President's Graduate Fellowship Selection Process 2026
How Candidates are Selected
The President's Graduate Fellowship is awarded to candidates who show exceptional promise or accomplishment in research. The selection is strictly by nomination only. Eligible candidates are identified and nominated by their respective faculty, department, or graduate programme during the PhD admission process. The evaluation is comprehensive, based on a combination of factors including academic degree and record, strength and originality of the research proposal, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores (e.g., GRE), relevant work experience, and strong ethical character with high potential to succeed in the PhD program.
Verification Flow
Institute Nodal Officer Verification
Your college/school checks your bonafide status, fees paid, and marks cards against the database.
District Welfare Officer / State Board Sanction
The state/central department approves the budget release for verified records based on category quotas.
Fund Disbursement via DBT
The bank issues direct fund credits to Aadhaar-seeded accounts using treasury payment systems.
FAQs for President's Graduate Fellowship
Q.Can I directly apply for the President's Graduate Fellowship?
No, the President's Graduate Fellowship is by nomination only. Eligible candidates are identified and nominated by their faculty, department, or graduate programme during the PhD admission process to a full-time PhD program at NUS. You should indicate your interest during your PhD application.
Q.What does the President's Graduate Fellowship cover financially?
The fellowship provides a full tuition fee waiver, a monthly stipend ranging from S$3,000 up to S$4,800 (including the NUSGS Research Incentive Award), a one-time airfare allowance (up to S$750) for eligible international students, and a one-time settling-in allowance.
Q.What are the academic requirements to be considered for the fellowship?
Applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic excellence and research promise, typically possessing at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or Honours (Distinction) in their undergraduate or postgraduate studies, or an equivalent strong academic record. A high GPA and strong research potential are key factors.
Q.Is there a service bond associated with the President's Graduate Fellowship?
The President's Graduate Fellowship itself does not impose a service bond. However, international students who receive government subsidies for their studies in Singapore typically undertake a Service Obligation Scheme, requiring them to work in a Singapore-based company for three years after graduation. As the PGF provides full tuition fee coverage, it generally negates the need for a separate government subsidy that would incur a service bond.