NIE Overseas Graduate Scholarship (PCL) [NIE]

OBJECTIVE

The National Institute of Education Overseas Graduate Scholarship (NIE OGS) will sponsor outstanding candidates to pursue full-time doctoral studies overseas. Upon completion of their doctoral studies, candidates will return to serve as educators and academicians in NIE.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The applicant must fulfill the following criteria:

• Be a Singapore Citizen;
• Has excellent academic records with very good Honours or Master’s degrees (or professional qualifications of equivalent standing), with relevant teaching and some research experience; and
• Has the passion to pursue a challenging career in academia.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SCHOLARSHIP

The scholarship is tenable for a period of three years. The scholarship will provide:

• Two sets of economy class air tickets (one at commencement and completion of doctoral studies, and one to return to Singapore for data collection for doctoral thesis);
• Overseas maintenance allowance;
• Stipend;
• Pre-studies allowance (at commencement of doctoral studies);
• Thesis allowance (upon completion of doctoral studies);
• Tuition and other compulsory fees; and
• Conference and fieldwork grants (by application).

A scholar studying in the United States may be considered for a fourth year of sponsorship if the required minimum period of candidature is at least 4 years.

The scholar will serve a few months in the Ministry of Education (MOE) Headquarters before embarking on doctoral studies (if applicable).

The scholar will be required to enter into a bond to serve the National Institute of Education Nanyang Technological University (NIE NTU) as an employee for a period of five years upon obtaining the doctoral degree.

NIE NTU reserves the right to revise the terms of scholarship as it deems fit.

AREA OF STUDY

Policy, Curriculum & Leadership in Educational Leadership, Management and School Improvement

The at NIE leads in educational leadership, policy, and curriculum studies impacting both theory and practice. We believe education is key to improving lives and focus on developing wisdom in policy-making, nurturing discernment in curriculum, and amplifying foresight in leadership. We address complex educational challenges while promoting a culture of innovation and collaboration to drive research, teaching, and societal impact locally and globally.

This call invites applicants who share our mission and wish to pursue a PhD in educational leadership, management, or school improvement. These fields focus on the organization, administration, and leadership of educational institutions, addressing key areas such as leadership styles, organizational culture, instructional leadership, change, inclusivity, and governance. Modern leadership emphasizes inclusivity, collaboration, and open communication, as seen in participatory, pluralistic, and distributive leadership models. Applicants' research should explore topics such as organizational learning, organizational development, and the mechanisms driving school improvement and transformation.

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Hold a bachelor's degree with very good honours, and/or a Master’s degree from a recognized institution with a strong academic record, and in a field related to educational leadership/management, school improvement or related disciplines
• At least six years of teaching experience in public or private institutions with experience in leadership or management positions within an educational context
• Experience in educational research and teaching in educational leadership/management, and/or school improvement, or related disciplines prior to his/her PhD study is highly preferred
• Demonstrate passion and commitment to work in NIE, particularly in teaching, research, and the provision of service in areas related to educational leadership/management and/or school improvement

APPLICATION PROCESS

The following supporting documents must be submitted together with the to NIE NTU, through Workday:

• Curriculum Vitae (which should include academic qualifications, employment history, scholarships & awards, a brief description of your research experience and publication list if available);
• A succinct write-up (2 pages) on the research topic which you intend to pursue;
• A succinct write-up (4 pages) on your commitment and interest in the area of study applied for and the expected contribution to NIE, schools and the Singapore education system;
• An abstract of any thesis previously written;
• Copies of two pieces of research work that you consider to be your most significant works (if available);
• All relevant educational certificates and transcripts including GCE ‘O’ & ‘A’ level, Polytechnic diploma, University degree(s);
• Letters for scholarships, prizes, other awards, memberships in academic & professional societies;
• A copy of the letter(s) of offer from each university applied to for admission to doctoral studies (if available);
• A copy of the letter(s) of offer for other scholarships and/or awards applied for and the outcome of these applications (if available); and
• A minimum of two confidential referees’ reports (preferably from academic referees), to be sent to .