How I Secured a Fully Funded PhD at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Through the NTU Research Scholarship

I am You Yuan, a Malaysian PhD student at the Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. My research focuses on sustainability in the palm oil sector, particularly smallholder farming systems in Malaysia.

My interest in this area comes from both my academic training in agriculture and my personal background. Coming from a family with a smallholder agriculture background in Malaysia, I have seen how agriculture is closely connected to people’s livelihoods, local knowledge, and the practical challenges faced by farming communities. Oil palm is often discussed in a very simplified way, but the sector is much more complex on the ground. It is not only an environmental topic, but also an economic and social livelihood issue for many families in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. This motivated me to pursue further research in sustainable agriculture and smallholder systems.

NTU Research Scholarship Details

I received the NTU Research Scholarship from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The scholarship covers the tuition fee and provides a monthly stipend. The amount may change from time to time and depends on factors such as programme level and citizenship status. As the official figures are updated by the university, I would recommend applicants to refer directly to NTU’s official scholarship page for the latest information. https://www.ntu.edu.sg/admissions/graduate/financialmatters/scholarships/rss#Content_C006_Col00

Educational Background

Master of Science in Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan, GPA: 4.0/4.0
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture; Minor in Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan

My previous education gave me a strong foundation in agronomy, plant science, and environmental research. Studying in different countries also helped me become more comfortable communicating with people from different backgrounds, including researchers, farmers, industry actors, and other stakeholders. These experiences helped me understand agriculture not only as a scientific field, but also as a sector with real challenges on the ground. That background also helps me to identify research gaps and develop my own perspective on the pain points within the agricultural system in Malaysia.

How Did You Find Information About NTU Research Scholarship and Nanyang Technological University (NTU)?

I mainly searched for information online. Singapore universities generally provide detailed information in English on their official websites, which makes the process more accessible. At that time, I was also working in Singapore, so it was relatively convenient for me to learn more about the universities and graduate programmes.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I took IELTS. My preparation was quite straightforward because I had taken the test before. I mainly reviewed the official preparation materials to familiarise myself with the format again before taking the exam.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the NTU Research Scholarship?

I was working full-time during the application period, so I did not have a very long preparation window. The main part of my preparation was developing a research proposal on a topic I was genuinely interested in and making sure that the direction was relevant to my potential supervisor’s research area.

Beyond the documents, I also had to be mentally ready for a PhD. A PhD is a multi-year commitment, so I wanted to be clear with myself that I was prepared to dedicate the next few years to research. Having support from my family also helped me make that decision with more confidence.

How is Your Experience at Nanyang Technological University (NTU)?

NTU is a very international university in Asia. Because Singapore is small but closely connected to the surrounding region, many research projects here are regional in nature and involve collaborations with different institutions, NGOs, government agencies, and industry partners. For my field, this is helpful because sustainability issues in agriculture often require collaboration across countries and sectors.

How Do You Rate Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Academically?

Academically, I would rate NTU highly, especially for students who are looking for a research environment with strong regional and international connections. In my area, I appreciate that the university supports interdisciplinary research, where environmental science, agriculture, social science, and policy can be brought together.

How Does Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Support International Students?

NTU has a fairly structured system for graduate students, including administrative support, orientation information, student services, and academic training. For international students, most official communication and academic activities are conducted in English which makes the transition easier.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think the most important factor was the alignment between my research direction and my future supervisor’s research area. For many PhD scholarships, academic background matters, but research fit is also very important.

During the interview process, I tried to show that I had the ability and motivation to do research, and that my background in agriculture gave me a relevant foundation for the topic. I also tried to respond naturally during the interview rather than giving vague answers.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

I probably would not change too much, because most decisions I made at that time were the best choices I could make based on the information I had. However, if I were to do it again, I would try to learn more about the university, the school, and the research environment earlier. This would probably help me adapt faster after starting the PhD programme.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My advice is to be genuine, try more opportunities, and do not be too afraid of the process. A scholarship is not only about receiving financial support; it is also a responsibility. It is helpful to think about how your studies can contribute back to society or to the field you care about.

For PhD applicants, I would also suggest having a clear research goal, even if it is not perfect at the beginning. Your topic can still evolve later, but having a clear direction shows that you have thought seriously about why you want to pursue the degree.