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Is it possible to directly pursue a PhD without completing a master's degree in Singapore/UAE?

17 Aug 2026 · Answered by Muskan Jain · 1 min read
Muskan Jain
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Yes, it is possible to pursue a PhD directly after a bachelor's degree in both Singapore and the UAE, but this option is typically limited to candidates with strong academic records.

- Singapore: Some universities consider exceptional bachelor's graduates for direct PhD admission, usually requiring a high CGPA and demonstrated research potential.
- UAE: Select institutions allow direct PhD entry for top-performing bachelor's holders, often expecting a minimum CGPA (for example, 3.5/4.0 is typical).

A strong academic record and a clear research proposal are usually required. English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL may also be needed.

With your CGPA of 6.34 and a commerce background, meeting the usual direct PhD entry requirements may be challenging, but some universities may consider your overall profile. If you are open to integrated master's-PhD programs, these might be a better fit.

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