• A good Master's degree in a relevant discipline; or
• An NUS Honours degree (at least 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.

• Candidates whose native tongue and medium of undergraduate instruction is not English must submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores as evidence of their proficiency in the English language
• A minimum TOEFL score of 85 (with a minimum of 22 for the writing section) is required for the internet-based test
• A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in all sections and overall score is required
• TOEFL or IELTS scores are only valid for two years from the test date and the validity should not expire before the beginning of the application period for the programme
• The Educational Testing Service (ETS) has indicated that score reports are valid only if our University receives them directly from ETS

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is optional
• However, 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

• International students on student visa must be enrolled for full-time study
• Admission as a part-time student is at the discretion of the Department

• Students must spend at least 18 months in Singapore during their candidature
• Students who are awarded NUS scholarships must reside in Singapore throughout the duration of the scholarship award
• Periods of study leave and overseas fieldwork do not count towards residency requirement

• One (1) compulsory course: SN6770 Graduate Research Seminar
• Five (5) elective courses, which may include:
  • A maximum of two (2) Independent Study courses - SN5660 and/or SN6660
  • A maximum of one (1) Level 4000 course

Note: Students should discuss with their thesis advisors on the relevant courses they need to take.

• Students may be required to take the Diagnostic English Test (DET) to determine their English proficiency (selected students will be notified in their offer of admission letter)
• Depending on their DET results, students may be required to take Graduate English Course(s) or be exempted from taking the course(s) altogether
• Students who are required to take the Graduate English Course(s) must obtain at least grade 'C' in the course(s) at intermediate level within the first two (2) years of their candidature
• Graduate English Course(s) are not counted towards the 24 units required for the coursework requirements
• ALL students must complete and pass the compulsory course NG5001 Academic Communication for Postgraduate Researchers

• Students must pass a Qualifying Examination (QE) within the first two (2) years of their candidature
• A second QE may be attempted within this period if the student fail at the first attempt
• Students must fulfill the following before being allowed to sit for the QE:
  • Complete and pass at least five (5) courses with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.50;
  • Where applicable, obtain at least grade 'C' in the Graduate English Course(s) at intermediate level; and
  • Other departmental requirements, if any.

• The QE comprises:
  • Comprehensive examinations as determined by the Department to test the general competence of the student in his/her discipline(s) or field(s);
  • An oral defence of the thesis proposal held before the Thesis Committee (for which a 30- to 50-page thesis proposal is expected).

• Students must complete and submit a thesis within the maximum period of candidature
• A PhD thesis should not exceed 80,000 words (including footnotes but excluding appendices, bibliography, maps, charts, statistical tables, graphs, illustrations, etc.)

• Students must present himself/herself for an oral examination on the subject matter of the thesis and related subjects after submitting his/her thesis
• The oral examination comprises an oral presentation followed by an oral defence/open discussion

• Completed and passed six (6) courses (refer to coursework requirements above);
• Obtained a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.50 for the relevant courses;
• Passed the PhD Qualifying Examination (QE);
• Passed the PhD Thesis;
• Passed the PhD Oral Examination;
• Completed and passed NG5001 Academic Communication for Postgraduate Researchers;
• Where applicable, obtained at least grade 'C' in Graduate English Course(s); and
• Other departmental requirements, if any.