FAQs

Programme Information

  1. What is the length of the MPP programme? Is it offered on a part-time basis?
    The MPP programme requires 64 Modular Credits (MCS) for graduation, taken taken over 2 year (4 semesters). The programme is offered on a full time basis. Part-time option is not available for the MPP.
  2. When will the classes for the MPP programme commence?
    The classes commence in early August. However, you are required to be on campus for the orientation around end of July.
  3. Is there an internship requirement for an MPP student?
    Internship is not compulsory. However, students can choose to take up an internship after their second semester.
  4. Does the school have any requirement regarding the academic or professional background of a candidate?
    There are no firm prerequisites. However, the admissions committee looks for the candidate’s ability to undertake quantitative coursework. Therefore, students are strongly encourage to have some background in economics and mathematics, although this is not compulsory.
  5. How many students are there in the MPP programme? What percentage of the cohort is international?
    There are approximately 60-80 students in each MPP cohort every year. Including the MPP Juniors (1st year) and MPP Seniors (2nd year) there are between 120-180 students. Of these almost 80% are international representing over 25 countries.
  6. Do you have options for a double degree programme?
    Yes, MPP students can qualify to pursue a second degree with partner institutions including Columbia SIPA, University of Geneva, Sciences Po, LSE and University of Tokyo. To qualify, MPP students must obtain a minimum GPA of 4.0 in the first semester of the programme at LKY School; satisfy the admissions requirements of the partner university; and receive a final admission offer. Admission to double degree programme is competitive. Additionally, MPP students have the option of pursuing a double degree at NUS Business School (MPP-MBA) or NUS Law School (MPP-LLM). Please note that minimum requirements do not imply automatic acceptance into the Double Degree Programme.
  7. Are there any student exchange options?
    MPP students can also benefit from semester exchanges in the second year. We have approximately 16 exchange partners including Tsinghua University, China; University of Tokyo, Japan, Seoul National University, South Korea; Hertie School of Governance, Germany; and Georgetown University, United States to name a few. A full list of exchange partners can be viewed here.
  8. How do I apply for a double degree and/or student exchange?
    Qualified MPP students apply for the double degree or semester exchange in the second semester of their first year. A briefing will be conducted during the first semester of their first year.
  9. What is the course structure?
    You are required to take four common modules:
    • Policy Challenges;
    • Policy Process and Institutions;
    • Economic Foundations for Public Policy; and
    • Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE)
  10. What are the specialisations offered?
    The MPP programme offers the following specialisations:
    • Economic Policy and Analysis
    • Politics and International Relations
    • Social, Environmental and Urban Policy

    Students may also opt not to specialise and may choose to read five elective modules.

    For more information please visit here.

  11. Can I take elective modules at other faculties within National University ofSingapore?
    Yes. MPP Students may register for a maximum of 3 Elective modules offered in other postgraduate programmes, such as Business Administration, Economics, Political Science and Southeast Asian Studies. However, these elective must be of level 5000 and they are subjected to approval from the school.
  12. What is the difference between MPP and MPA?
    The 2-year MPP programme is targeted at young professionals with up to 5 years of work experience. The curriculum is designed to provide the next generation of practitioners and analysts a rigorous programme to develop a strong foundation in policy analysis, programme evaluation and management. There is a strong focus on quantitative methods.

    The 1-year MPA programme is catered for mid-career managers/officers with 5-15 years of work experience. It is more transitional and suitable for students pivoting into areas of higher management and leadership. It provides an intensive, interdisciplinary understanding training to students preparing to address increasingly complex international and global challenges and governance.

    Although the two programmes of MPP and MPA take a global perspective on challenges facing the world, they are distinctive in their approach and focus. 

Admissions Criteria

  1. How do I know if I qualify for the MPP programme?
    The admission requirements and criteria are stated here. 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.
  2. As a fresh graduate, am I eligible to apply for the MPP programme?
    It is recommended to have at least two years of full-time work experience before applying for the programme.
  3. I applied last year and was rejected. Am I eligible to apply for a second time?
    Yes. Applicants are treated as new applicants in every admission period. Last application results will not affect your new application.
  4. Is there an age limit for applying MPP?
    No, but the average age of MPP students is 26 years (age range is 20-32 years old).
  5. I don’t have an educational background or work experience in relevant field, but I’m interested in Public Policy. Am I eligible to apply for MPP?
    Yes, MPP programme is open to all applicants who are interested in public policy, but some background in international relations, governance, economics or mathematics is an important advantage.

Financial Aid and Tuition Fees

  1. What are the different types of financial aids that the School offers?
    The School offers scholarships.
  2. Is there a scholarship that I could apply for?
    Yes, we have a list of financial aid or scholarships that are available when you apply for the programmes. Please refer here.
  3. What is covered in a scholarship?
    A scholarship will cover the following:
    • MOE (Ministry of Education) Subsidised Tuition fees
    • A monthly stipend throughout the period of scholarship awarded
    • A one-time book allowance
    • A one-time settling-in allowance (except for Singaporeans)
    • Shared housing (except for Singaporeans)
    • Tuition, health insurance, examination and other approved fees
    • Cost of travel from home country to Singapore at the beginning of the programme (except for Singaporeans)
    • Cost of travel from Singapore to home country upon graduation (except for Singaporeans)
    • Cost of travel from Singapore to home country upon graduation (except for Singaporeans)
  4. What are the criteria for being awarded financial aid?
    Our financial aids are awarded based on merit. The Scholarship Committee evaluates applications for strong public sector commitment, leadership potential, relevant work experience, outstanding academic results and reference reports.
  5. What are my chances of being awarded financial aid?
    Approximately, half of our international students receive financial aid.
  6. How do I apply for financial aid?
    You can indicate in your online application that you require financial aid, and the Admission Committee will consider your application for those who are eligible.
  7. When will I know if my application for financial aid is successful?
    Outcome of financial aid application is communicated together with the admission offer.
  8. Do I need to submit the proof of funding?
    Yes, self-funding students are required to submit proof of funding at the time of admission.
  9. If I am awarded the scholarship, will it also cover for my double degree with partner universities?
    No, the scholarship is provided for your studies at the LKY School only.
  10. If I am awarded the scholarship, will it also cover for my exchange with partner universities?
    Yes, your exchange with Partner University will be covered by the scholarship, T&C remains. Extra expenses will not be covered.
  11. I am an international student who has never studied in Singapore, am I ligible for the subsidised tuition fees?Yes, you are eligible for subsidised tuition fees.
  12. I am an international student and I had previously completed a graduate programme with subsidised tuition fees at one of the universities in Singapore, am I eligible for the subsidised tuition fees for this programme?
    No, you are required to pay the full tuition fees without the subsidies. Please refer here.
  13. I am a Singapore citizen/ permanent resident and I have never done a graduate programme with subsidised tuition fees, am I eligible for the subsidised tuition fees for this programme?
    Yes, you are eligible for subsidised tuition fees.
  14. I am a Singapore citizen/ permanent resident and I had previously completed a graduate programme with subsidised tuition fees at one of the universities in Singapore. Am I eligible for the subsidised tuition fees for this programme?
    No, you are required to pay the full tuition fees without the subsidies. Please refer here.
  15. I am a Singapore citizen/ permanent resident and I was previously awarded a Singapore government sponsorship to study graduate programme, am I eligible for the subsidised tuition fees for this programme?
    No, you are required to pay the full tuition fees without the subsidies. Please refer here.
  16. Is the cost of study trip included in the tuition fees for the MPP programme?
    Yes, it is included.

Standardised Test Scores

 

  1. What are the minimum scores required for TOEFL and IELTS?
    While the Admissions Committee does not set minimum scores for admissibility, experience suggests that successful applicants usually achieve or exceed the following scores:
    • 600 on the TOEFL paper-based test
    • 100 on the TOEFL internet-based test
    • 7.0 on the IELTS academic test

    For more information about the TOEFL or IELTS, and for instructions on registering, please visit their respective websites: TOEFL and IELTS. Scores for the TOEFL and IELTS are valid for two years.

  2. Is TOEFL / IELTS required if the medium of instruction of my undergraduate or graduate studies is English?
    TOEFL /IELTS is mandatory for all applicants except those with Bachelor’s degree conducted entirely in English.
  3. Instead of IELTS or TOEFL scores, can the applicant submit a certificate of English proficiency certified by the employer?
    No, we only accept standardised test results, such as IELTS and TOEFL.
  4. Is GRE/GMAT required?
    No, but applicants are encouraged to submit their GRE/GMAT scores as a supporting document.
  5. What are the Institution Codes for submission?
    • TOEFL – B013
    • IELTS – No codes required
    • GRE – 7541
    • GMAT – DRT-SF-36 (for MPP)

General Information

  1. Could I visit the campus?
    Yes, please write to us to make an appointment for a meeting and a tour of School’s facilities.
  2. What is the estimated cost to live in Singapore?
    As a self-financing candidate, the estimated monthly living cost for students living in Singapore would be from S$2,020 to S$2,725. 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.
  3. Where could I stay during the course of the programme?
    Our College Green accommodation is available and located close to the school. Each housing unit at College Green has 4 bedrooms so four students will share one housing unit, each with his/her own bedroom.

    You can visit the NUS Office of Student Affairs website for more information on other hostels. Most are not located near the Bukit Timah Campus so do have a careful look.

  4. What are the rates for the hostel?
    The registration of the rooms at the hostels are at first come first serve basis, read here for more info for rates.
  5. Can I bring a family to live here?
    Yes, you may but you would have to provide housing and all living expenses for your immediate family. However, College Green is only for students. You may contact NUS Office of Housing Services directly for information about bigger housing for rent for married couples and children.
  6. Could my spouse or I work here in Singapore on my study visa?
    Upon admission to the school, you will get a study visa which allows you to work for 16 hours per week. If your spouse accompanies you, he/she could apply for on a long term social visit pass. If you are intending your spouse to find work here while you are studying, he/she would need to get their social visit pass first to find work in Singapore, and then convert to a working visa. For more info on Singapore’s visa law and work visas, visit the Ministry of Manpower website here.
  7. Is there an info session in my country?
    Yes, there are info sessions in certain countries. Please refer to this link for Info-session in your country.
  8. Do I have to attend the orientation programme, and when do official classes start?
    Yes. All students are expected to attend the orientation that would start in late July upon admissions. Official classes start during 1st week of August.
  9. Do you have a list of Student Profiles so I could see the type of students applying to the School?
    Yes, you can learn more about our student profiles for various programmes here.
  10. Is there an alumnus/a that I could contact if I have questions about the programme?
    You can visit our Alumni LinkedIn page at where you can ask questions
  11. Do you accept transfer or occasional students?
    No, students at the MPP have to be admitted through the regular admission process and join the programme in the first year. Only students from one of our dual degree partner programmes admitted through the dual degree admission process can join in the second year directly and transfer their credits from their first year.
  12. Can I apply for a PhD programme after the MPP?
    Some MPP students have pursued PhDs after their degree, either at the LKY School or elsewhere. The MPP, however, is a professional degree and aims to train students for professional positions rather than academic careers. There is no guarantee of a place in the LKY School PhD programme after you graduate from the MPP programme.
  13. Will there be any career advice given by the school?
    Yes, Career Talks, seminars and professional development workshops are held to guide students in developing skills for finding work and employment. For more information visit here.
  14. Could I audit LKY School modules as an NUS undergraduate?
    Yes, you could audit, but you are advised to write directly to the faculty for permission. Once permission is granted, our administrator will grant you access to the module’s IVLE (internal school email system).
  15. Could I register for cross faculty modules in the course?
    Only MPP & MPA students may register for a maximum of 3 elective modules (2 modules for MPA) offered in other postgraduate programmes, such as Business Administration, Economics, Political Science and Southeast Asian Studies. Please check with the Admissions Department for further information.
  16. What if I have other questions?
    Please click here to submit an inqury form.

Enquiries

Aside from the comprehensive information on our admissions page, if you have any other queries or would like to receive a copy of our programme brochure, please submit your request via our query form. Alternatively, +65 65168004.