Singapore · Fully funded
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy PhD Scholarship 2027 in Singapore
Updated 26 October 2026
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The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), one of Asia's leading public policy schools, offers the LKYSPP PhD Scholarship to outstanding students joining its PhD in Public Policy. The scholarship is open to Singaporeans and international students, and it comes with no service bond.
What the scholarship offers
A monthly stipend, which rises by S$500 after you pass the PhD Qualifying Examination (usually within the first 18–24 months):
| Student |
Before qualifying exam |
After qualifying exam |
| International students |
S$2,200 a month |
S$2,700 a month |
| Singapore Permanent Residents |
S$2,400 a month |
S$2,900 a month |
| Singapore Citizens |
S$2,800 a month |
S$3,300 a month (plus CPF contributions) |
- Typical award period: three years
- No service bond after graduation
Who can apply
- All nationalities, including international students
- A relevant master's degree
- An academic background in the social sciences and a strong interest in public policy and international affairs
- At least two years of work experience is preferred
- English proficiency: if your degree was not taught in English, you will usually need IELTS Academic (around 7.0) or TOEFL iBT
- GRE scores are optional
Documents you need
- Master's degree certificate and official transcripts (plus bachelor's records)
- A research proposal that fits LKYSPP faculty research areas
- CV
- A writing sample
- Two academic or professional referees
- English test results, if required
How to apply
- Develop your research idea and read about LKYSPP faculty to find possible supervisors.
- Prepare your documents, including your research proposal and writing sample.
- Contact your referees early so their reports arrive on time.
- Apply online through the NUS Graduate Admission System (GradApp), choosing the PhD in Public Policy.
- Opt in to the LKYSPP PhD Scholarship in the application form.
- Submit by 10 December 2026 for the August 2027 intake.
Key dates
| Stage |
Date |
| Applications open |
1 August 2026 |
| Application and scholarship deadline |
10 December 2026 |
| PhD starts |
August 2027 |
Tips for a strong application
- Write a focused research proposal. Show a clear policy question, why it matters and how you will study it.
- Match your topic to LKYSPP faculty, and mention who you would like to work with.
- Use your work experience. Show how your professional experience shaped your research interests.
- Pick a strong writing sample, ideally a research paper or thesis chapter.
- Applying is free through the official NUS portal. Never pay anyone who promises a scholarship.