SUTD Honours And Research Programme (SHARP)
How long is the PhD programme?
Full-time: Minimum candidature is 3 years and maximum candidature is 5 years.*
Part-time: Minimum candidature is 3 years and maximum candidature is 5 years.
*Note that scholarship for full-time students will cover up to 4 years only
When will I know the outcome of my application?
Notifications are usually sent 2–3 months after the application deadline.
Can I defer my studies after I receive the admission offer?
Yes, you may defer your application on the same Academic Year. If you wish to defer further, you are required to re-apply in the portal.
Is part-time or distance learning mode offered for the PhD / EngD programme?
We offer part-time option for our doctorate programmes. However, currently all courses are conducted in campus.
What are the key milestones in the PhD / EngD programme timeline?
Students are required to achieve specific milestones throughout their candidature.
For example:
- The PhD/EngD Qualifying Examination must be completed by the end of the second year.
- The PhD/EngD Preliminary Examination (if applicable) must be completed by the end of the third year.
- Students should consult their respective Pillar or Cluster for detailed course and milestone requirements.
What is an Engineering Doctorate (EngD)?
The EngD is a professional doctorate equivalent in status and rigour to a PhD, but is focused on applied, industry-driven research rather than purely academic inquiry. It prepares graduates for leadership roles in R&D and technology development.
What’s the difference between Engineering Doctorate (EngD) and PhD?
EngD: Develops industry-oriented engineers with PhD-level skills, focusing on solving technical problems that have a strong industrial relevance. Professional development training to equip EngD students with important skillsets such as Intellectual Property (IP), transferring IP to initial public offering (IPO), entrepreneurship, business start-up, leadership and teamwork.
PhD: Develops and trains students to be an expert in a much more focused area in the domain of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). PhD students are prepared for a career in academic research, and applied research that may or may not have immediate industrial application.
While PhD emphasises theoretical research (TRL 1–2), EngD targets higher technical readiness levels.
Who can apply for the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) programme?
The SUTD EngD programme is open to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents with a strong bachelor’s degree (with honours) or a master’s degree, preferably with R&D or industry project experience.
What is the SUTD-NUS Joint PhD Programme?
The SUTD-NUS Joint PhD Programme offers PhD students a unique opportunity to pursue a joint degree and gain exposure to two of Singapore’s top universities. Students will be registered with both SUTD (Home Institution) and NUS (Host Institution), guided by academic staff from both universities, and examined to the standards of both institutions. Upon successful completion, students receive a joint PhD degree awarded by SUTD and NUS.
Who is eligible for the SUTD-NUS Joint PhD Programme?
The programme is only available to students who indicate interest in SUTD-NUS Joint PhD Programme upon application and matriculated in SUTD as a full-time PhD student.