@lynx, I was under the impression that you are a PR under PTS, but seeing a few other posts, I am not too sure now.the lynx wrote:I'm revisiting this option. rdueej, any idea how it might work for a PR holder under PTS?rdueej wrote:I have looked into this issue for quite sometime now and might be able to provide some information.
In general, a student is admitted into a PhD programme only if they are going to be fully funded. It is extremely rare for a PhD candidate to be paying any expense out of pocket.
The PhD scholarship would cover your tuition fees and also provide for a monthly stipend each month (~2500 per month). To earn this income you are expected to take on part-time teaching assignments for undergraduates. This scholarship income (or you could say part-time employment) is subject to both tax and cpf deductions. So, you will have your your tax assessment as well cpf record. You could call this the full-time-study/part-time-work route.
There is another option which is also possible. The university is normally willing to hire the PhD student as full-time staff and then admit them as a part-time PhD candidate. The work would be the same and the pay around ~3000 per month. There is some extra money here because you will be expected to pay for tuition from this salary. The tax and cpf statements would be easily obtainable (the same as for normal university employees). You could call this the full-time-work/part-time-study route.
Both work out to the same thing eventually. I only suspect that the second route might be an easier option when it comes to renewal time.
Someone I know pointed out that applying for PhD as a PR will be a plus point because the fees are lower compared to foreigner applicant. But then again, applying for PR for the sake of cheaper fees for PhD shouts 'abuser' IMHO.
The answer will depend on
1. what type of programme you have in mind (M.Sc/ M.Eng/ MBA/ PhD) and
2. whether you intend to continue your full-time employment during the duration of your graduate programme.
I can provide you with details about a possible case (mine). I am a PR under PTS, currently completing my part-time M.Eng (research based degree), while working full-time as a researcher at the university.
My full-time employment maintains the terms on which I was granted PR. The M.Eng is just my effort towards upgrading my skills. The key issue is whether both your employer and your thesis supervisor are willing to let you do this.
Do not worry too much about the fees. NUS grants substantial tuition fee discounts for its own staff (TMSI staff count as NUS staff too) enrolling in graduate programmes. This way, you do not have to worry about getting scholarships or their subsequent service commitments.