NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering

FAQ - A*Star Graduate Scholarship

1 : What are the application procedures?
a) Apply online to A*STAR at https://scholarships.a-star.edu.sg/student/loginform.php and https://inetapps.nus.edu.sg/gda/common/newlogin.aspx.
b) Fill up the Academic Referee’s Report Form
c) Submit all supporting documents, together with a printed copy of the application form to NGS Office
2 : Where will students be registered?

They will be admitted directly to and registered under the NGS, not in individual faculties. Course-work will be provided jointly by the Research Institutes and NGS faculty and some existing Research Institute and Faculty courses will be used. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the research, course work may have to be tailor made for some students, depending on their background. The total course-work and admission requirements will match or exceed those currently required by the Faculties.
3 : What are the closing dates for submitting the AGS application?

There are two intakes per academic year: one in Aug and another in January. Applications must reach the NGS Office by

  1. 15 Nov for the Aug intake,
  2. 15 May for the Jan intake
However, in exceptional cases students can be admitted at other times.
4 : Are other nationalities eligible to apply for the AGS?

The AGS is only open to Singaporeans, Singapore PRs and nationals of ASEAN countries.
5 : Will I be considered for admission to NGS on a self-financing basis?

Yes, this is possible, provided you meet the high entrance requirements and can show proof of funds adequate to cover the cost of the whole programme.
6 : When will I know the outcome of my application?

For the Jan intake, applicants will be informed of the outcome of their applications by end of Jul/early Aug of that year and for the Aug intake, by end of Jan/early Feb of the following year.

7 : What can be the reasons for the delay in processing of my application?

Applications are delayed in processing for the following reasons:

  • Incomplete documents
  • Candidates needing local interviews
8 : Do I need to complete the GRE at the point of application?

Yes, all applicants must have taken their GRE. The test scores must be filled into the application forms.
9 : Could I terminate my research scholarship under a Faculty Graduate Programme and apply for the AGS for study under NGS?

NGS will NOT admit current graduate students. Those who have completed requirements for Master's & are awaiting conferment may apply for the AGS to undertake PhD, but they cannot remain in the same laboratory.

 

10 : (i) Is it compulsory to identify Supervisor(s) and project at the point of application?
(ii) Am I required to make formal arrangements with my proposed supervisor?

No. Supervisor(s) and project will be discussed in details with the successful candidates.
11 : How would I be notified if I am shortlisted for an interview?

NGS would contact applicants via email to notify them about the interview.
12 : How many rounds of interviews is a shortlisted candidate required to go through?

At least 3 rounds of interviews subject to a case-by-case basis.
13 : If I am unable to attend the interview that has been scheduled, are other means such as teleconferencing allowed?

No. Shortlisted candidates should attend the interview in person. In the event that you are not able to be present on the scheduled date, you may wish to request for a postponement with the person who contacted you for the interview.
14 : Are there any part-time graduate programs in NGS?

No. Currently, NGS offers only full-time programs.
15 : Is there a template for the Referee's Report?

Yes, the template for Referee's report can be found enclosed in the AGS application form.
16 : Does NGS offers coursework or research programme?

Research programme. However, all students are required to undertake a 1 year equivalent of coursework to be conducted by NUS Faculty and/ or RIs.

17 : Are AGS applicants required to make a separate application for admission into NGS Graduate Program?

No. Your AGS application is also considered as an application for a PhD course of study in NGS. To apply for AGS, just complete the application form and submit to NGS Office for further processing.
18 : Are successful candidates allowed to defer admission for PhD study?

It will be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis.
19 : Where can I get more information on GRE?

You may check out this site http://www.gre.org/ on information regarding GRE.

20 : What is the GRE requirement applicants need to fulfill?

All applicants need to fulfill the GRE requirement of

  • 1400 : Verbal and Quantitative
  • + 4.5: Analytical Writing
21 : What if I am not able to produce my GRE results at the point of application?

You may apply and will still be considered. But successful candidates will still have to satisfy the GRE requirements prior to them embarking on PhD studies.
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