I am often asked a common question: How did I gain admission and a scholarship at Asia’s best university and the 8th-best globally—the National University of Singapore (NUS)? In this article, I will walk you through my experience, detailing the steps I took to plan my admission journey. I hope it provides you with some useful insights into how you can achieve similar success.
My Journey Begins
The story dates back to 2017, during my time as an MS Computer Engineering student at Peter the Great Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University, also known as Polytech, in Russia. It was during this period that I began thinking about pursuing a PhD and carefully planning the steps to achieve my goal.
Step 1: Ask Yourself Why You Want to Pursue a PhD
The first and most critical step in pursuing a PhD is to reflect deeply on your reasons. Ask yourself: Why do I want to pursue a PhD? and What do I aim to achieve through it?
In my experience, as someone who heard from people who interviewed prospective PhD candidates at NUS, many applicants often lacked clear or appropriate reasons for applying. For instance, some individuals want to pursue a PhD because they believe it will lead to high-paying jobs, while others aim to bring prestige to their families. Some apply because they feel they have no other career path, while others rely solely on their academic performance without a true passion for research.
Additionally, many students apply with the primary goal of escaping their country, focusing more on building a future abroad rather than on research itself. While these motivations might seem valid at first glance, they are not sufficient to sustain the rigorous and demanding process of a PhD. Pursuing a PhD requires a deep passion for research, dedication, and perseverance to overcome the challenges that arise throughout the journey.
Step 2: Identify Your Research Discipline
Once you have clarity on why you want to pursue a PhD, the next step is to determine the specific research field or discipline you wish to focus on. This decision is crucial as it will influence other factors, such as scholarship opportunities, research funding, and your collaborations later with academia and industry.
Your choice of research discipline will also affect your post-PhD career. Hence, this step requires careful consideration of both your interests and career goals.
Step 3: Select Universities and Scholarships
After narrowing down your research area, it’s time to research universities and scholarship programs that align with your goals. A key part of this process is planning your financial resources since pursuing a PhD is not only academically challenging but also a financial investment. Many universities offer scholarships along with their PhD programs, typically covering 4 to 5 years of study.
When I embarked on my application journey, I shortlisted five target universities relevant to my field. My list included the National University of Singapore, where I eventually graduated. However, “target universities” are not necessarily the top-ranking ones. Instead, I focused on universities that met specific criteria important to me.
For instance, I created an Excel sheet to evaluate at least 10 universities, each based on multiple factors relevant to my research and personal preferences. Here are some of the key variables I considered:
- Research funding opportunities
- Academic reputation in my field
- Availability of scholarships
- Application fees
- Academia-industry collaborations
- Research supervisors and faculty profiles
From my analysis, I selected two target universities that aligned with my priorities out of the 10 on my list, and proceeded with the application process.
Step 4: Prepare for Applications and Fees
Applying to universities typically involves an application fee, which can range from $0 to $120, depending on the institution. Since these fees are a financial investment, it’s essential to carefully select target universities based on your chosen criteria. On average, applying to five universities could cost around $500 at the time of writing this article. Fortunately, the application fee for NUS was approximately $40 in my case.
Step 5: Wait for Responses and Prepare for Interviews
Once you have submitted your applications, the waiting game begins. During this period, it’s important to stay prepared for potential interviews with university faculty, which are often part of the PhD admission process. An interview is an opportunity to showcase your research interest, demonstrate your alignment with the program, and clarify how you intend to contribute to the field.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing a PhD is not merely about gaining academic qualifications—it’s a challenging and transformative journey that requires passion, perseverance, and careful planning. From understanding your motivations to selecting the right university and managing application logistics, every step plays a crucial role in shaping your future success.
My journey to the National University of Singapore was a product of thoughtful preparation and dedication. I hope that sharing my experience helps others to pursue their dreams of earning a PhD from top global institutions. If you are committed to research and ready for the challenges, the right opportunities will come your way.
Useful Links
- National University of Singapore – Graduate Admissions
https://nus.edu.sg/admissions/graduate-programmes - GRE Official Website (For test information and registration)
https://www.ets.org/gre - IELTS Official Website (Language proficiency certification)
https://www.ielts.org - Find PhD – PhD Opportunities and Scholarships Worldwide
https://www.findaphd.com - Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University – International Programs
https://english.spbstu.ru - Academic CV and Statement of Purpose Templates
https://www.template.net/academic-cv
