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Singapore Open for August 2026 entry — applications close 31 January 2026

NTU CN Yang Scholars Programme

The CN Yang Scholars Programme is one of Nanyang Technological University's most prestigious undergraduate awards — named for Nobel Laureate Chen-Ning Yang. It's a 4-year research-intensive scholarship for the top engineering and science undergraduates joining NTU. The package covers full tuition fees, a SGD 6,500 annual allowance, a SGD 2,000 settlement / book allowance, plus an overseas exchange or research immersion at a top global partner university (MIT, Stanford, ETH, Caltech, Imperial). The programme is built around a customised research-focused curriculum, with each scholar paired with a faculty research mentor from year one. Around 60 scholars are admitted globally each year — Sri Lankan applicants with strong A-Level math + science results and olympiad participation are competitive.

Nanyang Technological University

University-funded

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Value

Full Tuition + SGD 6,500/yr + Exchange

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Duration

4 Years (Renewable)

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Awards

~60 per Year (Global)

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Apply to Eligible NTU Bachelor's

You must apply to a Bachelor's degree in the College of Engineering or the School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences (Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences). Combined degrees with the Renaissance Engineering Programme are also eligible.

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Outstanding Math + Science Results

Competitive applicants typically have A-Levels A*A*A or higher in Math, Physics, Chemistry / Biology, or equivalent IB / national curriculum top results. Sri Lankan applicants with olympiad medals (math, physics, informatics, biology) or strong subject contest performance are particularly competitive.

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Open to International Applicants

Open to applicants of all nationalities including Singapore citizens and Sri Lankan citizens applying from Sri Lanka. International scholars are bonded to work in Singapore for 3 years after graduation under the Singapore Ministry of Education service obligation — be sure to read the bond terms.

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Research Aptitude

Selection emphasises research potential — concrete research / project experience (school science projects, internships, Olympiad write-ups, school journals) is far more persuasive than abstract interest. Sustained engagement in one area beats breadth without depth.

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Apply to NTU + CN Yang by 31 January

Submit your NTU undergraduate application via the NTU Admissions portal (admissions.ntu.edu.sg). Within the same application, tick the CN Yang Scholars Programme box. Submit a 1,000-word CN Yang application essay, two recommendation letters, and any research / contest documentation.

Selection panel shortlisting

The CN Yang selection committee shortlists in February-March. Shortlisted applicants are evaluated on the strength of their research statement, academic record, and faculty recommendations.

Interview by Zoom

Shortlisted candidates are invited for a 30-45 minute online panel interview in March-April. The panel typically includes 3-4 faculty members and probes research interests, problem-solving, and motivation.

Final outcome and bond signing

Final scholars are notified in April-May. The award is conditional on acceptance of the Ministry of Education service bond (3-year work in Singapore post-graduation for international students). You then apply for the Singapore Student's Pass.

Why NTU CN Yang?

Nanyang Technological University is consistently ranked in the global top 15 (QS #15 in 2026). NTU is among Asia's top engineering universities — its computer science, materials science, and electrical engineering programmes are routinely top-5 globally. The CN Yang programme provides a uniquely research-focused undergraduate experience with a guaranteed overseas exchange semester at a top global partner.