PhD. by Research

NOTE:

• All non-English documents must be presented TOGETHER WITH the translated English version, merged together as a single document (original first, followed by English version). The translated version must originate from the original awarding/issuing unit, or be done by a registered translations office.
• All files must be uploaded as PDF. Please DO NOT upload other file formats like jpg, doc, and etc.
• All files must be named in English with clear, representative labelling.
• There is no need to post any printed form or documents for the department that you applied.

1. Proof of Residence

• Singapore NRIC or citizenship (for Singaporeans)
• Singapore NRIC or Entry Permit (for Singapore Permanent Residents)
• Employment Pass/ Work Permit (for International applicants working in Singapore)
• Passport page bearing the passport number and other particulars (for non-Singaporeans)

For Singapore NRIC/Employment Pass/Work Permit, please scan both the front and the reverse sides.

In the application form, please fill in your name as per your passport/NRIC. For example, if your name is spelt as “CHEN, XIAOMING” in the passport/NRIC, please enter the full name as “CHEN Xiaoming” (Surname in CAPS and no comma in between).  Please do not enter “XIAOMING CHEN”, “CHENXIAOMING”, “CHEN.XIAOMING”, “CHEN, XIAOMING” or non-english characters in the application form.

2. Academic Qualification

Please take pictures (not scans) of the full official document in natural light. Any embossed seal (if present) and all corners of the page must be fully visible. Please convert the pictures into PDF file format before uploading. Examples of acceptable document quality are as follows:

If electronic version were to be provided, there must be anti-counterfeit features such as blue ribbon (for US/Canada qualifications), verified digital signature/seal, or unique identifier/QR code.

For applicants who have graduated

• Degree scroll (and graduation certificate for applicants graduated from Chinese Universities). If the degree scroll (and graduation certificate) are not available at the time of application, please provide official conferment/student status letter mentioning that you have met the graduation requirements.
• Verification report from CSCSE (for Chinese students who obtained degree outside of China)/CSSD (for Chinese students who obtained degree from China)
• Final Official transcripts issued ON OR AFTER the date of conferment
• Grade Point Certificate, Ranking Certificate, and Explanation of Grading System (if these information are not provided in the transcripts)

For applicants who are graduating

• Student status letter/enrolment certificate stating the duration of your programme and the expected date of your graduation
• Latest Official exam results/consolidated marksheet/ university transcripts (up till 7th semester results)
• Grade Point Certificate, Ranking Certificate, and Explanation of Grading System (if these information are not provided in the transcripts)

Please note the cut-off dates for providing the degree scroll/provisional certificate and final official transcripts below. If your institution is not able to provide these documents by the cut-off dates, please apply for the subsequent intake instead.

3. TOEFL/IELTS

Applicants whose native tongue AND medium of university instruction is not completely in English should submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as evidence of their proficiency in the English language.

TOEFL/ IELTS scores are valid for two (2) years from the test date. If the test has been taken more than two years ago, applicants should retake the test to have the scores reported.

We accept TOEFL iBT (Home Edition) and IELTS Online (Academic). Please note that IELTS Indicator is not a replacement for IELTS Academic Test.

For TOEFL, please quote our University code 9087 and department code 99.

4. GRE

Evidence of strong quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills through GRE scores will be assessed during our review process. Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide this document to strengthen their applications.

The minimum score requirement for GRE (General Test) is 320 for Verbal & Quantitative sections, and 3.5 for the Analytical section. GRE scores are valid for five (5) years from the test date. If the test was taken more than five years since, applicants should retake the test to have the scores reported.

We accept GRE General Test At Home Testing version.

Please quote our University code 0677 and the specific department code for FST 0107.

5. Referee Reports

Recommendations from two (2) academic referees are to be submitted via the Graduate Admission System. Applicants should check with their referees and obtain their institutional email address. Email addresses from domains other than “.edu” may be subjected to additional screening and filtering. Once the online application is submitted by the applicant, an automated email will be generated and sent to the referees.

The online referee report form is confidential and MUST be filled by the referees themselves. Applicants are not allowed to fill in the referee report form on behalf of the referees. Any non-compliance found will result in the immediate rejection of the application.

6. Awards/Publication/Patents/Professional Certs

(Optional if there are none to be provided. Compulsory for eligible candidates who wish to be considered for the NUS ASEAN Research Scholarship)

Please submit the first page for each of your published publication(s), if any. In the online application form, please enter your name in CAPS in the author list.

For awards (if any), please only include relevant academic achievements, including but not limited to scholarships, honour roll, dean’s list, merit award, subject award, research excellence award and etc.

If there are more than one award/publication/patent/professional cert, the supporting documents should be merged in chronological order as a single document, from the most recent (first) to the least recent (last). 

7. CV

A summary of your education, work experience, co-curricular activities, community service, etc.

8. Research Proposal/Statement of Purpose

Applicants should submit a brief preliminary Research Proposal or a Statement of Purpose of not more than 1,000 words. The statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the programme, your preparation for the field of study, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests that may help in the evaluation of your aptitude and motivation for graduate studies.

The Statement of Purpose is compulsory for applicants who wish to be considered for the NUS ASEAN Research Scholarship.

9. Documentary Proof of Financial Support

International applicants who are not applying for our Research Scholarship or have indicated their wish to be considered for admission in the event that their Research Scholarship application is unsuccessful, must submit documentary evidence of their ability to support their study (e.g. a bank statement) indicating the availability of funding of at least S$300,000 or its equivalent.

Applicants who are sponsored by an individual or organization will need to submit a letter from the sponsor with details/documentary proof of the sponsorship.

Those who are working in Singapore and applying for admission to our part-time programme may submit a copy of their recent pay slip.

Please ensure that all documents are uploaded before submitting the application. After the application has been submitted, please refrain from uploading new documents directly into the admission system, as they will not be monitored by our review committee. For addition of documents, please email food@nus.edu.sg for assistance.