The Lee Kuan Yew School PhD Scholarship offers a remarkable opportunity for aspiring academics and policy leaders to pursue doctoral research at one of Asia’s most prestigious institutions. If you dream of shaping public discourse and influencing policy from a global vantage point, this guide is your first step. We’ll walk you through the scholarship’s incredible benefits, demystify the application process, and provide actionable tips to help you craft an application that truly stands out. Your journey to becoming a thought leader starts here.
Lee Kuan Yew School PhD Scholarship
| Key Feature | Detail |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded,LKYSPP PhD Programme |
| Host Institution | Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore (NUS),LKYSPP Official Site |
| Key Benefits | Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, and travel allowances. |
| Typical Application Window | August – December (for the August 2026 intake) |
The Lee Kuan Yew School PhD Scholarship is more than just funding; it’s an investment in your potential to become a future leader and innovator in public policy. The application process is demanding, but the reward—a world-class doctoral education at the heart of Asia—is well worth the effort.
Why Pursue a PhD at the LKY School?
Choosing where to do your PhD is a career-defining decision. The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) isn’t just a department; it’s a global hub for governance and policy research, strategically located in the dynamic city-state of Singapore.
As Asia’s leading public policy school, it offers a unique perspective that bridges Western theories with the diverse realities of Asian governance. Here, you are not just studying policy; you are immersed in it. The school’s faculty are world-renowned experts, and its alumni network spans the globe, holding influential positions in government, international organisations, and the private sector.
Unpacking the Scholarship: A Truly Fully Funded PhD in Singapore
When we say “fully funded,” what does that actually mean? The Lee Kuan Yew School PhD Scholarship is designed to allow you to focus entirely on your research without the burden of financial stress.
Here’s a breakdown of the comprehensive support provided:
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Your entire tuition for the duration of the PhD programme (typically four years) is covered.
- Monthly Stipend: A competitive monthly stipend is provided to cover living expenses in Singapore. For the 2024-2025 academic year, this was set at S2,200forSingaporeCitizens/PermanentResidentsandS2,700 for International Students, which is reviewed periodically.
- Research & Conference Allowances: The scholarship often includes generous allowances for attending international conferences, conducting fieldwork, and other research-related expenses. This is crucial for building your academic profile and network.
Are You the Ideal Candidate? Key Eligibility Criteria
While the scholarship is prestigious, its requirements are clear and focused on identifying candidates with the highest potential for academic and policy impact.
Academic Excellence
A strong academic record is non-negotiable. You’ll typically need:
- A bachelor’s degree with honours (or equivalent).
- A master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., public policy, economics, political science, sociology) from a reputable university.
Research Potential
The admissions committee wants to see that you are ready for the rigours of doctoral research. This is demonstrated through a strong research proposal, and any prior research experience—like a master’s thesis or published work—is a significant advantage.
English Language Proficiency
As the programme is conducted in English, you must demonstrate proficiency. This is usually done by submitting scores from the TOEFL or IELTS, unless you graduated from an English-medium university.
Standardised Tests
Applicants are generally required to submit a good Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score. According to the school’s admissions page, while there is no minimum score, successful applicants typically have strong quantitative and analytical writing scores.
Your Step-by-Step LKY School of Public Policy Application Guide
Navigating the application can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it much clearer. The application process is done online through the NUS Graduate School application portal.
Step 1: Prepare Your Core Documents
Start gathering these documents well in advance of the deadline:
- Official academic transcripts and degree scrolls.
- A current curriculum vitae (CV).
- TOEFL/IELTS and GRE score reports.
- A Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- A detailed research proposal.
- Two or three letters of recommendation (from academic referees).
- A recent writing sample (e.g., a chapter from your master’s thesis).
Step 2: Craft a Compelling Research Proposal
Your research proposal is the heart of your application. It should be clear, concise, and compelling. In my experience advising students, the strongest proposals are those that identify a specific, researchable gap in current policy literature and clearly align with the expertise of at least one or two LKYSPP faculty members.
Your proposal should clearly state your research question, explain its significance, outline your proposed methodology, and provide a preliminary timeline. Show that you’ve done your homework on the school’s research clusters and faculty interests.
Step 3: Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
Choose recommenders who know you well academically and can speak to your research potential, critical thinking skills, and work ethic. Contact them early, provide them with your CV and research proposal, and clearly state the submission deadline. A generic letter is far less impactful than one filled with specific examples of your abilities.
Step 4: Submit Your Application Online
Once you have all your documents ready, complete the online application form. Pay close attention to every section and double-check all your uploads before final submission. The application window typically opens in August and closes in early December for the following year’s intake.3 Be sure to check the official LKYSPP website for the exact 2026 application dates.
Beyond the Paperwork: Tips for a Standout Application
Meeting the minimum requirements is just the first step. To truly stand out, you need to tell a story that connects your past experiences, your research interests, and your future ambitions with the unique mission of the LKY School.
- Tailor Your Statement of Purpose: Don’t just list your achievements. Explain why you are passionate about public policy and why the LKY School is the perfect place for you to pursue your PhD.
- Show, Don’t Just Tell: Use concrete examples from your academic, professional, or volunteer experience to demonstrate your skills and commitment.
- Proofread Meticulously: Typos and grammatical errors can give the impression of carelessness. Have a trusted friend, mentor, or professor review your entire application before you submit it.
Life as an LKY School Scholar in Singapore
Your PhD journey at NUS is more than just research. It’s an opportunity to live in one of the world’s most vibrant and multicultural cities. Singapore is a living laboratory for public policy, offering endless case studies in urban planning, social policy, and economic development. The campus life at NUS is equally enriching, with a vast array of student organisations, research seminars, and cultural events.
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FAQs
Q1:Is professional work experience mandatory for the PhD programme?
While not a strict requirement, relevant work experience in the public, private, or non-profit sectors can significantly strengthen your application by demonstrating your practical understanding of policy challenges.
Q2:What is the typical monthly stipend for the scholarship?
The stipend is reviewed periodically. For the 2024-2025 academic year, it was S$2,700 for international students. You should always check the official LKYSPP website for the most current figures.
Q3:Can I apply if my master’s degree is not in public policy?
Yes. Candidates with master’s degrees in related fields like economics, political science, sociology, law, and international relations are strongly encouraged to apply, provided they can demonstrate a genuine interest and aptitude for public policy research.
Q4:When will I be notified of the application outcome?
Successful candidates are typically notified by the end of April of the application year.
