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Online Master's Degrees in Singapore

39 Online PhDs by universities at Singapore. Below is a selection of the available study options. Interested in studying a distance learning course? View all 39 Online PhD opportunities at universities in Singapore . You can also read more about Singapore .

Traditionally, PhD candidates prefer to conduct research on campus. In recent years, many universities have started offering fully online part-time PhD options. Meetings with project supervisors are made easier with the help of modern technology. Distance-learning and online support greatly benefit students who need to travel to remote regions to conduct research. Online communication tools bring together academic communities all over the world.

Study in Singapore

Singapore is a well-known business and education hub, managing to attract students from all over the world. Local universities have high academic standards and excellent courses, ranking among the best education institutions in Asia. Some of the best study programmes are offered in Business, Economics, and Trade. To reduce the costs of their education, students can apply for government subsidies and scholarship programmes. Your adaptation to the local society and lifestyle is made easier by the English language, which is spoken almost anywhere, even in local people’s homes. Combined with your academic knowledge, this can help you land a job after graduation, and jobs in Singapore are well-paid thanks to the thriving economy.

Can you handle the weather in Singapore?

Distance Learning

Distance or online learning is a mode of study that allows students to study most or all of a course without attending at a campus-based institution. Distance can refer to both material and interaction. Distance learning provides access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both.

During this type of education students communicate with the faculty and other students via e-mail, electronic forums, videoconferencing, chat rooms, bulletin boards, instant messaging and other forms of computer-based interaction.

The programmes often include a online training system and tools to produce a virtual classroom. The tuition fees for distance learning vary from institution to programme to country. It is certain that the student saves expenses related to accommodation and transportation, because you can maintain your current living expenses. Distance learning is also a great solution for people that already have a job, and still want or need further education.

39 Online Master's degrees in Singapore

The Finance programme is offered by London School of Business and Finance.

The Master of Information Technology at the University of Newcastle is a broad, flexible and technical degree...

Develop a strategic understanding of current and future leadership challenges with the Leadership...

The Information Security and Digital Forensics programme is offered by the London School of Business and...

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PhD Study in Singapore – A Guide for 2024

Written by Mike Davies

An island city state situated in southeast Asia, the bustling multicultural country of Singapore has been dubbed the ‘garden city’ for its ongoing commitment to the preservation of natural habitats.

Despite its small size Singapore punches above its weight as world leader in education, research and development, with a government investment of SGD $19 billion (USD $14 billion) in research innovation and enterprise between 2016 and 2020.

This page will cover the essential information about studying for a PhD in Singapore . From the PhD process to student visas, this guide will get you prepared should you wish to start looking for a PhD in the garden city.

PhD in Singapore – what’s on offer for 2024?

Six public universities teach PhD programmes in Singapore. In Singapore all postgraduate study is referred to simply as “graduate study”; PhDs and Masters by research are “graduate studies by research”, while taught Masters are known as “graduate studies by coursework”.

Singapore is renowned for the high standard of its education, and a PhD at one of its universities will see you work alongside world-leading researchers. Here are some of the reasons why you might choose to undertake a Singaporean PhD:

Prestigious universities – Two of the universities rank within the world’s top 100 institutions and deliver high-impact research
Study in English – Singaporean PhD tuition and research is conducted in English. English is also widely used by many native Singaporeans
Fully funded scholarships – There are several scholarships covering tuition and living expenses open to international students with excellent academic records
Quality of life – Singapore is one of the safest and cleanest countries in the world and is a great place to live as a postgraduate

PhD Study in Singapore - Key Details
	6
	National University of Singapore (1905)
	58,000
	2-5 years
	S$40,600 (USD $30,020)
	August to July

Coronavirus updates for international students at Singaporean universities

For the latest information on the impact of coronavirus on studying a PhD in Singapore, please check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for updates.

PhD life in Singapore

There is also plenty to see and do while living in Singapore. The Singapore Botanical Gardens for example is a 150-year-old UNESCO world heritage site and the first garden in the world to obtain this status. If you’d like to know more about living in Singapore, you can visit our Singapore living guide.

Singaporean universities

Despite its small size there is a vibrant higher education sector in Singapore. Currently there are six local universities all of which offer a variety of PhD programmes. The Ministry of Education (MOE) is the government body responsible for higher education in Singapore and employs stringent quality assurance frameworks to ensure that these programmes are of exeptional quality and recognised internationally.

Local universities

Singapore has six local universities offering PhD programmes

National University of Singapore (NUS)
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Singapore Management University (SMU)
Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
Singapore University of Social Sciences

Foreign institutions

In addition to these local universities, many of the world's leading universities including MIT and the University of London, offer PhD programmes in Singapore in collaboration with local universities (which will be the awarding institutions).

University rankings

Although few in number, Singapore’s higher education facilities are highly regarded on the world stage.

Top Singaporean Universities in 2024
University	THE 2024	QS 2024	ARWU 2023
	19	8	71
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore	32	=26	93
World University Rankings, and . Visit their websites for more information.

Do rankings matter for PhD study?

University rankings can help you choose a PhD project or programme, provided you know what to look at. Our guide explains how to use rankings as a prospective postgraduate.

PhD structure

Obtaining a PhD in Singapore can take anywhere between two and five years depending on the subject studied, but it typically takes around four years. The structure of a PhD in Singapore is different from that commonly found in the UK and other parts of the world.

Graduate study by research

Rather than apply for a specific project you will instead be applying for a place on a PhD programme within a faculty of your choosing. This programme will be called a “graduate study by research” and will generally begin with a fairly broad focus.

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.

Qualifying Examination

Following your first year of study and provided you have successfully completed the taught element of the programme, you will have the opportunity to select a specific research project. Your supervisor will then arrange for you to undergo what is known as the Qualifying Examination (QE).

The QE is a combination of an oral and written examination, designed to assess your ability to understand and criticise literature as well as test specific knowledge regarding your chosen research project.

Upon passing this examination you will be confirmed as a PhD candidate and will begin working towards producing your thesis. If you fail this examination (you can retake it before the end of your second year), you may continue to study for a Masters degree in your chosen subject.

Thesis defence

In order to obtain your doctorate, you will need to submit your thesis and then undergo a formal thesis defence. The process is similar to the viva voce used in the UK and other countries, but also includes a public examination in addition to the typical closed-door examination.

Two or more academic experts will question you on your thesis in order to determine that your research is original, and your subject knowledge is sufficient for the award of a doctoral degree.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for Singapore PhDs can be expensive, but the good news is there are plenty of scholarship and support options available, to encourage international talent. The fees you will face as well as the support options available will vary by university and by the subject area but this should provide an overview of what is available.

The typical fee for an unsubsidised postgraduate course for international students is around S$40,600 (USD $30,020) . However, many courses are eligible for government subsidy, reducing the cost of tuition to around S$21,400 (USD $15,825) . This subsidy is available from the Ministry of Education (MOE).

Service obligation scheme

Singapore residents and citizens who are eligible for the MOE subsidy will have the subsidy applied to a supported programme by default. International students need to apply for the Service Obligation (SO) Scheme to have access to the same government subsidy.

In order to be eligible for the SO Scheme you must be applying for a graduate degree of a higher level to any you already hold, and your previous degree(s) must not have been sponsored by the Singapore government or government agency.

If you successfully apply for the Scheme then once you have acquired your doctorate, you will be required to undertake three years of work in a Singapore-based company. This is to ‘repay’ the Singapore government for subsidising your education.

Singaporean PhD Scholarships

There are also several scholarships that you can apply for that can cover the cost of tuition and in many cases provide a monthly stipend to help with living costs. Depending on the scholarship you acquire, these monthly stipends can be quite generous.

Here is a list of the most common scholarships you can apply for. They are subject to change and it’s always worth checking with your chosen institution for the most up to date information on available scholarships.

A*STAR Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is a government affiliated body that supports research and development projects that intend to improve lives in Singapore. Supported projects fall into one of the following technology domains: Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME), Health and Biomedical Sciences (HBMS), Urban Solutions and Sustainability (USS), and Services and Digital Economy (SDE).

The SINGA award represents a collaboration between the A*STAR, and the universities of NTU, NUS and SUTD. The award is only available for selected research projects and these are typically in the areas of biomedical sciences or physical science and engineering, in line with A*STAR’s aims.

The award is open to all international students, although to be successful you will need to be able to demonstrate a passion for research as well as excellent academic records. If you are successful, the award will cover 4 years of tuition fees and includes a monthly stipend of S$2,200 rising to S$2,700 after passing the QE. The award also includes an allowance for relocation.

Applications should be made to A*STAR before the deadline which is usually at the start of December.

University research scholarship

Each university has its own equivalent of this scholarship, which is awarded to outstanding graduates undertaking research in one of their faculties. Typically, to be eligible you must possess at least a second-class honour or equivalent in your undergraduate degree.

If you are successful in your application this award with cover your tuition fees and you can expect to receive around S$2,200 (USD $1,625) monthly stipend as an international student or around S$2,800 (USD $2,070) as a Citizen of Singapore. This often increases after passing your PhD Qualifying Examination.

If you wish to apply for this scholarship it is best to contact the university directly about how to go about this. Usually you will need to indicate your interest in the scholarship during your application to the PhD programme

Presidents graduate fellowship

The President graduate fellowship is similar to the research scholarship and is also issued by the university that you are applying to. It is significantly more competitive than the research scholarship and is only awarded to students who show exceptional promise or accomplishment in research.

The fellowship comes with more funding than the research scholarship. As a successful applicant you can expect a monthly stipend of around S$3,100 (USD $2,300) as an international student and S$3,600 (USD $2,700) as a Singapore citizen. The funding also includes provision for air travel and a settling allowance, to help with relocation to Singapore.

As with the research scholarship you will normally need to make your interest in the fellowship known in during your PhD application.

Tuition fee allowance

If you cannot acquire a scholarship the universities offer a tuition fee allowance to cover the cost of study. The requirements for eligibility vary by university but are largely similar to the research scholarships offered by the same.

This award will cover your tuition fees but will not provide a monthly stipend.

Loans / Work

Other forms of financial aid which are available include study loans and part-time appointments as graduate student tutor or student researcher.

If you wish to undertake part-time work at your institution or externally, make sure that your visa allows you to undertake paid work (see Visa/Immigration section) and that the institution where you are doing your PhD does not have regulations preventing it.

Applying for a PhD in Singapore

Singapore universities generally have two intakes; one intake in August and another in January, the applications for which close in November and May of the previous year, respectively.

The application process for a PhD in Singapore is a little different to that of the UK. Rather than applying for a specific project you will apply to a faculty for access to a graduate programme. Each faculty offers various programmes focusing on a wide range of subjects.

Having selected the programme that you want to apply for, you’ll need to make sure that you meet the following criteria in order to be considered:

A degree in a relevant field
High GRE score
Proficiency in English

Meeting the application requirements does not guarantee acceptance onto the respective programme as the number of applicants often exceeds the number of available places. Should you wish to make an application here is what you will need to have to hand.

Academic results

In order for your application to be considered you will generally need to have obtained a Masters degree in a relevant discipline. Some programmes will consider those with a Bachelors degree as long as it is an upper second class honours, though this is subject to approval.

You will of course need to supply academic transcripts when making the application. Official transcripts can be provided by your previous university(ies) but all transcripts should be translated into English if they are not already. This will need to be done at your expense and with a recognised translation service.

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score

The GRE is a standardised test that is an admission requirement for most graduate schools in the United States and many other countries around the world. The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service and tests your aptitude for verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing; in other words, all the things that will be expected of you during your PhD.

Most university faculties in Singapore recommend that a score for this test is submitted to support your application and some require it explicitly. Scores are valid for five years after the test is taken. As the test is computer based, it can be taken at any time of the year at a registered test centre by booking online.

Research proposal / statement of objectives

You may be required to provide a short (1000 – 5000 word) document detailing your experience, research interest and reason for application. You might also be required to include a brief summary of your intended direction of research.

How do I write a PhD research proposal?

The research proposal is an important part of any PhD application, regardless of where you choose to study. Take a look at our guide for some tips and advice on writing a research proposal .

You will need to provide references from up to three referees. These referees should be familiar with your previous academic work, ideally having been your supervisor during your undergraduate or Masters study.

English language proficiency

Since all programmes in Singapore are instructed in English you will need to demonstrate that you are proficient in the language. If English is not your native tongue and your previous degree(s) were not instructed in English, you will need to submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as evidence.

Application fees

There is usually a non-refundable application fee of around S$20 (USD $15) that will need to be made before the application and the proof of payment sent with the application

Student visas

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). A tourist visa is not enough to study in Singapore.

The process can be done mostly online through the Student's Pass On-Line Application and Registration (SOLAR) system, which both universities and students use to submit the relevant documentation.

You will need to provide:

Proof of admission to the university
Proof of financial support
Your residential address in Singapore

Successful applicants will be issued with an in-principle approval (IPA) letter by ICA which your university will send directly to you.

You should make your application at least one month before the course begins, which will cost S$30 (USD $22). During periods of high demand (July to August) the process can take longer. In these instances, you should submit your application as early as possible.

Working while doing a PhD in Singapore

Part-time work is allowed under certain conditions and is subject to approval by the university that you are studying in. Before you look for part-time employment, it may be best to enquire at the relevant university office. Local employers can offer part-time employment to overseas students from local universities. As a student, you will have to present a letter of authorisation from your institution allowing you to pursue part-time employment.

The combination of structured training and independent research that characterises a PhD in Singapore is designed to produce capable graduates, ready for a range of employment opportunities.

Foreigners seeking highly-skilled work would be hard pressed to find a more suitable country than Singapore. Offering a wide range of opportunities, especially in sectors such as banking, biomedical sciences, communications and media and information technology, the garden city is a magnet for business and high-tech industries in South-East Asia.

Remember that if you received a tuition fee subsidy through the Service Obligation (SO) Scheme, you’ll be required to spend three years working for a Singapore-based company. The good news is that there are plenty of exciting employment prospects in this bustling city state!

Find a PhD in Singapore

Ready to start browsing some current PhD opportunities in Singapore ? Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to PhD study abroad .

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Curtin Singapore campus

On-campus

Full-time or part-time

February, July

4 years full-time or 8 years part-time

Apply - find out how

We offer research degrees in most disciplines, for those who hold a master degree or bachelor degree with first or upper-second class honours.

As a doctoral research degree candidate, you will uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. Your research will use an in-depth understanding of theories and concepts to develop practical solutions for real-world problems.

A higher degree by research differs from other postgraduate degrees in that at least two-thirds of the study program must involve research. Although some coursework units may be required, the main part of your work will be in the form of a thesis written under the guidance of a supervisor and associate supervisor(s). Your thesis must, in the opinion of the examiners, be a substantial original contribution to the knowledge or understanding of any field through the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. It must also demonstrate your capacity to conceive, design and complete independent research.

Throughout your studies, our faculties will provide you with access to equipment and resources to support your research, and financial assistance to attend appropriate local and international conferences.

Why research at Curtin

Curtin is widely recognised for applied research firmly focused on solving real-world problems. Underpinning our research endeavours are strong partnerships with industry, business and government, which result in outcomes that greatly benefit the broader community locally, nationally and globally. Our international reputation for being a strong partner in industry-driven research ensures our graduates enjoy outstanding opportunities to become innovators in their fields. Find out more about our research at Curtin Singapore here .

Learning outcomes

Doctoral Degrees require students to undertake a program of independent supervised study and produce significant and original research outcomes culminating in a thesis, dissertation, exegesis or equivalent for independent examination.

Demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that knowledge and their practice
Think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation and reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge
Apply expert creative, technical and professional skills to the field of work or learning
Explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions
Present a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards
Communicate complex research concepts, plans and outcomes to the general community, peers and the national and international research community
Design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice

Admission criteria

Applicants for a Doctoral Degree are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards. Applicants require a Master Degree (Research) or Bachelor Honours Degree (first or second class) or a high standard in either a Master Degree (Coursework) or Bachelor Degree with a Graduate Diploma (or equivalent).

Tuition fee	Fee before 9% GST	Fee including 9% GST
Local students	S$64,880	S$70,719.20
International students	S$120,400	S$131,236

Tuition fees are payable over semester instalments.

Fees listed are indicative and subject to annual increases.

View our fees and charges page for full details.

PhD in Management

Areas of Specialisation

Accounting and Control
Decision Sciences
Entrepreneurship
Organisational Behaviour
Technology and Operations Management

INSEAD Doctoral Courses

Core Courses
Advanced Courses
Admissions and Financing
View PhD Student Profiles

Your doctoral journey is the start of your exciting career as an innovative researcher and professor of management.

Message from the Academic Director

Roderick SWAAB

Academic director, phd programme professor of organisational behaviour the insead chaired professor of leadership and conflict resolution, your passport to a prestigious academic career.

The INSEAD PhD Programme is designed to amplify your talents by offering the best training, experience and advice to set the foundations for a successful career in business academia. Our curriculum gives you the depth and breadth needed to develop rigorous and relevant research in a truly unique, diverse and global environment. As a doctoral student at INSEAD, you will have the opportunity to start collaborations with globally renowned faculty and thought leaders from our campuses in France, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi as well as from our alliance partners - The Wharton School, Sorbonne University and Tsinghua University. INSEAD’s faculty are deeply committed to your well-being, training and development to help you become an outstanding scholar in your field and place you among the best academic departments worldwide. Our programme provides a generous fellowship that offers health insurance coverage for you and your family and the necessary freedom to develop your research interests. Moreover, INSEAD’s close connection to business, government and society offers numerous resources and opportunities to conduct your research in the real world, along with access to our behavioural laboratory facilities in France and Singapore. The world is full of complex problems that we need future generations of scholars to solve. Join the INSEAD PhD Programme on this journey to push the boundaries of your field and make a difference!

Why an INSEAD PhD?

The transformation of your career path starts from here, the only two-continent programme, the most culturally diverse in the world, …and yet the most intimate, close relationships with world experts, a stimulating interdisciplinary environment, full financial support, outstanding career potential.

Our eight choices of specialisation cover the whole breadth of business – and the entire business school curriculum. During the first two years of the programme, there are core courses common to all areas, giving you insights from other disciplines and confidence for your future career. As a PhD student, along with these core courses, you will take a set of advanced course requirements applicable to your chosen field of specialisation, and these must be met in order to qualify in the field.

Experience the INSEAD PhD

When you join the INSEAD PhD in Management, you become part of an extraordinary global community. Explore the programme through the experiences of our students, alumni and faculty experts.

Life as a PhD Student

Life as a Business Professor

Intellectual Leadership and Influential Scholarship

You passport to a prestigious academic career

Join us and start living the insead experience.

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Degree & Masters Courses & Study in Singapore Courses Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy

ENQUIRE NOW

Course overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a program of supervised original research. It culminates in the submission of a thesis that demonstrates the ability for critical analysis and research that makes a significant and original contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the field of study.

Your research topic

Applicants need to discuss their proposed research topic with an appropriate research supervisor. Please contact us for details.

You can check the information on potential research advisors in our website https://www.jcu.edu.sg/research/research-capability-statement

James Cook University will form an advisory panel comprised of a Primary and Secondary Advisor and, in some cases, an Advisor Mentor to assist Higher Degree by Research candidates in their research journey.

Research areas available include: education, social sciences, game design , banking and finance , management and commerce , tourism , psychology , aquaculture , marine ecology, interdisciplinary topics. Other themes can be arranged to meet the needs of candidates

**Carousel/Block intakes are for commencing students only, subsequently, students will progress with the trimester.

Study Program

Candidates are required to complete the core subjects before embarking on the thesis component as per course structure below.

Course Structure

Core subjects

Planning the Research: Doctoral Candidates
Situating the Research: Doctoral Candidates
Professional Development: Doctoral Candidates

+ One of the below

Doctor of Philosophy Research Thesis (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)
Doctor of Philosophy Research Thesis (Education)
Doctor of Philosophy Research Thesis (Health)
Doctor of Philosophy Research Thesis (Information Technology)
Doctor of Philosophy Research Thesis (Management and Commerce)
Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences)
Doctor of Philosophy Research Thesis (Society and Culture)

For a comprehensive listing and outline of the respective course subjects, please click here

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have:

A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution
Substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning.
Cognitive skills to demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and practice
Cognitive skills and use of intellectual independence to think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation and reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge
Expert technical and creative skills applicable to the field of work or learning
Communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions
Communication skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards and to communicate results to peers and the community
Expert skills to design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice.

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills:

With intellectual independence
With initiative and creativity in new situations and/or for further learning
With full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs
To plan and execute original research
With the ongoing capacity to generate new knowledge, including in the context of professional practice.

Eligibility & Requirements

Entry requirements.

All applicants must normally demonstrate academic capacity at a satisfactory level (Grade Point Average of Credit or equivalent) in their final year of coursework study that was used as part of the basis for admission.

Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to undertake research at the Doctoral level by the attainment of at least one of the following:

A Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Honours in a degree program that included a total of at least a semester of supervised project work, the results of which contributed to the Honours grade; or
A postgraduate qualification which included: (a) supervised research component(s) of at least one semester or equivalent and resulted in the production of output(s) graded at the equivalent of Distinction or better, and (b) at least one research methods subject; or
A Research Masters degree, where at least two thirds of the degree consisted of a supervised research component and resulted in the production of a thesis or equivalent; or
A combination of qualifications, research training and experience, considered equivalent to the above and deemed appropriate by the university, e.g., senior authorship of at least one peer-reviewed publication plus completion of an appropriate research methods subject.

Note: Candidates who do not meet any of the above may apply for a higher degree pathway offered in the form of the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods or the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods.

English Requirements

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of IELTS 6.5 (no component lower than 6.0) / TOEFL (Internet Based) 86 (no component less than 21) / Pearson PTE Academic 58 (no component less than 54); or
Satisfactory completion of James Cook University Singapore English Language Preparatory Program (ELPP) ; or
Successful completion of other qualifications completed in English Language deemed comparable to Australian standards on a case-by-case basis in accordance to JCU admissions guidelines

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants seeking to transfer their Higher Degree by Research candidature from another Australian University should refer to the JCU Recognition of Prior Learning Procedure.

Attendance Requirements

International students holding a valid Student's Pass are required to attend at least 90% of scheduled classes per month. Failure to attend classes is a breach of the student visa conditions. Being absent from classes for a continuous period of seven days or more, or attendance falling below 90% without valid reasons will result in the student needing to surrender their Student's Pass for cancellation.

Domestic students must attend at least 75% of the scheduled lecture and tutorial activities to be eligible for assessment.

Career Outcomes

The Doctor of Philosophy is an essential prerequisite for research and academic careers in most disciplines. Candidates can also look for R&D opportunities in a variety of industry sectors, NGO and government agencies.

How to apply

Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies

Management and Commerce

Natural and Physical Sciences

Society and Culture

How to Apply Online and Online Application Guideline

Tuition Fees

Domestic**	International
S$135,541.50	S$142,408.50

**Fees apply to all Singapore residents (Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and all pass holders excluding those holding a Student Pass).

All course fees include the corresponding Singapore Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is 8% in 2023.
All course fees include the corresponding Singapore Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is 9% in 2024.
The details of the instalment breakdown will be provided in your Student Contract. Please contact us for further details.

Note: International students in Singapore on a Student Pass are not permitted to work. For more information please visit http://www.ica.gov.sg .

James Cook University is EduTrust Certified. The EduTrust certification scheme is administered by the Committee for Private Education (CPE), a part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). EduTrust requires all students to be covered under a Fee Protection Scheme. In James Cook University, this is provided through an insurance protection scheme. Further, EduTrust also requires that the students must be covered under a medical insurance coverage which has provision for hospitalisation, surgery and treatment costs throughout their course duration. James Cook University will advise in the Standard Student Contract the total amount of insurance payable.

For more details please visit the Committee for Private Education (CPE), a part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) website: https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/pei

Disclaimer Although James Cook University endeavours to ensure the accuracy of this information, there is no guarantee it will remain accurate all year. Applicants are advised to confirm program details with the appropriate school before making an application.

Download the Higher Degrees by Research brochure here .

If you wish to make further enquiries or submit your Expression of Interest, please contact [email protected] For the Expression of Interest form, please download here

PhD in Computer Science

We welcome graduates with good academic potential and strong interest in research to be a part of the premier research-based programme leading to a doctoral degree.

Students in this programme spend the first two semesters on advanced courses before embarking on a research project that culminates in a research dissertation.

Detailed information on the research interests of our faculty members can also be found here .

Structure of Programme

All graduate research students are admitted directly into a full-time graduate programme that leads to either:

Doctor in Philosophy (PhD), if the candidate passes the Qualifying Examination (QE); or
Master of Science (MSc), if the candidate fails the Qualifying Examination but is allowed to complete as an MSc candidate

PhD students admitted to the Department of Computer Science (CS) will follow the structure for the CS PhD programme:

Structure of PhD Programme (Computer Science)
Year 1	Semester 1	8 units coursework + CS6101 (Exploration of CS Research)
Year 1	Semester 2	8 units coursework + Research
Year 2	Semester 1	8 units coursework + Qualifying Examination (QE)
Year 2	Semester 2	Research
Year 3	Semester 1	Research + Thesis Proposal/Doctoral Seminar
Year 3	Semester 2	Research
Year 4	Semester 1	Research
Year 4	Semester 2	PhD Defense (Seminar Presentation + Oral Defense)

Coursework Requirements

All CS PhD candidates must complete the number of courses as indicated in the above structure.

For CS PhD candidates who are required to complete 24 units, the courses must satisfy all of the following three conditions:

At least 12 units must be at level 6000, and at least another 8 units must be at level 5000 or above. Only a maximum of 4 units level 4000 is allowed.
At least 16 units must be offered by the CS department. CS PhD students may take at most 8 units of courses at level 5000 or above offered by other departments.
Algorithm and Theory
Computer Systems
Knowledge Systems
Media Technologies
Programming Language and Software Engineering.

The cluster of courses can be found in this Annex (PhD) . Note that courses not listed in the Annex may still be used to meet Conditions (a) and (b).

At most 4 units can be CS/CU-graded.

Students should complete all coursework requirements by the end of third semester.

CS6101 Exploration of Computer Science Research aims to introduce CS research students to various CS research areas in the form of study groups. This course will not be considered as one of the level 6000 coursework requirements.

PhD Qualifying Examination (QE)

The QE is to be taken by all postgraduate students, and the PhD candidate must pass his/her QE 18 months after admission. A maximum of two attempts will be allowed. Candidates are allowed to take the QE earlier than the specified period. There is no exemption of the QE. The PhD QE will be offered twice a year, at the end of each semester for CS candidates. The research scholarship will be terminated the moment a student fails the QE. He/She will complete the rest of the degree requirements as an MSc candidate.

PhD students taking the CS QE are evaluated based on a research-based paper which should contain critical review of research papers and demonstrates problem-solving abilities of the student, both assigned by the student’s advisor. The QE paper will be assigned according to one of the following six research clusters for evaluation:

Algorithms and Theory
Database and Data Mining
Programming Languages and Software Engineering

Each cluster forms a 2-member panel to evaluate all the students and their QE papers in the cluster. Students will be required to give a presentation to the panel.

PhD Thesis Proposal / Doctoral Seminar

The Thesis Proposal is an important component of the PhD programme. It should highlight the significance of the research topic, its goal, the approach adopted, and work to be done. It should be precise and convincing to the examiners that the candidate is proposing a novel area of research and the goal is achievable.

A PhD candidate must pass his/her thesis proposal by the end of Year 4. The proposal will be examined by two faculty members of SoC who are familiar with the area of research in the proposal. A maximum of two attempts are allowed.

The PhD candidature of a student will be terminated if s/he fails to pass the Thesis Proposal. Such student, subject to the approval of the School, may proceed to obtain an MSc degree by completing a dissertation and meeting all the requirements of an MSc degree.

The Thesis Proposal comprises of an open seminar presentation (doctoral seminar), followed by a closed-door oral examination.

The doctoral seminar is a public talk that is open to both staff and students, and should take about 30 minutes. The seminar, which should include any research findings or work from published papers, will be graded on a satisfactory/ unsatisfactory (S/U) basis.

A close-door oral examination will follow after the seminar presentation. The student is expected to answer satisfactorily any questions raised by the evaluators.

PhD Defense

The PhD Defense will be pre-scheduled when the candidate submits his/her thesis. It will comprise of an open seminar presentation, followed by a close-door oral examination.

Seminar presentation should take about 30 to 40 minutes. This will be a public talk open to both staff and students. After the presentation, a 10-minute Q&A session will be available for the public.

A close-door oral examination will follow after the seminar presentation. The student is expected to answer satisfactorily any questions raised on the subject matter pertaining to her/his research thesis and related subjects.

This oral examination will be conducted by a 3-member panel that is chaired by the Head or nominee.

Duration of Programme

The maximum candidature period inclusive of periods of approved study leave for PhD programme is 5 years.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction for the graduate programmes is English.

Resources for Current Students
DCS At A Glance
Why NUS Computer Science PhD?
Admission Requirements
Application Information
Industrial PhD Programme
Scholarships
Graduate Tutorship-PhD Scheme
Graduate Student Directory
Oral Defense & Seminars
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Postgraduate

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an extended higher-level master's degree by research usually lasting three to four years full-time and five to seven years part-time.

Compulsory modules

Thesis (SN: 1, Module code: 7011)

How to Apply

The application process:

Prospective candidates are required to email [email protected] to schedule an online Pre-application Counselling session or visit Newcastle Research & Innovation Institute (NewRIIS) for a Pre-application Counselling session. (i) Kindly email the NewRIIS team for an appointment. (ii) Please bring along the following original documents for verification when you visit NewRIIS - NRIC or Passport - highest academic qualification - testimonials - updated CV
Online application (i) Before applying, please prepare the following documents/items - correct programme code (Please check with PG Programme Administrator/Coordinator, if you are unsure) - scanned verified educational documents - updated CV - personal statement - research proposal (ii) Create account for online application (iii) Apply online

The research programme handbook can be downloaded from the PGR publications page.

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Singapore has recently been undertaking reforms in its higher education system to make it more globally competitive. Foreign students taking online PhD programs from Singapore universities are set to be among the beneficiaries of these reforms, since their qualifications will more readily be recognized both by future employers and by other institutes of higher learning abroad if they should wish to pursue further advanced studies.

Accreditation Process of Universities in Singapore – Online PhD Programs

The educational system in Singapore is overseen by the Ministry of Education, which administers government-run and -assisted schools, and registers private schools. Under the terms of the Education Act, private higher education institutions must be registered with the MOE before they are given a license to operate. The recent Private Education Act, however, changed registration from a one-time process to one that must periodically be undertaken. This ensures that academic standards remain high, and if necessary, basic standards of HEIs can be elevated. The Enhanced Registration Framework includes more clearly defined standards with regards to school administration, teachers, courses offered and advertising, in order to align HEIs with current best practices of the industry. This ensures that degrees granted, including those given through distance PhD programs , meet the highest quality standards.

Protection for Foreign Students – Online PhD Programs

Responsibility for regulating private HEIs falls to the Council for Private Education, which under the Private Education Act has been given greater supervisory powers. For example, the Council now has the powers to levy graduated penalties to erring schools, from fines all the way up to de-registration, depending on the severity of the offense. This serves to protect foreign students enrolling in online PhD programs from being taken advantage of by unscrupulous institutions.

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Doing a PhD in Singapore, how is it like?

I am currently in the last year of my masters in physics and ,I am planning to do a PhD in Singapore (condensed matter physic/solid state physics). I am doing my masters and did my bachelors degree outside of Singapore so i cant actually ask my supervisors/lecturers.

I always wonder how is it like to do a PhD in Singapore? Those who did a PhD, did you regret doing it?

On top of these two questions, I am interested in teaching as well, currently planning to get into academia after my PhD. I would be grateful if anyone can tell me how is it like to be a lecturer in a Singapore university.

Is the pay of lecturer in Singapore bad? Lecturers in UK are being exploited and underpaid, wondering is it the same in Singapore

Many thanks in advance :)

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Doctor in Education

Provided by

National Institute of Education (NIE)

Programme Type

Full-time, Part-time

NIE Graduate Programmes

The Doctor in Education (EdD) programme is designed for professionals in education and education-related fields. It is targeted at professionals who have a commitment to improvements at their workplace, and in extending and honing their professional expertise in their respective fields of education in both research and practice domains.

NIE's EdD programme acknowledges expertise that candidates have attained in their field by respecting and building on the wealth of their professional knowledge, while at the same time inviting them to examine and investigate their professional knowledge in a reflective, collaborative, critical and research-based way so as to make meaningful significant impact on professional practice, and on their own professionalism and professional identities. The programme also prepares candidates for leadership in managerial and administrative positions who can use and extend existing knowledge to solve educational problems. It is of value to academic staff in universities and colleges, school leaders and teacher leaders in both private and public organizations, and professionals engaging in education and education-related work in private and public settings. It has the rigour and expectations of a PhD, but with a professional focus. The EdD programme seeks to engender professional leaders who can demonstrate that they have critically reflect and examine the professional knowledge in their respective fields of education, yet make significant contribution to the scholarship of educational professional practices. It also seek to empower professional leaders to demonstrate advancement in the investigation of educational professional practices through the conduct of systematic and rigorous inquiry into a field-based issue or problem, and in so doing, provide a good response to current and emerging complex real world problems.

The NIE's EdD programme, benchmarked against educational doctorates from international universities with highly reputable graduate schools of education, has the following key design and delivery characteristics:

A view of learning as located within communities of knowledge and practice, through the deliberate building of a cohort community among students,
A teaching programme with a clear purpose and coherence, staged in such a way that it takes students' rich and diverse professional knowledge and expertise as a starting point for their academic investigations into professional practice, and scaffolds, through carefully staged and incrementally organized coursework and assignments, their capabilities to critically examine and to research dimensions of this practice,
A course-intensive programme (in which the coursework component makes up a substantial portion of the degree) that prepares students for, and eases the passage into dissertation research,
Rather than a one-size-fits-all curriculum, the provision of flexibility, choice and focus through a programme that offers both core courses as well as nine specialisations,
The first six courses (4 Academic Units each) can be completed within 1 yrs (full-time) and 1.5 yrs (part-time), and that the necessary content and research capacities for the dissertation component have already been built-up by the time the final course is complete,
Two courses, NEDD905 Research Proposal and Preparation and NEDD906 Research Report, (3 Academic Units each, P/F) to scaffold the dissertation writing process, and
A dissertation that demonstrates students' mastery of the skills of rigorous and in-depth research into their professional context and a specific aspect of their practice, and provides original insight and improvement in practice.

You must hold a Bachelor's and Master's degree with good grades from an approved university which we judge to be of satisfactory standing, plus at least four years' relevant experience in education or education-related fields.

You may, in addition, be required to pass an approved English language test at a specified level and other prescribed tests.

You will be interviewed by the Academic Group that offers your selected specialisation courses, and may be required to have gained educational and work experience as a prerequisite to these courses.

There is generally only one intake for this programme, in January. You are advised to visit the website and look out for NIE’s announcements in April/May to confirm if the programme will be open for application at any particular intake.

Applicants who are currently working with sponsors, donors or financial institutions to fund their studies, are encouraged to submit their applications early to NIE so as not to miss out on our application period.

Applications are to be made online. Click here to sign up for an ISAAC (Integrated Student and Academic Administration System) account to apply with us. For those with an existing account, login to apply.

More information on required documents for application can be found here .

You will be required to state your approved Research Topic and name of EdD Supervisor in your application document. Before you submit a formal application, please identify your prospective supervisor in your desired research. To identify a potential supervisor:


Curriculum and Teaching
Educational Leadership and Change
English
Humanities and Social Studies
Learning and Motivation
Mathematics
Science
Technologies and Technology-Mediated Learning Environments
Visual and Performing Arts

Browse through the faculty staff profiles on the Academic Group’s webpages. Read faculty CVs and their publications to identify one (or two) faculty whose research expertise matches your research interests.
Email the potential supervisor with your initial research idea or proposal. The faculty member may request to meet with you to discuss your research idea.

The programme comprises 30 Academic Units inclusive of eight courses and a dissertation.

Core Courses (12 Academic Units)

NEDD901 Literature Review Methods
NEDD902 Quantitative Research Methods
NEDD903 Qualitative Research Methods

Specialisation Courses (8 Academic Units) - Choose two within one of the nine specialisations of your choice

Curriculum and Teaching

EDCT901 Inquiry into Curriculum and Teaching
EDCT902 Advanced Studies on Assessment and Learning

Educational Leadership and Change

EDLC901 Current and Emerging Theories and Practices in Leadership and Management
EDLC902 Ethics for Leaders
EDEL901 Sociolinguistic Perspectives on the Classroom
EDEL902 Language and Literature Education
EDEL903 Bilingualism and Biliteracy: Theory and Practice
EDEL904 Critical Literacy: Theory, Practice, and Research in Context
EDEL906 Language Teaching Methodology
EDEL907 Literature, Education and Culture

Humanities and Social Studies

EDHS901 Critical Reading and Writing in Humanities Education
EDHS902 Inquiry into Curriculum and Curriculum Leadership in Social Studies

Learning and Motivation

EDLM901 Theory, Research, and Practice in Teaching and Learning
EDLM902 Understanding Learner Motivation: Theory, Research and Practice
EDLM903 Advances in Early Childhood Education: Issues and Trends
EDLM904 Advances in Special Education: Issues and Trends

Mathematics

EDME901 Theoretical Perspective and Issues in Mathematics Education Research
EDME902 Curriculum Studies in Mathematics
EDME903 Assessment in Mathematics
EDME904 Singapore Primary School Mathematics
EDSC901 Foundations of Science and Science Education
EDSC902 Science Curriculum Change and Curriculum Evaluation
EDSC903 Science as Practice
EDSC904 Assessment of Students’ Alternative Conceptions and Conceptual Change
EDSC906 Representations and New Media in Science Education
EDSC907 Critical Studies in Science Education
EDSC908 STEM Education, History, Policies, and Research Trends
EDSC909 STEM Curriculum and Instruction

Technologies and Technology-Mediated Learning Environments

EDTM901 Trends and Issues in the Use of ICT in Education
EDTM902 Theoretical Foundations of Technology-Mediated Learning Environments

Visual and Performing Arts Art Focus:

EDVP901 Research and Issues in Art Education
EDVP902 Visual Arts and Creativity

Drama Focus:

EDVP911 Drama Education, Curriculum and Assessment
EDVP912 The Teacher as Facili-Actor

Music Focus:

EDVP921 Issues in Music Education
EDVP922 Philosophy of Music Education

Academic Reading and Writing

NEDD904 Academic Reading and Writing for Education (4 Academic Units)

Students can choose to take an Open Elective in place of this course, with approval from the supervisor.

Dissertation

A 60,000 word research-on-practice based dissertation.

Two courses for dissertation:

NEDD905 Research Proposal and Preparation (3 Academic Units, P/F)
NEDD906 Research Report (3 Academic Units, P/F)

Students must complete all six courses (3 core courses, 2 specialisation courses, and NEDD904 / open elective) before proceeding to the Dissertation stage.

Important note for matriculated students:

Please refer to the ISAAC system for the programme structure relevant to your intake during Course Registration or consult your programme leader if you need clarifications (refer to Admission Requirements for list of programme leaders). Note: Programme structure is subject to changes

The Doctor in Education is offered on both part-time and full-time basis. The candidature periods are as follows:

Full-time	Up to a maximum of 5 years
Part-time	Up to a maximum of 5 years

Outstanding students aiming to pursue the Doctor in Education with NIE may apply for the Tan Poey Quee Doctor in Education (NIE-EdD) Scholarship. For further information and to apply, please click here .

For enquiries, please e-mail Associate Professor Cheung Yin Ling .

Related Programmes

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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in English

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Are you looking to deepen your understanding of literature, textual analysis, and the English language? Liberty University’s online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in English is designed to help you do just that. This program gives you the chance to engage with complex texts, develop original research, and contribute to scholarly discussions in English studies.

Our online doctorate in English offers a comprehensive exploration of literature and major authors from a variety of time periods as well as the historical development of the English language. Throughout the program, you can hone your analytical skills and prepare to contribute innovative research to the existing body of academic knowledge, potentially influencing both scholarly and public discourse.

This program may be a great fit if you aspire to teach English, literature, or related subjects at the collegiate level. You can not only enrich your own understanding of important texts but also become equipped to guide the next generation of college students through studies in literary theory, writing, and more.

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American and British literature
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In addition to taking core English classes, you’ll have the ability to customize your education through elective courses. That way, you can pursue specialized interests and topics that align with your academic and career goals. Your studies will culminate in the completion of a dissertation, where you will conduct research and work to contribute new knowledge to the field of English. The dissertation process gives you an opportunity to showcase your expertise and lay a strong foundation for your future academic or professional endeavors.

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As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
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We want to provide you with the freedom to balance your studies with personal and professional commitments, which is why our Ph.D. in English is offered 100% online.

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We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Here’s how:

If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!

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Loraine Lee

SINGAPORE: For the last two years of his university studies, Mr Andrew William strategically scheduled his timetable to maximise most of his time outside class taking up internship stints.

The now-23-year-old would pack his classes into two to three days, allowing him to work for the rest of the week. Weekends were spent in front of his computer, as he toiled for several start-ups and consultancy companies.

In some semesters, he would take on two internships at once while juggling his studies at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

In total, the communication studies graduate completed 10 internships - although only one stint was a graduation requirement.

The rest of the internship stints?

Mr William, a Singapore permanent resident who graduated in 2022, had taken them up on his own initiative.

Following two internships at an advertising firm and a public relations firm, Mr William felt that the industries did not suit him and decided to pursue a career in consultancy.

“I spoke to some seniors who were working in consulting and learnt it would be quite difficult to pursue a career without a relevant degree,” he told TODAY.

“I can’t change my major, but I also can’t break into consulting if I remain status quo. So I got an internship at (market research firm) Euromonitor as a research consultant intern and slowly took up more internships in the industry.”

To get these internships, Mr William joined his school's consultancy club - which provided networking opportunities. He also took part in case competitions to boost his portfolio.

While arming himself with 10 internships might seem like overkill to an earlier generation of undergraduates, Mr William - who now works as a management consultant at an American consultancy firm - is part of a growing number of students who have joined the “rat race” for internships even before completing their paper chase at universities and polytechnics.

Ten university and polytechnic students who spoke to TODAY said they had taken on at least three internship stints for several reasons: Getting more real-world learning experiences, earning pocket money and hoping to increase their chances of securing a better job after graduation.

But getting an internship in well-known companies is no walk in the park, be it for Singaporean students here or overseas, where the pursuit of multiple internships is also common.

CNN reported in 2019 that tech giant Google received 125,000 applications for its internship programme that year in the United States. At investment banking firm Goldman Sachs, 236,000 students applied for its internships in 2022 globally - of which reportedly 1.5 per cent were given a role.

An internship opportunity with Formula One motor-racing team Red Bull also drew “thousands” of Singapore-based applicants earlier this year, of which just two students snagged the internship.

The competition for internships has even spurred international businesses to tout their ability to help students secure coveted internship opportunities in the investment banking and consulting industries for a fee.

One such business based in Hong Kong, called IBankCoaching, states on its website that it provides job tracking support for internships and “insider tips” to ace interviews with companies such as Goldman Sachs, Blackrock and DBS.

The company claims that it can help students “to get into investment banking in London, Singapore and Hong Kong”, but did not state how much its services cost.

It also lists what is said to be the internship pay at various financial institutions in Singapore, with monthly salaries ranging from S$1,300 (US$960) to S$13,000.

TODAY takes a deeper look at why students in Singapore vie for internships, the competition for these positions and some implications of this rat race among youths even before they step into the working world.

For super interns in tech, the hustle starts early and comes at a cost

Commentary: Are undergraduates under pressure to chase multiple internships?

The allure of internships.

Most institutes of higher learning require students to go through an internship as part of their graduation requirements.

Temasek Polytechnic’s director of student support and career services Samuel Wee said that internships allow students to establish connections with professionals and peers in their field and gain “valuable insights, guidance and potential job prospects”.

“Internships can also provide students an informed evaluation on whether their field of study is one they hope to pursue through future education or employment, as internships give students a first-hand experience of the scope of work, processes, and expectations in his or her industry.”

Like most educational institutions, Temasek Polytechnic partners with industry players to provide internship opportunities for its students and “many employers view internships as a pipeline for talent acquisition”, said Mr Wee.

Industry partners are required to provide a training programme, project outline, job scope and learning outcomes prior to the internship among other things, he added. This allows the school to match the internship to the right student based on their specialisation.

Ms Louisa Lau, director of Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Office of Immersion and Careers, added that the polytechnic has education and career coaches who run clinics and coaching sessions to “help students build their confidence when applying for internships and enhance their employability”, among other initiatives to help prepare students for these work stints.

She added that the school is “progressively introducing” year-long internships and dual internships which allow students to embark on more than one graded internship during their course of study.

This is to “provide more opportunities for students to broaden their industry exposure” - something students are increasingly looking for.

Like other tertiary institutions, Ngee Ann Polytechnic has seen more students interested in pursuing multiple internships, said Ms Lau.

Ms Prasanthi Guda, senior deputy director of the Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Career Centre at Singapore Management University (SMU), told TODAY that its students take on an average of 2.6 internships.

This is more than the single internship SMU students are required to go through to graduate.

“Students are seeking diversity in their experience across industries before they graduate to be able to make informed decisions about full-time jobs,” said Ms Prasanthi.

“Even within a particular sector, the differences in companies that operate in the space may be useful for graduates to observe and learn best practices. So, multiple internships are recommended in general for all young people to build a strong foundation for their future careers.”

While these institutions have many internship programmes in place, some students told TODAY that they also seek out internships on their own - to the extent of attending multiple networking sessions and going through several rounds of interviews with the companies they are eyeing.

Take for example third-year SMU student Koh Liang Jun, 24, who participated in a case competition for the chance to intern at global professional services firm Accenture - which he described as the most “tedious” way to get an internship.

In a case competition, students are given a business case study to solve within a set time in teams. Typical prizes include cash and a possible internship opportunity.

“Companies are finding different methods to get talents … such as through case competition where people can showcase their knowledge,” said Mr Koh, who is currently on his fourth internship stint as an automation intern at a bank.

Another Singaporean student, Ms Noreen Shazreen, may be pursuing her degree in arts and communications at the University of Western Australia in Perth - but she is still caught in the internship race.

Wanting to gain experience and increase her chances of getting a good job at a global company, the 22-year-old has been searching for an internship in Australia and Singapore.

While she had been offered unpaid internships, Ms Noreen did not accept them as she did not want to provide “free labour” - especially since she has prior experience interning at two government agencies in Singapore and is freelancing as a writer and managing social media accounts.

Not wanting to miss out on any time to intern, Ms Noreen has been searching for an internship opportunity in Singapore while she is back in the country for the first time since she started her university studies.

To do so, she has not only canvassed job listings - but also searched for the hiring managers’ social media platforms to drop them a private message in the hope of increasing her chances of getting an internship opportunity.

As for second-year National University of Singapore (NUS) business administration student Ryan Ong, sitting through several rounds of interviews was all worth it when he secured his fourth internship at a travel start-up in Vietnam called LFG.

What made the process smoother was that Mr Ong had met the start-up's founder during a networking session a few months prior. Having left a good impression, Mr Ong's request to intern for LFG was quickly approved, he said.

Barely a month into his internship now, the 26-year-old told TODAY he has plans for a fifth internship later in the year - in New York.

Mr Ong was able to snag the two internships in Vietnam and New York because he is part of the highly competitive NUS Overseas College programme.

The programme, which gives NUS students the opportunity to intern overseas at a start-up, involves rounds of interviews to get into, followed by another round of interviews with several start-ups to secure the internship.

INTERNSHIP "RAT RACE"

Mr Ong, who also runs mental health support group The Catalyst Collective, said that while he has taken on the internships mainly to gain real-world experience and try out different careers, peer influence also plays a role.

“There’s a lot of pressure to take on internships because I see people around me taking on multiple internships. Some are even doing it part- time, building and using connections to get these opportunities,” he said.

Mr William, the consultant who took on 10 internships, acknowledged that he might be among those who have spurred the “rat race” that has made internship programmes more competitive. But he said it was a necessity as he wanted to pursue a career that differed from his studies.

"It's extremely difficult getting into the top three consulting firms as there's so much competition globally," said Mr William of firms such as Bain and Company, McKinsey and Company and Boston Consulting Group.

"You really have to stand out, and do above and beyond to get your foot through the door for that interview opportunity."

For 22-year-old Vera Lim, taking on seven internships over the past three years was to satisfy her curiosity about different jobs while getting a small allowance.

The NUS business administration student is currently a client and markets intern for professional services network Deloitte. She started her internship journey with start-ups, before securing stints with bigger companies like Deloitte and management consultancy BCG X.

“There’s a lot of people around me that take on more than five internships since it's so competitive ... But I know that I’m definitely fuelling the rat race by taking on so many internships.

“It is tough to make it out in the working world and this (internship) is one way to stand out,” Ms Lim said.

But despite her lengthy resume, which also includes running a fitness start-up and volunteer work, Ms Lim has been rejected by multiple banks and large corporations when applying for internships.

She has also taken on an unpaid internship, while another part-time internship was for S$300 a month. "I took them for the experience and just wanted to try my hand at something new," she explained.

Ms Noreen, the 22-year-old Singaporean studying in Australia, told TODAY she has been told by some companies that they did not pay interns as the interns "gained more than the company".

But not all interns go unpaid though - schools often have a recommended allowance. At NUS, the recommended allowance is at least S$800 to S$1,000.

Students who spoke to TODAY said they were paid, on average, between S$800 and S$1,500 per month.

Some investment banking firms however offer much higher pay for interns, at rates roughly similar to the starting pay of fresh graduates in certain roles.

The Business Times reported in 2017 that the monthly internship pay can be up to S$10,000 at firms like JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs.

Mr Felix Tan, founder and chief executive officer of skills-based hiring platform Skilio, told TODAY that he has seen some university students map out a “four-year internship roadmap” on the types of companies they want to intern at during their studies.

With many companies moving away from hiring just based on academic grades, Mr Tan said that internships have become not just valuable in helping youths stand out from other candidates when vying for a job - but a necessity.

Agreeing, Mr Rob Wisdom, director and head of supply chain of recruitment firm Ethos Beathchapman, added that internships can help students identify skill deficits, strengthen their technical abilities and validate their career choices.

Beyond that, these opportunities also allow them to make career changes and gain expert knowledge from mentors.

"(Internships can also) be a springboard for entry into the permanent job ladder and even potentially help you command a slightly higher starting salary.

“Amid today's job market uncertainty, it is also good advice to ensure valuable use of all your time. In this sense, many internships can be value-adding and help pave the way into full-time employment.”

Mr Wisdom added that prestigious internships with multinational companies, big brands or forward-thinking companies are attractive on a fresh graduate’s resume.

“These internships are definitely of value as they are often competitive to get and increasingly are scrutinised by governments or certain bodies to ensure they are not exploitative and give the intern good exposure,” he said.

Highly reputable company names - such as Google, Meta and JP Morgan - are also keywords that get flagged by job application tracking systems.

These systems, which recruiters and employers use to manage job applicants, might rank candidates with such coveted internships higher - meaning they have a higher chance of getting an interview with the respective companies.

SECURING A GOOD QUALITY INTERNSHIP

Amid this new rat race, what should students focus on in getting the most out of their work stints?

Mr Kenji Naito, group chief executive officer of recruitment agency Reeracoen, said that students should “focus on internships that offer meaningful work, learning opportunities, and professional growth rather than simply accumulating numbers”.

This is because when a company is hiring a candidate, it looks at what they had done during their internships and how they had performed.

So what are the attributes of a good, quality internship?

A good quality internship would be structured with clear objectives and learning outcomes, said Mr Naito.

There should also be access to mentors who provide guidance and feedback, as well as assignments that challenge and develop the intern’s skill sets.

“Companies should also offer feedback through regular performance reviews to help interns grow … and provide exposure to different aspects of the business,” he added.

Mr Wisdom said it is important to identify some of the things that interns want from their internship programme.

“For example, do you know if your personality suits a corporate or small company environment? Or, often had an itch for a certain role but not sure? Scratch it with an internship,” he said.

“Employees are undeniably far more successful, happy and value-adding in roles and environments that fit them well.”

Company reviews and testimonials from former interns may also help students decide if a particular internship is suitable for them.

Educational institutions told TODAY that they take steps to ensure that internship programmes with companies they partner provide students with enough depth and experiences.

The students are also equipped with interview skills and resume tips taught by education and career coaches which can help them secure internship opportunities, said Ms Lau from Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Students told TODAY that they also found networking to be a useful tool in discovering internship opportunities and securing them - noting they have had friends getting internships through their social circles.

“Internships are also networking opportunities since you can build connections with people in the industry,” said Mr Wong Wai Fai, 25, a NUS final-year business administration student.

Such links have allowed him to learn about different internship opportunities, beyond learning more about the industry itself.

Like other students, Mr Wong, who is an e-commerce marketing intern at Sony Electronics, also used professional social media platform LinkedIn to network with people in the industry.

PITFALLS OF INTERNSHIP RAT RACE

While taking on multiple internships at a time seems to be par for the course for a growing number of students, some youths told TODAY that it comes at a price: Less “me-time” and a toll on their mental well-being.

“If all your summer holidays are used for internship and you don’t get a proper break, you don’t get the chance to be a student,” said Mr Ong, the NUS business administration student interning in Vietnam now.

“It’s not really healthy to be in this perpetual state of grinding and hustling it out … not forgetting you’re just going to be doing that for the rest of your career.”

For Mr Ong, he finds time to take on volunteer work, and also runs his mental health support group - which has helped him gain opportunities to intern in the social impact industry which he is interested in pursuing.

Taking on internships outside of a school curriculum also puts students at risk of taking on stints that proved to be bad experiences, where they were either overworked or asked to do menial tasks such as picking up coffee orders.

In Ms Lim's case, the NUS student had taken on a part-time internship but found herself working more days and hours than she agreed upon.

Juggling her studies and taking on more job scopes than agreed, she later fell sick. Despite being on medical leave, she was asked to complete certain job tasks which she complied with.

While most educational institutions pair students with a mentor or career coach who can help manage company expectations during an internship, youths may not have access to such resources when taking on their own gigs.

“I just dealt with it as there wasn't much I could do but suck it up,” said Ms Lim of her experience.

“It was extremely stressful but I learnt how to set proper boundaries following the incident.”

She is not the only one with a bad internship experience. Several netizens took to online forum Reddit to discuss their intern “horror stories” last month - including one user who worked at a Singapore firm that had interns do most of the human resource work, and another who would run errands for their boss.

The competition for internships also raises questions about whether it is a level playing field for students who do not have a social or professional network in a particular industry.

NUS sociologist Tan Ern Ser noted that students who have larger social networks would have better access to opportunities and the relevant information.

“In short, connections matter, even in a meritocracy,” said Associate Professor Tan.

“This is not to argue that ability in terms of knowledge and skills isn’t important, but that it has to be ability in terms of networking skills or ability which enables one to be recognised by people with power and connections who would recommend one to others in their social networks.”

Because of this, lacking connections could translate into internship inequalities - and that would also apply to job opportunities too.

This could be alleviated by providing students with more opportunities to network and increasing mentorship programmes, said Assoc Prof Tan.

Companies could also look at placing more value on different student programmes and achievements when assessing their candidates - such as volunteer work, leadership positions in co-curricular activities and more.

Looking back, Ms Lim said she might have taken a different approach when applying for internships if given a second chance.

“At the beginning, I was ‘job hopping’ to find my place and interest,” she said, pointing to the array of internships she had done. These included working for a venture capital, organising events and trying her hand out as a marketing intern.

“There are much more targeted approaches to taking internships, such as focusing on building up your skills for a particular industry, before taking on internships only within this industry.”

Still, she described her internships as “maximising” her potential.

“In the end, I’m just trying to do everything to the best of my ability. And through these internships, I can at least be confident that my job in the future fits me, fulfils me financially and has room for me to grow,” said Ms Lim.

This article was originally published in TODAY .

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