NIE Overseas Graduate Scholarship (Policy, Curriculum & Leadership)

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 NIE to serve as educators and academics.

 

 

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.

• 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.

• 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 may be required to serve a few months in the Ministry of Education (MOE) Headquarters before embarking on his/her 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 and conditions of the scholarship as it deems fit.

 

 

AREA OF STUDY

Educational Policy

 

The Policy, Curriculum & Leadership (PCL) Department at NIE leads in educational policy, curriculum, and leadership studies that contribute to both theory and practice. We believe education is central to improving lives and societies, and seek to develop wisdom in policy-making, discernment in curriculum, and foresight in leadership. Our work examines complex educational challenges and the ways in which policies, institutions, and systems respond to changing social, economic, technological, and political conditions, while advancing research, teaching, and societal impact in Singapore and internationally.

 

This call invites applicants who share our mission and wish to pursue a PhD in Educational Policy. Educational policy is concerned with how educational problems are defined, how policies are formulated and implemented, how decisions are shaped by institutions and different actors, and how policies influence educational systems, organisations, practices, and outcomes. It encompasses areas such as policy formation and implementation, governance, educational reform, equity and inclusion, accountability, regulation, financing, data and evidence use, and the relationships between education and wider social, economic, political, and technological change. Applicants may pursue a wide range of policy questions, including how policies emerge and evolve, how they are interpreted and enacted across different levels of the education system, why reforms produce particular intended or unintended consequences, and how educational systems respond to major contemporary challenges.

 

 

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

 

• At least a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) degree, or a Master’s degree from a recognised institution, with a strong academic record. Candidates may come from education or from other relevant disciplines, including but not limited to public policy, sociology, political science, economics, statistics, management, history, or the humanities.

• Demonstrate a strong interest in educational policy and an understanding of significant issues and challenges facing education systems. This may be developed through academic study, research, professional experience, work in education or the public sector, or other relevant experiences. Prior teaching experience is not required.

 

• Demonstrate strong potential for doctoral-level research in educational policy, evidenced through academic achievement and/or relevant research, analytical, professional, or intellectual work. Candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds and methodological strengths that can be applied to the study of educational policy are particularly welcome.

 

• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, commitment to developing expertise in educational policy, and the potential to contribute to NIE through research, teaching, and service following completion of the PhD. Prior experience in educational policy research or teaching is not required.

 

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

 

The following supporting documents must be submitted together with the application form to NIE NTU, through Workday, by the closing date:

 

• 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’ Level, GCE ‘A’ Level, Polytechnic Diploma, University Degree(s).

 

• Letters for scholarships, prizes, other awards, memberships in academic & professional societies (if available).

 

• 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).

 

• A minimum of two confidential referees’ reports (preferably from academic referees) printed on the official letterhead, to be sent directly to [email protected].

CONTACT INFORMATION

 

For clarification or more information, please contact:

 

Area of Study

 

Head, PCL for Educational Policy here.

 

Terms and Conditions of Scholarship

 

NIE Human Resource Department - Email to [email protected].

 

 

CLOSING DATE

 

All applications, together with the required documents (a) to (j), must be submitted by 30 November 2026.

 

Please note that NIE reserves the right to consider only complete applications accompanied by all required documents.

 

Each application will be assessed on its own merits. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NIE