Students are required to pursue independent but supervised research on an approved topic based on which a thesis must be submitted for examination. Students are also required to attend classes and pass the examinations.
#1 in Asia and #4 in the world for Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing, according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
• Sensors & actuators
• Advanced manufacturing & re-manufacturing
• Medical simulation
• Design studies
• Air Traffic Management
• AI & intelligent systems
• Broad-based maritime research and education
We encourage graduates with strong academic potential and passion for research to apply for NTU’s postgraduate research programmes. To support a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment, applicants shall provide evidence of strong academic foundations, including technical and English proficiency, relevant research experience, motivation to pursue graduate studies, and their personal character by submitting the following:
Demonstrating strong quantitative, verbal, or analytical skills through GRE/GMAT2/GATE3 test scores will greatly enhance your chances of admission.
1TOEFL/IELTS test dates must be within 2 years or less from the date of your application.
2GRE/GMAT test dates must be within 5 years or less from the date of your application.
3Applicants from India may use the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) score of at least 90th percentile in place of GRE. Test date must be within 3 years or less from the date of your application.
School of MAE has 2 intakes per Academic Year, one in August and another in January.
| Admission Intake | Opening Application Portal | Last day for submission of online application with supporting documents |
| August Semester | 1 October | 31 January |
| January Semester | 1 June | 31 July |
Course exemptions are case-by-case basis subjected to review and approval. Please contact us at: AsC-MAE-RES-PG@ntu.edu.sg
General Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have done at least 1 semester coursework in NTU (under MEng programme)
- Must have attained at least CGPA 3.00 (MEng).
Documents to prepare:
- A copy of the transcript of course(s) taken before.
- Course syllabus of previous course and current course syllabus to apply exemption for.
- Highlight the similar syllabus/topics that you have taken before
Candidates pursue independent yet supervised research in an approved field of advanced study, culminating in the submission of a thesis. In addition, candidates are required to attend coursework and pass the relevant examinations, earning a minimum of 9 AUs (three 3-AU courses) during their studies.
• Submission of thesis for examination
| Full-Time | Part-Time | |||
| Programme | Minimum | Maximum | Minimum | Maximum |
| Master of Engineering | 1 years | 3 years | 1 year | 3 years |
MEng: aster by Research (MbR) Requirements
| Coursework requirement | + | Confirmation Report | + | Oral presentation | = | Candidature Confirmed |
MEng students must complete a total of 10 AUs with a CGPA ≥ 3.0 to graduate.
2. Confirmation Exercise must be fulfilled in the first 12 months of your Candidature.
| Requirement Type | AUs | Details |
| Prescribed Electives (PE) | 6.0 AUs | Graded. (Schools with >6 AUs must reduce to 6; additional AUs are Pass/Fail). |
| *GP8002 Fostering a Community of Respect and Support (FCRS) | 0.5 AU | Pass/Fail. Take in Year 1, Semester 1. |
| GP8003 Epigeum Research Integrity Course | 1.5 AUs | Pass/Fail. Take in Year 1 (Refresh end of Year 3). |
| Seminars | 2.0 AUs | Pass/Fail. Attend 26 seminars during candidature. |
| Total | 10.0 AUs |
Enrichment Opportunities
All Postgraduate Research (PGR) students are encouraged to enroll in optional enrichment modules to build their transferable skills. Not Required for Graduation. Students’ Choices
Popular Options Include:
- Scholarly Communication & Impact (Offered by NTU Library) – Counts as 2 seminars and can be counted in the requisite 40/26 PhD/MbR seminars.
- Transferable Skills Series (TSS) (Offered by Graduate College) – Counts as 1 seminar and can be counted in the requisite 40/26 PhD/MbR seminars.
- University Teaching for Teaching Assistants and other elective modules offered by CTLP.
- Other Communications courses (Offered by LCC or other Schools/Colleges).
- Internship
- 3-Minute Thesis* (Submit entry).
*Note: 3MT remains mandatory for PhD students in COE
Important Notes on Enrichment:
- Enrichment modules are not reflected on the official result transcript, though entities may offer certificates of participation/ completion. They will eventually be recorded in the NTU Achievements & Service Record (ASR) System when the system is ready for PGR.
- If an enrichment module is graded, it must be taken after your QE so it registers as Pass/Fail. If taken before QE, it will affect your CGPA.
- As the mandatory communication course is now 2 AUs, student can always take 3 AUs course to fulfill the 2 AU requirement.
Academic Standing
Satisfactory Academic Performance
In any term of study, a research student is deemed to be making satisfactory progress if he meets the following conditions:
- Attain a minimum TGPA and CGPA of 3.00 for Master’s programme and 3.50 for PhD programme; and
- Attain at least Grade Point 2.50 (grade C+) in every course; and
- Complete all course requirements within the confirmation period as prescribed under Qualifying Examination.
Unsatisfactory Academic Performance
A research student with unsatisfactory academic performance will be accorded the following academic standing and subjected to performance review:
| Programme Type | Academic Warning | Failed to fulfil coursework requirements |
|---|---|---|
MEng
PhD
| i. TGPA or CGPA < 3.00 in any term of study; or i. TGPA or CGPA < 3.50 in any term of study; or | i. Fail to complete all course requirements within the confirmation period as prescribed under Qualifying Examination; or ii. TGPA < 2.50 in two consecutive terms; or iii. TGPA < 3.00 in three consecutive terms. |
Failure to fulfil coursework requirements may result in termination of financial aid and/or academic termination.
Appeal against academic termination on the grounds of extenuating circumstances may be made. The appeal must be submitted to the relevant School within 2 weeks after the release of course results or before the start of the next term, whichever is earlier. Only one appeal is allowed per candidature.
Epigeum Research Integrity (GP8003) formerly ERWA01 Course [PhD and Masters (Research) students]
All research students are required to complete the Epigeum Research Integrity Course, ERWA01, in their year 1 (Refresh at end of Year 3). ERWA01 is a research integrity course with 1.5 AUs that is applicable to ALL NEW PhD and Masters (Research) students who join NTU. The GP8003 course site will be available on NTULearn on the first day of the semester starts.
The GP8003 (formerly ERWA01) exam will be administered by RIEO for all newly registered Postgraduate by Research students.
The exam details are as follows:
| Date & Time | 10 Nov 2026 (Tue), 2:00 pm to 11 Nov 2026 (Wed), 2:00 pm. |
| Format | Online |
| Venue | Accessible via the 26S1-GP8003 course site on NTULearn from 11 Aug 2026 |
| Workflow | Click here |
Applicants are required to indicate their preferred supervisors in the application. Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact potential supervisors in advance before submitting their application. To explore the professors under each research area, please click here: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/mae/research/research-foc