MD/PhD Program

For students wishing to further their academic training, Duke-NUS offers a combined MD/PhD program. MD/PhD training is most appropriate for students who are committed to intensive research-oriented careers, combining biomedical research with the practice of clinical medicine.

Please note that students already holding an MD or MBBS degree are not eligible to apply to the Duke-NUS MD/PhD program, however, students with these degrees are welcome to apply to the Duke-NUS PhD program. Click here for more on that program.

All applicants for the MD/PhD program are required to sit for the MCAT. This program does not accept GRE scores. For more information on the MCAT, please click here

The Duke/NUS PhD component is offered in Integrated Biology and Medicine, a multi-disciplinary PhD program that allows students to obtain a concentration in one of the five Duke-NUS Signature Research Program areas:

• Cancer and Stem Cell Biology
• Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders
• Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders
• Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Health Services & Systems Research

Opportunities also exist for selected students to do the PhD component at Duke University in the US or at NUS in Singapore in one of their many PhD programs.

Application to the MD/PhD Program

Admission to the MD/PhD program will be granted to strong applicants who can demonstrate their potential to pursue a research career and interest in advancing medical knowledge.

Students interested in pursuing an MD/PhD at Duke-NUS can apply two ways:

1. Complete the on-line application and indicate you are applying for the MD/PhD program. Please note the special recommendation and essay requirements in the application directions. Applicants who are not successful in gaining admission to the MD/PhD program will be considered for admission to the MD program.
2. After matriculating into the Duke-NUS MD program, students do have an option of choosing the PhD track to eventually obtain an MD-PhD degree.

Program Length

All MD/PhD candidates will complete the first two years of the MD program. In lieu of their third year, candidates will begin the PhD program. The PhD typically takes four years to complete, but timing will depend on the student’s area of research. After completing their PhD, students will return to the MD program to complete their final year. It is estimated that it will take 7 years to complete an MD/PhD at Duke-NUS.

Students admitted to the program will be provided with a stipend and scholarship to cover the full cost of tuition and fees for the PhD component as well as a scholarship to cover the remaining tuition required to complete their MD training.

Learn more about the MD Curriculum
Learn more about the PhD Curriculum