About Programme

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.

Unique Features

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering

Research Area

1. Micro/Nano-fabrication and Micro Systems
• Thin films & coatings
• MEMS & BioMEMS
• Data storage

• Sensors & actuators

2. Manufacturing
• Additive manufacturing
• Precision engineering
• Reliability & Non-destructive testing

• Advanced manufacturing & re-manufacturing

3. Biomedical Engineering
• Bio-design and bio-manufacturing of tools/devices
• Biomechanics
• Bio-sensors

• Medical simulation

4. Systems & Engineering Management
• Human factors
• Logistics & operations research
• Systems engineering & management

• Design studies

5. Aerospace Engineering
• Aerodynamics
• Flight dynamics & control
• Propulsion & UAV
• Smart materials

• Air Traffic Management

6. Robotics & Intelligent Systems
• Surgical, rehabilitation robots & remote diagnosis
• Smart industrial robots
• Virtual reality

• AI & intelligent systems

7. Marine Engineering

• Broad-based maritime research and education

8. Clean Energy
• Fuel cells
• Wind & tidal energy
• Clean tech & environment
• Intelligent built & urban environment
• Other alternative energy systems

Admission Requirements

General Admissions Criteria

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: 

1. Bachelor’s Degree: A strong Bachelor’s degree with minimum Honours (Distinction) and its equivalent.
2. English Proficiency: A good TOEFL/IELTS1 score for applicants whose Bachelor’s degree is not conducted in English.
3. Research Proposal: A well-crafted research proposal that demonstrates the applicant’s research potential and motivation.
4. Resume: A resume that highlights personal and academic achievements, prior research experience and skills, leadership and character.
5. Academic References: Academic referee reports that provide insights into the applicant’s potential and character. 

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.


An application fee of S$50 (Nett) will be charged for each Research application. Payment can be made online before submitting application by VISA/Mastercard.

School of MAE has 2 intakes per Academic Year, one in August and another in January.

Admission IntakeOpening Application PortalLast day for submission of online application with supporting documents
August Semester1 October 31 January
January Semester1 June31 July 


Course Exemptions

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

Programme Structure & Duration

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. 

Upon completion of the research, candidates must submit a thesis for examination. For the award of the Master of Philosophy degree, candidates are also required to pass an oral examination (viva voce) on the subject matter of their thesis and related fields.

Master of Engineering (by Research)
Coursework Components 
• Completion of 9 AUs (3 courses) with a minimum CGPA of 3.00
• Completion of the Research Integrity Course
Research Component 

• Submission of thesis for examination 

 Full-Time Part-Time 
ProgrammeMinimumMaximumMinimumMaximum
Master of Engineering1 years3 years1 year3 years

 

Curriculum

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 TypeAUsDetails
Prescribed Electives (PE) 6.0 AUsGraded. (Schools with >6 AUs must reduce to 6; additional AUs are Pass/Fail).
*GP8002 Fostering a Community of Respect and Support (FCRS)0.5 AUPass/Fail. Take in Year 1, Semester 1.
GP8003 Epigeum Research Integrity Course1.5 AUsPass/Fail. Take in Year 1 (Refresh end of Year 3).
Seminars2.0 AUsPass/Fail. Attend 26 seminars during candidature.
Total10.0 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 
ii. Any course with Grade Point less than 2.50 (below C+ grade)

i. TGPA or CGPA < 3.50 in any term of study; or 
ii. Any course with Grade Point less than 2.50 (below C+ grade)

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 & Time10 Nov 2026 (Tue), 2:00 pm to 11 Nov 2026 (Wed), 2:00 pm.
Format

Online

VenueAccessible via the 26S1-GP8003 course site on NTULearn from 11 Aug 2026
WorkflowClick here


Additional Information

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