PhD (Food Science and Technology)
Food Science
Food Engineering
Food Processing
Food Safety
Functional Food
Fermentation
Toxicology
Human Nutrition

The PhD in Food Science and Technology programme 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.

There are currently 5 main research themes led by our highly-qualified faculty members, namely –

  1.  Flavour & Fermentation
  2.  Food Bioactive and Molecules
  3.  Food Microbiology & Safety
  4.  Food Processing & Engineering
  5.  Human Nutrition
Faculty
faculty-iconScience
department-iconFood Science and Technology
email-iconfood@nus.edu.sglocation-iconfood@nus.edu.sg
The Department of Food Science and Technology (FST) in the National University of Singapore (NUS) has a history dated back to 1999 when the then FST Programme was established under the Faculty of Science. It offered Singapore’s first degree programme in food science and technology. Equipped with modern labs and facilities and with due support from various departments of the University, the FST courses are amongst the popular ones in NUS.
The Food Science and Technology Programme was proudly announced to be a Department by NUS President in Aug 2019. Operations started independently since January 2020. The inception is timely to reflect our leading role in the discipline and enhance competitive advantage in the region. It will also enable greater capabilities in addressing global food sustainability and security issues.
Scholarships
Commitment and Candidature
CommitmentAverage CandidatureMaximum Candidature
Full Time4 Years5 Years
Part Time4 Years5 Years
Target Audience
  • A good relevant Bachelor’s Degree and/or Master’s Degree
  • NUS graduates should have at least a 2nd Upper Class Honours
  • The ability to pursue research in the candidate’s proposed field of advanced study
  • International students are expected to submit their TOEFL/IELTS & GRE test scores to support their application
General Admission Criteria
CriteriaMinimum Score
GPAA good relevant Bachelor’s Degree and/or Master’s Degree. NUS graduates should have at least a 2nd Upper Class Honours.
English Proficiency TestsTOEFL
Internet-based
85 / 120
IELTS6.0 / 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.

Either TOEFL or IELTS is required for students whose main language of undergraduate university instruction is not English. Waivers may be granted to students who are native English speakers or proficient in English but are currently enrolled in a non-English medium university. Contact programme administrator to inquire. Test scores for the TOEFL and IELTS are valid for 2 years from the test dates. TOEFL and IELTS Academic scores that have expired by the time the application period closes will not be accepted. For more information about the TOEFL or IELTS, please visit www.toefl.org (for TOEFL) and www.ielts.org (for IELTS).

Application Periods and Intakes
CategoryApplication WindowApplication Result Released

Semester 1 Intake

(August)

All students of any nationalities16 May - 15 Nov of the previous year

On rolling basis

(Latest by 31 May)

Semester 2 Intake

(January)

16 Nov 2023 – 15 May 2024 (Jan 2025 intake); 1 Jan – 15 May of the previous year (Jan 2026 intake onwards)

On rolling basis

(Latest by 31 Oct of the previous year)

How to Apply?
Please visit GradApp to apply online. Click here for the GradApp Applicant Guide.
Important: Please refer to https://www.fst.nus.edu.sg/education/postgraduate-programme/admission-information/admission-information/ for the detailed instructions before applying to the programme.