Admission Requirements

For MPhil in Asian Urbanisms:

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (such as, but by no means limited to, urban studies, architecture, urban planning or urban geography), from a reputable undergraduate programme with excellent academic performance.

For PhD in Asian Urbanisms:

Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, at least one of the two in a related discipline (such as, but by no means limited to urban studies, architecture, urban planning or urban geography), from a reputable undergraduate programme with excellent academic performance. In special cases, the master’s degree requirement might be waived if the candidate has demonstrated exceptional promise and capacity for research during their undergraduate studies, and passes an interview with a selection committee.

For both programmes:

  • Good GRE results [1]
  • Good English Proficiency Test (TOEFL or IELTS) scores [2]
  • Statement of Purpose, up to 1500 words
  • Research Proposal, up to 2500 words 
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • At least two referral/recommendation letters
  • Some applicants might be invited for an interview with the admission panel

  • All applicants are required to take GRE, unless a waiver is granted by SMU.
  • GRE is waived for graduates of:
  • Singapore Management University (SMU)
  • National University of Singapore (NUS)
  • Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
  • Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
  • Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
  • Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
  • who have attained at least a bachelor’s degree from these universities.
  • Applicants may submit an application without a GRE score but should email the official GRE report as soon as possible to the programme office (cis_pgr@smu.edu.sg).
  • Unless the requirement is waived, applications without a GRE will not be considered for admission.
  • The submitted GRE score should be for a test taken within 5 years from the proposed date of admission.
  • SMU’s GRE institution code is 2861.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

The MPhil in Asian Urbanisms and PhD in Asian Urbanisms programmes are full-time programmes. The application period is from 1 August to 31 December of each year.

Intake Opening Date for Application Closing Date for Application
August 1 August (of prior year) 31 December (of prior year)

ONLINE APPLICATION

Please use the online application system to submit your application. Supplementary instructions are given in each section of the online application form. You do not need to complete the form at one sitting; you can return to your partially completed application by logging in to the application portal.

Please read the Online Application Guide before submitting your application online here.

After submitting your application, you may use the Applicant Self Service functions to update your application as necessary. Please read the Self Service Guide here.

For New UserFor Existing User
You need to first register for an account with SMU before you can submit an online application form. Click on "Register New Account" below to proceed.

REGISTER NEW ACCOUNT »		If you have already created an account with SMU, please go directly to the Login page to proceed with your application.

LOGIN NOW »


If you are facing any technical issues with your application, please email us at cis_pgr@smu.edu.sg.

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

The application portal will prompt you to upload your application documents online. Preferably, you can upload all your documents in PDF format. Please ensure that scanned documents are clear and legible. Failure to do so will result in delays to the processing of your application.

Please note the list of supporting documents required for your application:

  • Identity Card (For Singapore Citizens & PR)
  • Passport & Identity Card (For non-Singapore Citizens)
  • Bachelor / Master Degree Certificate
  • Official Transcripts for Bachelor / Master Degree
  • Please include the grading policy/system for your transcript.
  • TOEFL / IELTS (For applicants whose medium of instruction at the Bachelor’s/Master’s level was not in English)
  • GRE
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Personal and Research Statement
  • Please indicate your preference for PhD/MPhil at the top of your Personal Statement.
  • Two Referee Reports (academic referees preferred)

Both your referees will receive an auto-generated email to complete the online referee report upon the submission of your online application.

For all non-English certificates or documents, a copy of the original certificates/documents and their official English translations must be submitted.