The National Institute of Education (NIE), an autonomous institute of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, offers the NIE PhD Scholarship to outstanding local and international candidates pursuing full-time doctoral research.
This scholarship plays a pivotal role in supporting academic excellence, nurturing a new generation of education researchers and leaders, and contributing to the advancement of educational theory and practice in Singapore and beyond.
Scholarship Overview
The NIE PhD Scholarship is a competitive, merit-based funding opportunity that supports qualified candidates admitted into full-time Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes at NIE. Through this initiative, the Institute seeks to strengthen its research capacity by attracting individuals with strong academic backgrounds, research potential, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing knowledge in education-related fields.
This scholarship aligns with NIE’s strategic mission of contributing to national and regional development through impactful, high-quality research in education, psychology, and related disciplines.
Eligibility Criteria for the NIE PhD Scholarship 2025 at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
To be considered for the NIE PhD Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Nationality: Open to both local (Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents) and international applicants.
- Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold at least an Honours degree with Second Class Upper Division or its equivalent and a Master’s degree in a relevant field of study. They must demonstrate the capability to undertake independent, high-level research.
- Employment Status: Applicants must not be engaged in paid employment, nor may they hold any other scholarships, bursaries, fellowships, or top-up allowances during the tenure of the scholarship.
These eligibility requirements are in place to ensure that scholarship recipients can fully dedicate themselves to their research without external obligations that may impede academic progress.
Duration and Renewal
The NIE PhD Scholarship is initially awarded for one year. Continuation of the award in subsequent years—up to a maximum of four years from the date of admission—is subject to the recipient’s satisfactory academic and research progress, as assessed by academic supervisors and relevant university committees.
Financial Coverage
The scholarship includes a monthly stipend, which varies depending on the recipient’s citizenship and academic discipline:
| Citizenship | STEM Disciplines | SSH Disciplines |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen (SC) | S$3,500 | S$3,200 |
| Permanent Resident (PR) | S$3,100 | S$2,800 |
| International Student (IS) | S$2,700 | S$2,500 |
STEM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics disciplines, while SSH refers to Social Sciences and Humanities.
For Singapore Citizens, an additional Central Provident Fund (CPF) contribution is provided based on the prevailing employer contribution rate, supplementing the monthly stipend.
Moreover, scholars who successfully complete the PhD Qualifying Examination or attain Confirmation of
Candidature may be eligible for a stipend increment of up to S$500 per month, contingent upon strong research performance and academic standing.
In addition to the stipend, the NIE PhD Scholarship also covers full tuition fees, significantly reducing the financial burden of pursuing doctoral studies.
Graduate Assistantship Programme (GAP)
To foster professional development and teaching competencies, scholarship recipients are required to participate in the Graduate Assistantship Programme (GAP). This entails engaging in teaching assistance, laboratory supervision, or related academic duties as assigned. These responsibilities serve to equip scholars with valuable pedagogical experience and a deeper understanding of academic work in higher education contexts.
Application Process
Applicants do not need to complete a separate application form for the NIE PhD Scholarship. Instead, they may indicate their interest directly within the online application for PhD admission to NIE. All applications are evaluated holistically based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with NIE’s strategic research priorities.
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Notification and Terms
Successful candidates will receive notification of the scholarship award along with their official offer of admission, sent via email. Awardees are expected to comply with the terms and conditions of the scholarship and maintain exemplary academic conduct throughout their candidature.
Conclusion
The NIE PhD Scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers and educators to contribute meaningfully to the evolving field of education. By investing in high-calibre doctoral candidates, NIE continues to position itself as a regional and global leader in educational research and innovation. The scholarship not only alleviates financial constraints but also enriches the scholar’s academic journey through structured professional development and research engagement.
For more information on eligibility, programme details, or application deadlines, applicants are encouraged to consult the official NIE or NTU Graduate Admissions webpages.