Program Overview

Introduction to the NUS-IIT Joint Ph.D. Program

The NUS-IIT Joint Ph.D. program is a collaborative effort between the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). This program offers students the opportunity to pursue a joint doctoral degree in engineering, with faculty members from both universities participating in the teaching of courses and the joint supervision of research projects.

Participating Institutions

The participating institutions in this program are:

• Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay)
• Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras)

Joint Degree Requirements

The joint Ph.D. program has all the academic requirements of the normal Ph.D. degree of both NUS and IIT. The students will be registered at both NUS and the respective IIT, and graduate with a joint degree.

Coursework Element

The research degree program includes an element of coursework in the same or related fields, providing a graduate-level foundation and preparing the student for research. The coursework requirements for the NUS-IIT Joint Ph.D. program in Engineering are:

• A minimum of 24 Units (typically 6 graduate courses)
• Students are expected to achieve a GPA of at least 3.50 in the best 6 courses (equivalent of 24 Units), inclusive of core courses (if any)
• English language requirements (if not exempted) include having to take and obtain at least a Grade C in the Graduate English Course (Advanced level)

Doctoral Seminar

The required coursework includes a “doctoral seminar” to cultivate a strong research culture among graduate students. A doctoral student is required to attend seminars and also deliver presentations of his/her research work.

Ph.D. Qualifying Examination

A doctoral candidate must complete a prescribed set of courses before proceeding to the Ph.D. Qualifying examination (QE). The QE comprises a comprehensive written examination and an oral defence of the Ph.D. thesis proposal.

Thesis Component

The Ph.D. requires a thesis, which will be examined by internal/external examiners from NUS, IIT, and other universities.

Oral Defence Examination

The Oral Defence of the thesis would be conducted at the home university with a possible teleconferencing link to the examiner(s) at the partner university.

Residence

Candidates would spend at least 2 semesters of their candidature each at NUS and the respective IIT, either reading modules and/or undertaking research.

Research Scholarships

Full-time candidates may be awarded a research scholarship from their home university and are bound by the terms and conditions of the research scholarship.

Conferment of Joint Degree

Conferment of the joint degree will be by both universities, which awards one certificate bearing the crests of both the home and the partner universities.

Admission Criteria

The minimum admission criteria for the Joint Ph.D. program are:

• At least a relevant Bachelor’s degree with Honours (at least 2nd Class Upper) or its equivalent

Applications

Applications for the Joint Ph.D. program should be submitted to the university that the candidate wishes to be registered with as their home university.