The Department of Physics, NUS, offers full-time and part-time graduate studies by research leading to the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).
Graduate students in the Department have a choice of a wide range of research fields. Now, the department has 74 faculty members in which many of them are also members of one of the research centers – “Center for Quantum Technologies”, “Graphene Research Center”, “Nanocore” and “Mechanobiology Institute”, as well as the “Center for Ion Beam Application” and the “Center for Computational Science and Engineering”. It is supported by over 40 research staff, 54 technical/clerical staff and a well-equipped workshop. The Department has extensive facilities with state-of-the-art instrumentation suitable for both fundamental and applied research. Currently the graduate community numbers at about 200 with a good mix of local and foreign students. A friendly and informal atmosphere exists among staff and students as collaborative work with other disciplines and industrial R & D abound.
Science
Physics
phylausk@nus.edu.sg
General Office, Blk S12, Level 2, 2 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117542The Department of Physics at the National University of Singapore promotes excellence in a wide range of research areas, including condensed matter physics, surface physics, materials science, high energy physics, atomic physics, superconductor, solid-state ionics, astrophysics, infrared spectroscopy, laser optics, x-ray fluorescence, ion-beam applications, optics, acoustics and computer simulations.
Our aim in research development is not only to acquire new knowledge in fundamental areas, but also to tackle problems of relevance to Singapore’s Industry development. The Physics Department sees a major role in itself in the national effort to advance Singapore into a high-tech era. To this end, many staff members are now carrying out collaborative research work with industry, overseas universities, and government ministries, and engaged in multi-disciplinary research.
| Commitment | Average Candidature | Maximum Candidature |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 4 Years | 5 Years |
| Part Time | 5 Years | 5 Years |
Bachelor’s or master’s degree candidates with a background in sciences.
| Criteria | Minimum Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA | A good relevant 4 years Bachelor and/or master's degree in physics or its equivalent | ||
| English Proficiency Tests | TOEFL Internet-based | 85 / 120 | |
| IELTS | 6 / 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).
- Applicants should browse the User Guide before applying.
- NUS graduates should have at least a honours with Distinction
- The ability to pursue research in the candidate’s proposed field of advanced study
Supporting Documents List
- Singapore NRIC (for Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents)
- Passport information page (for international applicants)
- Academic Transcript of Bachelor/Master’s degree with CAP/GPA/Average Marks. Academic Transcript in English and Chinese versions are required from China universities.
- Degree Certificate of Bachelor/Master’s. Degree Certification in English and Chinese versions are required from China universities.
- Valid TOEFL/IELTS Score. Applicants whose native tougue and/or medium of university instruction is not in English should provide TOEFL/IELTS as evidence of their proficiency in the English Language.
- TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date and should not have expired at point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the applications.
- Financial document e.g. bank statement/recent payslip/sponsor’s letter
- CV (optional)
| Category | Application Window | Application Result Released | |
|---|---|---|---|
Semester 1 Intake (August) | All students of any nationalities | Deadline: November 15 2025 | May 31 2025 |
Semester 2 Intake (January) | Deadline: May 15 2025 | October 31 2025 | |