FAQs
ANSWERS |
Qn 1: Can I do the PhD on a part-time basis? |
Qn 2: Do I have to pay application fee? |
Qn 3: If I have very good academic records / came from a well-known university / had very impressive work experience, can GMAT or GRE be waived? Although GMAT or GRE scores are only one of the elements we consider, there is absolutely no waiver for this requirement. Our applicants come from different parts of the world, so GMAT and GRE are important yardsticks for the selection process. This is an international practice. |
Qn 4: If I am a Singapore citizen / Singapore permanent resident / NTU graduate, do I still need to take GMAT or GRE? Yes. There is no waiver for GMAT / GRE requirement for any applicant. |
Qn 5: Which test is preferred, GMAT or GRE? We have no preference. |
Qn 6: Can I substitute TOEFL with IELTS? IELTS is acceptable in lieu of TOEFL. |
Qn 7: What is the cut-off for GMAT / GRE / TOEFL? We do not set any absolute cut-off point for these tests. However, you might want to note that the median for our most recent intake was 695 for GMAT, 1343 for GRE (verbal & quantitative), 620 for TOEFL and 7.0 for IELTS. |
Qn 8: If I do not have all the required documents ready and the deadline is near, what should I do? Please go ahead and send in what you have ready (at least the application form, photocopies of your transcripts and degree certificates, and your statement of objectives). However there is no guarantee that your application will be reviewed if the missing items arrived too late to be considered. |
Qn 9: What will happen if I miss the application deadline? Some divisions may still consider late applications until April. No new applications will be reviewed after April . Since not more than five students are admitted for each specialisation, late arrival of your application will considerably reduce your chances of admission. |
Qn 10: If I am admitted but cannot come, can I defer my admission till the next intake? We do not allow admission to be deferred to the next intake. Let us know if you wish to be considered for the next intake, and we will re-activate your application when the next review process begins. Applications are not kept for more than a year. |
Qn 11: If I am not admitted, can I be reconsidered for the next intake? Unsuccessful applications will not be returned and cannot be reactivated. You may reapply for the next intake. |
Qn 12: Can I apply to the Master's degree first, before I apply or switch to the PhD programme? In our PhD programme, you do not get a Master's degree en route to the PhD. Our Master's programmes will also not lead you directly into our PhD programme. If you are interested to do a Master's degree with us, please check out our graduate website http://www.nbs.ntu.edu.sg/Programmes/index.asp for more information. Direct your inquiries to the appropriate programme office. |
Qn 13: I am from a non-business discipline/background. Can I apply? Previous education may include any discipline. However, students who are interested in pursuing studies in a business area are expected to have some knowledge of the discipline applied for. Good knowledge and skills in quantitative research will be an advantage. |
Qn 14: Can I apply for more than one specialisation? Yes, you may do so. Indicate your interests in one application and do not submit multiple sets of application. Nevertheless, you are advised to restrict your choices to two specialisations, otherwise it may indicate a lack of focus in your areas of interest. Your application will be considered by the particular division of specialisation, in the order of your preference. |
Qn 15: Do I need to find a research supervisor before I apply or get admitted? There is no need to scout for a research supervisor at this stage. At the end of the first year or after the students are confirmed into PhD candidacy, when students have a better understanding of the different fields in their chosen specialization, they will be asked to confirm a research topic, and can start writing their thesis proposal after they have obtained a professor's agreement to supervise them in their thesis work. |
Qn 16: What are the immigration procedures involved for international students? International students need to apply for a Student's Pass to pursue a course of study in Singapore unless they already have an Employment Pass issued by the Singapore Immigration Department. The Student's Pass is only issued to full-time students and not part-time students. The issuance of Student's Pass by the Singapore Immigration is subject to the clearance of medical examination of international students. Our International Student Centre (ISC) will assist successful applicants in applying for an In-Principle Approval Letter for Social Visit Visa and Student's Pass from the Singapore Immigration (SIR). It usually takes 4-6 weeks for SIR to process the application. It is therefore important that you complete and return as soon as possible the application form that is given to you with the Admission Letter. The In-Principle Approval Letter for Social Visit Visa and Student's Pass will be sent to the students prior to their departure for Singapore. Students are to produce this letter at the Immigration checkpoint upon entry into Singapore. After arrival in Singapore, students have to bring along the required documents to SIR to apply for the Student's Pass before the Social Visit Visa expires. |
Qn 17: Can my family accompany me to Singapore? Your student pass will allow only you to enter Singapore. The University will sponsor the social visit pass application for the student's spouse only. If other family members wish to come along, you may apply with the Singapore Immigration for social visit pass. For more information on immigration procedures, please visit http://www.ntu.edu.sg/oas2/isu/sp/ |
Qn 18: How do I apply for the programme? Please apply through: Application Form. |