Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Scholarships
The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS offers one of the most respected public-policy postgraduate programmes in Asia. The School awards a portfolio of scholarships — including the LKY School Scholarship, Li Ka Shing Scholarship, ASEAN Graduate Scholarship, and partner awards like the Hinrich Foundation — to candidates admitted to the MPP (Master in Public Policy), MPA (Master in Public Administration), or MIA (Master in International Affairs). Sri Lankan applicants working in government, NGOs, multilateral agencies, or development consulting are the typical fit.
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (NUS)
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
Up to Full Tuition + S$2,500/mo Stipend
Duration
2-Year MPP / MIA or 1-Year MPA
Awards
Multiple schemes — auto-considered on admission
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor's Degree
A recognised Bachelor's degree with a strong academic record. For the MPA (mid-career), candidates also need a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience — typically in government or the development sector.
Public-Service Track Record
Most scholarship schemes prioritise candidates with demonstrable commitment to public service — work at Sri Lankan ministries, the Central Bank, regulatory agencies, UN/World Bank/ADB country offices, or established NGOs all count.
English Proficiency
IELTS 7.0 (with no band below 6.5) or TOEFL iBT 100 is required. GRE/GMAT is recommended but not mandatory for most LKYSPP programmes.
Return-Service Expectation
No formal bond, but most LKYSPP scholarships expect awardees to contribute to public policy or development work in their home region after graduation. This aligns with the Sri Lankan public-service career path.
account_tree Application Process
Apply to the LKYSPP programme
Submit one application via the LKYSPP online portal for the MPP (15 Dec), MIA (15 Dec) or MPA (31 Dec) — a single application; you do not apply separately for the school's scholarships. Personal statement, CV, two references, and transcripts are mandatory.
Auto-consideration for funding
All admitted candidates are automatically considered for LKYSPP's funding portfolio. Country-specific awards (e.g. Hinrich, Spice Global, Oei Hong Leong) may require a short supplementary form — check the LKYSPP funding page once you submit.
Interview shortlisting
Strong applicants are invited for an online interview (typically January–March) with LKYSPP faculty. The interview probes policy interests, career trajectory, and motivation.
Joint admission + funding offer
Successful candidates receive a combined admission and scholarship offer by April–May, ahead of the August intake.
Why LKYSPP?
Founded in 2004 and modelled in part on Harvard Kennedy School, LKYSPP is consistently ranked among Asia's top public-policy schools. It draws students and faculty from across ASEAN, South Asia, and the OECD.
#1 in Asia
QS Public Policy Ranking
50+
Countries Represented in MPP Cohort
6,000+
Alumni Across the Global South
Similar Scholarships
Other curated opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
Nanyang President's Graduate Scholarship (NPGS)
Nanyang Technological University
NUS Research Scholarship
National University of Singapore
Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
A*STAR Singapore