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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 
Master in Public Policy Programme
General Information
- Is this programme available via distance learning?
No, it is conducted only on-campus.
- When will the classes for the MPP programme commence?
A 2-week orientation in late-July will take place prior to the actual commencement of classes in early-August.
- Is there an internship component in MPP?
Students do not have an internship as part of the MPP unless they are enrolled in one of our double degree programmes with partner institutions Columbia University, London School of Economics & Political Science and Sciences Po. However, they may choose to work with a client organization in developing their Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE), which is a practice-based policy project.
- How many international students does the school accept each year?
International students form about 80% of our student cohorts.
- Does the school have any requirement on the academic background of a candidate?
Our candidates come from a variety of backgrounds. It is not critical for an applicant to be a graduate in politics or sociology etc. Candidates should preferably have some background in Economics and Mathematics, although this is not compulsory.
- How big is the MPP class size?
We usually have about 60 students in the core courses.
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Qualifications
- How do I know if I qualify for the MPP programme?
The admission requirements and criteria are stated on the application booklet. Please note that minimum requirements do not imply automatic admission into the school. You may send in your application if you meet the basic requirements.
- As a fresh graduate, am I eligible to apply for the MPP programme?
Yes, you are eligible to apply for the MPP programme. To be considered for the MPP programme, you must have a good degree and preferably have some background in economics and mathematics. We do prefer applicants who have some work experience or internship experience in public sector organisations.
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Standardised Test Scores
- What are the minimum scores required for TOEFL and IELTS?
For TOEFL, the minimum score required is 580 (paper-based test), 237 (computer-based test) and 85 (internet-based test). For IELTS, a minimum score of 6.5 is required.
- Can I apply for the programme if my TOEFL or IELTS score does not meet the requirement?
A score below the minimum required standard does not rule you out from applying. The Admissions Committee will review all aspects of your application.
- Is TOEFL / IELTS required if the medium of instruction of my undergraduate or graduate studies is English?
Test scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) must be submitted for all international applicants except those whose undergraduate or graduate degrees are from English-medium institutions in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
- Instead of IELTS or TOEFL scores, can the applicant submit a certificate of English proficiency certified by the employer?
Standardised test scores, e.g. TOEFL or IELTS are preferred.
- Is GRE required?
No, but applicants are encouraged to take the GRE and submit their scores. The code to submit results is 0677: National University of Singapore 4801: Public Administration.
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Scholarships / Financial Aid
- What are the scholarships being offered?
The scholarships available for the MPP programme are the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Graduate Scholarship, APEC Scholarship, Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Programme, Cheung Kong Scholarship, Hui Taumata Trust – LKYSPP Scholarship, Hutchison Whampoa Scholarship, JSC Bolashak International Scholarship, NUS Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN Nationals, OCBC International Master in Public Policy Scholarship, Papua New Guinea Simbu Province Government - LKYSPP Scholarship, Papua New Guinea Department of National Planning and Monitoring – LKYSPP Scholarship, Papua New Guinea National Department of Finance – LKYSPP Scholarship, Standard Chartered LKY SPP Scholarship, The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Scholarship, Temasek Scholarship, and Villa Foundation Grant. More information on the scholarships and grants can be found here.
- How do I apply for the scholarships that I am eligible for?
The Financial Aid Application Form can be found on the application booklet, which is available on the Apply for MPP now page.
- Can I apply for more than one scholarship to increase my chances of being awarded one?
Yes, but this will not increase your chances of attaining a scholarship. The scholarship committee will consider all applications on equal grounding, regardless of the number of scholarships a candidate has applied for. You have to indicate no more than three scholarships to which you wish to apply, and rank them in order of preference. Scholarships are available to both Singapore citizens and permanent residents of Singapore, and international students.
- Is there any other financial aid available besides the scholarships mentioned?
You can apply for financial assistance from the various foundations and international agencies in your country. LKY SPP would be pleased to confirm your MPP application status if requested. The School also provides a number of grants. More information on grants can be found on the Application Booklet.
- What is the age limit for application to the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Scholarships?
There is no age limit. Scholarships are offered on competitive basis.
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Full-time / Part-time Programme
- Is the MPP programme offered on a part-time basis?
No, MPP is not offered on a part-time basis.
- What is the length of this MPP Programme?
This is a full-time programme that requires 4 semesters (about 24 months) of full-time study.
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Other Programmes
- Do you offer other programmes beside the MPP?
The School also offers the Master in Public Administration (MPA), Master in Public Management (MPM), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Senior Management Programme (SMP) and Executive Training Programmes.
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Tuition Fees and Other Expenses
- What are the tuition fees?
The tuition fee for Singapore citizens and permanent residents is S$4,040 per semester. The tuition fee for international students is S$5,335 per semester. Details of other payable fees can be found in the Application Booklet.
- As an international student, how much do I need to set aside for living expenses for the entire duration of the course?
Please refer to the table below for an estimate of the living costs per month:
| Off Campus Accommodation (Room rental in private apartment / house) |
S$900–S$1,300 |
| Food (University canteens) |
S$200–S$300 |
| Food (Meals outside campus) |
S$440–S$525 |
| Books / Supplies (depends on course of study) |
S$80–S$100 |
| In-country transportation (Public bus / MRT) |
S$250–S$300 |
| Personal expenses (Toiletries, clothings, miscellaneous) |
S$150–S$200 |
| Estimated cost of living |
S$1,580–S$2,425 per month |
N/B: The costs have been derived based on a conservative estimate of a reasonably comfortable lifestyle. The actual amount could be higher or lower depending on the individual student’s expenditure and lifestyle pattern.
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Application Procedure
- What is the application procedure?
Please refer to pages 3-5 of the application booklet. Interested candidates should submit all required documents to the School before 15 February 2013. If a candidate is shortlisted, there will be an interview. This may be a face-to-face interview in the candidate’s home country or a telephone interview. Additionally, there will also be a test to determine a candidate’s English proficiency and quantitative skills.
- I am still waiting for some documents (e.g. reference letters) to reach me and may miss the application deadline. What can I do?
You may send in the application form and the available materials before the deadline and furnish the rest later, before the application deadline of 15 February 2013. We strongly encourage candidates to send us complete applications.
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Application Form
- How do I obtain an application form for the MPP programme 2013?
You will be able to download the MPP2013 application form from September 2012, which is available on the Apply for MPP now page.
- Can I use the application form from previous years?
No, you are required to use the latest application form.
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Application Fee
- How much is the application fee?
The application fee has been waived.
- Is there a need to pay for the application fee when applying for a scholarship or grant?
You do not need to make payment. Application fee has been waived.
- How do I make payment for the application fee?
You do not need to make payment. Application fee has been waived.
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Outcome of Application
- When will I know the outcome of my application?
The outcome of the applications for the MPP programme 2013/2014 will be announced around May 2013.
- How will I be informed of the outcome?
All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application in writing, via e-mail and post.
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For enquiries, please contact (65) 6516-6134 or email to
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