NUS PhD 2027: Computing and Business School Both Close on 15 December (Singapore)

Deadline: 15 December 2026 | Location: Singapore | Fields: Computer Science and Business / Management | Intake: August 2027 | Funding: NUS Research Scholarship, President’s Graduate Fellowship and more

If you’re looking at a PhD in Asia, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is one of the first places to check. Two of its research-based PhD programmes, at the School of Computing and at the NUS Business School, are both accepting applications for the August 2027 intake until 15 December 2026. Both use the same online system, the NUS Graduate Admission System, and each department runs its own selection.

Important: apply separately to each department

NUS treats each department’s application as its own. If you want to be considered by more than one department, you must submit a separate application for each. There is no limit on how many you can send, but every application needs its own supporting documents and its own application fee.

The application fee for both programmes is S$50 per application, non-refundable and inclusive of GST. NUS says it has not engaged any external agencies to recruit graduate students, so apply directly to the university and don’t pay agents.

Programme 1: PhD in Computer Science, NUS School of Computing

NUS Computing accepts PhD (by research) applications year-round and considers each for the next nearest intake. There are two intakes per academic year, and the cut-off dates are:

• August intake: 15 December

• January intake: 15 June of the previous calendar year

An application made now, before 15 December, is therefore considered for August 2027.

What you need to apply

Upload all documents as PDFs through the online system at the time of submission. The school will not upload documents on your behalf, and incomplete applications may not be processed.

• Statement of Purpose (mandatory): Explain your reasons for applying, your preparation for the field, your future career plans, and anything else that helps assess your aptitude and motivation. Upload it under “Document Upload – Select Others” in the system.

• Curriculum Vitae (mandatory)

• Proof of residence: For example a passport, identity card or Employment Pass.

• Academic qualifications: Certified true copies of your Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and certified official transcripts. Documents not in English need certified English translations.

• Test scores: GRE or GMAT, and TOEFL or IELTS.

• Two referee reports: Enter your referees’ email addresses in the application and the system sends them a request. You don’t need to submit hard copies.

• Other supporting documents: Certified copies of scholarships, awards and prizes, and copies of any publications.

If your application is successful, you must also provide original official transcripts during registration, sealed in an envelope bearing the university’s security seal if you are a foreign graduate.

Funding

NUS Computing offers Research Scholarships, awarded on a competitive basis to full-time students who meet the minimum criteria. The scholarship carries a monthly allowance plus a full tuition fee subsidy. It is tenable for one year in the first instance and renewable annually for up to four years, subject to satisfactory performance. Students who pass the PhD Qualifying Examination receive an additional S$500 per month for two years.

Two other awards are available:

• President’s Graduate Fellowship (PGF): For a small number of PhD candidates who show exceptional promise or accomplishment in research. It is renewable for up to four years.

• Singapore Digital (SG:D) Scholarship (Postgraduate): An industry scholarship for postgraduate study in areas such as AI, cybersecurity and analytics.

Full-time research scholars are automatically enrolled in the medical insurance scheme, with the premium deducted from the stipend.

After you apply

Check your application status in the Graduate Admission System after the deadline. The status updates to “online application verified” about two weeks after the deadline if your application is complete, and the outcome is released through the system about three months after the deadline. Questions can go to soc-phd-app@nus.edu.sg.

NUS Computing also offers a PhD in Information Systems, which has its own programme page. The details above come from the Computer Science application page, so check the Information Systems page for that programme’s requirements.

Programme 2: PhD in Management, NUS Business School

The NUS Business School PhD accepts applications from 1 May 2026 until 15 December 2026, for admission starting August 2027. The programme covers seven departments: Accounting, Analytics & Operations, Finance, Management & Organisation, Marketing, Real Estate, and Strategy & Policy.

What you need to apply

Prepare these before you start:

1. Your research proposal and statement of purpose

2. Undergraduate and graduate degree scrolls

3. Undergraduate and graduate degree transcripts

4. GMAT or GRE scores, if available

5. IELTS or TOEFL score report, if available

6. Resume

7. Singapore NRIC or international passport

8. A passport-size photograph

9. Publications, if any

10. Two referees: Once a referee is assigned, the system sends an automated email, and each referee has 14 days to complete the report form. You can also send out the referee form before you finish your application.

11. The S$50 application fee, payable by Visa or Mastercard

Funding

NUS Business School PhD students may apply for the NUS Research Scholarship, the President’s Graduate Fellowship or the Commonwealth Scholarship. Each provides financial aid for the first four years of candidature. Fifth-year support is generally provided, depending on satisfactory progress. Scholars who pass the PhD Qualifying Examination, normally held 12 to 18 months after registration, may receive an additional stipend of up to S$500 per month. Part-time tutoring is also available after you defend your thesis proposal, though these opportunities aren’t guaranteed.

After you apply

Because of the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates are contacted, and interview notices go out by email. The page also notes that you can check your application status in the admissions portal after 1 May 2027, so don’t expect an early answer.

How to apply

Both programmes use the NUS Graduate Admission System at gradapp.nus.edu.sg/apply. When you submit, you create a 6-character password that you use with your application number to check your status and reply to any offer. NUS also publishes a user guide for the system.

Tips for a strong application

• Choose your department deliberately. Decide which of the seven business departments, or which Computing research area, matches your interests before you write your documents.

• Write a research-focused statement. Both programmes weight your statement of purpose and research direction heavily, so make yours specific.

• Give referees plenty of time. The Business School system gives them 14 days after assignment, so send requests early and leave room before the deadline.

• Order certified documents early. Certified true copies and certified translations can take weeks.

• Check your scholarship options now. Scholarship consideration for NUS research programmes starts with your admission application, so apply early and well rather than at the last minute.

Want help with your application?

Found a programme that fits? Your mentor can help you sharpen your statement of purpose, research proposal and department choice before you submit. Book a call to get started.

For more personalized tips or templates contact our team.

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