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MASTER IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMME
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Information
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Is this programme available via distance learning?
No, it is conducted only on-campus.
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Is the MPA programme offered on a part-time basis?
Yes, it is offered to students located in Singapore. The duration of the part-time course is 4 years. Please click here for programme fee structure.
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What is the duration for the MPA programme?
The full-time and part-time MPA programme takes 1 and 4 years respectively to complete.
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When will the classes for the MPA programme commence?
A 3-week orientation in late-July will take place prior to the actual commencement of classes in early/mid-August.
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When will the course schedule for the 2008/2009 programme be available?
The course schedule will be available in June 2008.
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What time are lessons for the part-time programme?
6:30 pm to 9:30 pm on weekdays.
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Do full-time students have to attend evening lessons?
Yes, some classes are combined with part-timers and will be held in the evenings.
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How many lessons per week will there be?
There will usually be one 3-hour lesson per week for each module. Full-time and part-time students normally do 4 and 2 modules respectively a semester.
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How many international students does the school accept each year?
International students form about 80% of our student cohorts.
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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.
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How big is the MPA class size?
We usually have 60 students in each class.
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I am from the private sector, how can the course be relevant to me? Can I apply?
Public policy and public administration graduates work in a wide range of organisations and in a wide range of positions and there is a growing trend for corporations to hire public policy graduates because they need to understand and respond to public policy changes.
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Qualifications
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How do I know if I qualify for the MPA programme?
The admission requirements and criteria are stated on page 3 of 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.
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As a fresh graduate, am I eligible to apply for the MPA programme?
No, you would need at least five years' full-time work experience for the MPA programme.
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One of the admission criteria states that an applicant to the MPA would be in his or her 30s. I am only 27, can I apply?
Yes you may apply if you have accumulated the required work experience. The age range stipulated is only a guide.
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If I am currently serving in the public sector but have only 4 years of working experience, will my application still be considered?
Yes, it will be considered
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Standardised Test Scores
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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.
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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.
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Is TOEFL / IELTS required if the medium of instruction of my undergraduate or graduate studies is English?
No, TOEFL / IELTS is not required in such a case.
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Instead of IELTS or TOEFL scores, can the applicant submit a certificate of English proficiency certified by the employer?
No, this would not be accepted.
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Is GRE required?
No, but applicants are encouraged to take the GRE and submit their scores.
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Scholarships / Financial Aid
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What are the scholarships being offered?
The scholarships available for the MPP programme are the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Graduate Scholarship, CapitaLand LKYSPP Scholarship, Hefner Scholarship, Lien Foundation Scholarship for Social Service Leaders, Papua New Guinea Simbu Province Government - LKYSPP Scholarship, Rodamas - LKYSPP Scholarship, Sequislife - LKYSPP Scholarship, Standard Chartered LKYSPP Scholarship, and Villa Foundation LKYSPP Scholarship. Grants are available for full-time MPA programme only. Singaporeans undertaking the part-time MPA programme is eligible to apply for the Lien Foundation Scholarship. More information on the scholarships and grants can be found here.
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How do I apply for the scholarships that I am eligible for?
The Financial Aid Application Form can be found on page 42 of the application booklet.
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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 3 scholarships to which you wish to apply, and rank them in order of preference. Scholarships and grants are available only to international students.
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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. LKYSPP would be pleased to confirm your MPA application status if requested. The School also provides a number of grants to international students.
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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
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Can a student switch from part-time to full-time during the course?
Yes, however the change must be effected before the due date for payment of fees for the semester in question.
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Other Programmes
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Do you offer other programmes beside the MPA?
The School also offers the Master in Public Policy (MPP), Master in Public Management (MPM), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Senior Management Programme (SMP) and Executive Training Programmes.
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Can I apply for the MPA and MPP at the same time?
Yes you can. However, you are required to submit two separate applications. You should apply for the programme that is more relevant to your work and career needs.
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Tuition Fees and Other Expenses
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What are the tuition fees for the full-time and part-time programme?
Singapore citizens and permanent residents pay about SG$6,200 and SG$3,500 per year for the full-time and part-time programme respectively. International students pay about SG$6,750 and SG$3,750 per year for the full-time and part-time programme respectively. Details of other payable fees can be found on page 10 of the application booklet.
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Application Procedure
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What is the application procedure?
Please refer to page 21 - 23 of the application booklet. Interested candidates should submit all required documents to the school before 31 January 2008. Two interviews dates will be available for candidates from China, Europe, Japan, Korea, South Africa, and United States of America. There is no difference between the two application deadlines. 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. In addition, there will also be a test to determine a candidate’s English proficiency and quantitative skills.
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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.
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How do I obtain an application form for the MPA programme 2008/2009
Please click here to download the application booklet.
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Can I use the application form from previous years?
No, you are required to submit the current application booklet.
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Application Fee
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How much is the application fee?
The application fee is SG$30 or US$20 (non-refundable).
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How do I make payment for the application fee?
A non-refundable fee of SG$30 or US$20 is required for each application. Please attach a bank draft (drawn on a bank in Singapore) for the appropriate amount made payable to "NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE". (For applicants residing in Singapore, local cheques will be accepted). Please write your name and "2008 MPA" at the back of the cheque/draft. Payment by telegraphic transfer will not be accepted. Applicants who send cash do so at their own risk. Please note that your application will be processed only upon receipt of the course application fee. Your cheque/draft must also be accompanied by the Application Fee form found on page 39 of the application booklet. More information on the purchasing of bank draft can be found here.
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Outcome of Application
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When will I know the outcome of my application?
The outcome of the applications for the MPA programme 2008/2009 will be announced around May 2008.
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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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Applying for a Bank Draft
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What is a bank draft?
A bank draft is a cheque drawn on a bank and is used when the recipient resides in another country. It is sometimes also called a demand draft.
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How do I get a bank draft?
The procedure varies from one country to another. In most countries, you will be able to arrange for a bank draft from an established bank.
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Who should I make the bank draft payable to?
It should be made payable to “National University of Singapore”.
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Should I pay in US dollars or Singapore dollars?
You should ask the bank if it is able to draw up a bank draft in either US dollars or Singapore dollars. Most banks would be able to transact in US dollars. The University does not have a particular preference for either currency. We would like to provide you with the flexibility of selecting the currency in which you wish to pay.
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Do I have to complete any forms when purchasing a bank draft?
Yes, banks will usually require you to complete a form to provide details of the bank draft. The essential elements in the form would be the amount and currency (USD20 or S$30); payee (National University of Singapore); and address of payee (Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS, 469C Bukit Timah Road, #02-01, Singapore 259772).
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Will there be a transaction charge imposed by the bank?
Yes, the bank will usually charge an administrative fee.
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Do I need to write anything on the reverse of the bank draft?
Yes, please indicate clearly on the reverse of the bank draft, your name, country of origin and programme to which you are applying.
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If I have a friend/relative who is in Singapore, can I ask him to pay the application fee for me?
Yes, you may ask him to send us a local cheque of S$30, payable to “National University of Singapore”. He should indicate clearly on the reverse of the cheque that it is for the payment of application fees. Please ask him to indicate your name and the programme that you are applying for. You should also email us to let us know that you are making this arrangement for the payment of the application fee.
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If my friend is presently a student of NUS, can I ask him to pay the application fee for me?
Yes, he may come to the School to make the payment in cash.
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If I am in Singapore but do not operate a bank account with cheque book facilities, how can I make payment of application fees?
You can purchase a money order from any Post Office in Singapore. The money order should be made payable to “National University of Singapore”. You will need to indicate your name and programme you are applying for on the reverse of the money order.
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