<p>Arcas, different countries have different educational systems. In the UK, you earn the equivalent of a US master’s degree as an college student – I believe UK “undergraduate” education is a five year program. In Singapore (and other countries), you fall short of a A.B. </p>
<p>In the US, the equivalent of a four years bachelor’s degree is required for all incoming PhD program students. A three-year degree is sufficient only when it comes from universities with an official “Bologna process” system.</p>