The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) PhD Scholarship is one of Singapore’s most prestigious awards for aspiring scholars in the fields of public policy, governance, and international affairs. Offered by the National University of Singapore (NUS), this scholarship supports outstanding PhD candidates by providing full financial coverage and generous monthly stipends.
LKYSPP is ranked among Asia’s top public policy schools, located at the crossroads of global policymaking. The scholarship is highly competitive, fully funded, and offers students the freedom to focus on their academic journey without any service bonds.
Benefits of the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship 2026
- Full tuition coverage at the National University of Singapore.
- Monthly stipend (before PhD Qualifying Exam):
- Singapore Citizens: SGD 2,800
- Singapore Permanent Residents: SGD 2,400
- International Students: SGD 2,200
- Monthly stipend (after PhD Qualifying Exam):
- Singapore Citizens: SGD 3,300
- Singapore Permanent Residents: SGD 2,900
- International Students: SGD 2,700
- Duration: Typically up to 3 years, with consistent financial support.
- Other perks: CPF contributions for Singapore Citizens. No service bond or post‑study obligations.
Eligibility Criteria for the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship
- Eligible nationalities: Open to Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, and international students.
- Academic background: Applicants should hold a relevant Master’s degree in Social Sciences or related fields with strong academic performance.
- Professional experience: At least 2 years of work experience preferred, particularly in fields connected to governance, public policy, or international affairs.
- Degree level: PhD programs only.
- Language requirements: No separate IELTS requirement is listed by the scholarship. Applicants must meet NUS’s graduate admissions English proficiency standards (TOEFL/IELTS may be needed depending on prior education).
- Other requirements: Deep interest in international affairs, governance, or public policy research.
Required Documents for the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship Application
- Completed NUS Graduate Admissions application (via GradApp).
- Academic transcripts from all prior institutions.
- Master’s degree certificate (and Bachelor’s degree certificate for verification).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV/Resume).
- Statement of Purpose / Research Proposal.
- Two referee reports (submitted online by referees).
- Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), if applicable.
All documents must be uploaded in PDF format through the application portal. Ensure scans are clear, legible, and official.
Application Timeline for the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship 2026
- Application opens: August 1, 2025
- Application deadline: December 10, 2025 (for January intake)
- Type: Fixed deadline (not rolling).
- Results announcement: Typically within a few months after submission.
How to Apply for the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship 2026 (Step‑by‑Step)
- Visit NUS GradApp: Begin your PhD admission application at the official graduate application portal.
- Select the scholarship option: Indicate your interest in the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy PhD Scholarship during the application.
- Prepare documents: Upload transcripts, certificates, research proposal, and CV.
- Nominate referees: Ensure your two referees submit their recommendation reports online before the deadline.
- Submit application: Carefully review all uploaded files, then submit before December 10, 2025.
- Await shortlisting: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
Pro Tips:
- Apply early — do not wait until the December deadline.
- Contact potential supervisors at LKYSPP for research alignment.
- Keep backup copies of all your files.
FAQs about the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship
Is IELTS required?
Not necessarily. IELTS/TOEFL is only required if your previous degrees were not taught in English.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The scholarship is open globally, alongside Singapore Citizens and PRs.
When will results be out?
Results are usually announced a few months after the application deadline.
Is there a service bond?
No. There are no service commitments or bonds tied to the scholarship.
Final Thoughts on the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship
The Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship 2026 at NUS provides one of the most generous and prestigious funding opportunities for PhD candidates in Asia. With full tuition, stipends of up to SGD 3,300 per month, and no service obligations, it is an excellent chance to pursue high‑impact research in public policy and governance.
Apply before the December 10, 2025 deadline to secure your place in Singapore’s premier policy school.