FAQ - Graduate Research Programmes
The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) applies to Master's by Research (MEng, MA, MSc)/EngD/PhD by research applicants only. If you are a Master's by Coursework applicant, please refer to Coursework FAQ section.
Graduate students are admitted to either a coursework-based or research-based programme .
The coursework-based programmes involve the attendance of formal classes conducted usually in the evenings. The degrees are awarded once the candidates pass the relevant examinations and achieve the required level of proficiency in the examinations.
Research programmes – Master's by Research [Master of Engineering (MEng); Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc)], Doctor of Engineering (EngD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) provides training in a particular subject area through independent investigations, study and experiment, culminating in the preparation of a thesis setting out the findings of the research undertaken. Students are also required to attend appropriate lectures and sit for written examinations.
Besides the above, students need to attend and present a number of seminars. For doctoral students, the academic and research loads are heavier. Doctoral students need to pass an oral defence.
Note : Course requirements vary from Departments; please check the Departments’ websites for details
If you are interested in the research-based programmes of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Engineering (EngD) or Master's by Research [Master of Engineering (MEng); Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc)], you can apply anytime as the applications are open throughout the year. The application schedule can be found here.
If you are interested in the Master's by Coursework programmes, you can only apply during the predetermined application period as described here (applications are processed during these periods).
Check the application period for the graduate programme you are interested in (Refer to “When Can I apply” section). If the application period for the programme you are interested in is open, you may proceed to submit your application online using the Graduate Admissions Systems (GDA). If you are a 1st time user of the online system, you will have to create a new account first before being able to apply for the programme.
The graduate courses are conducted in English.
It depends on which type of programme you are applying to. For more information on our scholarships and financial assistance available, please refer to our Fees & Financial Aid section on our website.
The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) has a section – Hostel Admissions Services which oversee admission of students to the various student hostels. Please visit the OSA’s website for more information.
Priority for these campus accommodations are given to full time research students. Coursework students are unlikely to be offered campus accommodations. Off-campus accommodation details are also available from the OSA website.
It is important that you are financially prepared for full-time graduate studies in NUS. Estimates have been derived based on a conservative estimate for a reasonably comfortable lifestyle, excluding the vacation period. The actual amount could be higher or lower depending on each student’s expenditure and lifestyle. Please also refer Estimated Cost of Living
You may refer to NUS Emergency website for the latest updates for COVID-19 measures.
A candidate is normally admitted at the beginning of each semester of the academic year i.e. at either August (Semester 1) or January (Semester 2). Please refer to our Application period section on our website.
For regular Master's by Research (MEng, MA, MSc)/PhD, please refer to this link.
For MEng (IPP)/ PhD (IPP)/EngD, application forms are obtainable from the Department upon request. Candidates must have confirmed sponsoring companies, and at least one academic supervisor, before initiating the application.
The Joint PhD programmes are in partnership with an institution. They are suited for students who pursue their studies on full-time basis and students spend a specific duration at their respective partner institution. Applicants are to indicate their choice of the Joint PhD programme in the online Graduate Admission System. The Department, which they apply to, will then assess for their suitability for the Joint PhD programme.
Applications are submitted online via the Graduate Admission System. Please refer to this link.
Please refer to our “Admission Requirements” section of our website.
For Master's by Research (MEng, MA, MSc)/EngD/PhD applicants, please refer to our “Admission Requirements” section of our website.
We do not accept printout/screenshot of the TOEFL/IELTS score taken from the test website.
Applicants are to :
- upload a copy online and produce the original TOEFL/IELTS/GRE scoresheets during matriculation; or
- upload a copy online and request Educational Testing Services (ETS) or testing institutes to send original TOEFL /IELTS/ GRE scores to NUS. (Scores should be sent to the Department in which the applicant is interested in pursuing his/her research. Institution code of NUS is 0677 [for GRE] and 9084 [for TOEFL] and with specific department code).
Yes. Master's by Research (MEng, MA, MSc) and PhD applicants have require 2 referee reports. The referees will be invited to submit their reports online. Please indicate their email contacts accurately when associating the referees with the application. There is no need for hard copy letters.
Kindly request your referee to check his junk mail or spambox. If your referees did not receive our notification or has missed the deadline, please write to us at cdegradresearch@nus.edu.sg, and state your referee’s name, email address and provide your application number.
Shortlisted applicants may be required to undergo a written test and/or an interview to assess their suitability for University study and/or award of scholarship. The usual periods of such interviews/tests will be in March for the August intake and in September for the January intake. Only shortlisted applicants will expect the notification of the interview from the Department.
For Master's by Research (MEng, MA, MSc)/PhD applicants, you may select “NUS Research Scholarship” in the online application system, under ‘Source of Finance’ field. Priority for the competitive NUS Research Scholarship will be given to applicants for the full-time PhD programme. If you have done well for your Bachelors/Masters, you are strongly encouraged to apply to the PhD programme. Click here for more information
The NUS Research Scholarship is initially awarded for one year. It may be renewed, subject to the scholar’s satisfactory progress (in academic and research). The maximum period of a scholarship is normally four years for PhD candidates.
PhD scholars will receive additional PhD top-up upon passing the PhD Qualifying Examination. The PhD top-up will expire at whichever of the following dates is earliest:
- At the end of the fourth year of the graduate candidature; or
- At the expiry of the Research Scholarship.
For Master's by Research (MEng, MA, MSc) and PhD applicants, if your University does not have such a practice, you are required to courier the documents (which must be original official documents or certified true copy) to us. These should reach us in its original sealed envelope with its flap bearing the University security seal and signature of an authorised person.
Please submit copies of your latest transcript or your semester result slips while we await the originals from your University.
The original / certified true copy of the transcript for candidates with qualifications other than those from NUS are to reach the Department Office by the application closing date. This must be sent DIRECTLY from the issuing University to NUS, enclosed in an official SEALED envelope with its flap bearing the security seal of the University and the signature of the Registrar or representative. Applications will not be considered if the documents are not received.
Yes, you can. Please indicate your order of preference. There is no limit to the number of applications you may apply to. An application number will be assigned to you when you create a new online application. If you are successful in more than one application, you can choose only one programme to register with.
You may make changes online while it is in “Draft” stage. Once you have clicked “Submit”, you will not be able to make changes. You would have to contact the Department Office for the proposed changes.
Refer to our this link.
We regret to inform that we are unable to accept late submissions.
Refer to our “Application period” section in our website.
You will not be able to submit your application online after the system closes. Late applications will not be processed and NO extensions of deadline will be granted.
Due to the large number of applications, we regret to inform that we are unable to check the receipt of applications/supporting documents. The Department administrators will get in touch with you if further information is required. Please check the Graduate Admission System and your emails regularly for any updates.
Refer to our “Admission status” section in our website.
For Master's by Research (MEng, MA, MSc)/EngD/PhD, deferment of admission is not encouraged. You are advised to apply only when you are ready. Should an unforeseen situation arise that requires you to defer your admission, you may forward your request, with reasons, to the Department for their consideration.
Please refer to this link for information on Student Pass matters, Accommodation and Pre-Departure Information and Orientation Briefing. More information will also be provided to you in our offer email.