NUS PhD Scholarships – August 2027 Intake | National University of Singapore

Summary

The College of Design and Engineering (CDE), National University of Singapore (NUS) is accepting applications for its August 2027 intake for research-based programmes, including PhD, EngD and Master’s by Research. Applicants can apply for available scholarships, including the NUS Research Scholarship and President’s Graduate Fellowship, together with their admission application.

Candidates are encouraged to identify a suitable thesis advisor, develop a research proposal and apply as early as possible, particularly if they wish to be considered for scholarships.

PhD/EngD Research Programmes at National University of Singapore (NUS) – August 2027 Intake with Scholarship Opportunities

Designation

PhD Research Scholar / PhD Candidate
Other research programmes: EngD / Master’s by Research

Research Area

Research opportunities are available across the College of Design and Engineering, including areas such as:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Engineering
• Architecture
• Design
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
• Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Energy, sustainability and advanced technologies
• Other interdisciplinary research areas offered by CDE faculty

Applicants should identify a potential thesis advisor and research area aligned with their academic and research interests.

Location

📍 College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore

Eligibility / Qualification

Applicants to the PhD/EngD programmes and associated scholarships are expected to have:

• A Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Upper Honours or equivalent.
• Strong academic, quantitative, verbal and analytical abilities.
• Relevant research experience and/or publications can strengthen the application.
• GRE is encouraged.
• Applicants from universities where English is not the language of instruction must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores as specified by NUS.
• IELTS Academic requirement stated in the provided information: 7.0.
• Two referee reports are required.
• Applicants must submit a research proposal, CV and statement of purpose.

Job/Programme Description

Selected PhD candidates will undertake full-time research leading to a doctoral degree under the supervision of a NUS thesis advisor.

The application process includes:

1. Identify your research interests and potential thesis advisor.
2. Review the advisor’s research projects and publications.
3. Contact potential supervisors with:
   • Brief introduction
   • Research interests
   • Intended CDE PhD programme
   • CV
   • Research proposal
4. Complete the online NUS Graduate Admission System application.
5. Upload academic and supporting documents.
6. Shortlisted applicants may attend two interview rounds:
   • Thesis advisor interview
   • Department interview
7. Successful applicants receive an offer and proceed with enrolment and relocation arrangements.

Scholarship Opportunities

New students can apply for scholarships alongside their admission application by selecting “Scholarship” under the Source of Finance section of the online application.

Scholarship opportunities mentioned include:

• NUS Research Scholarship
• President’s Graduate Fellowship

Applicants interested in scholarships are encouraged to apply early, as priority is given to earlier applications.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare:

• Passport/identification document
• University transcripts
• Degree certificate/scroll
• Two referee reports
• GRE/TOEFL/IELTS score reports, where applicable
• Research proposal
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Statement of purpose
• Passport-size photograph
• Publications/abstracts, if available
• Other programme-specific supporting documents

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the NUS Graduate Admission System (GDA3).

Applicants should first identify an appropriate CDE department, research area and potential thesis advisor, then prepare their research proposal and supporting documents before submitting the online application.

For applicants applying to multiple departments, separate applications and supporting documents/payment are required for each application.

Last Date for Apply – August 2027 Intake

Important: Applicants interested in scholarships should apply as early as possible because applications are evaluated in rounds, with priority given to Round 1 applications.

Key Timeline

📌 August 2026: Application preparation/research advisor search
📌 15 January 2027: International applicant deadline
📌 February–May 2027: Rolling admission outcomes/interviews
📌 1 March 2027: Deadline for applicants residing in Singapore
📌 4 August 2027: August 2027 intake begins

University: National University of Singapore (NUS)
College: College of Design and Engineering (CDE)
Intake: August 2027
Programme: PhD / EngD / Master’s by Research
Location: Singapore

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