NTU warns of fraudulent ad offering ‘direct admission’ for fees starting at S$64,000

SINGAPORE: Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has issued an alert regarding fraudulent ads on social media that claim to guarantee “direct admission” to the university. NTU has reminded the public to be cautious of misleading content in these online advertisements.

On Thursday (15 August), NTU released a public statement on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, noting that some study abroad agencies in China are falsely claiming to have NTU “enrollment quotas” or “direct admission slots.”

These agencies promise to help applicants gain admission to NTU’s degree programs and charge various fees, including agency fees.

One ad observed, posted in early July on Xiaohongshu, promotes “direct enrollment admission” to NTU for the Fall 2025 semester, with agent fees starting at 350,000 RMB (approximately S$64,000).

This fee does not include tuition and living expenses.

Despite NTU’s strong reputation, the ad implies that students with less-than-ideal academic records can still gain admission through a “Green Channel” for NTU’s master’s programs.

This pathway is marketed as suitable for students with poor high school or undergraduate GPAs, those struggling with English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, or individuals who did not perform well in graduate entrance exams.

In response, NTU clarified that, based on feedback from students, parents, and alumni, the university has found that a few study abroad agencies in China are falsely claiming to have such direct admission quotas.

NTU emphasized that it has not designated or authorized any study abroad agencies to manage admissions for its courses.

NTU clarified they does not offer “direct admission,” “guaranteed admission,” or any “special admission quotas” through such agencies.

In the statement, NTU said that any claims of having such capabilities or channels to secure guaranteed admission are fraudulent and deceptive, and the public is reminded not to be duped.

“Anyone with questions should check the school’s official website or directly consult NTU’s admissions office for more information,” NTU statement wrote.

In response to inquiries from Lianhe Zaobao, NTU also emphasized that the university’s admission process is rigorous, competitive, and based on the individual abilities of the students.

Additionally, a further check on Xiaohongshu reveals that this is not the first instance of such ads circulating on the social media platform.

Similar advertisements have also appeared, claiming “direct admission” to the National University of Singapore (NUS), which is ranked eighth in the 2024 global university rankings.

One of the ads promotes “easy entry into NUS,” targeting students with family support and a sufficient budget starting at 400,000 RMB.

It claims to provide comprehensive support from application through to enrollment, ensuring that all application materials are genuine and supporting background checks.