APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW
The application for an NUS PhD is an exciting venture. Start on the right foot with the following checklist and timeline.
APPLICATION PREPARATION GUIDE
Take Note of Application Deadlines
- Application for research-based programmes (i.e. PhD, EngD and Master’s by Research) are currently open. There are 2 intakes per year in January and August.
- To enrol in the August 2025 intake, your application must be submitted by 15 January 2025.
- Apply as early as possible, especially if you are considering applying for scholarships. There are two evaluation rounds, with priority given to Round 1 applications.
Explore Your Research Interests and Find Your Advisor
You need to propose a Thesis Advisor and a Thesis Title/Area of Research.
Where to Find Thesis Advisors
(i) Use the 'Find Thesis Advisors' tool to search for potential research collaborators. Learn about NUS research expertise using names, keywords and disciplines.
(ii) Visit CDE departmental websites. Select your department of interest by clicking on its block, then navigate to 'About Us – People - Faculty' to view faculty profiles. Identify those whose research aligns with your interests.
(iii) Contact the department’s research programme office for guidance. Introduce your research interests and request recommendations for suitable advisors.
(iv) Thoroughly review the research and PhD projects they have supervised to ensure they are a good fit for your academic goals.
How to Reach out to Thesis Advisors
Send them an email containing:
(i) A brief and relevant introduction of yourself
(ii) The outline of your research interests
(iii) An indication of which CDE PhD programme you are applying for, and that you would like to list them as potential advisors
(iv) Your CV and research proposal to clearly showcase your talents and research interests. (Recommended reading: How to write a research proposal.)
Understand Admission Requirements
and Prepare for Tests
- Candidates applying for EngD/PhD programmes or scholarships (NUS Research Scholarships or President Graduate Fellowships) are expected to have a bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Upper Honours or its equivalent.
- Candidates are encouraged to submit GRE.
- Candidates who graduated from universities where English is not the language of instruction must take the TOEFL or IELTS. Candidates are to obtain the following minimum scores:
TOEFL score of 85 for Internet Based Test (IBT); or
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0. - Evidence of strong quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills through GRE scores, as well as indicators of research skills and experience will significantly strengthen your application.
Ensure Proper Documentation
The following is a checklist for required documents, which should be uploaded (scanned copy in PDF format) with your application:
- Proof of identity: Copy of your pink Singapore NRIC (for Singapore Citizens)/ Copy of your blue Singapore NRIC (for Singapore Permanent Residents)/ Copy of Employment Pass / Work Permit / S Pass (for international applicants working in Singapore)/ Copy of your Passport page bearing the passport number and other particulars (for International applicants)
- 2 Referee reports
- University transcript
- Copy of degree scroll / certificate (if you are a current student and have not obtained this document, state the expected date of completion of degree in your online application and upload a student status letter from your university)
- Copy of test scoresheet(s) (GRE, TOEFL, IELTS)
- Research proposal, CV, statement of purpose
- Passport size photograph
- Copy of publication(s) or abstract (optional)
- Copy of company support letter (for Eng/PhD-IPP/MEng-IPP applications / part-time programme applications) (Sample)
Scholarships
For new students, scholarship applications can be submitted alongside your online application for admission.
Simply select "Scholarship" in the 'Source of Finance' field within the online application system.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are published on the  Office of the University Registrar website.
The fees payable depend on the type of programme, your nationality, and whether you have previously benefited from a Ministry of Education (MOE)/Singapore government subsidy or have been sponsored by a government agency.
COMPLETE
ONLINE APPLICATION
All applicants are to upload their supporting documents during the online application via the NUS Graduate Admission System (GDA3).
- An application has to be submitted to the department that you wish to pursue your programme in. If you wish to be considered for more than one department, you must submit separate applications.
- There is no limit to the number of applications you can submit. However, each application must be accompanied by separate net payment and supporting documents.
INTERVIEWS
- Shortlisted applicants, especially those who have applied for research scholarships, may be required to attend two rounds of interviews after completing the online submission.
- The first interview will be conducted by the thesis advisor and the second interview will be with the respective department.
- The usual periods for such interviews/tests are from mid-January to May for the August intake and in September for the January intake.
RESULT RELEASE & OFFER ACCEPTANCE
- Rolling Outcomes for Aug 2025 intake: February - May 2025.
- Login to Graduate Admission System to view the results online.
- Receive an email offer and understand the offer package.Â
- Accept the offer and prepare to relocate to Singapore.
Student Visa
Learn more about student Pass matters, accommodation and Pre-Departure Information. More info will also be provided in the offer email.
Accommodation
View more about campus residential options and rates, application guides, application eligibility and procedures and more.
Living Cost in Singapore
Click to view the estimated expenditure a single student may likely incur during his or her stay in Singapore.
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