A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme by research in the fields of chemical and biomedical engineering.
#2 in Asia and #6 in the world for Chemical Engineering, according to the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
This PhD programme is hosted at the School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CCEB).
Possible areas of research |
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For faculty listing in the various research areas, please click here
Applicants applying for the PhD programme in CCEB must meet the following general entry requirements. You can contact CCEB PGR Admissions at CCEB-PGRAdmissions@ntu.edu.sg for any enquiries.
Academic Qualifications
Applicants should possess a good relevant Bachelor’s degree with Honours, with a minimum of Distinction, Upper Second Class Honours or its equivalent. A Master’s degree is not mandatory.
English Proficiency
TOEFL or IELTS is required for applicants whose Bachelor’s programme was not conducted in English. This requirement may be waived if the applicant can provide documentary proof, normally in the form of a letter or certificate, that English was the medium of instruction during their tertiary studies.
Application Periods
There are two admission intakes each year, in August and January. Applicants are advised to submit their applications as early as possible after the application portal for their desired intake opens.
Admission intake | Opening of application portal |
August (Semester 1) | 1 October |
January (Semester 2) | 1 June |
Admission in August or January is subject to the School’s selection and recommendation. The University reserves the right to admit applicants in other semesters.
The selection process is competitive. Meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee selection. Applicants will be evaluated holistically based on their research proposal, research and work experience, and other relevant experience.
Applications for admission must be submitted online. For more information, please click on Research Programmes Admissions Guide.
Application Supporting Documents
Identification documents (scanned copies): NRIC for Singapore Citizens; NRIC and Re-Entry Permit for Permanent Residents; Passport for International Applicants.
Bachelor’s degree certificate and official transcript.
Master’s degree certificate and official transcript, where applicable.
Official English translations, where the original documents are not in English.
TOEFL or IELTS results (validity of 2 years at point of application), where applicable.
GRE or GATE results (validity of 5 years at point of application), where applicable.
Research proposal: A well-developed proposal that reflects research interests, potential, and motivation.
Resume: A resume that highlights personal and academic achievements, prior research experience and skills, leadership and character.
Personal statement: A narrative outlining the applicant’s academic journey, research interests, and goals.
Abstracts of research publications.
Academic References: At least two academic references providing insights into the applicant’s academic capabilities and character.
Video essay: A short video presentation.
Students are expected to maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.5
Coursework Requirements
Students admitted from the August 2026 intake onwards must complete 20 Academic Units (AU), comprising 12 AU of Prescribed Electives and 8 AU of Critical Literacy Modules.
Prescribed Electives: 12 AU
The 12 AU of Prescribed Electives are included in CGPA computation. Students must obtain at least 50% of their total graded Prescribed Elective AUs from their academic college subject to the supervisor’s approval:
Critical Literacy Modules: 8 AU
The Critical Literacy Modules are not included in the computation of the student’s CGPA and comprise:
GP8001 AI Literacy: 1 AU
GP8002 Fostering a Community of Respect and Support: 0.5 AU
GP8003 Epigeum Research Integrity Course: 1.5 AU
ERWA02 Epigeum Research Integrity Recertification Course
Communication course: 2 AU (HWG704 - Research Communication for Graduate Studies recommended)
Attendance at 40 seminars during the entire candidature: 3 AU
Other Compulsory Requirement
- HWG703 Graduate English, if not exempted
- Students must participate in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) presentation, which is compulsory for CCEB PhD students.
Qualifying Examination (QE)
All candidates will initially commence as research students. They must pass the QE to be confirmed as PhD candidates.
For students admitted from the August 2026 intake onwards, the QE is to take place during the 2nd year of candidature, ordinarily around the 12th to 15th month from the commencement of candidature. Students granted course exemptions may be eligible to take the QE earlier, between the 6th and 12th month of candidature.
QE Eligibility: Before taking QE, students must complete 15 AU and attain a minimum CGPA of 3.5:
- 12 AU of Prescribed Electives, inclusive of course exemptions
- 3 AU of Critical Literacy Modules: GP8001 (1 AU), GP8002 (0.5 AU), GP8003 (1.5 AU)
Research & Thesis Requirements
Candidates must undertake research under the supervision of their supervisors and remain in regular contact with them throughout their candidature. Upon completion of the research, candidates must submit a thesis that is ready and acceptable for examination before the expiry of the maximum candidature.
In addition to being examined on the thesis, a PhD candidate must pass an oral examination on the subject matter of the thesis and other related subjects.
Candidature Periods
For higher degrees by research, candidates may be admitted as full-time or part-time students. The minimum and maximum periods of candidature for both full-time and part-time are as follows:
Candidature | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
Full-time | Part-time |
2 to 5 years | 3 to 5 years |
Students pay fee at unsubsidized rates after Maximum of candidature.
Graduate Courses in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering:
•CH7102 Cell Therapeutics Engineering
Graduate Courses in Chemistry:
•CM7019 Graduate Organic Chemistry
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