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.
Open for August 2027 intake — MPP/MIA close 15 December 2026, MPA closes 31 December 2026. Dates follow the same annual pattern — confirm the current round before applying.
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
info How this award actually works
Who awards it
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (NUS) — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through your admission application. Awards like this are usually assessed automatically from the application you already submit — there is typically no separate scholarship form to fill in.
What it covers
Up to Full Tuition + Living Stipend. This is a reduction in tuition, not a full ride. You still fund the remainder, plus living costs and the balance your visa requires you to show.
Where we come in
We make the admission application strong enough to be competitive — course choice, documents, references and deadlines. The funder makes the decision.
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
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
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The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
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Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for SG, in LKR as well as local currency.
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Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
Check the requirement arrow_forwardSimilar Scholarships
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