Lee Kuan Yew PhD Scholarship 2026 is now accepting applications for outstanding candidates seeking a fully funded doctoral opportunity at the prestigious National University of Singapore. This scholarship is designed for both local and international students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence and strong research potential in public policy and governance. Candidates with a Master’s degree and relevant experience are highly encouraged to apply.
The scholarship provides comprehensive support, including full tuition coverage and a generous monthly stipend of up to SGD 3,300 after qualifying exams. Singaporean recipients also receive additional CPF contributions. Beyond financial support, the program aims to cultivate future leaders in public policy, empowering scholars to make meaningful contributions to regional and global policy development.
Benefits
- Full Tuition Fee Covered for PhD studies
- Monthly Stipend (pre-Qualifying Exam):
- Singapore Citizens: SGD 2,800
- Singapore Permanent Residents: SGD 2,400
- International Students: SGD 2,200
- Stipend Increase after Qualifying Exam: All categories receive an additional SGD 500/month
- CPF Contributions: On top of the stipend for Singapore citizens
- No Service Bonds or Requirements: Scholars are free of service obligations
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Open to Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, and international students
- Academic Qualifications: A relevant Master’s degree is required
- Applicants with at least 2 years of work experience are preferred.
- Academic Interests: Strong background in social sciences and demonstrated interest in international affairs/public policy
Required Documents for Lee Kuan Yew PhD Scholarship 2026
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates
- Upload your degree certificates and transcripts, including the grading scale.
- Certified/notarised copies accepted if originals are not available.
- Provide English translations if needed.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Include academic, professional, and personal achievements with dates, responsibilities, and supervisor’s details.
- Test Scores
- GRE is strongly encouraged.
- If the degree was not taught in English and a GRE is not submitted, then a TOEFL or IELTS score is required.
- Suggested TOEFL: overall 100 with Writing subscore of 27; IELTS: overall 7.0 with Writing score of 7.0.
- Two Academic Reference Letters
- Must be academic in nature.
- Referees should provide insight into your academic ability and research potential.
- Research Proposal (~2,000 words, excluding bibliography)
- Include key research question, significance, literature overview, methodology, and a tentative title.
- Statement of Purpose (≤1,000 words)
- Discuss your motivation for a PhD, research interests, background, choice of LKYSPP, and career plans.
- Writing Sample
- Submit a sample of academic or published writing.
- Supervisor Preferences
- Provide up to three preferred LKYSPP faculty supervisors (full-time professors only).
- Explain the reasons for your choices and mention whether you have obtained their consent.
Note: For further clarification, you may check the details
How to Apply?
- Application Window: PhD admission and scholarship applications at NUS are open annually from August 1 to December 10.
- Application Platform: Apply through NUS GradApp, indicating interest in both admission and the Lee Kuan Yew PhD Scholarship.
- Documents & Submission: Upload all required files and provide referee details; the system will contact referees automatically.
- Shortlisting & Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
- Outcome: Scholarship decisions usually follow admission review, typically between late December and early next year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Lee Kuan Yew PhD Scholarship 2026 offers fully funded doctoral studies at NUS for Singaporean and international students. It includes tuition, a monthly stipend, and no service bonds. Eligible candidates apply via GradApp, submit two references, and meet academic and research criteria.
What is the Lee Kuan Yew PhD Scholarship 2026?
The Lee Kuan Yew PhD Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded doctoral award offered by the National University of Singapore. It supports outstanding candidates pursuing research in public policy at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
Who is eligible for the Lee Kuan Yew PhD Scholarship 2026?
Eligibility requires a relevant Master’s degree with strong academic performance. Preference is given to applicants with at least two years of work experience and a background in social sciences or a keen interest in international affairs.
What benefits does the Lee Kuan Yew PhD Scholarship 2026 offer?
The scholarship provides full tuition coverage for PhD studies along with a monthly stipend. Singapore citizens receive SGD 2,800, permanent residents SGD 2,400, and international students SGD 2,200, increasing by SGD 500 after the qualifying exam.
How long does the scholarship last?
The typical award period for PhD students is three years. This duration covers the full course of doctoral research, including time for completing the dissertation and other academic requirements.
Are there any service or bond requirements?
No service commitments or bond requirements are attached to the Lee Kuan Yew PhD Scholarship 2026. Scholars are free to pursue their academic work without obligations to specific employers or organizations.
What is the application period for the scholarship?
Applications for admission and the Lee Kuan Yew PhD Scholarship 2026 open annually from August 1 to December 10. This window applies to the Semester 1 intake at the National University of Singapore.
How can I apply for the scholarship?
Applicants apply for the scholarship through the NUS GradApp portal as part of their admissions application. They must also meet any additional scholarship-specific requirements listed in the application guidelines.
Are GRE or English test scores required?
While the official page does not explicitly mandate GRE or English tests, applicants should follow admissions requirements for NUS PhD programs. Degrees not taught in English may require TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Can international students apply?
Yes, international students are fully eligible for the Lee Kuan Yew PhD Scholarship 2026. They can receive the standard monthly stipend of SGD 2,200, which increases by SGD 500 after passing the PhD qualifying exam.
What documents are required to apply?
Applicants must submit academic transcripts, degree certificates, a CV, a research proposal, a statement of purpose, a writing sample, and details of two referees. Documents not in English must include certified translations.
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