About PhD by Publication

UPM PhD by Publication:
Accelerate Your Doctorate
A Fast-Track Pathway for Accomplished Professionals

Who Should Apply? (Entry Requirements)

This program is designed for highly qualified individuals with significant academic contributions.

Candidates must be:

1. Academic staff holding the position of Professor, Associate Professor, or Lecturer at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) or another institution, having served for a minimum period of three (3) years and is actively serving at UPM or their respective institution at the time the admission application is made; OR
   
   
2. Individuals holding:
   • a Master's Degree; or
   • a First Class Bachelor's Degree
   from UPM or any recognized institutions of higher learning, with minimum requirements (as specified by the programme):

(iii) Candidates recognised by the Senate who have published and contributed to scholarly knowledge in the relevant field.

Note: International candidates are subject to UPM’s existing English Language requirements.

The Publication Portfolio (Key Requirement for Entry)

Admission is based on a strong research track record:

• 5 Publications related to the field of study applied.
• Publications must be not more than 10 years old at the time of application application
• You must be the First Author or Corresponding Author
• Publications must not have been used to obtain any previous degree
• Indexing requirements:
   - Science & Technology: At least 2 JCR publications, plus publications indexed in Scopus and/or ERA.
   - Social Science: Publications indexed in JCR, Scopus, and/or ERA.

Accelerated Duration & Process

Complete Your PhD in as little as 6 Months!
• Programme Duration: 6 months to 24 months

Application Steps:

1. Prepare your CV using the template provided
2. Prepare a 'Critical Summary' based on your submitted publications (template provided). It should explain how the work is integrated into one coherent intellectual framework, and how, when taken together, it contributes to knowledge in the relevant field.
3. Attend the required interview session
4. Register via PUTRAENROLL

Graduation Checklist

To successfully complete the Retrospective PhD, you must:

• Pass all compulsory courses in the program.
• Maintain a CGPA of 3.000 & above.
• Pass the thesis examination.
• Fulfill all publication requirements.
• International Students Only:
  - Pass Malay Language Communication (LPM2100).
• Mandatory Coursework: 
  - Enroll in Doctoral Research (SPS6999) every semester,
  - Research Methodology course, and
  - Seminar (Research Proposal) (SPS6903).

Updated:: 25/05/2026 [aslamiah]