Research Application/Admission (General Information)

Q01. What graduate programmes do NUS offer?
A01. The graduate programmes offered by NUS are broadly categorised into research degrees and coursework/taught programmes. At present, there are more than 40 coursework programmes (full-time and part-time) available, while research degrees are available in most, if not all the departments of the various faculties/schools as well as some of the affiliated research institutes/centres of the University.

Q02. What is the difference between a coursework programme and a research programme?
A02. Coursework/taught programmes involve the attendance of formal classes, seminars, laboratories and written examinations. Some programmes may also require the writing of a dissertation based on a project the candidate has undertaken.

The Research degree 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. Research candidates may also be required to attend appropriate lectures and sit for written examinations.

Q03. What are the admission requirements?
A03. Admission requirements vary from programme to programme. Generally, an applicant must have at least a good bachelor's degree (equivalent to a good Honours degree of NUS) in the appropriate discipline. In some cases, a period of relevant working experience is also required.

In addition, an applicant, whose native tongue or medium of instruction for the Bachelor's degree is not English, must have obtained a good TOEFL score or a IELTS score.

Applicants applying for admission in the fields of engineering, computer science, medicine and science should also preferably have obtained good GRE scores; while those applying for Business related areas should have obtained either GRE or GMAT scores.

Please either visit the website of the relevant faculty/school or check directly with the relevant Course Administrator for further enquiries on admission requirements.

Q04. Are there any admission interviews and/or tests?
A04. Shortlisted applicants, especially those who applied for the research scholarship, may be required to attend an interview. Wherever possible, the interview will be held in the applicant’s country. The usual periods of overseas interviews will be in March/April for the August intake and August/September for the January intake.

Q05. Is there an age limit for graduate programmes?
A05. There is no age limit. So long as you meet the minimum requirements, you are eligible to apply. Applications are considered on its own merits.

Q06. How do I apply and when is the closing date?
A06. Please get the details on application materials and relevant information from here.

Q07. If I am paying for my own study, what kind of documentary proof of financial support do I have to submit?
A07. It can be in the form of a bank statement or a copy of your recent pay slip if you are currently working in Singapore. If you are going to be supported by a sponsor, we will need a letter of confirmation from your sponsor, together with the financial status proof. You must have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses (about S$15,000 per year) and the tuition/research fees for at least the minimum period of your candidature.

Q08. How do I fill up the part on my proposed research topic in the application form if I don't have a specific topic in mind?
A08. You need not indicate a specific topic if you don't have one in mind. You should, however, indicate the research area(s) that you are interested in. You may refer to the Directory of Research for a list of research interests of all the staff members in the various departments and research institutes/centres.

Q09. For the field on proposed supervisor(s), can I leave it blank as I don’t know any staff in your University?
A09. You need not indicate any proposed supervisor(s) if you are unable to. A supervisor or supervisors will be appointed for each candidate based on the approved research topic.

Q10. When will I know the outcome of my application?
A10. For coursework programmes, please check with the relevant graduate school/faculty. Normally, the outcome should be known about two months before term commences.
Research applicants will be informed of the results of their applications by early June for the August intake and by early November for the January intake.