Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a Master’s degree to apply for a PhD?
- Generally, no. For most programmes, you only need at least a good Bachelor’s degree. While a Master’s degree is often described as "useful" or "recommended," it is not a strict requirement for admission into the Academic Research PhD programmes.
What are the standard admission requirements regarding standardized tests?
- Most programmes require GRE or GMAT results taken within the last five years. Additionally, if your medium of instruction at the university level was not English, you must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores taken within the last two years.
- You can find more information here.
Are there waivers available for GRE or GMAT requirements?
- Yes. For several programs, including Economics, Psychology, and Computer Science/Information Systems, GRE or GMAT requirements may be waived for graduates of Singapore’s autonomous universities (such as SMU, NUS, NTU, SUTD, SIT, and SUSS). However, some programs, like Psychology, still encourage submission if scores are available to enhance the application.
When are the application deadlines for the different intakes?
- For the August intake, applications typically open on August 1st of the prior year and close on December 31st or January 31st, depending on the specific programme. The PhD in Computer Science and Information Systems also has a January intake, with applications closing on June 30th of the prior year.
- You can find more information here.
What is the selection process after I submit my application?
- A selection committee in each school assesses the full application package. Shortlisted candidates are typically invited for an interview, which may be conducted face-to-face or virtually via web-conferencing.
What if I am interested in research but not yet ready to commit to a PhD?
- If you are undecided about a doctoral career, you can start with a Master by Research programme. This allows you to gain a head start on research work and determine if it is the right career path for you before committing to a full PhD.
Can I pursue my PhD on a part-time basis?
- Most PhD programs are strictly full-time. The primary exception is the PhD in Computer Science, which offers a part-time study option, but this is restricted to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
Is there an application fee?
- Yes, there is a one-time, non-refundable application fee of S$15 (inclusive of GST).
Are scholarships available, and do they come with a bond?
- Yes, SMU awards competitive Research Scholarships that cover registration and subsidised tuition fees while providing a monthly living stipend. Notably, there is no bond attached to these scholarships upon the completion of your studies.
What are the monthly living stipend rates for PhD students?
- Effective January 1, 2026, Tier 1 Scholarship recipients receive $5,300 (Singapore Citizens), $4,800 (Permanent Residents), or S$4,300 (International Students).
- Under Tier 2, stipends start lower but increase after passing the Qualifying Examination (QE):
Singapore Citizens: $3,800(Before QE)/$4,300 (After QE)
Permanent Residents: $3,400(Before QE)/$3,900 (After QE)
International Students: $3,100(Before QE)/$3,600 (After QE) - You can find more information here.
How long does the PhD programme and scholarship support last?
- The programmes are full-time, and students are expected to complete their candidature within five years. However, the standard scholarship is tenable for a maximum of four years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
What financial support is available if I need a fifth year to finish?
- Since scholarship stipends cease after Year 4, students in their fifth year may receive continued support by working as a Research Assistant (RA), Senior Teaching Assistant (STA), or Graduate Instructor (GI). International students can work up to 16 hours per week on a part-time basis under these schemes.
Am I allowed to work outside the university during my PhD?
- No. Scholarship recipients are not allowed to engage in any other gainful employment or hold external sponsorships without prior written approval from the university.
Is there a service obligation for international students?
- Self-financing international students who choose to pay subsidised tuition fees are required to take up a three-year service obligation. This involves working in a Singapore-based company for three years upon graduation. Notably, the standard SMU Research Scholarship itself is typically bond-free.
Does the university provide funding for me to present research at conferences?
- Yes. The university provides generous conference funding to allow students to share their work with the international research community at peer-reviewed international conferences.
What are the residency requirements for scholarship holders?
- Scholars are required to reside in Singapore for the duration of their PhD candidature. They are expected to report to their school or supervisor regularly unless they have been granted official leave.
What happens if my academic performance is not satisfactory?
- Scholarships are renewed annually based on satisfactory progress. The university reserves the right to terminate a scholarship if a student fails to maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 3.0 or fails to meet other program requirements.
Do I have to perform teaching or research duties as part of my scholarship?
- As part of their professional development, scholars may be required to perform graduate assistantship work, which can include teaching or research duties, without additional remuneration. Beyond these requirements, students may apply for paid part-time positions as Research or Teaching Assistants.
What is the difference between an Academic Research PhD and a Professional Doctorate?
- The Academic Research PhD is designed for fresh or recent graduates interested in creating new theories and pursuing careers in academia or R&D. In contrast, Professional Doctorates are for senior managers and working professionals who want to apply existing research to solve real-world practical challenges in industry.
- Academic PhDs are full-time and typically come with scholarship support, while Professional Doctorates are often self-funded.
- You can find out more information about our Academic Research Programmes here.
- You can find out more information about our Professional Doctorate Programmes here.
What PhD programmes are currently offered?
- The university offers PhD programmes in Accounting, Business (with various specializations), Economics, Psychology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Law, Commerce & Technology, and Asian Urbanisms.
- You can find out more information about our Academic Research Programmes here.
Am I allowed to work outside the university during my PhD?
- No. Scholarship recipients are not allowed to engage in any other gainful employment or hold external sponsorships without prior written approval from the university.
What if I am interested in research but not yet ready to commit to a PhD?
- If you are undecided about a doctoral career, you can start with a Master by Research programme. This allows you to gain a head start on research work and determine if it is the right career path for you before committing to a full PhD.
What are the key academic milestones I need to achieve?
- The PhD journey involves several critical stages: completing foundation and elective coursework, passing a Qualifying Examination (QE) (typically by the end of Year 2), submitting a dissertation proposal, conducting original research, and finally, a successful oral defense of the completed dissertation.
How much holiday leave am I entitled to?
- PhD scholars are eligible for 21 working days of paid holiday leave per calendar year. This excludes weekends and public holidays. However, students are generally not permitted to take leave during periods with classes or assigned teaching responsibilities.
Does the university provide funding for me to present research at conferences?
- Yes. The university provides generous conference funding to allow students to share their work with the international research community at peer-reviewed international conferences.
Can I pursue my PhD on a part-time basis?
- Most PhD programs are strictly full-time. The primary exception is the PhD in Computer Science, which offers a part-time study option, but this is restricted to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
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