Introduction
The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) PhD Scholarship 2025/2026 offers full financial support for high-potential researchers in public policy and international affairs. Hosted at the National University of Singapore, this fully funded PhD lets you focus on research—not expenses—while studying in one of Asia’s most influential policy hubs.
About the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP)
Founded in 2004, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy is named after Singapore’s founding Prime Minister and is globally respected for policy research with real-world impact.
What makes LKYSPP distinct:
Strong Asian and global policy perspective
Faculty engaged in active policy advising
Location in Singapore—a living policy laboratory
Close links with governments, think tanks, and international organizations
PhD students don’t just study policy—they observe and analyze it in action.
Why Pursue a PhD at LKYSPP?
A PhD is a long-term commitment. LKYSPP is chosen by students worldwide because it delivers on substance, not hype.
Key advantages
Global prestige: NUS consistently ranks among the world’s top universities
Research-driven environment: Publishing and conference participation encouraged
Access to policy networks: ASEAN, UN agencies, and Asian think tanks
Full funding: Tuition + stipend covered
Career mobility: Academia, government, NGOs, and global institutions
If your goal is influence—not just a degree—this environment matters.
Eligibility Criteria (Who Can Apply?)
Basic Requirements
Relevant Master’s degree (public policy, economics, political science, IR, social sciences)
Strong academic record (grades + research matter)
Clear research interest aligned with LKYSPP
Two academic or professional referees
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL if prior education wasn’t in English)
Work Experience
Preferred: Minimum 2 years (government, research, NGOs, IOs)
Not mandatory: Exceptional fresh graduates are considered
Quick Eligibility Overview
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Relevant Master’s |
| GPA | Strong academic standing |
| Experience | Preferred, not compulsory |
| English test | If required |
| Nationality | Open to all |
Scholarship Benefits & Funding
This is a fully funded PhD scholarship—no hidden costs.
Monthly Stipend
Singapore Citizens: SGD 2,800/month → SGD 3,300 after qualifying exam
Permanent Residents: SGD 2,400/month → SGD 2,900
International Students: SGD 2,200/month → SGD 2,700
Additional Benefits
100% tuition fee coverage
Funding duration: up to 3 years
No service bond
Access to subsidized NUS housing
Research-friendly academic environment
💡 With student housing and careful budgeting, most PhD scholars live comfortably within the stipend.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Identify research fit
Review LKYSPP faculty and align your proposal accordingly.Prepare documents
Academic transcripts
Master’s certificate
CV
Research proposal / Statement of Purpose
English test (if required)
Referee details
Apply online
Submit via the NUS GradApp portal and select the PhD scholarship option.Interview (if shortlisted)
Expect research-focused questions—clarity matters more than buzzwords.Final decision
Results released a few months after deadline.
⚠️ Warning: NUS does NOT authorize agents. Guaranteed-admission claims are scams.
Application Timeline (Indicative)
| Stage | Semester 1 Intake | Semester 2 Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Applications open | Feb | Aug |
| Deadline | Jun | Dec 10 |
| Shortlisting | Jul | Jan |
| Interviews | Jul–Aug | Jan–Feb |
| Results | Aug | Feb–Mar |
| Program start | Aug | Jan |
Research Focus Areas
Your proposal should clearly connect to one of LKYSPP’s strengths:
Governance & Institutions
International Relations & Security
Development & Economics
Sustainability & Climate Policy
Alignment = stronger supervision + higher selection chances.
Life in Singapore as a PhD Student
Studying abroad isn’t only academic—daily life counts.
Safety: Among the safest countries globally
Language: English widely spoken
Food: Hawker meals SGD 5–7
Transport: Clean, efficient MRT system
Housing: NUS residences or private rentals
Bottom line: low friction, high focus.
Career Pathways After Graduation
LKYSPP PhD graduates work across sectors:
Academia & research institutes
Government ministries
International organizations (UN, World Bank, ASEAN)
Policy think tanks & NGOs
The degree signals advanced research skill and policy relevance.
FAQs – LKYSPP PhD Scholarship
Q1: Is this scholarship open to international students?
Yes. All nationalities are eligible.
Q2: Is work experience mandatory?
No, but it significantly strengthens your application.
Q3: How competitive is the scholarship?
Very. Only a limited number of awards are offered annually.
Q4: Is there any service bond?
No. Graduates are free to choose their career path.
Q5: Can I apply without publications?
Yes, but strong research potential must be demonstrated.
Q6: Does stipend increase after exams?
Yes—by SGD 500/month after passing the PhD qualifying exam.
Why This Scholarship Is Worth It
This scholarship combines full funding, global prestige, and policy relevance—a rare trio. You’re not just earning a PhD; you’re positioning yourself at the intersection of research and real-world governance.
Final Takeaway
If your goal is to shape policy, influence institutions, and work on global challenges, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy PhD Scholarship 2025/2026 is absolutely worth pursuing. It’s demanding, competitive, and rigorous—but for the right candidate, it can be career-defining.
For further details, please visit scholarship provider official website.