Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy PhD Scholarship (LKYSPP) is a fully funded doctoral opportunity at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Located in one of Asia’s most dynamic policy hubs, this scholarship attracts aspiring scholars from across the globe—including Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region—who seek advanced training in public policy, international relations, and governance.
Unlike many government-funded scholarships, this award carries no service bonds or post-study employment commitments, giving graduates complete freedom to pursue academic or professional careers worldwide.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The LKYSPP PhD Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support throughout your doctoral studies:
- Full tuition coverage for the duration of the program
- Monthly stipend with rates varying by nationality and academic progress:
| Status | Before Qualifying Exam | After Qualifying Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Citizens | SGD $2,800/month | SGD $3,300/month |
| Singapore Permanent Residents | SGD $2,400/month | SGD $2,900/month |
| International Students | SGD $2,200/month | SGD $2,700/month |
The award is typically granted for three years, providing stable financial support throughout the core research period.
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Eligible Fields of Study
This scholarship supports doctoral research in policy-relevant disciplines including:
- Government and Public Administration
- Political Science and International Relations
- Political Science and Public Administration
- Public Administration
- International Relations
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- International Relations and Strategic Studies
- International Studies
- International Studies and Diplomacy
Who Can Apply
The scholarship is open to candidates from 250+ countries and territories, including all African nations. Specific eligibility requirements include:
- Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, or International Students
- Intention to pursue a graduate programme at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
- Minimum 2 years of work experience
- Academic background in Social Science with demonstrated interest in international affairs
- Possession of a relevant Master’s degree
For applicants from Zimbabwe and SADC countries, this represents a rare opportunity to access world-class policy training without the restrictive bonds common to many development scholarships.
Language Requirements
No specific English language proficiency test is explicitly required for the scholarship itself. However, as NUS is an English-medium institution, strong English skills are essential for academic success. Check the university’s general admission requirements for any language test requirements.
How to Apply
The application process is integrated with your PhD program admission:
- Submit your PhD application through GradApp (NUS’s graduate admissions portal)
- Complete the additional scholarship application requirements within the same platform
- Ensure all supporting documents demonstrate your policy research potential and relevant experience
There is no separate scholarship essay required.
Application Timeline
The scholarship operates on a structured timeline:
- Application Opens: Currently accepting applications
- Application Deadline: December 10, 2026
- Review Period: Applications under review; candidates being assessed
- Results Published: Winners announced after assessment phase
Why This Matters for African Applicants
For Zimbabwean and SADC region scholars, the LKYSPP PhD Scholarship offers distinct advantages:
- No service bond: Unlike many Commonwealth or bilateral scholarships, you are not required to return to your home country after graduation
- Regional relevance: Singapore’s development trajectory offers applicable lessons for African governance and economic policy
- Global network: Access to policymakers across Asia, Africa, and beyond
- Competitive stipend: Even the pre-qualification rate of SGD $2,200/month exceeds many fully funded scholarships in Europe or North America
Strategic Considerations
Given the 2-year work experience requirement and Master’s degree prerequisite, this scholarship targets mid-career professionals and recent Master’s graduates rather than direct bachelor’s-to-PhD applicants. Candidates from Zimbabwe’s civil service, NGOs, or research institutions may find their experience particularly competitive.
The December 2026 deadline allows substantial preparation time for required documents, including academic transcripts, Master’s degree certification, and evidence of professional experience.
Official scholarship page: https://scholarsregion.com/scholarship/lee-kuan-yew-yjignb
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships