PhD (by Research): Admission Requirements

ImportantThe University has not engaged any external agencies to undertake graduate student recruitment on its behalf. Candidates interested in our graduate programmes are advised to apply directly to the University and not through any agents. Candidates who apply through agents will not have any added advantage in gaining admission and the University reserves the right to reject such applications without giving reasons.

Introduction

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is a research-based programme and is available in the following departments in the School of Computing:

Eligibility for Application

The normal minimum entry qualifications for admission to the programme by research are a good relevant bachelor’s degree/master’s degree. Candidates applying for Research Scholarships must have obtained a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2nd Class Upper Honours, or its equivalent in Computing or related discipline. Candidates should have the ability to pursue research in the candidate’s proposed field of advanced study.

Other Admission Requirements

TOEFL/ IELTS
International applicants* are to submit TOEFL/ IELTS test scores as evidence which demonstrates their academic language ability and readiness for graduate study. Candidates may be required to sit for other tests as prescribed by the School. 

GRE
Applicants are encouraged to submit their GRE scores. However, strong applicants who provide sufficient other evidence of excellence may apply without submitting GRE scores, as the requirement can be waived in suitable cases. Candidates who have graduated from Indian universities may submit GATE scores instead.

The minimum TOEFL scores for Internet Based Test (IBT) is 90; or IELTS score of 6.0. GRE and TOEFL scores will be valid for 5 years and 2 years respectively.

*International applicants who graduated from universities where English is not the main medium of communication must submit TOEFL (http://www.ets.org/) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) (http://www.ielts.org) scores.

Submission of Test Scores

Applicants can either:

  1. submit scoresheets certified by Universities with an original stamp; or
  2. request the NUS Department to certify their scoresheets if they are in Singapore; or
  3. request Educational Testing Services (ETS) to send original TOEFL and GRE scores to NUS.

Overseas Interview

The University will conduct overseas interviews for foreign students who have applied for the Research Scholarships. These interviews will be held in mid-March (for the August intake) and mid-August (for January intake). Applicants will be notified of the date, time and venue of the interviews in advance. Applicants should inform the University of any change in their postal addresses.

Referee's Reports

Recommendations from two academic referees are required for the application. Please use the referee report forms available online If referees are submitting hardcopy letter, it should be duly signed and place in a sealed envelope whos openings bear their signature.

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