The "talent war" for Fall 2026 admissions in Singapore has entered a white-hot stage.
For Fall 2026 entry, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has opened an invitation-only early application round for the first time, exclusively for invited students.
Early application period: July 1 to August 31, 2025
Source: NTU
Regarding the early admission plan, NTU's official statement is as follows:
"Applicants who pass the initial screening will be contacted proactively by the NTU Admissions Office to complete the subsequent admission process. Those successfully admitted through the early round will receive formal offers for the August 2026 intake ahead of others. Applicants not selected for the early round will have their materials automatically transferred to the regular admission round for review."
Source: NTU
As for how the initial screening is conducted, NTU has not provided specific details. It is likely a joint screening process between NTU and certain partner institutions, constituting a small-scale invitation-only admission by the university.
Those who wish to learn more about the application process and related procedures can contact: admission_coursework@ntu.edu.sg
NUS Early Application Window Closing Soon
The National University of Singapore (NUS) opened its early application for Fall 2026 as early as May 16, 2025, and will close on July 15! Fourteen coursework Master's programs under its seven departments within the Faculty of Science are open for priority admission.
Source: NUS
NUS Early Admission Eligible Programs
MSc in Data Science and Machine Learning
MSc in Mathematics
MSc in Quantitative Finance
MSc in Statistics
MSc in Data Science for Sustainability
MSc in AI for Science (New)
MSc in Physics
MSc in Physics for Technology
MSc in Chemical Sciences
MSc in Biodiversity Conservation
MSc in Biotechnology
MSc in Forensic Science
MSc in Food Science and Human Nutrition
MSc in Pharmaceutical Science and Technology
NUS Early Admission Application Details
Application Period: May 16, 2025 – July 15, 2025
Enrollment: Early August 2026
Source: NUS
Basic Application Requirements
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An honors bachelor's degree or a four-year bachelor's degree
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Applicants whose undergraduate instruction was not in English must submit TOEFL (iBT 85+) or IELTS (6.0+)
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Application materials: CV, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.
Source: NUS
In early admission rounds, Singapore universities generally prefer students from overseas universities, top domestic 985/211 universities, or those with internal recommendations through institutional partnerships. NUS has also previously stated clearly that they recommend this route for students with well-prepared materials or consistently outstanding academic performance and practical achievements.
Moreover, admission scenarios change every year, and whether one can be "rescued from the waitlist" remains a matter of luck. For students from non-prestigious Chinese universities or those without particularly outstanding profiles, it is advisable to apply within one's means.
Regardless, early planning, early application, and early offers remain the timeless winning formula for every application season.
CheersYou（清柚教育） wishes all students proactive preparation and success in securing offers from their dream schools!
