structure varies based on residency status and target degree level:

• For PhD Students:
  • Singapore Citizens: S$3,800 / month
  • Singapore Permanent Residents: S$3,400 / month
  • International Students: S$3,000 / month
• For Master’s by Research Students:
  • Singapore Citizens: S$3,800 / month
  • Singapore Permanent Residents: S$3,000 / month
  • International Students: S$2,900 / month

Bonus Performance Incentive: PhD candidates who successfully pass their Qualifying Examination (QE) are typically eligible for an additional stipend increase of up to S$500 per month, subject to excellent academic standings and departmental approval.

Graduate Assistantship Programme (GAP)

International scholarship holders are required to contribute to their academic community via the Graduate Assistantship Programme (GAP). This involves taking on part-time teaching assistance, tutorial grading, or laboratory supervision duties, helping you build invaluable professional academic experience alongside your studies.

Wide Array of Eligible Research Disciplines

NTU fosters a culture of interdisciplinary discovery. The RSS is open across almost all of NTU’s world-renowned colleges, schools, and specialized institutes. Key academic clusters include:

• Technology & Computing: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, and Cybersecurity.
• Engineering: Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Materials Science, and Mechanical Engineering.
• Sciences: Biological Sciences, Physical & Mathematical Sciences, and Earth & Environmental Sciences.
• Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences: Communication Studies, Public Policy, Fine Arts, and Humanities.
• Business & Medicine: Nanyang Business School programs and advanced biomedical paths at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this elite award, candidates must meet rigorous academic and institutional benchmarks:

1. Academic Standing: Applicants must possess a minimum of an Honours (Distinction) degree or its international equivalent from a recognized institution.
2. Enrollment Status: You must be applying for or have secured admission to a full-time Graduate Research program (Master’s or PhD) at NTU.
3. Research Potential: Demonstrated ability or clear potential to execute independent, high-impact research.
4. Language Proficiency: Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Required Application Documents

Preparing a polished document package is critical to surviving NTU’s highly competitive screening process. You will need to upload digital copies of the following items:

• Official Academic Transcripts: Comprehensive grading sheets from all undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
• Degree Certificates: Graduation scrolls or formal proof of status if still finishing your final semester.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Up-to-date resume outlining research experience, publications, or relevant industry work.
• Research Proposal: A clear, well-structured layout detailing your research objectives, methodology, and alignment with an NTU faculty supervisor.
• Letters of Recommendation: At least two academic referee reports assessing your character and research capability.
• Test Scores (If Applicable):
  • English proficiency scores (IELTS or TOEFL) if your medium of undergraduate instruction was not entirely English.
  • GRE scores as mandated by specific individual school requirements.
• Identification: Clear passport copy for international students or NRIC for Singapore locals.

Seamless Step-by-Step Application Process

One of the best features of this funding track is that there is no separate scholarship application form. Consideration is automatically integrated into your main university application.

1.Find a Supervisor & Program:Step 1.

Browse the official NTU school directories. Identify faculty members whose research profiles match your academic interests and reach out to them to discuss potential project supervision.

2.Launch Admission Application:Step 2.

Access the online NTU Graduate Admission Portal during the active application window for your desired intake (August or January).

3.Opt-In for the Research Scholarship:Step 3.

Within the financial funding section of the digital application form, tick the checkbox indicating that you wish to be considered for the NTU Research Scholarship (RSS).

4.Upload & Submit:Step 4.

Upload all required supporting documents (transcripts, proposal, referee details) and pay the application fee before the specific school deadline.

Selection and Evaluation Benchmarks

NTU’s admissions boards weigh applications holistically. Successful candidates generally stand out across four main pillars:

• Academic Record: Superior GPA/CAP scores and class rankings.
• Proposal Quality: A realistic, innovative, and highly relevant research question.
• Supervisor Synergy: Clear mutual benefit and project alignment between the applicant and the prospective NTU host lab.
• Strong Recommendations: Enthusiastic validation from former academic mentors who can verify your work ethic and capacity for analytical breakthrough.

Deadlines & Timeline Note

Application close dates vary strictly by specific schools and intakes. Generally, deadlines for August intakes fall between November and January, whereas January intakes wrap up around July to September. Always cross-verify dates directly on the NTU Graduate Studies page to ensure your submission is safely on time.