The National University of Singapore President’s Graduate Fellowship (PGF) is awarded to candidates who show exceptional promise or accomplishment in research. Several PhD research students are selected each semester by the university for the award.
Application Deadline:
- August Intake (Semester 1): Deadlines vary by faculty, typically falling between 1 November 2026 and 15 December 2026.
- January Intake (Semester 2): Deadlines vary by faculty, typically falling between 15 May and 15 July.
- (Note: There is no separate application deadline for the PGF; candidates apply through the standard NUS GradApp portal for their PhD program and indicate scholarship interest).
Tell Me About The Program:
The President’s Graduate Fellowship (PGF) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is a premier doctoral award conferred upon prospective PhD students who show exceptional research promise and outstanding academic accomplishment. Administered through the NUS Graduate School (NUSGS), the fellowship covers full tuition fees, provides generous living stipends, and offers additional settlement and research incentive allowances to support scholars throughout their 4-year doctoral candidature in Singapore.
Which Fields are Eligible:
All research-based Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs across all faculties, schools, and departments at the National University of Singapore.
Type:
Fully Funded PhD Fellowship & Doctoral Research Award
Who can Apply:
- Citizenship: Open to Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, and all International Students.
- Academic Background: Candidates must possess a strong GPA in a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
- Admission Status: Must meet all standard PhD entry requirements for the respective NUS faculty/department.
- Exclusions: Self-direct PGF applications are not accepted; candidates must be nominated by their admitting Faculty/Department based on their standard PhD application.
How are Applicants Selected:
Faculties and departments evaluate incoming PhD applications based on academic merit, research potential, Statement of Purpose, referee recommendations, academic CV, published research, and standardized test scores (GRE/TOEFL/IELTS where applicable). Exceptional applicants are nominated by the academic unit, and final award decisions are rendered by the NUS Graduate School. (For PGF awards funded by the Lee Kong Chian Scholarship, preference is given to candidates exhibiting leadership ability and commitment to community service).
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (Open to all nationalities worldwide).
Where will the Program be Taken:
National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore.
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
Selective cohort nominated and awarded each semester across NUS faculties.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver for up to 4 years.
- Monthly Living Allowance (4 Years):
- Singapore Citizens: SGD 4,800 / month (+ CPF employer contributions).
- Singapore Permanent Residents: SGD 4,400 / month.
- International Students: SGD 3,900 / month.
- Travel & Relocation Allowances (International Students):
- One-off Settling-In Allowance: SGD 1,000.
- One-off Single-Trip Airfare Allowance: Up to SGD 750.
- NUSGS Research Incentive Award:
- Additional monthly research supplement over 4 years.
- One-time research grant upon passing the PhD Qualifying Examination (PQE) in Year 2.
How Long Will it Last:
Tenable for 1 year initially, renewable every semester up to a maximum of 4 years (subject to satisfactory academic progress).
Service Commitments:
International PGF recipients are required to perform 312 hours of teaching duties under the Graduate Assistantship Programme (GAP) during their candidature. (There are no post-graduation service bond requirements).
How to Apply:
- Review the specific PhD application requirements and deadlines on the website of your target NUS Faculty/Department.
- Prepare your mandatory admissions documents:
- Academic transcripts and degree scrolls (Bachelor’s/Master’s)
- Detailed Statement of Purpose & Research Proposal
- Letters of Recommendation from academic/professional referees
- Comprehensive Academic CV
- Optional/Supporting: GRE test scores, research publications, TOEFL/IELTS scores
- Submit your PhD application online via the NUS GradApp portal before the faculty-specific deadline. Indicate inside the portal that you wish to be considered for NUS scholarships.
- Your application will automatically be reviewed for PGF nomination by the department during the admissions cycle. Successful nominees are notified in May (for August intake) or October (for January intake).
