Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Information about the PhD Programme
How long is a PhD programme?
The NUS PhD in Management is a full-time programme. On the average, it can take up to 4 to 5 years to complete.
What is the overall programme structure?
The first two years are dedicated to coursework, summer paper & qualifying examination. The last two years are dedicated exclusively to research and dissertation. [Click here for more details]
Is there a minimum duration for finishing my PhD?
You need at least 4 years to complete your PhD degree.
Can I do my PhD on a part-time basis?
No. PhD can only be pursued on a full-time basis.
What is the maximum duration for finishing my PhD?
The maximum duration allowed for finishing the PhD degree is 6 years.
What are the possible areas of specialization?
Seven specialisations are offered: Accounting, Analytics & Operations, Finance, Management & Organisation, Marketing, Real Estate and Strategy & Policy.
Can I be waived off from some courses if I already hold an MBA?
Yes you can, but the waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Is the PhD curriculum available online?
Please click here to see the curriculum for each department.
How much is the tuition fee?
Click here to see the tuition fee.
What are the criteria for the selection of candidates?
Candidates are assessed on the basis of outstanding intellectual ability, motivation, faculty recommendations and potential for an international academic career.
Application Requirements:
What is the minimum qualification for applying to your PhD programme?
The minimum qualification for applying to the PhD programme is a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline.
I do not have a management background or prior work experience. Can I still apply?
Yes you can. Alongside your application, please submit a detailed essay on your area of interest, knowledge about the area and your objective from this programme to help us evaluate your application.
Questions on Online Application
I realised that I have made some serious errors in my application after I have submitted my application. What should I do?
Please contact us so that we can access the system to amend your application.
I cannot modify the application information myself after I have submitted it. Could you tell me how to upload some supporting documents online?
Documents cannot be uploaded after submission of application. Please send the documents directly to us by emailing to phdenquiry@nus.edu.sg.
I have accidentally submitted my application. How can I withdraw it?
Please contact us so that we can access the system to update the status of your application to withdrawn.
I have submitted all the necessary admission documents by post. How do I know if the faculty/school has received the documents in good order?
We will inform you via email.
My referee has not received the mail for the submission of online referee report. What should I do?
Please contact us so that we can check and resend the email to your referee.
My referee is unable to open the URL for the submission of the referee report. The message from the system is “The period for entering Referee Report has expired. Please contact administrator.”
Please contact us so that we can check and resend the email to your referee with the reopening of the system for your referee to submit his/her report.
Are there any interviews and/or admission tests?
The concerned department will be conducting a telephonic interview to the shortlisted applicants.
When is the deadline for PhD application?
Application for the next intake typically begins in May and ends in December for students who are joining for the next semester.
(e.g. For Semester 1, AY2021 intake, prospective students may apply in May 2020 and the application deadline is by 15 December 2020).
Please click here for the current application exercise.
When will I know the outcome of my application?
Successful applicants will be notified via email/letter of the outcome of PhD application from May onwards.
Applicants can login to Graduate Admission System to check their application status. Final status of all applications will be made known after 30 May once the admissions committee has finalized their decision.
Can I reapply if my file has been rejected?
Yes, you can re-apply for the next intake.
May I apply for two fields/departments?
Yes, you can apply for multiple fields (departments). But you need to fill in separate application forms and pay application fee for each application.
Can I submit IELTS scores in the place of TOEFL?
IELTS is also acceptable. You can submit either TOEFL or IELTS.
Is TOEFL required for graduation from certain universities?
Applicants who obtained their degrees from universities where English was not the main medium of communication MUST submit certified Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score sheets. TSE and TWE scores are required as part of TOEFL. Applicants who do not have TSE and TWE scores will be assessed on spoken and written English by a faculty member, and this may delay processing of their applications. IELTS is also acceptable. Applicants either submit TOEFL or IELTS
Can I send my application if I have not yet taken my GMAT or TOEFL?
Yes. You may indicate the test date if you have scheduled the test for GMAT or TOEFL.
Can I be waived GRE / GMAT?
GRE and GMAT may be provided if you have taken it. If you would like to ask for waiver, please send in a request with a reason.
Is there any minimum requirement for GMAT and GRE scores?
No minimum GMAT score is required. The average score is around 680-700/800.
What is the institution code for NUS Business School?
Our institution code is as follows:
GMAT code: DRT-MK-13
GRE code: 7219
TOEFL:9082 and select “99 – Other department not listed”
IELTS: 0677
Financial Support:
What are the various scholarships offered for the PhD studies?
The following scholarships are available for PhD Programme:
- Commonwealth Scholarship for new, incoming outstanding graduate students from Commonwealth countries.
- NUS Research Scholarships for outstanding graduate students for research leading to a higher degree at the University
- The President Graduate Fellowship (PGF) Scholarship for PhD candidates who show exceptional promise or accomplishment in research.
Am I still entitled for a scholarship if I have secured external financial support as well?
Yes. Please indicate in the application form the details of the other financial support that you have already secured.
Do PhD students get any monthly stipend?
Yes, PhD students are entitled to a monthly stipend under the various scholarship schemes described above. [Click here for more details]
Are there any other opportunities available to augment one’s monthly income?
Yes. The following options are available for PhD Students:
Graduate Students Researchers
- Part-time Tutors
- Part-time Employment outside the campus
- Research resources
- Post-Qualifying examination top-up
For more details on Financial Support, visit:
https://bschool.nus.edu.sg/phd/financial-support
Miscellaneous
Campus Visits
Is it possible to visit the campus before submitting the application?
Yes. We encourage you to visit us and familiarize yourself with the campus before applying for any programme at the University.