Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements for Graduate Research Programmes

Prospective student should have a relevant Bachelor’s degree with honours at least Second Class Lower or its equivalent. Candidates applying for University’s Scholarships (NUS Research Scholarships or President’s Graduate Fellowships) or EngD/PhD programmes are expected to have a Bachelor’s degree with honours at least Second Class Upper.

Note that possession of these qualifications does not guarantee admission. Admission decisions are based on multiple considerations, including the number and quality of applicants and the capacity of the programme applied to.

TOEFL/IELTS/GRE Tests

Doctor of Philosophy / Doctor of Engineering

All international applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate their English proficiency by means of TOEFL / IELTS test scores.

Candidates are to obtain the following minimum scores:

  • TOEFL score of 85 for Internet Based Test (IBT); or
  • IELTS (Academic) or IELTS Indicator* score of 6.0.

Standardised test scores such as the GRE are optional; however, please note that evidence of strong quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills through GRE scores, along with indicators of research skills and experience, will significantly strengthen an application.

Master’s by Research [Master of Engineering]

All international applicants are required to submit at least one score of TOEFL or IELTS, as part of the application.

Candidates are to obtain the following minimum scores:

  • TOEFL score of 85 for Internet Based Test (IBT); or
  • IELTS (Academic) or IELTS Indicator* score of 6.0.

Tests score submission validity period:

  • GRE Validity: 5 years (after test date)
  • TOEFL Validity: 2 years (from date of test)
  • IELTS Validity: 2 years (from date of score issued)