Application Procedures 

Before you apply, you are advised to visit the programme webpages to view more details such as the programme structure, research areas and entry requirements. If you are applying for a research programme, you are advised to contact a potential supervisor before making a formal application. As a guide, you may wish to briefly introduce yourself, explain your research interests and mention the supervisor’s research that you find interesting.

Once you have already decided on the programme, you should familiarise yourself with the kind of supporting documents required. More details can be found here:

All sections of the online application form must be completed where applicable. Do remember to check that all the information entered is correct before submission as no further changes can be made after that.

You must Upload Electronic Copies of your supporting documents via the online application system. Supporting documents, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified copies of the English translation of the documents. Processing of your application may be delayed if any of the supporting documents are missing.

Do Not send paper copies of supporting documents to the University.

With effect from Jan 2025 intake, the application fee (non-refundable) for graduate programmes will be as follows:

Programme Application fee (inclusive of GST)
Masters by Coursework (MOE subsidised) $50
Masters by Coursework (Self-financing) $100

If Masters by Coursework applicants put in two programme preferences with one MOE subsidised programme and one self-financing programme, the higher of the two application fees will apply.

The application documents require for submission are:

  1. One recent passport-sized colour photograph
    • Image must be taken within the last 3 months.
    • Photograph must be in colour and taken against a white background with a matt or semi-matt finish.
    • Image must show the full face.
    • Headgear worn for religious reasons are accepted but must not hide facial features.
       
  2. National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) (front and back). If you do not have an NRIC, please provide a copy of your passport information page(s)(containing the passport number, name, etc.)
     
  3. Completed Coursework Supplementary Form
    • Coursework Supplementary Form (Applicable to all Coursework programmes. To submit one Supplementary Information Form for each programme applied.)
       
  4. Degree Scrolls / Certificates (Master’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Postgraduate Diploma in Education, etc.)
     
  5. Transcripts (Master’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Postgraduate Diploma in Education, etc.). Please note that:
    • A transcript of detailed academic results is required from each university or college attended. The transcript results should show marks (wherever possible) and grades obtained in each module. If the transcript is in a language other than English, please provide an official English translation as well and the modules in the translation should be listed in the same order as that of the original transcript.
    • If a complete transcript is not available, please include a complete set of examination results for every semester.
       
  6. Referee Reports [applicable to MA (Applied Psychology) and MA (Counselling & Guidance) programmes only.]
    • For applicants of MA (Applied Psychology) and MA (Counselling & Guidance), you are required to provide three referee's reports, with at least one report from an Academic referee, and the other two from Professional referees.
    • Note: An Academic referee must be a faculty member who has taught you before in an academic capacity and be able to write about your academic capabilities as well as your suitability for higher education. A Professional referee must be someone in your current or former work environment who can provide information about you in terms of your professional work behaviours and capacity.
    • You are required to prepare in advance and furnish the following details of your referees in the online application system: 
      • Name of referee
      • Designation
      • Email Address
    • Please take note that you will be asked to declare in the online application system that you have obtained consent from your referees to furnish his/her personal data to NIE as part of your application to our higher degree programmes.

    • Upon submission of the online application, it will auto-activate an email to the respective Referee to notify them to complete an online Referee Report.

    • It is important to key in the correct email address for your Referee in the online application system, as changes could not be made after its submission.

    • Please provide your Referees with your APPLICATION NUMBER which will be assigned to you upon successful submission of the online application. Your Referees will need to use your Application Number to access the online referee report form.

    • Do ask your Referee to look out for the email and complete the Referee Report within 7 days upon receipt (It is advisable to check email's junk or spam folder due to settings of individual email account). Please check with your Referees to ensure they have completed and submitted their reports to NIE timely.
       
  7. Additional documents required for International Applicants:
    • TOEFL / IELTS Score (Applicable to graduates of universities with non-English medium instruction). For more details, please click here.
    • Note: CET6 / TEM4 scores are only applicable to applicants of Master of Arts (Teaching Chinese as an International Language) programme.
       

  8. Additional documents required for Master of Education (Early Childhood) programme:
    • Applicants who are preschool educators in Singapore are required to submit the “Letter of Notification” issued by Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).
       
  9. Other relevant Professional Certificates or examination results of relevant individual modules read, etc.

All sections of the online application form must be completed where applicable. Do remember to check that all the information entered is correct before submission as no further changes can be made after that.

You must Upload Electronic Copies of your supporting documents via the online application system. Supporting documents, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified copies of the English translation of the documents. Processing of your application may be delayed if any of the supporting documents are missing.

Do Not send paper copies of supporting documents to the University.

non-refundable application fee of S$50 (inclusive of GST) will be charged for research application.

The application documents require for submission are:

  1. One recent passport-sized colour photograph
    • Image must be taken within the last 3 months.
    • Photograph must be in colour and taken against a white background with a matt or semi-matt finish.
    • Image must show the full face.
    • Headgear worn for religious reasons are accepted but must not hide facial features.
       
  2. National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) (front and back). If you do not have an NRIC, please provide a copy of your passport information page(s)(containing the passport number, name, etc.)
     
  3. Completed Research Supplementary Information Form.

  4. Degree Scrolls / Certificates (Master’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Postgraduate Diploma in Education, etc.)

  5. Transcripts (Master’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Postgraduate Diploma in Education, etc.)  

    • An official transcript of detailed academic results is required from each university or college attended. The transcript results should show marks (wherever possible) and grades obtained in each module. If the transcript is in a language other than English, please provide an official English translation as well and the modules in the translation should be listed in the same order as that of the original transcript. You may use the Transcript Request Form (FORM 02) to request for transcripts from your university.
    • If a complete transcript is not available, please include certified true copies of a complete set of examination results for every semester.

  6. Two Academic Referee Reports

    • Note: An Academic referee must be a faculty member who has taught you before in an academic capacity and be able to write about your academic capabilities as well as your suitability for higher education.

    • You are required to prepare in advance and furnish the following details of your referees in the online application system: 

      • Name of referee
      • Designation
      • Email Address
    • Please take note that you will be asked to declare in the online application system that you have obtained consent from your referees to furnish his/her personal data to NIE as part of your application to our higher degree programmes.

    • Upon submission of the online application, it will auto-activate an email to the respective Referee to notify them to complete an online Referee Report.

    • It is important to key in the correct email address for your Referee in the online application system, as changes could not be made after its submission.

    • Please provide your Referees with your APPLICATION NUMBER which will be assigned to you upon successful submission of the online application. Your Referees will need to use your Application Number to access the online referee report form.

    • Do ask your Referee to look out for the email and complete the Referee Report within 7 days upon receipt (It is advisable to check email's junk or spam folder due to settings of individual email account). Please check with your Referees to ensure they have completed and submitted their reports to NIE timely.

  7. TOEFL / IELTS Score (Applicable to graduates of universities with non-English medium instruction). For more details, please click here.

  8. GRE Score (applicable to candidates who are not graduates of the Autonomous Universities in Singapore). For more details, please click here.

Scholarship

There is no separate application form required for the application of scholarship, with the exception of Pradap Kow Scholarship. You may apply for the Scholarship by indicating in the online application form. Please ensure your eligibility before applying for the scholarship. For a copy of the Pradap Kow’s application form, please visit here

All sections of the online application form must be completed where applicable. Do remember to check that all the information entered is correct before submission as no further changes can be made after that.

You must Upload Electronic Copies of your supporting documents via the online application system. Supporting documents, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified copies of the English translation of the documents. Processing of your application may be delayed if any of the supporting documents are missing.

Do Not send paper copies of supporting documents to the University.

non-refundable application fee of S$100 (inclusive of GST) will be charged for coursework application.

The application documents require for submission are:

  1. One recent passport-sized colour photograph

    • Image must be taken within the last 3 months.

    • Photograph must be in colour and taken against a white background with a matt or semi-matt finish.

    • Image must show the full face.

    • Headgear worn for religious reasons are accepted but must not hide facial features.

  2. National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) (front and back). If you do not have an NRIC, please provide a copy of your passport information page(s)(containing the passport number, name, etc.)

  3. Completed EdD Supplementary Information Form (Please refer to this document for examples of research interest statements.)

  4. Degree Scrolls / Certificates (Master’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Postgraduate Diploma in Education, etc.)

  5. Transcripts (Master’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Postgraduate Diploma in Education, etc.)  

    • A transcript of detailed academic results is required from each university or college attended. The transcript results should show marks (wherever possible) and grades obtained in each module. If the transcript is in a language other than English, please provide an official English translation as well and the modules in the translation should be listed in the same order as that of the original transcript

    • If a complete transcript is not available, please include a complete set of examination results for every semester

  6. Two Referee Reports (with at least one report from an Academic referee, and the other from a Professional referee or another Academic referee.)

    • Note: An Academic referee must be a faculty member who has taught you before in an academic capacity and be able to write about your academic capabilities as well as your suitability for higher education. A Professional referee must be someone in your current or former work environment who can provide information about you in terms of your professional work behaviours and capacity.

    • You are required to prepare in advance and furnish the following details of your referees in the online application system:

      • Name of referee
      • Designation
      • Email Address
    • Please take note that you will be asked to declare in the online application system that you have obtained consent from your referees to furnish his/her personal data to NIE as part of your application to our higher degree programmes.

    • Upon submission of the online application, it will auto-activate an email to the respective Referee to notify them to complete an online Referee Report.

    • It is important to key in the correct email address for your Referee in the online application system, as changes could not be made after its submission.

    • Please provide your Referees with your APPLICATION NUMBER which will be assigned to you upon successful submission of the online application. Your Referees will need to use your Application Number to access the online referee report form.

    • Do ask your Referee to look out for the email and complete the Referee Report within 7 days upon receipt (It is advisable to check email's junk or spam folder due to settings of individual email account). Please check with your Referees to ensure they have completed and submitted their reports to NIE timely.

  7. TOEFL / IELTS Score (Applicable to graduates of universities with non-English medium instruction). For more details, please click here.

How to Apply

Submit your application via our online application system.

There is no separate application form required for the application of scholarship, with the exception of Pradap Kow Scholarship. You may apply for the Scholarship by indicating in the online application form.  Please ensure your eligibility before applying for the scholarship.

For international applicants, please click here

The requirements specified below are the minimum requirements for admission into NIE. In addition to the minimum admission requirements, your programme of choice may state other additional requirements. Please refer to the relevant programme webpages for full information on the requirements for individual programmes. 

Masters by Coursework
  • A good Bachelor's degree from a recognised university
  • Other qualifications or working experience as specified in each programme
PhD and Masters by Research
  • A Bachelor's degree
  • A Master's degree in the relevant areas (for those pursuing PhD)
  • Ability to pursue research in the proposed field of advanced study

You are advised to contact a potential supervisor before making a formal application. As a guide, you may wish to briefly introduce yourself, explain your research interests and mention the supervisor’s research that you find interesting.

Doctor in Education
  • A good Bachelor's degree from a recognised university
  • A Master's degree in the relevant areas
  • Relevant working experience

For international applicants, please click here

Masters by Coursework programmes

It is important for the applicant to check the NIE website and other relevant media regularly to confirm if the programmes will be open for application at any particular intake. Although application periods are usually in May/June and November/December, there may be changes. Some programmes may have earlier application periods.

A summary of programmes that are open for the January and August intake is listed below for your reference only:

Programme

January Intake

August Intake

Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics)

Master of Arts (Applied Psychology)  

 

Master of Arts (Counselling & Guidance)

 

Master of Arts (Educational Management)

Master of Arts (Instructional Design and Technology)

 

Master of Arts (Humanities Education)

Master of Arts (Teaching Chinese as an International Language)

 

Master of Arts in Professional Education (Training and Development)

 

Master of Education

Master of Science (Exercise and Sport Studies)

 

Master of Science (Life Sciences)

Master of Science (Mathematics for Educators)

Master of Science (Science of Learning)

 

Master of Teaching



Applicants are still advised to visit the website and look out for NIE’s announcements in May/June and November/December to confirm if the programmes will be open for application at any particular intake.

PhD and Masters by Research

There are two intakes a year (January and August). The online application generally opens in May for admission in January in the following year and in October for admission in August the following year. Applicants are advised to visit the website and look out for announcements in May and October.

Depending on the area of research that you are interested in, you are advised to browse through the various Departments’ webpages to seek your own supervisor prior to application. Prior to application, you may also contact the appropriate research programme leader or leaders.

Doctor in Education

There is generally only one intake for this programme, in January. You are advised to visit the website and look out for NIE’s announcements in April to confirm if the programme will be open for application at any particular intake.

So you have decided on the programme that you want to apply for. If you have not, please visit the relevant programme webpages to find out more. Given that the number of places offered per intake is limited, you are advised to exercise great care in preparing your supporting documents. This is because your supporting documents are the only avenue where we can get to know more about you. We not only want to know more about your academic accomplishments, we also want to know more about your personal accomplishments, talents, and how you can contribute to our school. Our aim is to bring together a diverse mix of intellectually gifted students to create an exceptional learning community.

To view the different supporting documents required of the various programmes, please click here:

Upon receiving all the necessary supporting documents, all applications are academically assessed firstly against the admissions criteria for that programme before submission to the relevant Department for consideration. Following which, you will be assessed in terms of the quality of the previous academic excellence and future potential in comparison with other applications received for that programme. Given the limited number of places available for each programme, you are advised to exercise care over your application and select supporting documents that best illustrate your academic achievement and future potential. In some cases, you may be called for an interview to aid in the selection process.

You will be informed of the outcome of your application in October/ November for admission in January the following year and in April for admission in August, via email.

For those who have been offered a place, more information will be indicated on the letter of offer that will be sent to the mailing address that you have input in your online application. Please also ensure that you have keyed in a valid e-mail address during application, as we will communicate to you through it.  

Successful international applicants should note that the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) do not issue Student Pass to student of part-time programmes. You are to accept the offer of admission only when you either have a valid Employment Pass or Dependent Pass from ICA to reside in Singapore throughout the programme of study. If the validity of the Employment Pass or Dependent Pass expires before you can complete the programme, we may have to withdraw you from the programme.