The National University of Singapore (NUS) Research Scholarship is one of the most generous fully funded postgraduate awards in Asia, open to Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, and international students who want to pursue a Master’s (Research) or PhD at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
If you are looking for a fully funded route into one of the world’s top 15 universities, the NUS Research Scholarship deserves a top spot on your list.
What Is the NUS Research Scholarship?
The National University of Singapore (NUS) Research Scholarship is a competitive, fully funded award given by the National University of Singapore to outstanding graduate students pursuing a research-based Master’s or PhD degree.
Each academic year, a limited number of NUS Research Scholarship awards are offered across every faculty and discipline at NUS, from engineering and computing to the humanities and social sciences.
Because the NUS Research Scholarship combines a monthly living stipend with a full tuition fee subsidy, it is consistently ranked among the best fully funded scholarships for graduate study in Asia.
Whether you are a local Singaporean applicant or an international student, the NUS Research Scholarship removes the financial barrier to studying at a university ranked in the global top 15.
Recipients of the NUS Research Scholarship receive:
- A monthly stipend for the full duration of the award (up to 4 years for PhD, up to 2 years for Master’s)
- A full tuition fee subsidy at NUS
- Access to NUS’s research facilities, laboratories, and supervisor network
- Opportunities to assist in teaching or departmental work under faculty guidance
The NUS Research Scholarship does not cover travel costs or guarantee employment after graduation, so applicants should budget separately for airfare, visas, and settling-in expenses.
NUS Research Scholarship Stipend
Stipend amounts under the NUS Research Scholarship were revised effective 1 January 2026.
The current monthly rates are:
| Nationality | PhD Candidates | Master’s (Research) Candidates |
| Singapore Citizen | S$3,800 | S$3,800 |
| Singapore Permanent Resident | S$3,400 | S$3,000 |
| International Student | S$3,000 | S$2,900 |
PhD recipients of the NUS Research Scholarship who pass their Qualifying Examination receive an additional top-up to their monthly stipend. Exact top-up amounts vary by faculty, so confirm current figures directly with your NUS department.
To qualify for the NUS Research Scholarship, applicants must:
- Hold a strong Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree (for PhD applicants) relevant to their proposed research
- Meet the admission requirements of their chosen NUS graduate programme
- Be admitted as a full-time research student at NUS
- Be a Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident, or international student — the NUS Research Scholarship is open to all three categories
- Secure interest or confirmation from a prospective NUS supervisor, where required by the department
International applicants to the NUS Research Scholarship should note that acceptance is highly competitive, since the award draws candidates from dozens of countries every intake.
Required Documents
A typical NUS Research Scholarship application, submitted through the NUS Graduate Admission (GradApp) system, includes:
- Completed online graduate admission and scholarship application
- Copy of NRIC or citizenship certificate (Singapore Citizens/PRs) or passport bio-data page (international applicants)
- Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree certificate or transcript (with certified English translation if needed)
- Statement of purpose or research proposal
- Two or more academic reference letters
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS), where applicable
How to Apply for the NUS Research Scholarship
- Identify your target NUS faculty, department, and research area.
- Contact or shortlist a prospective supervisor whose research matches your interests — many NUS departments require this before shortlisting for the NUS Research Scholarship.
- Submit your graduate programme application through the NUS GradApp portal and indicate your interest in the NUS Research Scholarship.
- Upload all required documents listed above.
- Attend an interview, if shortlisted by your department.
- Await the official scholarship offer letter from NUS.
Applying early gives your department more time to match you with the NUS Research Scholarship before seats are filled.
NUS Research Scholarship Deadlines
- Deadlines for the NUS Research Scholarship vary by faculty and intake (August or January), and typically fall several months before the start of the semester.
- Because each NUS department sets its own internal timeline for the NUS Research Scholarship, always confirm the exact closing date on your target faculty’s graduate admissions page and the official NUS Graduate School scholarships page.
Graduate Assistantship Programme (GAP) for International Scholars
- International students who receive the NUS Research Scholarship are generally required to participate in the Graduate Assistantship Programme (GAP).
- Under GAP, scholars assist with teaching, laboratory supervision, or research duties for a capped number of hours per week, in addition to their regular studies.
- This is a standard condition attached to the NUS Research Scholarship for non-Singaporean recipients and should be factored into your weekly schedule planning.
Tips to Strengthen Your NUS Research Scholarship Application
- Reach out to potential supervisors months before the NUS Research Scholarship deadline; a confirmed supervisor significantly improves your odds.
- Tailor your research proposal to an active research group at NUS rather than submitting a generic topic.
- Highlight prior research experience, publications, or thesis work in your statement of purpose.
- Request reference letters from academics who can speak directly to your research capability, not just your coursework grades.
- Apply to more than one NUS department if your research interests overlap across disciplines; this widens your chances of securing the NUS Research Scholarship.
