Frequently Asked Questions

What is the programme structure?

Please refer to SMU Doctor of Business Administration Programme Structure on this site.

Is the programme offered on a part-time basis, or through distance/online learning?

The SMU Professional Doctorate Programmes are designed to fit the busy schedules of working professionals. Courses are offered on a contact-hour basis, and the dissertation research can be conducted from anywhere. The coursework and workshops are conducted on campus. Participants will complete three full-day sessions per course (typically from Friday to Sunday) and one full-day session per workshop.

For more information, please refer to SMU Doctor of Business Administration Programme Structure on this site.

How long is the programme?

Students are encouraged to complete their studies in 4 years, though they may take 5 years to complete their programme.

How many intakes are there in a year?

The main intake is in August (Term 1). The Graduate Research Programmes Office may consider late admissions in Terms 2 and 3 on a case-by- case basis. Please refer to SMU Doctor of Business Administration Application Information on this site.

Would I have to determine my research topic during application or admission?

Not necessarily. The coursework in the first one to two years and the interactions with eminent faculty will steer you towards a research topic of interest for the dissertation.

What are the eligibility criteria for admission?

Please refer to SMU Doctor of Business Administration Admission Requirements on this site.

Do I need to have work experience to apply for the programme?

Yes. Please refer to SMU Doctor of Business Administration Admission Requirements on this site.

If I hold a Master’s, can I be exempted from certain modules?

If you had done a course in your Master’s degree that is similar to one of our doctorate courses, we may allow you to substitute the latter with another doctorate course. We believe that by doing so, you will strengthen your academic foundation.

Do I have to attend an admission interview? When are the interviews?

You may have to attend an admission interview should you be shortlisted for the programme. Face-to- face interviews are held for local candidates, and telephone or web-conferencing interviews are carried out for international applicants. Applicants will be informed if they are selected for interview via email.

Where can I find details on these required tests – GMAT/GRE and TOEFL/IELTS?

Please refer to SMU Doctor of Business Administration Admission Requirements on this site.

Are there minimum scores for the required tests – GMAT/GRE and TOEFL/IELTS?

We do not publish minimum scores for the tests as we assess applicants holistically.

Can I be exempted from the required tests – GMAT/GRE and TOEFL/IELTS?

Please refer to SMU Doctor of Business Administration Admission Requirements on this site.

How do I apply? When is/are the application deadline(s)?

Please refer to SMU Doctor of Business Administration Application Information on this site.

Is there an application fee?

There is a non-refundable application fee of SGD100.00.

Is financial assistance available?

Please refer to respective SMU Doctor of Business Administration Programme Fees on this site.

Can I apply before I have taken the required tests – GMAT/GRE and TOEFL/IELTS?

You can send the rest of your application to us, even if you have not taken the required test(s). We will process your application once we receive your relevant test score(s). You could email your unofficial score(s) to us as soon as you receive them.

When will I be notified of the outcome of my application?

Once you submit your online application, followed by supporting documents, the Graduate Research Programmes Office will contact you on your outcome accordingly.

Who will be teaching the programme?

The programme will be delivered by senior professors with extensive teaching, practice and consultancy experience, and whose research work focus on user-driven problems.

Will I be able to undertake research with faculty members?

Yes, you are encouraged to approach the respective faculty members in your areas of interest and undertake research with them.