Key information
- Duration: Full-time — 72 months
- Start dates & application deadlines: Starting August 2027; Apply before Nov 2026
Overview
Established in 2013, the Comparative Asian Studies (CAS) PhD programme at National University of Singapore offers an intensive course of study that promotes a trans-regional understanding of Asia.
Features
Attuned to Asia’s interconnectedness and its deepening integration at the local level, the CAS PhD programme provides a multi-sited, interdisciplinary training for students interested in the critical analysis of the myriad links and communities that traverse Asia’s regions and sub-regions.
Programme Structure
Curriculum:
- Theorizing from Asia
- Asian Studies in Asia
- Asian Studies
- Graduate Research Seminar
- Research
Academic requirements
GRE® — Required. The GRE® General Test is a widely administered admissions test that measures the skills needed in today's graduate and business school programs worldwide. It contains three sections - Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Three scores are reported: a Verbal Reasoning score on a 130 - 170 score scale in one-point increments, a Quantitative Reasoning score on a 130 - 170 score scale in one-point increments, and an Analytical Writing score on a 0 - 6 score scale in half-point increments.
English requirements
IELTS — 6. The International English Language Test System (IELTS) tests your English-language proficiency on a scale of 1 – 9. The score refers to the combined average score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading).
Other requirements
General requirements
- GRE is compulsory; students with excellent academic track record from renowned universities may contact the programme office to explore a waiver.
- TOEFL/IELTS for applicants whose native tongue & medium of university instruction is not in English
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (Non-residents): 44,750 AUD / year ≈ 40,300 SGD / year
- Domestic (Citizens or residents): 42,085 AUD / year ≈ 37,900 SGD / year
Living costs
Singapore: 2,085 - 4,308 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships Information
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Comparative Asian Studies.
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Grant: Various benefits; Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD; Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships — Grant: 3500 USD; Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — Grant: Various benefits; Deadline: Not specified
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD; Deadline: 31 Oct 2026
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD; Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD; Deadline: 13 Jan 2027
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — Grant: 3000 USD; Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — Grant: 1500 USD; Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — Grant: 12000 USD; Deadline: 11 Jan 2027