smartblogger094Pursuing a PhD is an immense personal and financial commitment. As one of Singapore’s leading research universities, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) offers a variety of scholarships to attract excellent international and local students and support their doctoral studies.
An Overview of PhD Study and Scholarships at NTU
Before diving into NTU’s specific scholarships, it is helpful to understand the structure of PhD study and the role that scholarships play. A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the highest academic degree awarded. The average time to complete a PhD at NTU is 4 years of full-time study and research. PhD candidates conduct novel, independent research under the supervision of faculty experts.
Coursework involves classes, seminars, and qualifying exams to demonstrate subject mastery. However, the heart of PhD study is original research contributing new knowledge to the field. Candidates publish their research findings in scholarly journals and present at conferences. The culminating assignment is a dissertation – an extensive written document detailing the conducted research and its outcomes.
PhD students are not only learners but researchers driving new discoveries. However, doctoral research is an all-consuming endeavor requiring significant time and financial commitment. Most PhD students rely on some form of financial support like teaching or research assistantships, grants, scholarships, or stipends to focus on their studies without excessive financial burden.
Scholarships are gift funding awarded based on academic merit and research potential. They help offset tuition fees and living costs, allowing recipients to dedicate maximum effort to their PhD without distraction. Top institutions like NTU offer competitive scholarships to attract outstanding students and support excellence in graduate education and research.
NTU’s Flagship PhD Scholarship: Nanyang Presidential Graduate PhD Scholarship
NTU’s premier PhD scholarship is the Nanyang Presidential Graduate PhD Scholarship. Awarded to a select few candidates each year, this prestigious scholarship covers full tuition fees and a competitive monthly stipend for up to 4 years. It is open to both local and international students from any field or country who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and research potential.
To be eligible, applicants must hold at minimum a Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honors or equivalent (e.g. GPA 3.7/4.0). Admission to a NTU PhD program is also required. Evaluation criteria include academic transcripts, research proposal, reference letters, CV, statement of purpose, and performance in interviews (if shortlisted). Selection considers not just past academic results but broader capabilities like leadership skills and passion for one’s field of research.
Apart from full financial coverage, Presidential Scholars enjoy world-class research support and facilities at NTU. They are mentored by renowned faculty and have opportunities to conduct research overseas at partner institutions. Upon graduation, many scholars continue successful careers as academics or leaders in professional fields. Previous recipients include those who now hold positions at top companies like Google as well as renowned academics.
The Nanyang Presidential Graduate PhD Scholarship is NTU’s flagship award, a mark of outstanding research ability. Strong applicants motivated by academic inquiry should consider applying for this prestigious opportunity. While competition is intense, it presents a life-changing chance for supported research at the highest levels.
College/Domain-Specific Scholarships
In addition to university-level scholarships, NTU’s individual colleges and research domains also offer targeted awards. Availability and criteria vary, so research opportunities within your intended field of study. Some examples of college-specific PhD scholarships include:
College of Engineering Scholarships
- Engineering Presidential PhD Scholarship (for exceptional Engineering candidates)
- Engineering PhD Merit Scholarship (high-achieving Engineering students)
- Lee Kuan Yew Postdoctoral Fellowship (for postdoctoral researchers in engineering disciplines)
College of Science Scholarships
- Science Presidential PhD Scholarship
- BSE-NTU Postgraduate Scholarship (for data science, analytics, and business fields)
Interdisciplinary Scholarships
- Lee Kong Chian Postdoctoral Fellowship (interdisciplinary research across domains)
- Asian Systems Integration PhD Scholarship (for systems integration topics)
Check college websites for updated info on eligibility, benefits, and application processes for targeted awards. College-level support allows studying niche topics within your specific interests at NTU. Speaking to potential PhD supervisors can also provide guidance on relevant scholarship matches.
Industry and External Scholarship Partnerships
To promote industry-focused research, NTU also partners with government agencies and companies to offer co-funded scholarships. Such awards prepare scholars for industry careers through practical applications of their research:
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Research Scholarships
- PSB Academy/NTU PhD Scholarship (for social sciences PhD in policing)
- SAP Singapore PhD Fellowship (for PhD at SAP-NTU Corporate Lab)
- Infocomm Media Development Authority PhD Scholarship
- Energy Market Authority PhD Scholarship
Additionally, some funding bodies like Singapore’s Public Service Commission and NTU alumni associations provide scholarships open to Singaporeans and PRs. Be sure to search for relevant awards matching research interests and background. Partner scholarships channel expertise towards industry and economic needs.
other Funding Options
While competitive scholarships offer prestige and support, alternative options still allow quality PhD study:
Teaching/Research Assistantships
Many departments employ PhD candidates as tutors or lab assistants, providing a tax-exempt monthly stipend of ~S$2,200-3,000. Duties increase research exposure and soft skills.
Tuition Fee Subsidies
- Local students pay government subsidized local tuition rates of ~S$6,000/year instead of full international fees.
- International students from select countries under NTU-government partnerships (e.g. ASEAN agreements) get partial fee subsidies.
Need-Based Financial Aid
NTU provides need-based bursaries and study loans for students from lower-income families through assessment of annual household income.
External/Personal Funding
Some students leverage personal savings, company sponsorship, or funding from External sources like charity grants or own-country government scholarships to pay tuition while still exploring research at NTU.
Alternative arrangements allow PhD study without large out-of-pocket costs through some form of supported funding. While competitive scholarships are ideal, non-traditional combinations also enable quality doctorates. Consult with supervisors and the financial aid office for feasible personalized plans.
Applying for NTU PhD Scholarships
The scholarship application timeline generally follows the broader NTU PhD admissions calendar:
- Scholarship deadlines are usually 2-4 weeks before PhD program application deadlines. Check websites for specific annual dates.
- Apply directly on the NTU Graduate Scholarship Portal, submitting all required documents including proposal, transcripts, CV, reference letters by the posted deadline.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited to online or in-person interviews as part of selection process (varies by scholarship).
- Results usually released 1-2 months after PhD application deadline once applications reviewed.
Ensure submitting all application materials well before deadlines to allow plenty of processing and preparation time. Reach out to supervisors for reference letter support. Have colleagues proofread proposals and statement of purpose for strongest presentation of your merit and research fit at NTU. With careful planning and compelling applications, NTU scholarships can fund excellent PhDs.
FAQs on NTU PhD Scholarships
1. What are the eligibility requirements for NTU PhD scholarships?
Minimum eligibility criteria include holding a relevant Bachelor’s degree with strong grades (typically First Class Honors or equivalent 3.7/4.0 GPA), meeting the admission cut-offs of desired PhD programs, and any additional selection factors like publication record, relevant experience, etc. Language requirements also vary – most international scholarships require IELTS 7.0 or equivalent.
2. What documents are required in the scholarship application?
Standard requirements span curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, research proposal, statement of purpose, and reference letters – typically 2-3 references addressing your suitability. Some specific scholarships may request additional writing samples, portfolios, or supplementary statements. Check individual websites for customized requirements.
3. Do I need to have a confirmed PhD supervisor before applying?
While having contact with potential supervisors is ideal, confirmed co-supervisor commitment is not usually an explicit prerequisite. Your proposed research area just needs fit within NTU’s research strengths. However, early supervisor discussions help refine competitive proposals aligned with departmental interests and resources.
4. What are my chances of receiving an NTU scholarship as an international applicant?
Chances are reasonable for top international candidates. While competitive, international enrollments make up a sizable portion of NTU’s student body. Factors like excellent grades from a prestigious university, relevant experience, strong proposals addressing department needs, and standout application materials can boost non-local prospects amid the many promising global applicants each cycle.
5. If unsuccessful in the first year, can I reapply in the second year?
Yes – many scholarships allow reapplication in subsequent admission cycles if not initially selected. Use feedback on prior applications constructively to strengthen proposals. Some internal candidates reapply annually until receiving an award. However, changing research topics risks proposing redundant ideas. Discuss continued supervision options with your intended advisor as well.
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