Why NTU?
NTU is a globally renowned university, ranked No. 1 as the best young university by QS Rankings. It also boasts a 15th overall ranking by QS World University Rankings.
With a sprawling 200-acre campus featuring state-of-the-art research facilities, hostels, restaurants, and more, NTU offers a vibrant student life.
While NTU and NUS often get compared, my personal experience and that of many peers show that job opportunities in Singapore treat graduates from both universities equally.
So, if you get into either, rest assured you’re making a great choice! To know more about the comparison between the two, you can check out our blog: NUS vs NTU
Types of Graduate Programs
Masters by Coursework (MSc): Focused on professional skills and job readiness.
Masters by Research (MEng): Emphasizes research and innovation.
PhD Programs: Advanced research with significant contributions to the field.
To know more about this, check out the video below:
Application Intakes and Deadlines
Intakes
NTU has two intakes:
August Intake: Most popular with higher admission chances.
January Intake: Limited to specific programs.
For example, the School of Materials Science and Engineering offers both intakes for all graduate programs, while the School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering provides two intakes for MEng and PhD but only one for MSc programs.
Deadlines
Deadlines vary by school, but here’s a general timeline:
August Intake: Applications open in November/December and close by January/April.
January Intake: Applications open in August and close by October.
Pro Tip: Always check specific program deadlines early to avoid last-minute surprises.
To know more about this, check out the video below:
Admission Requirements and Qualifying Exams
Academic Requirements
A strong bachelor’s degree (CGPA above 8/8.5 is ideal).
My CGPA was 9.76/10 when I applied.
Qualifying Exams
GRE/GATE: Required for research-based programs.
GRE Cutoff: 319/340 (Quant: 149+, Verbal: 149+, AWA: 3.5+).
My GRE scores: Quant: 170/170, Verbal: 152/170, AWA: 4.5/5.
GATE Cutoff: 90th percentile.
TOEFL/IELTS: Only needed if your undergraduate education wasn’t in English.
TOEFL Cutoff: 100/120 (My score: 112/120).
IELTS Cutoff: 6.5.
For coursework programs, GRE/GATE is usually not required, and TOEFL/IELTS can be waived if you provide proof of English-medium education.
Scholarships and Service Obligation
Scholarships
Masters by Coursework: Scholarships are generally unavailable.
Research Programs (MEng/PhD): Scholarships like NTU Scholarship, SINGA, and Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship (NPGS) are available.
NTU Scholarship: Easiest to secure; open to students with strong academic and research profiles.
SINGA: Offered by A*STAR for research projects under its purview.
NPGS: Highly competitive, awarded to exceptional PhD candidates.
Service Obligation Scheme
- Scrapped for coursework programs since 2019.
- Available for research-based masters if no scholarship is secured. Reduces tuition fees by ~50%, requiring a 3-year work bond in Singapore.
To know more about these scholarships, check out my video:
FAQs
Can I get admission without work experience?
Yes! NTU evaluates your overall profile. I had no formal work experience but secured admission based on internships and academic performance.
Is research experience mandatory for research programs?
Not mandatory, but it helps. I had two research internships and two conference presentations, which strengthened my application.
Applying to NTU may seem daunting, but focus on building a standout application through your SOP, LORs, and resume. If you need assistance in this, you can join our course – Write your Way to Study Abroad.
Remember, the process is competitive, but with preparation and determination, you can achieve your dream of studying at NTU. If you need assistance with getting into NTU or any university in Singapore, you can sign up for our consulation – Singapore Consultation.
If you have any questions, drop them in the comments. Good luck! 😊
