In general, the University requires:

• Normally an NUS Honours degree (Merit/Second Class and above) or equivalent (e.g., a four-year Bachelor's degree with at least an average grade of B) in a relevant discipline; or
• In exceptional cases, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with at least two years of relevant work experience, subject to approval by the Faculty and Board of Graduate Studies, on a case-by-case basis; and
• TOEFL/IELTS, where applicable.

All applicants should consult the website of relevant Departments/Programmes for specific departmental requirements.

In general, the University requires:

• Normally a good Master's degree in a relevant discipline; or
• an NUS Honours degree (at least Distinction/Second Class Upper Division) or equivalent (e.g., a four-year Bachelor's degree with an average grade above B) in a relevant discipline, subject to approval by the Faculty, on a case-by-case basis; and
• TOEFL/IELTS, where applicable.

All applicants should consult the website of relevant Departments/Programmes for specific departmental requirements.

Applicants whose native tongue and medium of university instruction is not in English should submit the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score as evidence of their proficiency in the English language. As such, only if the applicant meets both criteria, i.e. native tongue is not English AND medium of university instruction is not English, must they submit the TOEFL/IELTS. However, as some Departments/Programmes may be more stringent in their requirement, please check the website of the respective Department(s)/Programme(s) you are applying to or contact them directly if you are unsure.

The minimum TOEFL iBT* score required is 85 for the internet-based test (with a minimum score of 22 for the writing section). Under the new score scale, a minimum total score of 5.0 is required.  Alternatively, an IELTS result of 7.0 is required.

*TOEFL iBT® Home Edition is accepted. The University does not accept IELTS Indicator and IELTS One Skill Retake.

Note that some Departments/Programmes may set higher requirements than those stated above.

TOEFL and IELTS are only valid for two years after the test and the validity should not expire before the beginning of the application period for the research programme.

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) has indicated that score reports are valid only if our University receives them directly from ETS.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to send an electronic copy of their TOEFL/IELTS score report instead of a hardcopy. Please arrange to have your report sent to us at the appropriate address indicated at the testing organisation’s website.

The Faculty's TOEFL institution code is 9081.

The GRE is optional. However, do note that evidence of strong quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills through GRE scores, as well as indicators of research skills and experience will significantly strengthen your application.