MSc in Statistics

Prospective Students

  • Explore

Professional Training in Statistics and Data Science

Last updated 29 September 2025

  • Admissions Criteria

  • A Bachelor’s (Honours) degree or a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics, Biostatistics, Quantitative Finance, Computer Science, Physics, Economics, etc.
  • A candidate whose medium of instruction in their undergraduate programme is partially or not in English will be required to provide the following:
    • Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Minimum score: 85 (internet-based test)
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Overall minimum score: 6
  • Candidates with 3-year degree or degree in other major areas or qualifications may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the Graduate Programme Committee.

  • Application Period and Requirements

Early Admission Round (August AY2026 intake) – CLOSED
Application Period: 16 May 2025 to 15 July 2025

Due to high volume of applications, our graduate programme committee is screening through all the applications in batches. Applicants who are not shortlisted in the early admission round will be automatically rolled over to the regular admission round. All applicants will hear from us latest by June 2026.


Regular Admission Round (August AY2026 intake) – OPEN NOW
Application Period: 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2026


Instruction for Application:

  • All applicants should apply online via the Graduate Admission System.
  • Applicants should browse the User Guide before applying.
  • All supporting documents must be uploaded (in clear PDF format with no password protection) by the application closing date. English translations should accompany supporting documents that are not in English.
  • Name all your supporting documents in English before uploading to the Graduate Admission System.
  • Applicants no longer need to send us hardcopies of the supporting documents as these documents can be uploaded into application portal for retrieval.
  • Applications without application fee payment or with insufficient application fee amount will not be processed.
  • Applications and/or payment received after the closing date will not be processed for that intake.

The programme only has 1 intake per academic year in August.

Supporting documents:

  • Academic Records
    • Official Bachelor Degree Transcript
      • Official Chinese copy and English translated copy (only for applicants from Chinese universities)
    • Certified Bachelor Degree Certificate/Scroll, OR
    • Student Status Letter (for applicants who have not yet graduated from their undergraduate studies at the point of application) containing enrolment status and candidature period, i.e., start and expected completion date

  • Official ID:
    • Singapore NRIC (front and back copy) for Singapore Citizens or Singapore PR applicants
    • Clear and complete passport information page for International applicants

  • CAP/GPA ranking certificate (if applicable)

  • Valid TOEFL/IELTS scores:
    • Applicants whose native tongue and medium of university instruction is not completely in English should upload the official score sheet of TOEFL (≥85) or IELTS (≥6.0) as evidence of their proficiency in the English language.
    • TOEFL/ IELTS scores are valid for two (2) years from the test date and should not have expired at point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application.
    • We do not require applicants to request ETS to send the official hardcopy IELTS/TOEFL test scores from the test centre to the programme.

  • Documentary Proof of Financial Support
    • All applicants must submit documentary evidence of their ability to support their study.
    • International applicants must submit documentary evidence of their ability to support their study (i.e., bank statement of at least S$52,000 or its equivalent)
    • Applicants who are sponsored by an individual or organisation will need to provide a letter from the sponsor with details of the sponsorship.
    • Applicants who are working in Singapore and are applying for admission to our part-time programme may upload a copy of their recent payslip.

Important Notes:

  • Referee Reports, Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose are not required for application to the programme. Submission of Resume/CV is optional.
  • We regret that we do not acknowledge receipt of applications, and are unable to answer queries related to the status of applications and the chances of admission. This is to ensure that all applications are processed promptly.
  • No candidate may concurrently be a student for more than one degree or register as a NUS candidate and of another university/institute.
  • Applicants must produce originals of all documents when requested if admitted to the programme.
  • The University has not engaged any external agencies to undertake graduate student recruitment on its behalf. Candidates interested in our graduate programmes are advised to apply directly to the University and not through any agents. Candidates who apply through agents will not have any added advantage in gaining admission.
  • Inaccurate, false information or omission of necessary supporting documents or no payment of application fee will render your application invalid. The University reserves the right to reject applications that are incomplete or inaccurate. Persons admitted on the basis of inaccurate or false information may be expelled.
  • Application Outcome

  • All applicants (early and regular admission rounds) for August AY2026 will be notified latest by 30 June 2026.
  • Only the shortlisted applicants will be advised further. The result of application evaluation is final and no appeal will be entertained.

  • Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the Programme, each candidate is required to read and pass five core courses, and five elective courses.

A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 is required for graduation.

  • Candidature

This Programme is offered as a full time programme and a part time programme.

For full time students, the minimum and maximum periods of candidature are 1 year and 2 years. For part time students, the minimum and maximum periods of candidature are 2 years and 4 years.

Note: Most of the courses will be offered in the evening so that the Programme can be completed on a part-time basis

  • Programme Structure

Please note the below information is for AY2025 intake and after.
The course list below may be updated rather regularly and subject to changes.

Core Courses — Students must complete all 5 Courses. (Total: 20 Units)

Course Code

Course Title

Units

SSG-funded

ST5201X

Statistical Foundations of Data Science

4 Units

Χ

ST5202X

Applied Regression Analysis

4 Units

ST5203

Design of Experiments

4 Units

ST5209X

Analysis of Time Series Data

4 Units

ST5211X

Sampling from Finite Populations

4 Units

Elective Courses – Students are required to complete any 5 courses. (Total: 20 Units)

Up to two elective courses (8 Units) may be replaced by level 5000 courses from other departments, subject to approval from both departments.

Course Code

Course Title

Units

SSG-funded#

ST5188

Advanced Data Science Project

4 Units

 Χ

ST5207

Nonparametric Regression

4 Units

 Χ

ST5210

Multivariate Data Analysis

4 Units

 √

ST5212

Survival Analysis

4 Units

 √

ST5213

Advanced Categorical Data Analysis

4 Units

 √

ST5218

Advanced Statistical Methods in Finance

4 Units

 √

ST5221

Stochastic Processes and Applications

4 Units

 √

ST5225

Statistical Analysis of Networks

4 Units

 √

ST5226

Spatial Statistics

4 Units

 √

ST5227

Applied Statistical Learning

4 Units

 √

ST5229

Deep Learning in Data Analytics

4 Units

Χ

ST5230

Applied Natural Language Processing

4 Units

Χ

ST5290

Data Science Industry Project

4 Units

Χ

# SSG funding for courses is limited in duration and subject to availability. 

  • Fees

Application Fee:

  • S$100 (inclusive of GST)
  • Non-refundable and non-transferable fee (payable upon submission of application via Graduate Admission System)


Offer Acceptance Fee:

  • Non-refundable and non-transferable fee (payable upon offer acceptance)*
  • For more details, please refer to fee structure in Tuition Fee section.

*Please note that requests for refund or transfer will not be entertained under any circumstances.

Tuition Fee:

  • International candidates: Please see the fee structure for August AY2026 intake.
  • Local candidates: Please see the fee structure for August AY2026 intake.

Miscellaneous Student Fees:

  • Compulsory and payable for every semester
  • More information can be found on the NUS Office of the University Registrar website

 

The University reserves all rights to review fees as necessary and adjust accordingly without prior notice.

  • FAQs

You are welcome to apply for the programme during the application period. All applications will be assessed based on relevant background knowledge and work experience with respect to the course. Applicants without a background in statistics but with sufficient knowledge to embark on the M.Sc. Statistics by Coursework programme may also be considered favourably.

You are welcome to apply for the programme during the application period. Your application and relevant documents will be reviewed by our Admission Committee on a case-by-case basis.

TOEFL or IELTS test ascertains a candidate’s English language proficiency and is necessary if English is not your native tongue and/or the medium of university instruction is not completely in English.

For details on test centres and test dates, please check the websites of TOEFL and IELTS.

If you have been offered a place in the programme and have paid the offer acceptance fee, you may request for deferment by sending us an enquiry. Please note that all deferment requests are subject to approval by the department and faculty, and you will be notified of the outcome in due course.

If you wish to withdraw from the MSc Statistics coursework programme, you may do so by sending us an enquiry stating your reasons. Please note that the offer acceptance fees or other fees payable for the programme are non-refundable and non-transferable. Kindly note that all withdrawal requests are subject to approval by the department and faculty, and you will be notified of the outcome in due course.

As this is a self-funded programme, students enrolled in our M.Sc. Statistics by Coursework programme will not be eligible for staff concession.

Students enrolled in our M.Sc. Statistics by Coursework programme are not eligible for CPF Education Scheme (CELS) as it is only applicable to full-time undergraduate students. For more information, please visit the CPF website.

The PSEA Scheme is administered by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and is open to all eligible Singaporeans. Please refer to the MOE website to check your eligibility for PSEA.

For more information on using your PSEA funds to pay for tuition fees, please visit the NUS Graduate School’s website, available at this link.

Yes, there are some scholarships available for applicants to apply for or explore on their own.  Please find the information below:


NUS ASEAN Master’s Scholarship
The NUS ASEAN Master’s Scholarship is a continuation of the DiscoverNUS scheme. It is an exclusive bond-free scholarship that covers full tuition fees for the normal candidature period of a Master’s Degree programme at NUS. The scholarship may be offered only to candidates who have met all the following requirements:

    • Hold citizenship in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Vietnam,
    • Have completed an undergraduate semester at NUS under the DiscoverNUS scheme,
    • Have earned an undergraduate degree from one of the partner universities in their country, and
    • Have been offered a place in one of the designated Master’s Degree programmes at NUS.

A separate application to be considered for the scholarship is not necessary.

Recipients of the scholarship may not concurrently hold any other scholarship, fellowship, bursary, grant, award or allowance without notifying NUS. If a recipient withdraws from the University and/or terminates the scholarship prematurely, NUS reserves the right to impose repayment of all scholarship monies disbursed.

Find out more about the scholarship here.

 

FoS ASEAN Master’s Study Award

The FoS ASEAN Master’s Study Award is offered to support outstanding students from ASEAN member countries (excluding Singapore). Each scholarship will be granted as a partial tuition fee waiver for the programme. All FoS Coursework Master’s Programme applicants from the ASEAN region who have accepted the admissions offers will automatically be considered for FoS ASEAN Master’s Study Award and will not be required to submit a separate application for the scholarship.

 

The recipient must meet all below requirements to be eligible:

    • Hold citizenship in an ASEAN* member country, excluding Singapore
    • Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and active participation in community service or extracurricular activities during their undergraduate study.
    • Have been offered a place in one of the FoS Coursework Master’s Programmes
    • Not a recipient of another NUS Scholarship/Study Award/Tuition Fee Rebate/Financial Aid

 

If the recipient withdraws from the programme, disbursed funds must be refunded to the programme, and the remaining award will lapse.

 

*ASEAN member countries (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam), excluding citizens or permanent residents of Singapore.


NUS GRTII Master’s Scholarship (NUS Guangzhou Research Translation and Innovation Institute)
This merit scholarship, sponsored by the Huangpu District Government of Guangzhou, China, aims to develop talent for the Greater Bay Area of China. Scholarship recipients are required to sign a Service Bond Agreement, with an obligation to work for at least two years in the Huangpu District of Guangzhou after graduation. One award of S$45,000 toward tuition will be granted to each scholarship recipient.

Students interested in being considered for this scholarship should write to uprbox34@nus.edu.sg.


Singapore Digital (SG Digital) Scholarship (Postgraduate) (for Singapore Citizens only)
The SG Digital Scholarship (Postgraduate) is an industry scholarship that empowers individuals interested in pursuing tech or media-related studies at the Masters or PhD level. More than just about shaping your career, this is the opportunity for you to be a next-generation leader who shapes the future of our digital economy and media ecosystem. You can choose to further your path in tech- or media-related fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, Immersive Media, and Film Studies.

Find out more about the scholarship here.


Tan Kah Kee Postgraduate Scholarship (for Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents only)

The Tan Kah Kee Foundation offers three postgraduate scholarships for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) pursuing their full-time PhD or Master’s degrees. Successful applicants will each receive a one-off sum of S$12,000 for studying in the university. All scholarships do not carry any bond. The scholarships are given out once a year, and successful applicants may re-apply annually. Scholarship programme will be open for registration in May annually.

Find out more about the scholarship here.  

 

The Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship (for Singapore Citizens only)
The Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) Scholarship is the premier postgraduate scholarship in Singapore. Set up in 1991 by the Tanjong Pagar Citizens’ Consultative Committee with funding from the public to commemorate the contributions made by Mr Lee Kuan Yew to Singapore, it marks Singapore’s continuous effort to recognise outstanding individuals with the aptitude and inclination to contribute to Singapore and our society.

Since its inception, many Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship holders have gone on to make significant contributions across varied fields including the Public Service, business, law, medicine, the arts and academia.

Find out more about the scholarship here.


The PSC Master’s Scholarship (for Singapore Citizens only)

The Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarship is the premier government scholarship awarded based on merit. Recipients of the PSC Master’s Scholarships will pursue a career in Public Administration in the Singapore Public Service.

Find out more about the scholarship here

If you have any enquiries regarding our MSc in Statistics programme and cannot find the answers on our website, please feel free to contact us with your full name in English. If you have already applied to the programme, kindly include your application number in the email subject line.

Announcement

Regular Admission (August 2026 intake) – NOW OPEN
Application Period: 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2026

Apply Now

MSc in Data Science for Sustainability

Prospective Students
  • Explore

Announcement

Regular Admission (August 2026 intake) – NOW OPEN
Application Period: 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2026

Apply Now

Updated on 28 October 2025

  • Programme Structure

Please note the below information is for AY2025 intake and after.
The course list below may be updated rather regularly and subject to changes.

Core Courses — Students must complete and pass all 5 Courses.
(Total: 20 Units)

Course code

Course Title

Units

DSS5101

Principles of Sustainability

4

DSS5102

Advanced Regression and Time Series Analysis

4

DSS5103

Geospatial Data Analysis

4

DSS5104

Machine Learning and Predictive Modelling

4

DSS5201

Data Visualisation

4

Elective Courses – Students are required to complete any 5 courses. 

Among the five electives courses, students have to pass at least two out of the three courses: DSS5202, DSS5203, BL5102

DSS5105

Data Science Projects in Practice

4

DSS5202

Sustainable System Analysis

4

DSS5203

ESG Data for Sustainable Finance and Investments

4

DSS5210

Research/Industry Project I

4

DSS5211

Research/Industry Project II

4

ST5218

Advanced Statistical Methods in Finance

4

ST5225

Statistical Analysis of Networks

4

BL5102

Environmental Science

4

BL5313

Food Security and Sustainability

4

SPH5201

Control of Communicable Diseases

4

SPH5205

Urban Outbreak Management

4

DBA5107

Data Analysis in Banking

4

DBA5109

Quantitative Risk Management

4

For more information on the DSS-coded courses, please refer to this document.

  • Fees

Application Fee:

  • S$100 (inclusive of GST)
  • Non-refundable and non-transferable fee (payable upon submission of application via Graduate Admission System)
 

Offer Acceptance Fee:

  • Non-refundable and non-transferable fee (payable upon offer acceptance).
  • From the August 2026 intake onwards, applicants offered admission during the early admission round will pay S$10,900 in two instalments. Those offered admission during the regular admission round will pay the full amount of S$10,900 in a single instalment upon accepting the offer.
  • Please click here for acceptance fee of the August 2025 intake.
  • For more details, please refer to fee structure in Tuition Fee section.
 

Tuition Fee Structure for August 2026 Intake:

Payment Schedule (in SGD)

 

 

Tuition Fee

Acceptance Fees

Tuition fees for entire 10-course programme

1st Semester

2nd Semester

3rd Semester

4th Semester

International Students
(Non-NUS Alumni)

 Full-time

$52,320

 $10,900

 $15,260

 $26,160

 –

 –

 Part-time

 $10,900

 $2,180

 $13,080

 $13,080

 $13,080

NUS Alumni+

 Full-time

$41,856

 $10,900

 $10,028

 $20,928

 –

 –

 Part-time

 $10,900

 –

 $10,028

 $10,464

 $10,464

Local Students*

 Full-time

$31,392

 $10,900

 $4,796

 $15,696

 –

 –

 Part-time

 $10,900

 – 

 $4,796

 $7,848

 $7,848

+All NUS alumni (regardless of nationality), enrolling into MSc Data Science for Sustainability programme, enjoy an increased 20% tuition fee rebate – up from 15% previously.
*All Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents (alumni and non-alumni), enrolling into MSc Data Science for Sustainability programme, are extended a 40% tuition fee rebate – up from 15% previously. Reference: https://masters.nus.edu.sg/scholarships-financial-assistance/detail/nus-master’s-by-coursework-enhanced-tuition-fee-rebate

Note:

  • Fees indicated above are all inclusive of 9% GST and rebates (if applicable) unless otherwise stated.
  • Similar to the tuition fee, rebates are also intake-based.
  • Rebates will be automatically applied to the tuition fees, and eligible students do not need to apply for them.
  • Students awarded scholarships or study awards will NOT be able to receive any tuition fee rebates.
  • Fees paid are not refundable in the event of non-completion of the programme.
  • There will be penalties for late or partial fee payment.
  • The University reserves all rights to review fees as necessary and adjust accordingly without prior notice.
 

Miscellaneous Student Fees:

  • Compulsory and payable for every semester
  • More information can be found on the NUS Office of the University Registrar website
  • Admissions Criteria
  • A 4-year bachelor degree in quantitative subject, such as Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, or Economics, etc.
  • A 4-year bachelor degree in a relevant non-quantitative subject, such as Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences etc., is acceptable if complemented by a minor or second major in a quantitative subject, indicating strong analytical skills.
  • A candidate whose medium of instruction in their undergraduate programme is partially or not in English will be required to provide one of the following:
    • Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Minimum score: 85 (internet-based test)
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Overall minimum score: 6
  • Strong candidates with a relevant 3-year Bachelor’s degree or a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in a non-quantitative subject may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on their professional experience.  It is subject to approval by the Graduate Programme Committee.
  • Application Period and Requirements

Early Admission Round (August 2026 intake) – CLOSED
Application Period: 16 May 2025 to 15 July 2025

Due to high volume of applications, our graduate programme committee is screening through all the applications in batches. Applicants who are not shortlisted in the early admission round will be automatically rolled over to the regular admission round. All applicants will hear from us latest by June 2026.

Regular Admission Round (August 2026 intake) – OPEN NOW
Application Period: 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2026

The programme only has 1 intake per academic year in August.

Instruction for Application:

  • All applicants should apply online via the Graduate Admission System.
  • Applicants should browse the User Guide before applying.
  • All supporting documents must be uploaded (in clear PDF format with no password protection) by the application closing date. English translations should accompany supporting documents that are not in English.
  • Name all your supporting documents in English before uploading to the Graduate Admission System.
  • Applicants no longer need to send us hardcopies of the supporting documents as these documents can be uploaded into application portal for retrieval.
  • Applications without application fee payment or with insufficient application fee amount will not be processed.
  • Applications and/or payment received after the closing date will not be processed for that intake.

Supporting documents:

  • Academic Records
    • Official Bachelor Degree Transcript
      • Official Chinese copy and English translated copy (only for applicants from Chinese universities)
    • Certified Bachelor Degree Certificate/Scroll, OR
    • Student Status Letter (for applicants who have not yet graduated from their undergraduate studies at the point of application) containing enrolment status and candidature period, i.e., start and expected completion date
  • Official ID:
    • Singapore NRIC (front and back copy) for Singapore Citizens or Singapore PR applicants
    • Clear and complete passport information page for International applicants
  • CAP/GPA ranking certificate (if applicable)
  • Valid TOEFL/IELTS scores:
    • Applicants whose native tongue and medium of university instruction is not completely in English should upload the official score sheet of TOEFL (≥85) or IELTS (≥6.0) as evidence of their proficiency in the English language.
    • TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for two (2) years from the test date and should not have expired at point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application.
    • We do not require applicants to request ETS to send the official hardcopy IELTS/TOEFL test scores from the test centre to the programme.
  • Documentary Proof of Financial Support
    • All applicants must submit documentary evidence of their ability to support their study.
    • International applicants must submit documentary evidence of their ability to support their study (i.e., bank statement of at least S$52,000 or its equivalent)
    • Applicants who are sponsored by an individual or organisation will need to provide a letter from the sponsor with details of the sponsorship.
    • Applicants who are working in Singapore and are applying for admission to our part-time programme may upload a copy of their recent payslip.
 

Important Notes:

  • Referee Reports, Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose are not required for application to the programme. Submission of Resume/CV is optional.
  • We regret that we do not acknowledge receipt of applications, and are unable to answer queries related to the status of applications and the chances of admission. This is to ensure that all applications are processed promptly.
  • No candidate may concurrently be a student for more than one degree or register as a NUS candidate and of another university/institute.
  • Applicants must produce originals of all documents when requested if admitted to the programme.
  • The University has not engaged any external agencies to undertake graduate student recruitment on its behalf. Candidates interested in our graduate programmes are advised to apply directly to the University and not through any agents. Candidates who apply through agents will not have any added advantage in gaining admission.
  • Inaccurate, false information or omission of necessary supporting documents or no payment of application fee will render your application invalid. The University reserves the right to reject applications that are incomplete or inaccurate. Persons admitted on the basis of inaccurate or false information may be expelled.
  • Application Outcome
  • All applicants (early and regular admission rounds) for August 2026 intake will be notified latest by 30 June 2026.
  • Only the shortlisted applicants will be advised further. The result of application evaluation is final and no appeal will be entertained.
  • Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate, students must

  • Obtain a GPA of at least 3.00
  • Complete and pass all five essential courses DSS5101-DSS5104 and DSS5201 (20 units)
  • Complete and pass five additional 4-unit elective courses (20 units), chosen from the list of DSS-coded elective courses, pre-approved non-DSS-coded elective courses or non-DSS-coded elective courses with departmental approval
  • Ensure that among the elective courses, students have to pass at least two out of the three courses: DSS5202, DSS5203, BL5102
  • Candidature

This Programme is offered as a full-time programme and a part-time programme.

For full-time students, the minimum and maximum periods of candidature are 1 year and 2 years. For part-time students, the minimum and maximum periods of candidature are 2 years and 4 years.

Note: Most of the courses will be offered in the evening so that the Programme can be completed on a part-time basis.

  • FAQs

You are welcome to apply for the programme during the application period. All applications will be assessed based on relevant background knowledge and work experience with respect to the course. Applicants without a background in one of the areas mentioned above but with sufficient knowledge to embark on the MSc Data Science for Sustainability programme may also be considered favourably.

You are welcome to apply for the programme during the application period. Your application and relevant documents will be reviewed by our Admission Committee on a case-by-case basis.

TOEFL or IELTS test ascertains a candidate’s English language proficiency and is necessary if English is not your native tongue and/or the medium of university instruction is not completely in English.

 

For details on test centres and test dates, please check the websites of TOEFL and IELTS.

If you have been offered a place in the programme and have paid the offer acceptance fee, you may request for deferment by sending us an enquiry. Please note that all deferment requests are subject to approval by the department and faculty, and you will be notified of the outcome in due course.

If you wish to withdraw from the MSc Data Science for Sustainability programme, you may do so by sending us an enquiry stating your reasons. Please note that the offer acceptance fees or other fees payable for the programme are non-refundable and non-transferable. Kindly note that all withdrawal requests are subject to approval by the department and faculty, and you will be notified of the outcome in due course.

Yes, there are some scholarships available for applicants to apply for or explore on their own. Please find the information below:


NUS ASEAN Master’s Scholarship
The NUS ASEAN Master’s Scholarship is a continuation of the DiscoverNUS scheme. It is an exclusive bond-free scholarship that covers full tuition fees for the normal candidature period of a Master’s Degree programme at NUS. The scholarship may be offered only to candidates who have met all the following requirements:

    • Hold citizenship in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Vietnam,
    • Have completed an undergraduate semester at NUS under the DiscoverNUS scheme,
    • Have earned an undergraduate degree from one of the partner universities in their country, and
    • Have been offered a place in one of the designated Master’s Degree programmes at NUS.

 

A separate application to be considered for the scholarship is not necessary. Recipients of the scholarship may not concurrently hold any other scholarship, fellowship, bursary, grant, award or allowance without notifying NUS. If a recipient withdraws from the University and/or terminates the scholarship prematurely, NUS reserves the right to impose repayment of all scholarship monies disbursed. Find out more about the scholarship here.

 

FoS ASEAN Master’s Study Award

The FoS ASEAN Master’s Study Award is offered to support outstanding students from ASEAN member countries (excluding Singapore). Each scholarship will be granted as a partial tuition fee waiver for the programme. All FoS Coursework Master’s Programme applicants from the ASEAN region who have accepted the admissions offers will automatically be considered for FoS ASEAN Master’s Study Award and will not be required to submit a separate application for the scholarship.

 

The recipient must meet all below requirements to be eligible:

    • Hold citizenship in an ASEAN* member country, excluding Singapore
    • Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and active participation in community service or extracurricular activities during their undergraduate study
    • Have been offered a place in one of the FoS Coursework Master’s Programmes
    • Not a recipient of another NUS Scholarship/Study Award/Tuition Fee Rebate/Financial Aid

 

If the recipient withdraws from the programme, disbursed funds must be refunded to the programme, and the remaining award will lapse.

 

*ASEAN member countries (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam), excluding citizens or permanent residents of Singapore.


NUS GRTII Master’s Scholarship (NUS Guangzhou Research Translation and Innovation Institute)
This merit scholarship, sponsored by the Huangpu District Government of Guangzhou, China, aims to develop talent for the Greater Bay Area of China. Scholarship recipients are required to sign a Service Bond Agreement, with an obligation to work for at least two years in the Huangpu District of Guangzhou after graduation. One award of S$45,000 toward tuition will be granted to each scholarship recipient. Students interested in being considered for this scholarship should write to uprbox34@nus.edu.sg.


Singapore Digital (SG Digital) Scholarship (Postgraduate) (for Singapore Citizens only)
The SG Digital Scholarship (Postgraduate) is an industry scholarship that empowers individuals interested in pursuing tech or media-related studies at the Masters or PhD level. More than just about shaping your career, this is the opportunity for you to be a next-generation leader who shapes the future of our digital economy and media ecosystem. You can choose to further your path in tech- or media-related fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, Immersive Media, and Film Studies. Find out more about the scholarship here.


Tan Kah Kee Postgraduate Scholarship (for Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents only)

The Tan Kah Kee Foundation offers three postgraduate scholarships for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) pursuing their full-time PhD or Master’s degrees. Successful applicants will each receive a one-off sum of S$12,000 for studying in the university. All scholarships do not carry any bond. The scholarships are given out once a year, and successful applicants may re-apply annually. Scholarship programme will be open for registration in May annually. Find out more about the scholarship here.  

 

The Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship (for Singapore Citizens only)
The Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) Scholarship is the premier postgraduate scholarship in Singapore. Set up in 1991 by the Tanjong Pagar Citizens’ Consultative Committee with funding from the public to commemorate the contributions made by Mr Lee Kuan Yew to Singapore, it marks Singapore’s continuous effort to recognise outstanding individuals with the aptitude and inclination to contribute to Singapore and our society.

 

Since its inception, many Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship holders have gone on to make significant contributions across varied fields including the Public Service, business, law, medicine, the arts and academia. Find out more about the scholarship here.


The PSC Master’s Scholarship (for Singapore Citizens only)

The Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarship is the premier government scholarship awarded based on merit. Recipients of the PSC Master’s Scholarships will pursue a career in Public Administration in the Singapore Public Service. Find out more about the scholarship here

As this is a self-funded programme, students enrolled in our MSc Data Science for Sustainability programme

will not be eligible for staff concession.

Students enrolled in our MSc Data Science for Sustainability programme are not eligible for CPF Education Scheme (CELS) as it is only applicable to full-time undergraduate students. For more information, please visit the CPF website.

The PSEA Scheme is administered by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and is open to all eligible Singaporeans. Please refer to the MOE website to check your eligibility for PSEA.

 

For more information on using your PSEA funds to pay for tuition fees, please visit the NUS Graduate School’s website, available at this link.

If you have any enquiries regarding our MSc Data Science for Sustainability programme and cannot find the answers on our website, please feel free to contact us with your full name in English. If you have already applied to the programme, kindly include your application number in the email subject line.

 

PhD in Statistics and Data Science

Prospective Students

  • Explore

Announcement

Regular admission application periods:
  • January 2027 Intake: 1 January to 15 May 2026
  • August 2027 Intake: 16 May to 15 November 2026
 
Apply Now
 
For early admission, please contact Ms Yang Qijun @qijun.y@nus.edu.sg

Updated 13 June 2025

  • Program Objective

This programme is designed to train and guide students for a research intensive career in the academia or industry. The aim is to train scholars who can do original innovative research in theory, methods, or applications.

  • Admission Requirements

We invite graduates with strong academic potential and a keen interest in research to join our research-based doctoral programs. PhD admission criteria encompass a robust academic background, a passionate interest in a research topic, and good character. The following information will be considered for a careful evidence-based assessment:

  1. A good GPA in a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. (Applicants should have an upper second class Honours degree or higher in Mathematics /Statistics or equivalent qualifications and the ability to pursue research in Statistics/Probability.)
  2. A well-crafted statement of purpose detailing research interests, career aspirations, and motivations for choosing our program.
  3. Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees, offering valuable insights into the applicant’s qualifications and research potential.
  4. A comprehensive CV highlighting academic accomplishments and pertinent experience.
  5. Standardized test scores such as the GRE. 
  6. Publications or involvement in research projects.
  7. For non-native English speakers, proficiency is demonstrated through tests like TOEFL or IELTS*.

Items (1) to (4) are compulsory.

Items (5) to (7) are optional; however, do note that evidence of strong quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills through GRE scores, as well as indicators of research skills and experience will significantly strengthen your application. 

* The following guidelines are provided for applicants whose native language or medium of undergraduate instruction is not English and the minimum TOEFL score ranges for NUS: 

  • Paper-Based(PBT):580-600
  • Computer-Based(CBT):237-250
  • Internet-Based (iBT): 85

 

For IELTS, the score should be 6 and above.  

Please note that the TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. If it has been more than two years since you last took the test, you must take it again to have the scores reported. 

For GRE scores, the minimum score for the GRE Verbal (V) and Quantitative (Q) sections is 320, and the minimum score the Analytical (A) section is 3.5. Please note that the GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. 

PhD candidates will still need sit for the PhD Qualifying Examination (QE) – 2 written and 1 oral examination. The QE should be taken before the end of the fourth semester of their Graduate Programme. A second attempt may be taken no later than six months after the first, failed attempt. This applies to both full-time and part-time PhD candidates. Candidates who fail their PhD QE will graduate with a Master of Science degree.

  • Period of Candidature

The minimum period of candidature will be two academic years and the maximum will be five academic years, both counted from the date of the candidate’s admission to the programme.

  • Degree Requirements

Coursework Requirements

Complete a minimum of forty-two (42) units in total. 

Six (6) units consisting of the following-

Course: NG5001 Academic Communication for Graduate Researchers (Compulsory for PhD students admitted from Semester 1, AY 2022/23 onwards)

Course: NG5002 Research Ethics for Graduate Researchers (Compulsory for PhD students admitted from Semester 1, AY 2024/25 onwards)

&

Thirty-six (36) units consisting of the following-

i) 7 compulsory core courses:

  • ST6120 Graduate Seminar Course in Statistics (previously offered as ST5198)
  • ST6101 Advanced Statistical Theory (previously offered as ST5215)
  • ST6102 Advanced Statistical Theory II (previously offered as ST5224)
  • ST6103 Advanced Probability Theory (previously offered as ST5214)
  • ST6104 Statistical Models (previously offered as ST5223)
  • ST6105 Computational Statistics (previously offered as ST5222)
  • ST5227 Applied Statistical Learning

 

ii) Any other two (2) ST-coded graduate course from the courses offered by the Saw Swee Hock Professors in the Department of Statistics and Data Science, or the following list of ST-coded graduate courses:

  • ST5209X Analysis of Time Series Data
  • ST5211X Sampling from Finite Populations
  • ST5203 Design of Experiments for Product Design and Process Improvements
  • ST5210 Multivariate Data Analysis
  • ST5212 Survival Analysis
  • ST5213 Advanced Categorical Data Analysis
  • ST5218 Advanced Statistical Methods in Finance
  • ST5221 Probability and Stochastic Processes
  • ST5225 Statistical Analysis of Networks
  • ST5226 Spatial Statistics
  • ST5229 Deep Learning in Data Analytics
  • ST5290 Data Science Industry Project
  • ST6241 Topics I
  • ST6242 Topics II
  • ST6243 Topics III

 

Students may read up to two graduate-level courses from other departments (subject to approval). Students must obtain a satisfactory grade for the Graduate Seminar Course. In addition, the students must receive a minimum GPA of 3.50 (an average grade of at least B) for nine courses from the list of prescribed courses.

 

Thesis/Dissertation

Students must submit, through the supervisor(s) and the Head of Department, his/her thesis/dissertation for examination within the maximum period of candidature. The thesis/dissertation must be on a topic approved by the respective departments and must make some contribution to knowledge and not be a mere collation of existing materials. The thesis/dissertation must contain original work or critical interpretation worthy of publication.

  • Application

There are two intakes in every academic year – August and January.

IntakeAll Applicants
Semester 1 (August)15 November of the previous year
Semester 2 (January) 15 May of the previous year

Applicants are advised to apply online through this URL: https://gradapp.nus.edu.sg/portal/app_manage

Priority for NUS Research Scholarship will be given to PhD applicants. Application for the scholarship is self-contained in the application package. Please read the instructions carefully when filling out the form. Further information on the scheme is available at the here.

  • Fees

Tuition Fees (Per Annum)

The annual tuition fees for different categories of government-subsidised graduate programmes are set out here. The substantial tuition subsidy from the Government of Singapore comes in the form of a MOE Subsidy which is administered by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and is offered to all admitted students up to the maximum course duration. Students need not apply for the MOE Subsidy if they are eligible. International Students reading a government-subsidised programme can apply for the Service Obligation Scheme to pay reduced, subsidised tuition fees. 

For students admitted into a government-subsidised graduate research degree programme will pay subsidised fees throughout their candidature as the Ministry of Education (MOE) will subsidise their tuition fees till their maximum candidature period and NUS will continue to subsidise the tuition fees for those who exceed the maximum candidature period.

For updates on the fees payable and other financial matters, please click here.

 

Scholarship & Stipend

The scholarship includes a full tuition fee subsidy, which is in the form of credit towards student’s fee bill when the fee is due. Further information on the scholarship is available at https://nusgs.nus.edu.sg/scholarships/ .  In addition, our department provides additional top-ups to the scholars. For more information, please contact Ms Yang Qijun at qijun.y@nus.edu.sg

 

Mandatory Miscellaneous Fees

Miscellaneous fees are typically levied on items that are either not covered or partially covered by tuition fee and grant/subsidy. All students, whether registered on a full-time or part-time basis, are charged the mandatory miscellaneous fees. These are due at the same time as the tuition fees. These fees fall into the following general categories – registration, student activity, health service and insurance, and academic-related – and contribute towards defraying the associated costs. Annual miscellaneous fees payable are set out in here. 

  • Q & A

Please click here

  • Enquiries

Please submit your enquiries Here.