Students are required to pursue independent but supervised research on an approved topic based on which a thesis must be submitted for examination. Students are also required to attend classes and pass the examinations.
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
1. Micro/Nano-fabrication and Micro Systems
• Thin films & coatings
• MEMS & BioMEMS
• Data storage
• Sensors & actuators
2. Manufacturing
• Additive manufacturing
• Precision engineering
• Reliability & Non-destructive testing
• Advanced manufacturing & re-manufacturing
3. Biomedical Engineering
• Bio-design and bio-manufacturing of tools/devices
• Biomechanics
• Bio-sensors
• Medical simulation
4. Systems & Engineering Management
• Human factors
• Logistics & operations research
• Systems engineering & management
• Design studies
5. Aerospace Engineering
• Aerodynamics
• Flight dynamics & control
• Propulsion & UAV
• Smart materials
• Air Traffic Management
6. Robotics & Intelligent Systems
• Surgical, rehabilitation robots & remote diagnosis
• Smart industrial robots
• Virtual reality
• AI & intelligent systems
7. Marine Engineering
• Broad-based maritime research and education
8. Clean Energy
• Fuel cells
• Wind & tidal energy
• Clean tech & environment
• Intelligent built & urban environment
• Other alternative energy systems
General Admissions Criteria
We encourage graduates with strong academic potential and passion for research to apply for NTU’s postgraduate research programmes. To support a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment, applicants shall provide evidence of strong academic foundations, including technical and English proficiency, relevant research experience, motivation to pursue graduate studies, and their personal character by submitting the following:
1. Bachelor’s Degree: A strong Bachelor’s degree with minimum Honours (Distinction) and its equivalent.
2. English Proficiency: A good TOEFL/IELTS1 score for applicants whose Bachelor’s degree is not conducted in English.
3. Research Proposal: A well-crafted research proposal that demonstrates the applicant’s research potential and motivation.
4. Resume: A resume that highlights personal and academic achievements, prior research experience and skills, leadership and character.
5. Academic References: Academic referee reports that provide insights into the applicant’s potential and character.
Demonstrating strong quantitative, verbal, or analytical skills through GRE/GMAT2/GATE3 test scores will greatly enhance your chances of admission.
1TOEFL/IELTS test dates must be within 2 years or less from the date of your application.
2GRE/GMAT test dates must be within 5 years or less from the date of your application.
3Applicants from India may use the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) score of at least 90th percentile in place of GRE. Test date must be within 3 years or less from the date of your application.
An application fee of S$50 (Nett) will be charged for each Research application. Payment can be made online before submitting application by VISA/Mastercard.
School of MAE has 2 intakes per Academic Year, one in August and another in January.
| Admission Intake | Opening of Application Portal | Last day for submission of online application with supporting documents |
| August Semester | 1 October | 31 January |
| January Semester | 1 June | 31 July |
Course exemptions are case-by-case basis subjected to review and approval. Please contact us at: [email protected]
General Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have done at least 1 semester coursework in NTU (under PhD programme)
- Must have attained at least CGPA 3.50 (PhD).
Documents to prepare:
- A copy of the transcript of course(s) taken before.
- Course syllabus of previous course and current course syllabus to apply exemption for.
- Highlight the similar syllabus/topics that you have taken before
Candidates pursue independent yet supervised research in an approved field of advanced study, culminating in the submission of a thesis. In addition, candidates are required to attend coursework and pass the relevant examinations, earning a minimum of 18 AUs (six 3-AU courses) during their PhD studies. They are also required to undergo a Qualifying Examination/Confirmation Exercise.
Upon completion of the research, candidates must submit a thesis for examination. For the award of the Doctor of Philosophy degree, candidates are also required to pass an oral examination (viva voce) on the subject matter of their thesis and related fields.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Coursework Components
• 18 AUs (6 courses) with min. CGPA 3.50 (a minimum of 6AUs should be MA7xxx series)
• Communications courses (36 hrs) & 3-minute thesis (3MT)
• Research Integrity Course
• Graduate English (HWG703)* & University Teaching for Teaching Assistants (HWG702)*
* For full-time students only
Research Component
• Qualifying examination & confirmation by end of Year 2
• Submission of thesis for examination
• PhD oral examination
| Full-Time | Part-Time | |||
| Programme | Minimum | Maximum | Minimum | Maximum |
| Doctor of Philosophy | 2 Years | 5 Years | 3 Years | 5 Years |
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Curriculum Overview
Coursework Requirements
PhD candidates are required to complete the following coursework components:
• 18 Academic Units (AUs) of graduate courses with a minimum CGPA of 3.50
o At least 6 AUs must be from MA7xxx series courses.
• Research Integrity Course (ERI701)
• HWG703 Graduate English Course
• HWG702 Graduate English Course
• Communication Courses totalling 39 hours
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Qualifying Examination / Confirmation Exercise
All PhD candidates must undergo a Qualifying Examination (QE), during which they must demonstrate satisfactory progress and foundational knowledge in their chosen research area.
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Thesis Requirement
Upon the completion of their research work, candidates are required to:
1. Submit a doctoral thesis based on their original research for examination.
2. Attend and pass an oral examination covering the thesis content and other related subject areas.
| Applicants are required to indicate their preferred supervisors in the application. Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact potential supervisors in advance before submitting their application. To explore the professors under each research area, please click here: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/mae/research/research-foc |