SG · Master's
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
Master in Public Policy (MPP)
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
Course Overview
The Master in Public Policy (MPP) at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) is the flagship 2-year programme of Asia's top-ranked public policy school (QS by Subject 2025, top-15 globally). Unlike the 1-year MPA which targets mid-career civil servants, the MPP is designed for early-career applicants (0-5 years experience) entering policy careers. The curriculum combines a rigorous quantitative core (Economics for Public Policy, Statistics, Policy Analysis) with regional specialisation (the LKY School's particular strength is Southeast Asia + South Asia development policy), and three policy-area concentrations (Politics and International Relations, Economics and Finance, Management and Leadership). Students complete two policy analysis exercise (PAE) projects with real-world public-sector clients — recent partners include the World Bank, ADB, the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry, ASEAN Secretariat, UNDP, and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Finance.
Sri Lankan applicants choose LKY School over Harvard Kennedy / Georgetown McCourt / LSE because the regional fit is unmatched (faculty are predominantly Asian, case studies focus on Sri Lanka / Bangladesh / Indonesia / Vietnam / Philippines public policy), the tuition (SGD 41,000/yr) is roughly 30% of US equivalents, and the post-graduation pathway into ADB Manila / World Bank Singapore Office / IMF Singapore Office is exceptionally direct. ADB-Japan Scholarship + LKY School scholarships fund roughly 60% of South Asian admits at full or substantial partial coverage. Sri Lankan returnees route into the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Research Department, the Ministry of Finance / Planning, the Department of National Planning, IPS, CEPA, the UN Country Team in Colombo (UNDP, UNICEF, FAO, ILO), the World Bank Colombo Country Office, the ADB Colombo Office, and into Parliamentary advisory roles.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan Bachelor's (Hons) in any discipline — minimum GPA 3.3 / Upper Second-Class; strong economics or quantitative coursework is highly valued.
- check_circle 1-5 years of public policy, government, NGO, development sector, or policy-research work experience preferred but not required (the MPP also admits direct-from-Bachelor's applicants with exceptional records).
- check_circle GMAT 650+ OR GRE 318+ — currently OPTIONAL but ~60% of admits submit; competitive applicants score Quantitative 158+.
- check_circle Two academic / professional references; CV; two essays (statement of purpose 1,000 words + policy issue analysis 750 words); admissions interview (remote for Sri Lankan applicants).
- check_circle Evidence of policy engagement, publications, or substantial development-sector work output strengthens borderline applications.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (no band below 6.0).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 93 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English at a recognised institution — Sri Lankan applicants from UoC, UoP, UoSJ typically qualify with an MOI letter.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (SGD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | SGD 41,000 | Rs. 9,840,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Singapore) | SGD 15,000 | Rs. 3,600,000 |
| Student Pass, Health Insurance & Setup | SGD 1,500 | Rs. 360,000 |
| Books, Conference Travel & PAE Field Visits | SGD 2,000 | Rs. 480,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | SGD 59,500 | Rs. 14,280,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
On graduation, applicants qualify for Singapore's Employment Pass (EP) with employer sponsorship. LKY School MPP grads route into the Asian Development Bank (ADB Manila headquarters and the Colombo Office), the World Bank Singapore Office and South Asia Regional Office, the IMF Asia and Pacific Department, UNDP Regional Office Bangkok, ASEAN Secretariat Jakarta, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) economist track, the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry, and into senior consulting roles at McKinsey Public Sector Singapore, BCG Singapore, and Bain Singapore — SGD 70,000-100,000 starting (LKR 17M-24M/yr). Sri Lankan returnees route into senior research economist / policy analyst positions at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Research Department, the Ministry of Finance / Planning, the Department of National Planning, IPS, CEPA, the UN Country Team in Colombo, the World Bank Colombo Office, the ADB Colombo Office, and into Parliamentary advisory and Chief Strategy Officer roles at major Sri Lankan conglomerates.
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