Graduate Education

3.1        Degrees Offered

The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy offers four master degree programmes and a Ph.D. in Public Policy.:

1.     The Master in Public Policy (MPP):

This academically rigorous two-year degree programme is targeted at pre- and early-career professionals with an interest in public affairs. MPP students are exposed to an analytical toolkit from the economics, political science and management disciplines and, upon graduation, will be ready to pursue a variety of careers in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Students attending the MPP programme will get the chance to enrol in double degree programmes the School has established with its partners in the Global Public Policy Network (GPPN) - Columbia University’s School of lnternational and Public Affairs, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and Sciences Po, Paris.

2.     The Master in Public Administration (MPA):

This management-centric one-year degree programme is targeted at mid-career professionals who are looking to boost their career potential. Drawing on the strengths of a traditional public policy education, the MPA prepares students for the challenges involved in taking on a managerial or leadership position in a variety of public, private and not-for-profit organisations.

3.     The Master in Public Management (MPM):

This exclusive one-year degree programme is targeted at senior policymakers with a proven leadership track record in public service and is intended to intellectually reinvigorate and equip them with the latest thinking and best practices in public policy. This programme also includes a full semester in North American Universities including Harvard and Columbia University.

4.     The Master in Public Administration and Management (MPAM):

(This degree programme is delivered in Chinese.) The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in collaboration with NUS Business School offer a Master in Public Administration and Management (MPAM) programme taught in Chinese to train public service professionals and Chinese State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) executives. MPAM graduates will be equipped to perform in a wide variety of public service fields in all levels of government, in the international arena, and in the private sector.

5.     The Doctor of Philosophy:

This Ph.D. programme is designed to strengthen the capability and effectiveness of students in researching complex multi-dimensional policy issues. It will equip them with the necessary theoretical frameworks, research methods and tools to conduct scientific inquiry to address contemporary public policy issues.

3.2        Degree Requirements

Master in Public Policy

Admission Policy

The objective of the Master in Public Policy (MPP) programme’s admissions policy is to select a diverse group of students who have not only outstanding academic ability but also the potential for career growth and who are committed to public service.

Graduates of the programme are likely to pursue careers with national, regional or international governments, non-profit organisations, the media, public sector planning firms, international corporations, and other agencies devoted to public interest.

The MPP Candidate

The Admissions Committee selects candidates for this Master’s programme using a variety of criteria. In general, the candidate should display evidence of professional merit, intellectual distinction, leadership ability and a desire to build a career with social impact.

To be considered for the Master in Public Policy programme, you must have:

• •      A National University of Singapore (NUS) honours degree (at least Second Upper) or an equivalent degree, such as a four-year Bachelor’s degree with an average grade of B or better; or
• •      A good Bachelor’s degree and passed the School’s placement test.

Other qualifications and experience may be accepted subject to approval by the NUS Board of Graduate Studies. Applicants should preferably have some background in Economics and Mathematics.

Requirements

The minimum candidature period for the MPP is 18 months and the maximum is three years. Within that time, a student must earn at least 64 graduate-level Modular Credits (MCs) by completing at least 15 modules, comprising eight core modules (32 MCs) and seven electives (28 MCs), plus a Policy Analysis Exercise (4 MCs). Most MPP students read four modules per semester and complete the requirements in four semesters spanning two years. Students may apply to read electives (up to 12 MCs) taught in other programmes within NUS.

The Core Courses

The core curriculum provides the basic skills and knowledge essential for public problem-solving and the management of public affairs through the development of analytical skills. It draws on concepts and theories from disciplines such as economics, politics, and public management. The development of these skills progresses from the fundamental (such as knowing how to ask the right questions to define the problem when confronted with complicated and unfamiliar issues) to the sophisticated (such as being able to communicate clearly and persuasively in the decision-making process, both orally and in writing).

Master in Public Administration

Admission Policy

For the MPA programme, the School seeks candidates who are committed to the ideals of public service. Candidates should be highly motivated, outward-looking, and open to new ideas, and be able to share insights from their own work experience with their classmates.

The MPA Candidate

The Admissions Committee selects candidates for this Master’s programme using a variety of criteria. Applicants will be evaluated on their academic preparation, and the depth and quality of their experience, as demonstrated by work history,  references, and the applicant’s written analysis of past employment experience. To be considered for the Master in Public Administration programme, you must have at least five years of work experience and

•      A National University of Singapore (NUS) honours degree (at least Second Upper) or an equivalent degree, such as a four-year Bachelor’s degree with an average grade of B or better; or

•      A good Bachelor’s degree and passed the School’s placement test.

Other qualifications may be accepted subject to approval by the NUS Board of Graduate Studies.

Requirements

The minimum candidature period for the MPA is one year and the maximum is four years. Within that time, a student must earn at least 40 graduate-level Modular Credits (MCs) by completing at least ten modules, comprising six core modules (24 MCs) and four electives (16 MCs). Most full-time MPA students read four modules each in the two regular semesters and two modules in the Special Term, which is a condensed semester that runs from mid-May to mid-July.

Students may apply to read electives (up to 8 MCs) taught in other programmes within NUS. Full-time students may read a maximum of five modules per regular semester and two in the Special Term. Part-time students may read a maximum of two modules per regular semester and one in the Special Term.

The academic calendar for a typical one-year full-time programme is:

Master in Public Management

Admission Policy

For the Master in Public Management (MPM) programme, the School seeks a diverse group of candidates who hold leadership positions within their organisations and are committed to serving their community.

The MPM Candidate

The Admissions Committee selects candidates for this programme using a broad set of criteria. In general, the candidate should be an accomplished senior official, holding a decision-making position. He or she should be ready to contribute a unique perspective and experience to the programme to benefit other students, and be ready to contribute back to his organisation and country at the end of his or her training. The ideal candidate is a key member of the organisation and whose MPM training will be seen as vital in the organisation’s next step forward.

Applicants seeking admission to the course for the degree of Master in Public Management must have:

• •    A good NUS honours degree (second class and above) or equivalent (e.g., a four-year Bachelors degree with at least an average grade of B or equivalent), and at least eight years of relevant work experience; or
• •    A good Bachelors degree and successful completion of a placement test, and at least eight years of relevant work experience; or exceptionally

Other qualifications and experience subject to approval by the Board of Graduate Studies.

Requirements

The minimum candidature for the MPM programme is one year and the maximum is 18 months. Within that time, he or she must earn at least 40 graduate-level Modular Credits (MCs) by completing at least five modules at NUS (of which 4 are core modules) and four modules at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (KSG), Harvard University or School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Columbia University. In addition, he or she must complete an attachment programme and present a paper pertaining to the attachment at the Public Management Seminar Series.

Structure of the MPM Programme

The Programme consists of two components: an NUS component, and a specially designed programme at a partner university.

The NUS Component

MPM candidates will go through an orientation programme, one full semester and a condensed semester of coursework at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Singapore. Candidates will also be required to participate in an attachment programme.

The Partner University Component

The programme taps into the established strengths in public policy training at a partner university, for example, the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (KSG), Harvard University or the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Columbia University and complements the training provided at NUS. For this component, the MPM candidate will spend a semester at a partner university on a specially designed academic programme.

Master in Public Administration and Management

Admission Policy

The School seeks a diverse group of candidates who hold senior leadership positions within their organisations and are committed to serving their community.

The MPAM Candidate

The Admissions Committee selects candidates for this programme using a broad set of criteria. In general, the candidate should be an accomplished senior official, holding a decision-making position. He or she should be ready to contribute a unique perspective and experience to the programme to benefit other students, and be ready to contribute back to his organisation and country at the end of his or her training. The ideal candidate is a key member of the organisation and whose MPAM training will be seen as vital in the organisation’s next step forward.

Applicants seeking admission to the course for the degree of Master in Public Administration and Management must have:

• •       A good honours degree (second class and above) or equivalent (e.g., a four year Bachelors degree with at least an average grade of B or equivalent), and at least five years of relevant work experience; or
• •       A good Bachelors degree and successful completion of a placement interview, and at least five years of relevant work experience; or exceptionally
• •       Other qualifications and experience subject to approval by the Board of Graduate Studies
• •       Adequate Chinese language abilities

Applicants will also be evaluated on the depth and quality of their experience and leadership capabilities as demonstrated by their professional accomplishments. All applications should preferably be supported by relevant government organizational departments.

Requirements

Candidates will be required to complete 40 modular credits (MCs) or the equivalent of 10 modules. Of the 40 MCs, 32 MCs will be met through core modules and the rest through electives.

Under special circumstances, the LKYSPP Vice-Dean (Academic Affairs), after considering the views of the MPAM Programme Director, may exempt a candidate from taking certain core modules. The candidate must then substitute the core modules with elective modules.

A full-time candidate in the MPAM programme will be expected to read the required modules over 2 semesters and a special term. 16 MCs will be read in each of the regular semesters and 8 MCs in the special term.

A candidate who fails in a core module must retake and pass the examination in that core module in a subsequent semester or the special term. A candidate who fails in an elective module may, subject to approval of the School, retake the module or choose an alternative module and pass the examination in the module in a subsequent semester or the special term.

The MPAM programme schedule and modular credit distribution is as follows:

The minimum and maximum candidature period for the MPAM degree shall be 10 months and 4 years respectively.

Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy

Admission Policy

Applicants seeking admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programme must have a good Master’s degree in a relevant discipline or a Second Class Upper Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to undertake a rigorous academic programme as demonstrated by references, and the applicant’s written analysis of past research experience. The candidate should be motivated, outward-looking, and open to new ideas. Additionally, the candidate should preferably have some background in Mathematics and Economics.

Requirements

Please refer to our website www.lkyspp.nus.edu.sg for the Ph.D. curriculum structure.

3.3        Financial Assistance

A.   Master in Public Policy (MPP)

Grants

The School provides for a number of grants to students as a form of financial assistance. Although the specific value and coverage may vary, a grant will generally cover tuition fees, as well as additional fees, and provide accommodation.

Scholarships

The scholarships below are offered on a competitive basis. Applicants must have good academic and professional records. They must also have demonstrated leadership and a desire to contribute to public service. Not all the awards will be given out unless there are candidates of sufficient merit. Scholars may not concurrently hold any other scholarship, fellowship or award without the prior approval of the School.

There is no bond or obligation for the scholar to be employed by NUS or in Singapore, except for the ANZ scholarship and the Lien Foundation scholarship.

The information below is correct at the time of printing.

Note 1: The following items are covered by the terms of the relevant scholarships:

• •      A monthly stipend throughout the period of the award
• •      A one-time book allowance
• •      A one-time settling-in allowance
• •      Shared housing
• •      Tuition, health insurance, examination and other approved fees
• •      Cost of travel from home country to Singapore on award of the scholarship
• •      Cost of travel from Singapore to home country on graduation

Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Graduate Scholarship

The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Graduate Scholarship is offered by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy to students who have demonstrated leadership and a desire to contribute to public service. This scholarship is available to all nationalities.

APEC Scholarship

The APEC Scholarship is offered by the National University of Singapore. It is available to citizens or permanent residents of the following APEC members (except Singapore): Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United States of America and Vietnam.

Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Programme

The Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Programme was established in April 1988 with financing from the Government of Japan. It aims to provide an opportunity for well-qualified citizens of ADB’s developing member countries to pursue postgraduate studies in economics, management, science and technology, and other development-related fields at participating academic institutions in the Asian and Pacific Region. Upon completion of their study programmes, scholars are expected to contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries.

The eligible ADB developing member countries are: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, People’s Republic of China, Cook Islands, Democratic Republic of East Timor, Fiji Islands, Hong Kong, China, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Maldives, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taipei, China, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam.

The scholarship is awarded for one year with an extension to the second year of study, on the condition that the scholar maintains, a satisfactory level of performance as determined by the institute.

ANZ Scholarship

The ANZ Scholarships are available to full-time students who are citizens of Vietnam. Scholars will be bonded to work for ANZ in Vietnam for two years upon graduation and complete internships at ANZ Singapore during term breaks. The successful applicants will be required to specialise in the Economic and Policy Analysis track, as well as enrol in electives selected by ANZ.

Chang Yung-fa Scholarship

The Chang Yung-fa Scholarships are available to needy but promising students.

Cheung Kong Scholarship

The Cheung Kong Scholarships are available to full-time students who are citizens of China, Hong Kong, India or ASEAN.

Hui Taumata Trust – LKYSPP Scholarship

The Hui Taumata Trust – LKYSPP Scholarships are available to students who are dedicated to accelerating Maori’s Economic Development. Interested candidates should make their enquiries and apply directly to the Hui Taumata Trust at : http://www.huitaumata.maori.nz

Hutchison Whampoa Scholarship

The Hutchison Whampoa Scholarships are available to full-time students who are citizens of China, Hong Kong, India or ASEAN.

JSC Bolashak International Scholarship

The JSC Bolashak International Scholarships are available to citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Kewalram Chanrai Scholarship

The Kewalram Chanrai Scholarship is available to students who are citizens of India.

Lien Foundation Scholarship for Social Service Leaders

The Lien Foundation Scholarship for Social Service Leaders aims to groom talent, build up capability in the social service sector and develop outstanding leaders to serve the community. These scholarships are available only to Singapore citizens or permanent residents who intend to pursue the MPP programme.

Applicants with academic excellence, a notable performance record and the potential to take up leadership positions in voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) are sought from outstanding staff of VWOs and members of the public. These scholarships are administered by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS). Please visit www.ncss.org.sg/lien for more information and to obtain the application form. Scholars will serve a bond with NCSS in a VWO after graduation.

LBKM Scholarship

The LBKM Scholarships is available to citizens of Singapore.

Mochtar Riady Scholarship

The Mochtar Riady Scholarships are available to students who are citizens of Indonesia.

NUS Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN Nationals

The NUS Graduate Scholarships for ASEAN Nationals are available to citizens or permanent residents of ASEAN countries (except Singapore).

OCBC International Master in Public Policy Scholarship

The OCBC International Master in Public Policy Scholarships are offered to bright and talented citizens of China, Malaysia or Indonesia.

Oei Hong Leong Scholarship

The Oei Hong Leong Scholarships are available to students who are citizens of China.

Papua New Guinea Simbu Province Government –LKYSPP Scholarship

The Papua New Guinea Simbu Province Government and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy offer joint scholarships to students who are recommended by the Simbu Province Government.

Papua New Guinea Department of National Planning and Monitoring – LKYSPP Scholarship

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Department of National Planning and Monitoring and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy offer joint scholarships to the staff of the PNG Department of National Planning and Monitoring.

Papua New Guinea National Department of Finance – LKYSPP Scholarship

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Department of Finance and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy offer joint scholarships to students who are recommended by the PNG National Department of Finance.

Spice Global Scholarship

The Spice Global Scholarship is available to students who are citizens of India.

Stamford Land Scholarship

The Stamford Land Scholarship is available to students who are citizens of Australia or New Zealand.

Villa Foundation Grant

The Villa Foundation of the Maldives offers partial scholarships to citizens of the Maldives who have demonstrated leadership and a desire to contribute to public service. These scholarships are subject to terms and conditions imposed by the Villa Foundation and will not cover the full costs involved in living in Singapore and studying at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy as a full-time student. For example, Villa Foundation scholars will be responsible for sourcing and paying for their own accommodation. Interested candidates should make their enquiries and apply directly to the Villa Foundation.

B.   Master in Public Administration (MPA)

Grants

The School provides for a number of grants to students. Although the specific value and coverage may vary, a grant will generally cover tuition fees, as well as additional fees, and provide accommodation. More specific information on grants will be communicated to you if you are successful in your application.

Scholarships

The scholarships below are offered on a competitive basis. Applicants must have good academic and professional records. They must also have demonstrated leadership and a desire to contribute to public service. Not all the awards will be given out unless there are candidates of sufficient merit. Scholars may not concurrently hold any other scholarship, fellowship or award without the prior approval of the School.

There is no bond or obligation for the scholar to be employed by NUS or in Singapore, except for the Lien Foundation scholarship.

The information below is correct at the time of printing.

Note 1: The following items are covered by the terms of the relevant scholarships:

• •      A monthly stipend throughout the period of the award
• •      A one-time book allowance
• •      A one-time settling-in allowance
• •      Shared housing
• •      Tuition, health insurance, examination and other approved fees
• •      Cost of travel from home country to Singapore on award of the scholarship
• •      Cost of travel from Singapore to home country on graduation

Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Graduate Scholarship

The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Graduate Scholarship is available to full-time students who have demonstrated leadership and a desire to contribute to public service. It is available to all nationalities except Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Please refer to Note 1 for the terms of scholarship.

CapitaLand LKYSPP Scholarship

The CapitaLand LKYSPP Scholarships are available to citizens of ASEAN countries (except Singapore), the People’s Republic of China and India.

Chang Yung-fa Scholarship

The Chang Yung-fa Scholarships are available to needy but promising students.

Government of Punjab – LKYSPP Scholarship

The Government of Punjab and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy offer joint scholarships to students who are recommended by the Planning and Development Department of the Government of Punjab.

Hefner Scholarship

The Hefner Scholarship was established to support promising young leaders such that they can make a significant social impact. These scholarships are available to citizens of the People’s Republic of China and United States of America.

Hui Taumata Trust – LKYSPP Scholarship

The Hui Taumata Trust – LKYSPP Scholarships are available to students who are dedicated to accelerating Maori’s Economic Development. Interested candidates should make their enquiries and apply directly to the Hui Taumata Trust at http://www.huitaumata.maori.nz

JSC Bolashak International Scholarship

The JSC Bolashak International Scholarships are available to citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Kewalram Chanrai Scholarship

The Kewalram Chanrai Scholarship is available to students who are citizens of India.

Li Ka Shing Foundation Scholarship

The Li Ka Shing Foundation Scholarships are available to full-time students who are citizens of China, Hong Kong, India or ASEAN.

Lien Foundation Scholarship for Social Service Leaders

The Lien Foundation Scholarship for Social Service Leaders aims to groom talent, build up capability in the social service sector and develop outstanding leaders to serve the community. These scholarships are available only to Singapore citizens or permanent residents who intend to pursue the MPA programme (full- or part-time).

Applicants with academic excellence, a notable performance record and the potential to take up leadership positions in voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) are sought from outstanding staff of VWOs and members of the public. These scholarships are administered by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS). Please visit www.ncss.org.sg/lien for more information and to obtain the application form. Scholars will serve a bond with NCSS in a VWO after graduation.

LBKM Scholarship

The LBKM Scholarships is available to citizens of Singapore.

Mochtar Riady Scholarship

The Mochtar Riady Scholarships are available to students who are citizens of Indonesia.

Oei Hong Leong Scholarship

The Oei Hong Leong Scholarships are available to students who are citizens of China.

Papua New Guinea Simbu Province Government – LKYSPP Scholarship

The Papua New Guinea Simbu Province Government and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy offer joint scholarships to students who are recommended by the Simbu Province Government.

Papua New Guinea Department of National Planning and Monitoring – LKYSPP Scholarship

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Department of National Planning and Monitoring and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy offer joint scholarships to the staff of the PNG Department of National Planning and Monitoring.

Papua New Guinea National Department of Finance – LKYSPP Scholarship

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Department of Finance and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy offer joint scholarships to students who are recommended by the PNG National Department of Finance.

Rodamas – LKYSPP Scholarship

PT Rodamas Company and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy offer a joint scholarship to students who are citizens of Indonesia.

Sequislife – LKYSPP Scholarship

PT Sequislife Company and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy offer a joint scholarship to students who are citizens of Indonesia.

Spice Global Scholarship

The Spice Global Scholarship is available to students who are citizens of India.

Stamford Land Scholarship

The Stamford Land Scholarship is available to students who are citizens of Australia or New Zealand.

Villa Foundation Grant

The Villa Foundation of the Maldives offers partial scholarships to citizens of the Maldives who have demonstrated leadership and a desire to contribute to public service. These scholarships are subject to terms and conditions imposed by the Villa Foundation and will not cover the full costs involved in living in Singapore and studying at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy as a full-time student. For example, Villa Foundation scholars will be responsible for sourcing and paying for their own accommodation. Interested candidates should make their enquiries and apply directly to the Villa Foundation.

C.    Master in Public Management (MPM)

The Scholarships/Fellowships below are offered on a competitive basis to recognise outstanding MPM candidates who have clearly demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and are committed to public service. A Scholarship/Fellowship fully finances the candidates education in the Master in Public Management programme.

Due to the prestige of the Scholarship/Fellowship, not all awards will be made unless there are candidates of sufficient merit. In addition to meeting the stringent criteria for entry into the MPM programme, all Fellows/Scholars should also demonstrate exceptional academic ability and professional distinction.

Fellows/Scholars may not concurrently hold any other scholarship, fellowship or award without the prior approval of the School.

There is no bond or obligation for the Fellow to be employed by NUS or in Singapore.

The information below is correct at the time of printing.

Note 1: Each Scholarship/Fellowship provides for the following expenses:

• •       A monthly stipend throughout the period of the award
• •       A one-time book allowance
• •       A one-time settling-in allowance
• •       Shared housing
• •       Tuition, examination, health insurance and other approved fees
• •       Tuition fees and accommodation at partner university
• •       Cost of travel from home country to Singapore on award of the Scholarship/Fellowship
• •       Cost of travel from Singapore to partner university
• •       Cost of travel from partner university to Singapore
• •       Cost of travel from Singapore to home country on graduation

Lee Kuan Yew Fellowship/Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Graduate Fellowship

The fellowship is available to all nationals (except Singaporeans). Please refer to Note 1 for the terms of this Fellowship.

Government of Punjab – LKYSPP Scholarship

The Government of Punjab and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy offer joint Scholarships to students who are recommended by the Planning and Development Department of the Government of Punjab. Please refer to Note 1 for the terms of this Scholarship.

3.4        Awards

Master in Public Management Prizes

• •     Lee Kuan Yew Prize for the Best Master in Public Management Student
• •     WyWy Gold Medal for Best Attachment Paper

Master in Public Administration Prizes

• •     Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Prize for the Best Master in Public Administration Student
• •     Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Gold Medal for the Best MPA Capstone Paper

Master in Public Policy Prizes

• •     Lee Kuan Yew Prize for the Best Master in Public Policy Student
• •     WyWy Gold Medal for Best Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE)