• Applications for research-based programmes such as PhD, EngD, or Master's by Research are open throughout the year.
• There are 2 intakes per year in January and August. If you wish to enrol in August 2025, your application must be submitted by January 1, 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• Candidates applying for EngD/PhD programmes or University's Scholarships (NUS Research Scholarships or President Graduate Fellowships) are expected to have a Bachelor degree with at least Second Class Upper Honours or its equivalent.
• Candidates are strongly recommended to submit GRE [minimum score of 320 (Verbal & Quantitative Total) and 3.5 (Analytical)].
• 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.

     For more information, please refer here.

• 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 and learn about NUS research expertise using names, keywords, and disciplines.
  (ii) Visit CDE departmental websites (select the department you are interested in by clicking on its block). Navigate to 'About Us – People - Faculty' to view all professors' portfolios within that department and identify profiles that match your research interests.
  (iii) Email the department's research programme office for assistance. Introduce your research interests and ask if they can recommend suitable advisors.
  (iv) Read extensively about their research and the PhD projects they have supervised to ensure they are suitable.
• How to reach out to potential thesis advisors?
  Send them an email:
  (i) Introducing yourself;
  (ii) Outlining your research interests;
  (iii) Explaining that you wish to apply for the CDE PhD programme and would like to list them as potential supervisors in your application;
  (iv) Include your CV and research proposal to better showcase your talents and research passion. Recommended reading: How to write a research proposal.

Here’s the checklist for the required documents, which should be uploaded (scanned copy in pdf format) together 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)
• Passport size photograph
• Copy of publication(s) or abstract (optional)
• Research Proposal, CV, Statement of Purpose (optional)
• Copy of Company support letter (for Eng/PhD-IPP/MEng-IPP applications / part-time programme applications) (Sample)