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PhD (Chinese Studies)
PhD
Chinese Studies

The research degree provides training in a particular subject area through independent investigation, study and experimental work, culminating in the submission of a thesis on the research undertaken. An advisor or advisors will be appointed for each candidate. Candidates are required to attend appropriate lectures and sit for written examinations.

 

Faculty
faculty-iconArts and Social Sciences
department-iconChinese Studies
email-iconfasbox61@nus.edu.sglocation-iconNational University of Singapore, Block AS8, Level 5, #05-01, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260

Welcome to the Department of Chinese Studies, NUS.

  1. We are one of the leading institutions in the world in the fields of Chinese Studies and Chinese Language and a major centre in the Southeast Asian region. Taking the perspectives of both globalization and regionalization, we strive to combine the strengths of Classical and Modern Chinese Studies in promoting research and study in such key areas as Chinese linguistics, Chinese literature, Chinese history, Chinese philosophy, and Chinese-English translation. We have a strong, active interest in Southeast Asian Chinese in particular, exploring its various sociological, historical and cultural dimensions. We have established close ties of exchange and collaboration with academic institutions worldwide, not only in terms of individual interaction but also through academic publication and conference organization.
  2. Staffed with scholars from prestigious universities in different parts of the world, our department aims to provide students with education of a high standard. We have B.A. Honours programmes in Chinese Language and Chinese Studies, M.A. (both coursework and research) and Ph.D. programmes at the graduate level. Every year, we offer more than sixty different courses, with emphases on breadth and depth, knowledge and skills, theory and practice, as well as the bilingual competence of students. The department also encourages and organizes numerous extra-curricular activities so as to expose students to the cultural aspects of Chinese Studies outside the confines of traditional scholarship.
Scholarships
Commitment and Candidature
CommitmentAverage CandidatureMaximum Candidature
Full Time4.5 Years5 Years
Target Audience

Candidates who seek to acquire in-depth knowledge of Chinese Studies, such that they would possess the ability to pursue independent research in his/her proposed field of advanced study.

General Admission Criteria
CriteriaMinimum Score
GPAA good Masters degree in a relevant discipline; OR an NUS Honours degree (at least Distinction/Second Class Upper Division) or equivalent (e.g., a four-year Bachelor’s degree with at least an average grade of B or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, subject to approval by the Faculty, on a case-by-case basis.
English Proficiency TestsTOEFL
Internet-based
85 / 120
IELTS6 / 9

GRE is optional. However, evidence of strong quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills through GRE scores, as well as indicators of research skills and experience will significantly strengthen your application.


  1. Masters by Research and PhD students are requested to provide a preliminary research proposal of 2-4 pages. Although this document should be as focused as possible, it is exploratory, and admitted students are not required to work on the exact area proposed. However, the capacity to develop an interesting research question and approach are important indicators of a student’s ability and seriousness.

  2. More information on how to write a research proposal can be obtained from: Research Proposal Guidelines for Applicants and How to Write a Research Proposal.


Please refer to the Faculty’s website here for the complete admission requirements and here for a list of supporting documents required.


Application Periods and Intakes
CategoryApplication WindowApplication Result Released

Semester 2 Intake

(January)

All students of any nationalities

Application Opens: November 2 2025

Application Closes: May 15 2025

October 31 2025

Semester 1 Intake

(August)

Application Opens: May 16 2025

Application Closes: November 1 2025

May 31 2025
How to Apply?
Please visit GradApp to apply online. Click here for the GradApp Applicant Guide.