Singapore · National University of Singapore
NUS Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN Nationals
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
- IELTS
- 6
- Components
- L 6 / R 6 / W 6 / S 6
- Level
- PG, PhD
- Deadline
- November–January
Last verified: 2026-03
About NUS Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN Nationals
The National University of Singapore (NUS) offers graduate scholarships for ASEAN nationals and other international students pursuing master's or PhD programmes. NUS Research Scholarships cover full tuition, a competitive monthly stipend, and conference travel allowances. NUS consistently ranks among the world's top 10 universities in Asia.
IELTS Required
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 85
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1NUS requires IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component — note the higher per-band minimum of 6.0. Allocate extra preparation time if any of your component scores fall below this threshold.
- 2Apply between November and January for the main intake. NUS values research potential highly, so ensure your IELTS scores reflect the academic reading and writing skills needed for graduate research.
- 3For PhD applicants, the IELTS score is only one part of the evaluation. A strong research proposal and recommendation letters can compensate for scores slightly above the minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score do I need for the NUS Graduate Scholarship?
NUS requires IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). This is higher than many Asian university requirements. TOEFL iBT 85 is the accepted alternative.
Does NUS accept TOEFL instead of IELTS?
Yes, NUS accepts TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 85. Some departments may set higher requirements, so check your specific programme's admission page.
Can I apply for the NUS Graduate Scholarship without IELTS?
You need either IELTS or TOEFL for NUS admission. Applicants who completed a degree taught entirely in English at an approved university may request an exemption, but this is not guaranteed.
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