Lee Kong Chian School of Business

1. Submit Online Application

For new users

You need to first register for an account with SMU before you can submit an online application form. Click on Create New Account below to proceed.

Register New Account

For Applicant's Guide to Online application portal (Click here)

For existing users

If you have already created an account with SMU, please go directly to the Login page to continue with your application, submit application fee, upload photo, etc...

Login Now

For Applicant Self-Service Guide (Click here)

2. Supporting Documents:

Please read the following instructions carefully before completing your application. Supplementary instructions are given in each section of the application form. Once you have completed the form, we suggest you keep a copy for your record. Please complete the application form accordingly and attach copies of the documents as instructed. Your application will only be processed when we have received all the documents and payment.

The following supporting documents are required for the application. A scan or photograph of the documents are to be submitted online or via email to lkcsbpd.admissions@smu.edu.sg.

Verification: Our Admissions Team will contact you again to arrange for a time to have these documents certified true copies at our SMU Campus. Alternatively, you may make an appointment with us to submit the certified true copies of your supporting documents, or have it delivered to us either by hand or by mail to the address below.

  1. Identification Document(s)
    • A copy of front and back of your NRIC (for Singapore Citizens)
    • A copy of front and back of your NRIC, Re‐entry Permit and Passport (for Singapore Permanent Resident)
    • A copy of your passport (for International Students)
  2. Current Detailed Resume

  3. Academic Certificates and Transcripts
    This includes the academic certificates and transcripts for a recognised Bachelor's degree, and where applicable, a Master's degree.

    For non-English certificates or documents, a copy of the original certificates or documents and the notarised / official English translation must be submitted. You will be required to produce the originals or official certified-true-copies of your documents for verification when requested.

  4. Two Referees' Reports
    Two letters of recommendation (referees' reports) which should be provided by members of industry and/or academia. One of the letters should come from the current employer (if applicable).

    In the online application, input in the referees' details (name, mailing address, email address, contact numbers, organization and designation). After the online application is submitted, your referee(s) will receive an e-Referee Report via email from SMU. Referee is required to complete the e-Referee Report and click the submit button at the end of the Report. It will take approximate 5-10 minutes to complete. Please notify your referee(s) to lookout for email.

    Alternatively, you may send the referee report template to your referees via email: Referee Report Template.

    Completed referee template forms should be addressed to lkcsbpd.admissions@smu.edu.sg.

  5. Two Personal Statements
    Please upload the 2 personal statements in the online application form.
    • The American President, Abraham Lincoln once said, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." As a leader your decisions will have tremendous impact on a great many others. Please give an example of when you realized this in your career. (300-500 words)
    • Please state how you believe that a Ph.D. in Business (General Management) will affect your career progression and, or, your professional performance. Please be sure to let us know about some of the factors that affect the competitive capability of your business concern, and the common activities that you engage in to create value for your enterprise. (500-750 words)
  6. GMAT / GRE or SMU Admissions Test
    GMAT / GRE
    A good GRE or GMAT score is needed for admission into the programme. Kindly note that the GMAT / GRE score is valid if taken within the last 5 years. You may first submit the test taker copy of the GMAT/GRE score while requesting the Educational Testing Services (ETS) to send the official score to SMU.

    GMAT Registration Information: https://www.mba.com/the-gmat-exam.aspx
    GRE Registration Information: https://www.ets.org:443/gre/

    SMU’s institution code for GMAT for this programme is F8D-7V-47, and SMU’s GRE institution code is 2861. Applicants are advised to keep an original for their record.

    Or, SMU Admissions Test
    Applicants may take the SMU Admissions Test in lieu of the GMAT or GRE. Details of the test will be sent to the candidate upon the completion of the application. Please click here to view the SMU Admissions Test Factsheet.

  7. Other Supporting Documents (if any)

  8. Application Fee
    Once online application is submitted, please click "Login Now" as Existing User to make your payment online (VISA or Master Card). Payment can be made by cheque or bank draft (to be in favour of Singapore Management University). Online application received without the application fees will not be processed.

Address & Contact Details:

Graduate Programmes Office - PhD(GM) Programme
Singapore Management University
Lee Kong Chian School of Business
50 Stamford Road, #04-01
Singapore 178899
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Contact numbers: +65 6828 0882

Email: lkcsbpd.admissions@smu.edu.sg

Follow us on