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PhD (Economics) -
Centre for Policy Research


OVERVIEW

The Doctor of Philosophy in Economics constitutes a solid basis in economic theory, statistics, econometrics and proficiency in analysing empirical data and evaluating public policy. Our Centre is, by international standards, strong in public economics, labour economics and applied micro-econometrics. The programme prepares students well for a career in public administration or in the private sector. This programme is designed for research students who wish to advance their studies in how the economy works in a globalised environment.

Research Thrust Areas:

  • Poverty Studies and Micro Credit
  • Human Resources Development
  • Political Economy
  • Development Economics

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should possess the following:

  • A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 3.00/4; or
  • A Master’s degree in research mode; or
  • Bachelor’s degree in related area with minimum CGPA 3.67/4 (fast-track to PhD)
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

  • A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
  • A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
  • A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
  • A minimum score of 47 for PTE; or
  • A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
  • A minimum score of 154 for Linguaskill Online; or
  • A minimum of Band 3.5 for MUET

Exemption is given to candidate if:

  • English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
  • Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

**Candidates will be interviewed by the Selection Panels.

DURATION
  • Full-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters

  • Part-time: Min 6 semesters /Max 15 semesters

FEES
Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,900.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 750.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,385.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 750.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00

 

International (USD)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,088.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 963.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00

** Fees are subject to change

** New fees to be imposed starting from Academic Session 2025/2026 (October 2025 intake onward)

Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,900.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 750.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,385.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 750.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00

 

International (USD)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,400.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,190.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00

** Fees are subject to change

Postgraduate

Institute of Postgraduate Studies
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
11800 Penang, Malaysia.

Tel : +604 653 2606
Fax : +604 653 2940

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Last Update: Friday 14 March 2025.

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