MASTER IN PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMME

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• General Information
• Qualifications
• Standardised Test Scores
• Scholarships / Financial Aid
• Full-time / Part-time Programme
• Other Programmes
• Tuition Fees and Other Expenses
• Application Procedure
• Application Form
• Application Fee
• Outcome of Application
• Applying for a Bank Draft

General Information

1. Is this programme available via distance learning?

   No, it is conducted only on-campus.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. How many international students does the school accept each year?

   International students form about 80% of our student cohorts.

5. 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.

6. How big is the MPP class size?

   We usually have about 60 students in each class.

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Qualifications

1. How do I know if I qualify for the MPP 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.

2. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Is TOEFL / IELTS required if the medium of instruction of my undergraduate or graduate studies is English?

   We would usually allow a waiver from submitting TOEFL/IELTS scores if the medium of instruction in your undergraduate programme was English. We do, however, still encourage all applications to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores to support their application.

4. 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.

5. Is GRE required?

   No, it is not.

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Scholarships / Financial Aid

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 page 40 of the Application Booklet.

5. 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

1. Is the MPP programme offered on a part-time basis?

   No, MPP is not offered on a part-time basis.

2. 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

1. 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

1. What are the tuition fees?

   The tuition fee for Singapore citizens and permanent residents is SG$2,725 per semester. The tuition fee for international students is SG$3,000 per semester. Details of other payable fees can be found on page 12 of the Application Booklet.

2. 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$600 – S$800
   Food
   University canteens	S$200 - S$300
   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$1,280 - S$1,925 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

1. What is the application procedure?

   Please refer to pages 22 - 24 of the application booklet. Interested candidates should submit all required documents to the School before 31 January 2009. 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.

2. 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 31 January 2009. We strongly encourage candidates to send us complete applications.

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Application Form

1. How do I obtain an application form for the MPP programme 2009?

   You will be able to download the MPP2009 application form from 31st May.

2. 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

1. How much is the application fee?

   The application fee is SG$40 or US$30 (non-refundable).

2. Is there a need to pay for the application fee when applying for a scholarship or grant?

   Yes, all candidates are required to pay the application fee of SG$40 or US$30.

3. How do I make payment for the application fee?

   A non-refundable fee of SG$40 or US$30 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 “2009 MPP” 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 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

1. When will I know the outcome of my application?

   The outcome of the applications for the MPP programme 2009/2011 will be announced around May 2009.

2. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Who should I make the bank draft payable to?

   It should be made payable to “National University of Singapore”.

4. 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.

5. 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 (USD30 or S$40); 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).

6. Will there be a transaction charge imposed by the bank?

   Yes, the bank will usually charge an administrative fee.

7. 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.

8. 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 at to let us know that you are making this arrangement for the payment of the application fee.

9. 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.

10. 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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