Highlights
- Top Universities- The top Universities for pursuing PhD in Singapore are the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, and Singapore Management University, among many others.
- Eligibility Criteria- You need a GPA of a minimum of 3.5 out of 4 along with a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field of your course.
- Additional Requirements- In addition to that, you need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 to 7 and a TOEFL score of 85-100. You must also submit an SOP and LOR.
- Job Outcomes - After pursuing a PhD in Singapore, you can work as a University professor, Research Scientist, Government Researcher, Data scientist, Senior Consultant, and Biomedical Scientist.
- Salary- The average salary of a PhD student in Singapore is around SGD 101,000 (INR 62,43,480).
- Recruiters - The top employers for PhD in Singapore are BioMind, Google, A*STAR, Sembcorp Industries, IQVIA, Mathrix, LSEG, Microsoft, NUS, GSK, and Temasek holdings.
Six public universities teach PhD programs in Singapore. All postgraduate study in Singapore is referred to simply as graduate study. Obtaining a PhD in Singapore for Indian students can take between 2-5 years depending on the subject studied. There are 2 primary intakes, in August (Fall) and January (Spring), and each intake has a specific deadline for application. The structure of a PhD in Singapore is different from that commonly found in the UK and other parts of the world.
- The first year includes a taught element and you will be expected to collect a certain number of credits by completing qualifying modules. You will also learn any techniques that you will require in the future during this time.
- You will have the opportunity to select a specific research project after your first year if you have completed the taught program. Your supervisor will then arrange the Qualifying Examination for you. The QE consists of an oral and written examination designed to measure your ability to interpret and critique literature as well as test specific knowledge about your selected research project.
- The average tuition fees for a PhD at the top universities in Singapore vary depending on the university and program of study. For international students, the cost can range from SGD 28,000 to SGD 50,000 per year.
- Each year, approximately 3,000 students from India continue their education at various schools or universities in Singapore, with a 35% rise in the number of Indian students in Singapore.
- Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) provides full tuition fee coverage, and a monthly stipend of SGD 2,000 to SGD 2,500, to Indian students.
Table of Content
Top Universities for PhD in Singapore
The following table shows the top universities offering PhD in Singapore for Indian students in different disciplines like Biological Science, Accounting, and Psychology:
| University | Program | Deadlines | Annual Tuition Fees (SGD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University of Singapore | PhD Biological Sciences | PhD Chemistry | PhD Food Science and Technology | PhD Mathematics | 15th December 2024 | 40,600 |
| Nanyang Technological University | PhD Biological Sciences | PhD Civil and Environmental Engineering | PhD Computer Science | 31st July 2024 | 19.855 |
| Singapore Management University | PhD Business | PhD Accounting | PhD Psychology | 31st December 2024 (For PhD in Accounting, PhD Asian Urbanisms, PhD Business, PhD in Economics and PhD Psychology) | 31st January 2024 (For PhD in Computer Science, PhD in Information Systems, and PhD in Law) | 30th June 2024 (For PhD in Computer Science and PhD in Information systems) | 24,350 |
| Singapore Institute of Technology | PhD Engineering | PhD Clinical research in health sciences | Rolling basis done on 3 intakes: September, January, and May |
31,000 |
| Singapore University of Technology and Design | PhD Science, Maths & Technology | PhD Engineering Systems and Design | 31st March 2023 | 52,994 |
| Singapore University of Social Sciences | PhD Engineering | PhD Gerontology | Closed | 36,000 |
| NUS Business school | PhD in Management | Closed | 38,750 |
| Newcastle University | PhD Chemical Engineering | PhD Marine Engineering | PhD Mechanical Engineering | Rolling basis throughout the year | 84,000 |
| INSEAD | PhD in Management | Closed | 35,000 |
| James Cook University | PhD Architecture | PhD Information Technology | PhD Health | Rolling basis throughout the year | 142,408.50 |
Note: 1SGD= 61.71 INR, as of 15th June, 2024
Why Study PhD in Singapore?
Some of the reasons why students prefer pursuing doctorate in Singapore are discussed below -
- The thriving Indian community in Singapore, comprising 9% of the population, provides a welcoming environment.
- There are a lot of job opportunities in Singapore for Indians, with job vacancies increasing to 99,600, according to the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore.
- The average annual salary for international PhD students in Singapore is approximately SGD90,000 per year.
- Entry-level positions start at around SGD 2,140, and those with a PhD opportunities in Singapore for Indian students can potentially earn up to SGD 37,700.
PhD in Singapore: Admissions
The admissions process for a PhD in Singapore typically involves several steps. First, prospective students must check the eligibility criteria of the university and program of interest. This may include requirements related to educational background, research experience, English proficiency, and other factors. If a student meets the eligibility criteria, they may then submit an application, which typically includes academic transcripts, a research proposal, letters of recommendation, and other supporting documents.
Eligibility Criteria
Entry requirements for international students to obtain a PhD in Singapore differ from one university to another. However, the general requirements that one must meet to be eligible for Singapore PhD admission are:
- Academic Degree- A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a related discipline from a recognized institution
- Minimum GPA- 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- GRE or GMAT Score- A high competitive GRE or GMAT score is required
- English Proficiency Test Score- IELTS: 6.5-7.0 | TOEFL-iBT: 85-100
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)- A 1-2 page essay showing your interest in the program and your plans.
- Letters of Recommendation- 2-3 LoRs
- Coursework- Depends on the field of study and the research focus of the program.
- Experience- Generally two years of professional work experience required
Requirements for PhD in Singapore Admission
The table below displays the specific admission requirements for each university in Singapore for pursuing PhD in Singapore for international students:
| University | Academic requirement | GMAT/GRE score | Additional documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University of Singapore | 4-year bachelor’s degree with honors or master’s degree from a related discipline from a related discipline | Required | Proof of English language proficiency| 2 LoRs |
| Nanyang Technological university | 4-year bachelor’s degree with honors or distinction | Required | Proof of English language proficiency | Official transcripts of achievements/certificates | Two academic references | Research proposal | Resume/CV |
| Singapore Management university | 4-year bachelor’s degree with a strong academic background | Required | Proof of English language proficiency | Official transcripts of achievements/certificates| Two academic references| Personal statements | Research proposal | Resume/CV |
| Singapore Institute of Technology | Current employees with bachelor’s degrees | Strong research proposal | Not required | None |
| Singapore University of Technology and Design | A bachelor’s degree with excellent academic records | Not required | Proof of English language proficiency | Submission of thesis |
| Singapore University of Social Sciences | A master’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution | Not required | Proof of English language proficiency | Two years of professional work experience | Personal Statement | Research proposal |
| NUS Business school | A bachelor’s degree with excellent academic records | Minimum GRE score 320 | Proof of English language proficiency | Research proposal | Official transcripts of achievements/certificates | Two letters of recommendation |
| Newcastle university | A 2:1 honors degree from a recognized institution | Not required | Proof of English language proficiency | Research proposal | Personal statement | CV/resume |
| INSEAD | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution | Required | Proof of English language proficiency | CV/resume | Degree transcripts and certificates | 3 letters of recommendation | Research proposal |
| James Cook university | A second-class honors degree or a research master’s degree from a recognized institution | Not Required | Proof of English language proficiency | CV/resume | Research proposal |
Cost of study for PhD in Singapore
The cost of studying for PhD courses in Singapore can vary depending on several factors, such as the university and program chosen, the student's nationality, and whether they receive any scholarships or funding. Generally, tuition fees for international students can range from SGD 25,000 to SGD 60,000 (INR 15,00,000 to INR 37,00,000) per year, while living expenses can range from SGD 10,000 to SGD 20,000 (INR 6,00,000 – 12,00,000) per year. However, there are many funding opportunities available to support PhD students, including scholarships, research grants, and stipends, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of PhD in Singapore.
Tuition Fees for PhD in Singapore
The tuition fees vary from around for most universities. The following table shows the total tuition fees for several Singaporean universities to pursue a PhD:
Note: 1SGD= 61.71 INR, as of 15th June, 2024
Cost of Living in Singapore
The following table shows the average annual expense for the various types of expenses and the total cost of living in Singapore:
| Expense Type | Average Annual Expense (SGD) | Cost for Indian students (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 15,600 | 9.64 Lakh |
| Meals | 4,500 | 2.78 Lakh |
| Transportation | 1,200 | 74,188 |
| Health insurance | 2,500 | 1.54 Lakh |
| Personal expenses | 6,000 | 3.70 Lakh |
| Total | 29,800 | 18.42 Lakh |
Note: 1SGD= 61.71 INR, as of 15th June, 2024
Scholarships for PhD in Singapore
The following table shows the list of PhD scholarships in Singapore and their details, which are available for International students:
| Scholarship | Eligibility criteria | Award Value |
|---|---|---|
| President’s Graduate Fellowship | Strong academic performance | Strong research potential | Monthly stipend of SGD 3,100 | Full tuition coverage | One-time air travel allowance | One-time settling allowance of SGD 1,000 |
| NUS Research Scholarship | Graduated with a 2:1 upper-class honors degree | Monthly stipend of SGD 1,900 | Full tuition coverage |
| NUS-SINGA scholarship | Strong academic performance and excellence | Monthly stipend of SGD 2,200 | Subsidies on tuition fees | One-time air travel allowance | One-time settling allowance of up to SGD 1,000 |
| AI Singapore scholarship | Must pursue PhD in Singapore-based universities | Strong research potential | Monthly stipend of up to SGD 6,000 |
| The INSEAD Fellowship | Strong academic performance | Tuition fee waiver | Monthly stipend | Health insurance coverage |
| Nanyang President’s graduate scholarships | Honors degree equivalent at the bachelor’s level | Strong academic performance and research potential | Monthly stipend of SGD 3,100 | Conference, Book, IT, and Thesis allowances of up to SGD 1,000 |
| A*STAR Singapore International Graduate Award | Strong academic performances | Good English skills | Good reports from references | Full tuition fee coverage | Monthly stipend of SGD 2,200 | One-time air travel allowance of up to SGD 1,500 | One-time settling allowance of up to SGD 1,000 |
Note: 1SGD= 61.71 INR, as of 15th June, 2024
Job Opportunities for PhD in Singapore
After the successful completion of a PhD, graduates can expect placements for top managerial positions. The following table shows the average annual salary that PhD graduates can expect for different Jobs in Singapore for International Students:
| Profession | Average Salary (SGD) | Salary for Indian Student (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University professors | 140,000 | 86.50 Lakh |
| Research Scientist | 71,386 | 44.10 Lakh |
| Government Researcher | 75,000 | 46.34 Lakh |
| Data scientist | 70,617 | 43.63 Lakh |
| Senior Consultant | 91,863 | 56.65 Lakh |
| Biomedical Scientist | 62,500 | 38.61 Lakh |
Note: 1SGD= 61.71 INR, as of 15th June, 2024
Return on Investment for PhD in Singapore
From the above ROI it can be understood that the students pursuing a PhD from Singapore receive the highest ROI percentage of 177%. This means that the annual salary is more than the average annual investment in the course.
If you are intending to complete your PhD in Singapore and you’ve been offered a place as a student at a Singaporean university, you will need to apply for a Student’s Pass issued by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Remember that if you got a tuition fee subsidy through the Service Obligation (SO) Scheme, you would be expected to work for a Singapore-based company for three years. A PhD in Singapore combines organized study with independent research to generate capable graduates who are prepared for a variety of professional prospects.
Foreigners looking for highly skilled work would be hard-pressed to find a better destination than Singapore.
FAQs
Ques. How long is PhD in Singapore?
Ans. The PhD is designed to be completed within 3-5 years of study. During the first two years, students take courses and complete one exploratory research project in consultation with a faculty advisor. They also generate a proposal for their PhD research.
Ques. Do PhD students get paid in Singapore?
Ans. The estimated total pay for a Ph.D. student is $8,800 per month, with an average salary of $2,800 per month.
Ques. Is PhD funded in Singapore?
Ans.NUS offers direct PhD scholarships to outstanding individuals of all nationalities who have achieved excellent academic performance for their Bachelor's degree.
Ques. Can PhD students work in Singapore?
Ans. If you wish to work during your studies, you need to make sure you meet the criteria set by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower. However, PhD students studying at one of Singapore's six universities will generally meet these conditions. During the holidays there is no restriction on the work you can take.
Ques. What is a S pass in Singapore?
Ans. S Pass is a work pass that allows foreign mid-skilled individuals to work and stay in Singapore. The application is open for all nationalities. The pass is issued with a validity of 2 years and can be renewed for up to 3 years. The employers are required to maintain a quota and pay a levy for S Pass employees
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