NIE offers graduate studies by research leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in line with the increasing emphasis on research in the areas of Arts, Education and Sciences.
NIE is ranked #3 in Asia and #8 globally for Education in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
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NIE offers PhD candidates research in the following areas:
- Asian Languages and Cultures
- English Language and Literature
- Humanities and Social Studies Education
- Learning Sciences and Assessment
- Mathematics and Mathematics Education
- Natural Sciences and Science Education
- Physical Education and Sports Science
- Policy, Curriculum and Leadership
- Psychology and Child & Human Development
- Visual and Performing Arts
The list of Programme Leaders can be found under "Research Area".
| Area of Research | Programme Leaders |
| Chinese Language | Asst Prof Zhan Fangqiong |
| Malay Language | Assoc Prof Roksana Bibi Bte Abdullah |
| Tamil Language | Asst Prof Kingston Pal Thamburaj |
| English Language and Literature | Assoc Prof Vahid Aryadoust |
| Humanities and Social Studies Education | Asst Prof Wang Jingyun Prof Kevin Blackburn |
| Learning Sciences and Assessment | Assoc Prof Wang Qiyun |
| Mathematics | Prof Dong Fengming |
| Mathematics Education | Assoc Prof Leong Yew Hoong |
| Natural Sciences and Science Education | Assoc Prof Chew Shit Fun |
| Physical Education and Sports Science | Asst Prof Luis Calmeiro |
| Policy, Curriculum and Leadership | Asst Prof Chang Wen-Chia |
| Psychology and Child & Human Development | Assoc Prof Gregory Arief D Liem |
| Music | Assoc Prof Tan Yuh Chaur Leonard Assoc Prof Lum Chee Hoo |
| Drama | Assoc Prof Charlene Rajendran |
| Art | Asst/Prof Agnieszka Chalas |
| Special Education | Assoc Prof Tan Ai Girl |
| High Ability Studies | Dr. Letchmi Devi d/o Ponnusamy |
| Early Childhood | Assoc Prof Tan Ai Girl |
| Office of Educational Research | Dr. Seow Sen Kee, Peter |
The following are minimum admission requirements. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission, as selection is competitive.
A Bachelor's degree with honours at least at Second Class Upper level, Master's degree in the relevant areas and the ability to pursue research in the candidate's proposed field of advanced study.
Shortlisted applicants will undergo an interview session as part of the selection process.
A valid GRE score is required for applicants who are not graduates of the Autonomous Universities in Singapore. See detailed requirements for English language on competency and GRE requirements here.
There are generally two intakes for this programme in a year (January and August). You are advised to visit the website and look out for NIE’s announcements in May / June and November / December to confirm if the programme will be open for application at any particular intake.
Click here for more information on application periods.
Important
We strongly suggest you reach out to potential supervisors at least 3 months in advance of application deadline as the process of finding a potential supervisor and preparing your proposal may take longer than you anticipate.
The degree of PhD by research is offered on both full-time and part-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 |
Coursework Requirements (From August 2026 Intake Onwards)
Students must complete 20 AUs:
- Prescribed Electives: 12 AUs from approved graduate-level courses, with an overall average of at least Grade B- and no course below C+.
- Critical Literacy: 8 AUs comprising the following courses and activities:
- Writing and Communication Skills for PhD Students
- Artificial Intelligence Literacy
- Fostering a Community of Respect and Support
- Epigeum Research Integrity, and the Seminar Attendance Requirement.
- Graduate English: Required for students with non-English degrees.
- Enrichment courses, seminars or activities are optional and not required for graduation.
Course exemptions may be granted for relevant graduate-level coursework, capped at one course.
Separately, Prescribed Elective exemptions may be granted up to 12 AUs for relevant research-based Master’s degrees, or up to 6 AUs for relevant coursework-based Master’s degrees. Students granted Prescribed Elective exemptions may not apply for additional course exemptions.
Qualifying Examination
After completion of the prescribed electives and the necessary critical literacy courses, students will submit a 100-page Confirmation Document for review. The timeline for completion of the Qualifying Examination is 18 months for both full-time and part-time students.
Yearly Progress Report
Students must submit an annual progress report of at least 2,000 words.
Thesis Requirements
The PhD thesis should not exceed 70,000 words for Science and 100,000 words for other specialisations, excluding appendices, references, maps, charts, statistical tables, graphs and illustrations.
For VPA PhD students admitted from AY2020/2021 onwards, the research/practice route thesis limit is 70,000 words; the prevailing word limit applies to the full written thesis route.
PhD theses written in Chinese should not exceed 200,000 Chinese characters.
Students must also pass an oral examination on the thesis and related subjects.
For tuition fees, please click here.
International students who choose to pay a lower tuition fee (and thus receive higher subsidy) will have to take up a 3-year service obligation. Click here for more information on the Service Obligation scheme.
Have more questions? Browse our Frequently Asked Questions.