phd graduate salary in singapore

• PhD Study in Singapore – A Guide for 2024

Written by Mike Davies

An island city state situated in southeast Asia, the bustling multicultural country of Singapore has been dubbed the ‘garden city’ for its ongoing commitment to the preservation of natural habitats.

Despite its small size Singapore punches above its weight as world leader in education, research and development, with a government investment of SGD $19 billion (USD $14 billion) in research innovation and enterprise between 2016 and 2020.

This page will cover the essential information about studying for a PhD in Singapore . From the PhD process to student visas, this guide will get you prepared should you wish to start looking for a PhD in the garden city.

PhD in Singapore – what’s on offer for 2024?

Six public universities teach PhD programmes in Singapore. In Singapore all postgraduate study is referred to simply as “graduate study”; PhDs and Masters by research are “graduate studies by research”, while taught Masters are known as “graduate studies by coursework”.

Singapore is renowned for the high standard of its education, and a PhD at one of its universities will see you work alongside world-leading researchers. Here are some of the reasons why you might choose to undertake a Singaporean PhD:

• Prestigious universities – Two of the universities rank within the world’s top 100 institutions and deliver high-impact research
• Study in English – Singaporean PhD tuition and research is conducted in English. English is also widely used by many native Singaporeans
• Fully funded scholarships – There are several scholarships covering tuition and living expenses open to international students with excellent academic records
• Quality of life – Singapore is one of the safest and cleanest countries in the world and is a great place to live as a postgraduate

Coronavirus updates for international students at Singaporean universities

For the latest information on the impact of coronavirus on studying a PhD in Singapore, please check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for updates.

PhD life in Singapore

There is also plenty to see and do while living in Singapore. The Singapore Botanical Gardens for example is a 150-year-old UNESCO world heritage site and the first garden in the world to obtain this status. If you’d like to know more about living in Singapore, you can visit our Singapore living guide.

Singaporean universities

Despite its small size there is a vibrant higher education sector in Singapore. Currently there are six local universities all of which offer a variety of PhD programmes. The Ministry of Education (MOE) is the government body responsible for higher education in Singapore and employs stringent quality assurance frameworks to ensure that these programmes are of exeptional quality and recognised internationally.

Local universities

Singapore has six local universities offering PhD programmes

• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
• Singapore Management University (SMU)
• Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
• Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
• Singapore University of Social Sciences

Foreign institutions

In addition to these local universities, many of the world's leading universities including MIT and the University of London, offer PhD programmes in Singapore in collaboration with local universities (which will be the awarding institutions).

University rankings

Although few in number, Singapore’s higher education facilities are highly regarded on the world stage.

Do rankings matter for PhD study?

University rankings can help you choose a PhD project or programme, provided you know what to look at. Our guide explains how to use rankings as a prospective postgraduate.

PhD structure

Obtaining a PhD in Singapore can take anywhere between two and five years depending on the subject studied, but it typically takes around four years. The structure of a PhD in Singapore is different from that commonly found in the UK and other parts of the world.

Graduate study by research

Rather than apply for a specific project you will instead be applying for a place on a PhD programme within a faculty of your choosing. This programme will be called a “graduate study by research” and will generally begin with a fairly broad focus.

The first year includes a taught element and you will be expected to collect a certain number of credits by completing qualifying modules. You will also learn any techniques that you will require in the future during this time.

Qualifying Examination

Following your first year of study and provided you have successfully completed the taught element of the programme, you will have the opportunity to select a specific research project. Your supervisor will then arrange for you to undergo what is known as the Qualifying Examination (QE).

The QE is a combination of an oral and written examination, designed to assess your ability to understand and criticise literature as well as test specific knowledge regarding your chosen research project.

Upon passing this examination you will be confirmed as a PhD candidate and will begin working towards producing your thesis. If you fail this examination (you can retake it before the end of your second year), you may continue to study for a Masters degree in your chosen subject.

Thesis defence

In order to obtain your doctorate, you will need to submit your thesis and then undergo a formal thesis defence. The process is similar to the viva voce used in the UK and other countries, but also includes a public examination in addition to the typical closed-door examination.

Two or more academic experts will question you on your thesis in order to determine that your research is original, and your subject knowledge is sufficient for the award of a doctoral degree.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for Singapore PhDs can be expensive, but the good news is there are plenty of scholarship and support options available, to encourage international talent. The fees you will face as well as the support options available will vary by university and by the subject area but this should provide an overview of what is available.

The typical fee for an unsubsidised postgraduate course for international students is around S$40,600 (USD $30,020) . However, many courses are eligible for government subsidy, reducing the cost of tuition to around S$21,400 (USD $15,825) . This subsidy is available from the Ministry of Education (MOE).

Service obligation scheme

Singapore residents and citizens who are eligible for the MOE subsidy will have the subsidy applied to a supported programme by default. International students need to apply for the Service Obligation (SO) Scheme to have access to the same government subsidy.

In order to be eligible for the SO Scheme you must be applying for a graduate degree of a higher level to any you already hold, and your previous degree(s) must not have been sponsored by the Singapore government or government agency.

If you successfully apply for the Scheme then once you have acquired your doctorate, you will be required to undertake three years of work in a Singapore-based company. This is to ‘repay’ the Singapore government for subsidising your education.

Singaporean PhD Scholarships

There are also several scholarships that you can apply for that can cover the cost of tuition and in many cases provide a monthly stipend to help with living costs. Depending on the scholarship you acquire, these monthly stipends can be quite generous.

Here is a list of the most common scholarships you can apply for. They are subject to change and it’s always worth checking with your chosen institution for the most up to date information on available scholarships.

A*STAR Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is a government affiliated body that supports research and development projects that intend to improve lives in Singapore. Supported projects fall into one of the following technology domains: Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME), Health and Biomedical Sciences (HBMS), Urban Solutions and Sustainability (USS), and Services and Digital Economy (SDE).

The SINGA award represents a collaboration between the A*STAR, and the universities of NTU, NUS and SUTD. The award is only available for selected research projects and these are typically in the areas of biomedical sciences or physical science and engineering, in line with A*STAR’s aims.

The award is open to all international students, although to be successful you will need to be able to demonstrate a passion for research as well as excellent academic records. If you are successful, the award will cover 4 years of tuition fees and includes a monthly stipend of S$2,200 rising to S$2,700 after passing the QE. The award also includes an allowance for relocation.

Applications should be made to A*STAR before the deadline which is usually at the start of December.

University research scholarship

Each university has its own equivalent of this scholarship, which is awarded to outstanding graduates undertaking research in one of their faculties. Typically, to be eligible you must possess at least a second-class honour or equivalent in your undergraduate degree.

If you are successful in your application this award with cover your tuition fees and you can expect to receive around S$2,200 (USD $1,625) monthly stipend as an international student or around S$2,800 (USD $2,070) as a Citizen of Singapore. This often increases after passing your PhD Qualifying Examination.

If you wish to apply for this scholarship it is best to contact the university directly about how to go about this. Usually you will need to indicate your interest in the scholarship during your application to the PhD programme

Presidents graduate fellowship

The President graduate fellowship is similar to the research scholarship and is also issued by the university that you are applying to. It is significantly more competitive than the research scholarship and is only awarded to students who show exceptional promise or accomplishment in research.

The fellowship comes with more funding than the research scholarship. As a successful applicant you can expect a monthly stipend of around S$3,100 (USD $2,300) as an international student and S$3,600 (USD $2,700) as a Singapore citizen. The funding also includes provision for air travel and a settling allowance, to help with relocation to Singapore.

As with the research scholarship you will normally need to make your interest in the fellowship known in during your PhD application.

Tuition fee allowance

If you cannot acquire a scholarship the universities offer a tuition fee allowance to cover the cost of study. The requirements for eligibility vary by university but are largely similar to the research scholarships offered by the same.

This award will cover your tuition fees but will not provide a monthly stipend.

Loans / Work

Other forms of financial aid which are available include study loans and part-time appointments as graduate student tutor or student researcher.

If you wish to undertake part-time work at your institution or externally, make sure that your visa allows you to undertake paid work (see Visa/Immigration section) and that the institution where you are doing your PhD does not have regulations preventing it.

Applying for a PhD in Singapore

Singapore universities generally have two intakes; one intake in August and another in January, the applications for which close in November and May of the previous year, respectively.

The application process for a PhD in Singapore is a little different to that of the UK. Rather than applying for a specific project you will apply to a faculty for access to a graduate programme. Each faculty offers various programmes focusing on a wide range of subjects.

Having selected the programme that you want to apply for, you’ll need to make sure that you meet the following criteria in order to be considered:

• A degree in a relevant field
• High GRE score
• Proficiency in English

Meeting the application requirements does not guarantee acceptance onto the respective programme as the number of applicants often exceeds the number of available places. Should you wish to make an application here is what you will need to have to hand.

Academic results

In order for your application to be considered you will generally need to have obtained a Masters degree in a relevant discipline. Some programmes will consider those with a Bachelors degree as long as it is an upper second class honours, though this is subject to approval.

You will of course need to supply academic transcripts when making the application. Official transcripts can be provided by your previous university(ies) but all transcripts should be translated into English if they are not already. This will need to be done at your expense and with a recognised translation service.

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score

The GRE is a standardised test that is an admission requirement for most graduate schools in the United States and many other countries around the world. The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service and tests your aptitude for verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing; in other words, all the things that will be expected of you during your PhD.

Most university faculties in Singapore recommend that a score for this test is submitted to support your application and some require it explicitly. Scores are valid for five years after the test is taken. As the test is computer based, it can be taken at any time of the year at a registered test centre by booking online.

Research proposal / statement of objectives

You may be required to provide a short (1000 – 5000 word) document detailing your experience, research interest and reason for application. You might also be required to include a brief summary of your intended direction of research.

How do I write a PhD research proposal?

The research proposal is an important part of any PhD application, regardless of where you choose to study. Take a look at our guide for some tips and advice on writing a research proposal .

You will need to provide references from up to three referees. These referees should be familiar with your previous academic work, ideally having been your supervisor during your undergraduate or Masters study.

English language proficiency

Since all programmes in Singapore are instructed in English you will need to demonstrate that you are proficient in the language. If English is not your native tongue and your previous degree(s) were not instructed in English, you will need to submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as evidence.

Other documents

Competition for admission to graduate programmes in Singapore is very high. If you have more evidence of academic achievement you may want to consider submitting it to strengthen your applications, e.g. evidence of research experience, journal publications etc.

Application fees

There is usually a non-refundable application fee of around S$20 (USD $15) that will need to be made before the application and the proof of payment sent with the application

Student visas

If you are intending to complete your PhD in Singapore and you’ve been offered a place as a student at a Singaporean university, you will need to apply for a Student’s Pass issued by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). A tourist visa is not enough to study in Singapore.

The process can be done mostly online through the Student's Pass On-Line Application and Registration (SOLAR) system, which both universities and students use to submit the relevant documentation.

You will need to provide:

• Proof of admission to the university
• Proof of financial support
• Your residential address in Singapore

Successful applicants will be issued with an in-principle approval (IPA) letter by ICA which your university will send directly to you.

You should make your application at least one month before the course begins, which will cost S$30 (USD $22). During periods of high demand (July to August) the process can take longer. In these instances, you should submit your application as early as possible.

Working while doing a PhD in Singapore

Part-time work is allowed under certain conditions and is subject to approval by the university that you are studying in. Before you look for part-time employment, it may be best to enquire at the relevant university office. Local employers can offer part-time employment to overseas students from local universities. As a student, you will have to present a letter of authorisation from your institution allowing you to pursue part-time employment.

The combination of structured training and independent research that characterises a PhD in Singapore is designed to produce capable graduates, ready for a range of employment opportunities.

Foreigners seeking highly-skilled work would be hard pressed to find a more suitable country than Singapore. Offering a wide range of opportunities, especially in sectors such as banking, biomedical sciences, communications and media and information technology, the garden city is a magnet for business and high-tech industries in South-East Asia.

Remember that if you received a tuition fee subsidy through the Service Obligation (SO) Scheme, you’ll be required to spend three years working for a Singapore-based company. The good news is that there are plenty of exciting employment prospects in this bustling city state!

Find a PhD in Singapore

Ready to start browsing some current PhD opportunities in Singapore ? Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to PhD study abroad .

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

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What's it like to live in Singapore during a PhD? Our guide covers accommodation, student living costs, working and other key information.

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The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Singapore in 2025

Browse all phd programmes in singapore.

• Mar-Nov Academic Year
• 4 Listed Institutes
• 4 Ranked Universities
• 55,000 Int. Students
• 199,000 Students
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Study in Singapore

Singapore is an open and cosmopolitan city-state and island country that welcomes more than 86,000 international students from 120 nationalities every year. As a choice destination for advanced education, Singapore is unique in providing a safe and stimulating environment to develop the next generation of world leaders.

Why study in Singapore?

1. local universities are among the best in the world.

Singapore is known as an important business and education hub. With that in mind, it's hardly surprising that local universities are ranked among the best in the world, often earning their places in the top 15 best higher education institutions.

Universities in Singapore are especially renowned for their courses in Business and Management.

2. English is widely spoken

You don't need to worry about language barriers while studying in Singapore. English is spoken almost everywhere, from restaurants to banks, from public institutions to shopping centres, and so on.

According to recent data, English has actually become the most commonly spoken language in Singaporean homes.

3. Advantageous scholarships and government subsidies

There's no way around it: tuition fees in Singapore are high. But that shouldn't discourage you. As an international student, you can apply for government subsidies , which significantly reduce the costs of your education.

Scholarships are another excellent option to lower your expenses. You can contact the universities for more details or check out scholarship opportunities on Mastersportal .

4. Singapore is one of the most prosperous states

Singapore has developed a stable and healthy economy, based on a solid infrastructure and the proper implementation of modern technology. This fact makes the island city-state an attractive destination for people who want to earn high wages and enjoy a high living standard.

In 2020, for example, the average salary in Singapore was around 5,700 USD per month. So if you plan to stay here after graduation, you'll be fairly compensated for your work and knowledge.

5. Fun activities and attractions will keep you entertained

After you finish classes, Singapore offers a wide range of activities and places where you can relax and enjoy your free time. From restaurants to parks, from museums to cinemas — it's all there, waiting for you.

We recommend visiting the Marina Bay Sands, the Gardens by the Bay, the Orchard Road, the Singapore Flyer, Sentosa Island, the Asia Civilisations Museum, etc.

Which universities and colleges to attend in Singapore?

Higher education institutions in Singapore are divided as follows:

• 6 public universities
• 5 polytechnics
• 2 art institutions
• around 15 private universities

Singapore's higher education institutions offer a wide range of education programmes to both local and international students. Private universities offer special pathway programmes dedicated to international students. Many of them include study exchange programmes through partnerships with overseas universities.

Examples of universities in Singapore we recommend:

• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Nanyang Technological University
• Singapore Management University
• Singapore University of Technology and Design
• Emeritus Institute of Management

What is it like to study in Singapore?

Over the years, Singapore has evolved from its traditional British-based education system to one catered to the needs of individuals and nurtures talent. The strength of Singapore's education system lies in its broad-based curriculum.

Students acquire relevant skills and abilities to succeed in competitive international environments.

What to study in Singapore?

Universities in Singapore provide undergraduate and graduate degrees in almost any field you can imagine. You can pursue a degree in Business, Engineering, Languages, or Social Sciences.

Here are some of the most popular study options in Singapore

• Business Administration degrees in Singapore  
• Finance degrees in Singapore  
• Management degrees in Singapore  
• Environmental Engineering in Singapore  

How to apply

You simply have to choose the degree(s) you wish to enrol in and submit all required documents.

Carefully check all the required application documents and make sure they are all translated into English. For instance, an internationally recognised Bachelor's degree or equivalent is the main requirement when enrolling for a Master’s degree at a university in Singapore.

• Make sure to know what the language requirements are, and whether you need to prove skills in English before enrolling in a degree programme.
• Show how you performed as a student, and be sure to know what your Grade Point Average (GPA) was during your studies.
• To help your chances of going to Singapore, be sure to apply to more than one university!

How to qualify for a University in Singapore?

Take preparation courses.

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.

Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in Singapore, you will sometimes need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

There are over 150 English-taught programmes in Singapore.

Universities in Singapore will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills, so that you can easily succeed in their courses. Almost all Singapore universities accept these official English exams:

• PTE Academic
• C1 Advanced

Many study programmes have a bilingual policy, combining English with Malay, Mandarin or Tamil study languages.

Living in Singapore

Tuition fees.

There is no online database with average fees at universities in Singapore. Still, international students should know that studying here is anything but cheap. Let's take the National University of Singapore (NUS) as an example:

• Tuition for Bachelor's degrees: 17,750–24,300 EUR/year; Degrees in Medicine, Dentistry, and Music cost between 75,700–99,450 EUR/year
• Tuition for Master's degrees: 22,200–40,800 EUR/year; Dentistry degrees costs around 59,600 EUR/year

These fees can change every year; always check the official university page to see how much you need to pay. As an international student, you can apply for a subsidy from the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) and significantly reduce your tuition costs.

If you enrol at a private university in Singapore be prepared to pay even higher tuition fees.

Living costs

Due to the high standard of life, the costs of living are also high in Singapore. As an international student, you can spend anywhere between 700 and 1,500 EUR per month, depending on the type of housing and your lifestyle.

Here's a breakdown of average living expenses in Singapore:

• accommodation (on-campus housing): 200–385 EUR/month
• accommodation (privately rented flat): 1,100–3,300 EUR/month
• utilities (only if you rent a flat): 80–140 EUR/month
• food and groceries: 175–275 EUR
• monthly transport pass: 75 EUR; students may get a discount
• three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 43.50 EUR
• 1 loaf of bread: 1.40 EUR
• 1 litre of milk: 1.90 EUR
• 1 kg of apples: 2.80 EUR
• 1 kg of bananas: 2.10 EUR
• 1 cappuccino: 3.50 EUR

About Singapore

Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore has a land area of about 710 square kilometres – one of the smallest countries in the world and the smallest in the region. Singapore commands an enormous presence in the world today with its free trade economy and highly efficient workforce.

Singapore is the fourth biggest commercial centre in the world, with major economic sectors in: trade, financial services, oil and petroleum refining, electronics manufacturing, biomedicine, and tourism.

Although Tamil is the main official language in Singapore, English is the main language of instruction, and also the second mother tongue for Singapore people. Singapore is home to a mix of four major communities: the Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian.

Typically, Singapore has just one season all year round, where you will experience a warm but humid weather, and many rainfalls.

Iconic places to visit

Singapore is a bustling, cosmopolitan place, offering wide and diverse leisure options. From high-rise buildings, to landscaped gardens, to a vibrant nightlife and numerous shopping centres, no one can get bored in Singapore.

Here are some of Singapore’s top attractions:

• Gardens by the Bay
• Buddha Temple and Museum
• ArtScience Museum
• Civilian War Memorial
• The triple-towered Marina Bay Sands
• Sri Mariamman Temple
• Sultan Mosque
• Singapore Zoo
• During the 14th century, the small but strategically-located island of Singapore was named “The Lion City” or Singapura.
• Singapore is one of the three city-states in the world; the others are Vatican and Monaco.
• According to a study by the British Council, Singaporeans have the fastest walking speed of all people worldwide. On average, they can walk about 6.15 km in an hour.
• The world’s first night zoo, The Night Safari, is in Singapore.
• The largest fountain in the world is in Singapore, at the heart of Suntec City.
• The longest human domino chain was set in Singapore in 2000.
• Singapore is also a Commonwealth member, and for this reason, Singapore citizens have rights to vote in all elections in the U.K..

Universities, colleges and schools in Singapore

• James Cook University (12 PhDs)
• National University of Singapore (60 PhDs)
• Nanyang Technological University (26 PhDs)
• Singapore Management University (15 PhDs)
• Singapore University of Technology and Design (3 PhDs)

Interested in scholarships for Singapore? Check out our scholarship search page.

How to Apply to a Master's in Singapore

If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Singapore, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.

What documents do I need to provide to apply in Singapore?

To apply to a university in Singapore you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:

• birth certificate;
• recent photos;
• your passport or national identity card;
• one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
• copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
• academic transcripts;
• letter of intent;
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.

Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.

The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Singapore so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.

Prove your English skills

Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.

Application deadlines for Singapore

The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Singapore are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.

To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.

Interesting programmes for you

Find phds degrees in singapore, what subject to study in singapore.

• Agriculture & Forestry 1 Masters
• Applied Sciences & Professions 2 Masters
• Arts, Design & Architecture 8 Masters
• Business & Management 13 Masters
• Computer Science & IT 8 Masters
• Education & Training 5 Masters
• Engineering & Technology 19 Masters
• Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences 2 Masters
• Hospitality, Leisure & Sports 0 Masters
• Humanities 7 Masters
• Journalism & Media 0 Masters
• Law 3 Masters
• Medicine & Health 14 Masters
• Natural Sciences & Mathematics 19 Masters
• Social Sciences 26 Masters

PhD Degrees in Singapore

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 106 programmes

Recent international policies promote international university cooperation and student exchange between countries worldwide. High-quality study and PhD degrees are made more available to students in order to create a global educational network, achievable through student and staff mobility. Career and research oriented programmes support international student development.

University cooperation enables students study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States and provides ways of recognizing previous degrees. Different study options offer appropriate alternatives to students, depending on their preferred mode of study.

Many study programmes in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America are English-taught. The most popular international student destinations include the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States, and more. However, these are not the only countries offering English-taught education. The rest of the world is full of endless study choices, from highly ranked to smaller, more specialized, universities.

PhD (postgraduate) Degrees

If you want further education beyond the undergraduate level or if you want more personal development or a career in academia, you could obtain a PhD degree. PhD degrees are postgraduate programmes that usually follow a Master's, MPhil or MRes, but there might be additional requirements depending on the university. Students are required to do their own research in a chosen topic. With the help of a supervisor, you develop knowledge and analytical skills in a specific or multidisciplinary field and you carry out independent research. The duration of a PhD degree differs per country and institution. Sometimes your own research is accompanied by work for the department such as giving seminars or small group teaching.

PhD students are required to study on campus under close supervision, but there are universities that accept students enrolled into a part-time distance education PhD degree. Studying on campus can also be full-time as well as part-time, in which case the part-time variant is normally twice as long as the full-time study.

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​​​​Table: ​Graduate Starting Salary 2021

Computer Science Salary (2023) | NUS, NTU, SMU, SIT, SUTD

"Does Computer Science pay well?", "Is Computer Science in demand in Singapore?", "How do I get into Computer Science?" are frequently asked questions, as software engineer salaries increase by as much as 32% in 2021, despite the pandemic.

In this guide, we discuss and compare the salaries of fresh graduates from local universities for computer science (and related) courses from NUS, NTU, SMU, SIT and SUTD.

That is according to the latest 2022 Graduate Employment Survey (GES), jointly conducted by the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Management University (SMU). Released on February 2023, GES questioned fresh graduates about their employment status and salary as of November 2022.

TL;DR: Computer Science pays very well in Singapore!

Pay heed now if you are a fresh university graduate. This article will help you:

• Select a university course ( 50% of the people looking for new opportunities cite higher salary as the top reason )
• Benchmark yourself with your peers and cohort
• Negotiate your salary when looking for a job

NUS Computer Science graduates earns $7583 at the 75th percentile! ‍

It's crucial to note that this advice isn't a definitive guide to what kind of pay a recent graduate should expect. However, it should still be highly useful in negotiating your wage and in making decisions about your courses and future.

Also Read: Computer Science Salary Trend (39% increase in 3 years) 🚀

Gross monthly salary pertains only to full-time permanently employed graduates. It comprises basic salary, overtime payments, commissions, fixed allowances and other regular cash payments, before deductions of the employee’s CPF contributions and personal income tax. Employer’s CPF contributions, bonuses, stock options, lump sum payments, and payments-in-kind are excluded.

NUS Computer Science Salaries

7,430 fresh graduates and 824 follow-up graduates from NUS were surveyed in November 2022 and the overall response rates obtained were 74.8% and 64.4% respectively. Computer science graduates made up a small part of it.

The salary at the 25th, 50th (median) and 75th percentile for the following degree are:

• Bachelor of Computing (Computer Science): $5341, $6600, $7583
• Bachelor of Computing (Information Security): $4800, $5500, $6475
• Bachelor of Computing (Information Systems): $4800, $5500, $6250
• Bachelor of Computing (Business Analytics): $5000, $5500, $6600
• Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering): $5300, $6000, $6800

NTU Computer Science Salaries

5,943 fresh graduates and 128 follow-up graduates from NTU were surveyed in November 2022 and the overall response rates obtained were 76.3% and 82.0% respectively. Computer science graduates made up a small part of it.

• Double Degree in Business and Computer Engineering / Computing: $6000, $6500, $7500
• Computer Science: $4900, $5500, $6420
• Computer Engineering: $4500, $5295, $6215
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI): $5000, $5625, $7500
• Information Engineering and Media: $4500, $4950, $5500

SMU Computer Science Salaries

1,982 fresh graduates and 167 follow-up graduates from SMU were surveyed in November 2022 and the overall response rates obtained were 76.3% and 82.0% respectively. Computer science graduates made up a small part of it.

• School of Information Systems: $4700, $5400, $6166
• School of Information Systems (Cum Laude and above): $4900, $5638, $6500

SIT Computer Science Salaries

* Note: GES 2022 for SIT were not out yet and the values shown are from GES 2021

2,006 full-time graduates from SIT were surveyed in Mar 2022 and the overall response rate obtained was 84.5%. Computer science graduates made up a small part of it.

• DigiPen - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Game Design: $3700, $4000, $4968
• DigiPen - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation: $4300, $4600, $5175
• SIT - Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Information & Communications Technology (Information Security): $4605, $4950, $5552
• SIT - Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Information & Communications Technology (Software Engineering): $4590, $5000, $5500

SUTD Computer Science Salaries

* Note: GES 2022 for SUTD were not out yet and the values shown are from GES 2021

416 full-time and 82 follow-up graduates from SUTD were surveyed in Feb 2022 and the overall response rates obtained were 82.0% and 78.0% respectively. Computer science graduates made up a small part of it.

• Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Science and Design): $4400, $4800, $5414

Before 2021, Bachelor of Engineering Computer Science and Design (CSD) was previously known as Bachelor of Engineering Information Systems Technology and Design (ISTD).

Awesome! Where else can I get more salary data?

You can check out how much your fellow software engineers are actually getting paid on NodeFlair Salaries . It is a community-contributed salary data, verified with documents, such as payslips and offer letters. Within a few months since its launch, it already has the largest pool of verified and trustworthy tech salary data in Singapore.

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University Graduates Starting Salary By Degree

• Full-time Permanent Employment refers to employment of at least 35 hours a week and where the employment is not temporary. It includes those on contracts of one year or more.
• Gross Monthly Salary pertains only to full-time permanently employed graduates. It comprises basic salary, overtime payments, commissions, fixed allowances and other regular cash payments, before deductions of the employee’s CPF contributions and personal income tax. Employer’s CPF contributions, bonuses, stock options, lump sum payments, and payments-in-kind are excluded.
• Results for NUS, NTU, SMU and SUSS are updated in February, SUTD in March and SIT in October.
• Past-year survey results since 2009 [PDF, Google Drive] or [Google Sheet]

Source: Graduate Employment Survey, Ministry of Education . Universities include the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). Figures in Singapore Dollars.

• Eat-Drink-Man-Woman

Does anyone knows the salary of PhD graduate ?

• Thread starter flatterylies
• Start date Sep 25, 2021

More options

Specialkeyboardservice, arch-supremacy member.

• Sep 25, 2021

Heriophant said: Similar to Doctor. After finish, $$ sibei high. You can check Jobstreet all these, min $15,000 above de depending on faculty. Click to expand...

Paging for our edmw PhD @rayzhon  

flatterylies said: Do u all know how’s the pay like ? Sometimes I wonder those people who study so long do they get a high salary or what? Click to expand...

compro_1975

High supremacy member.

About 20k per month  

twinklingstars

Supremacy member.

Artemisia_s said: 4k - 5k for PhD to govt jobs. But PhD waste of time. Slog 4 years no cpf lousy pay/allowance. High fliers with good honours degree alr chiong in that 4 years exceed PhD grad pay liao. Click to expand...

flatterylies

Master member.

compro_1975 said: About 20k per month Click to expand...

Greater Supremacy Member

ducky32 said: Highly depends on what your research is on, I guess. You can see scientist role (PhD required) at A*Star is $4.5k lowest. https://www.mycareersfuture.gov.sg/...rch-entities-6011de1a82cca4a5102a3ec9cf852ce4 Click to expand...

twinklingstars said: Post doc in uni about 4K plus, A*star higher pay, probably can get $5K. Yes agree, unless you go industry, research jobs have no stability. If intend to stay in academia, pay won't get higher much and its hard to get tenure nowadays. Click to expand...

If jobless? 0  

flatterylies said: U study so long only get 5k in A star after getting phd. ? Click to expand...

Senior Member

Majority of the PhDs don't earn a lot compared to those without a PhD. Unless you are aiming to be a university lecturer/prof or PI in research institute, a degree or masters in your area of interest is suffice. You also need take job security into consideration. A lot of the research/postdocs positions are contract based (usually 2-4 years depending on the project) and are funded by projects. No projects = no job. In my opinion money should not be the motivating factor when you are considering whether to do a PhD or not. Most likely you will be disappointed.  

Huh phD starting celery 5k?!! . For guys I assume earliest you can get phD is 29  

Reporting in, private or acad? Private depending on paygrade, usually these people are scouted, 5k and up based on what I know. For senior role usually above 6 starting pay for fresh PhD. Acad, research fellow around 4-6k range depending on credentials, asst prof should be around 6-8k.  

SpecialKeyboardService said: Associate Prof is 20k leh from nus before perks . Got one math PhD teach in JC. Pay grade and cep really ish smelly smelly different. He is hod of my JC somemore as well, on track to be vice principal like those civil service scholar Click to expand...

Depend what job And got experience or not A phd grad with zero experience probably around 4-7k a month only If got 10-15 yrs exp, probably can get 15-20k a month  

fallen1 said: Depend what job And got experience or not A phd grad with zero experience probably around 4-7k a month only If got 10-15 yrs exp, probably can get 15-20k a month Click to expand...

rayzhon said: Around there. But usually in research, your PhD journey will count towards the experience. There are people who get the PhD but their research not much value and very niche, hard to find work also. Click to expand...

Aunt Dino said: @rayzhon Click to expand...

SpecialKeyboardService said: Paging for our edmw PhD @rayzhon Click to expand...

fallen1 said: Research not valued by employer = likely wont even give them a job in the first place Click to expand...