Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, your application must be supported by two reference letters. Your nominated referees should be able to provide insights on your character, including your leadership qualities and potential, resilience in overcoming adversity, and your drive and determination to excel in your field of pursuit or profession.

You do not need to update your application once your application has been submitted. If you are shortlisted, we will reach out to you for updates.

Check and ensure that you are using a supported browser (e.g. Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge) to access the application portal. If you are still unable to access the portal, please write to psc@psd.gov.sg with a screenshot of your browser and the error message for assistance.

If you do not have formal ECA/CCA records or have misplaced them, you may submit alternative documents that document your involvement.

You do not need a secured university placement before submitting your application. However, you should indicate in your application form the universities that you have applied to. If you are subsequently awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarships in 2025, you are expected to have a firm university offer and ready to embark on your studies in 2025. 

There is no restriction on the course of study. Past scholarship recipients have pursued a wide range of disciplines, including law, business management, life sciences, the arts, and specialised medical fields.

Yes, candidates from all professions may apply.

You may submit an application as long as the outcomes of your postgraduate applications are available by March of the following year. Your scholarship will only be confirmed after you have received your final results and degree classification for your undergraduate degree.

No.

No, you do not need to take pre-admission tests (e.g. TOEFL, GRE or GMAT) specifically for this scholarship application. However, you should check with the universities that you are applying to, on their requirements for admission.

The current scholarship application exercise is for candidates who intend to pursue their postgraduate studies in the upcoming academic year (AY). For example, if you intend to commence your studies in AY2025/26, you should apply for the scholarship in the 2025 application exercise, when application begins in December 2024. If you intend to pursue your studies in a subsequent AY, you may consider applying in subsequent application cycles.

Yes, you can apply for this scholarship, provided you have at least two academic terms remaining from the point of application.

The Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship is only open to Singapore citizens.

Yes, you may apply. Applications will be assessed holistically, taking into consideration candidates' track record of leadership and achievement in their fields of pursuit/professions, as well as academic records.

Yes, it is mandatory to complete all parts of the application process, including the essays. 

The refined eligibility criteria focus on the candidate’s potential to excel in his/her field of pursuit or profession which will be highly impactful and beneficial to Singapore and our society. Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship candidates should have a demonstrated track record of leadership and excellence.

In 2024, six scholarships were awarded to outstanding individuals with the aptitude and desire to contribute to Singapore and our society.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for one round of interviews with the Selection Committee in April 2025.

Yes, video interviews can be arranged if you are based overseas.

You are encouraged to pursue full-time studies if you are awarded the scholarship.

Scholarship recipients will receive full tuition fees coverage as well as an annual allowance of S$50,000 for up to two years if you are pursuing a Master’s degree, or up to five years for PhD studies. Public sector officers who are already sponsored by the government to pursue a postgraduate education will continue to receive a one-off award of S$10,000 as recognition, if they are awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship.  

The Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship will reimburse the full tuition fees of the scholarship recipient, upon receipt of the invoices from the university of studies. The estimated value of the additional support is up to S$85,000 a year per scholarship recipient, depending on the course and institution of study.

The Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship recipients can hold concurrent scholarships. 

If you are a public sector candidate who is already sponsored by your agency for postgraduate studies, you will be given a one-off award of S$10,000, since you are already receiving support from a public sector agency to pursue your postgraduate education. If you would like to receive the benefits of the LKY Scholarship, including full tuition fees coverage and an annual allowance of S$50,000, you will have to choose to stop receiving sponsorship from your public sector agency. 

If you are a private sector candidate, please check the terms and conditions of your existing scholarship to ensure that you are allowed to apply for and receive the LKY Scholarship if selected. The LKY Scholarship will sponsor tuition fees on a reimbursement basis, upon receipt of the invoice from your university of studies. If a private sector organisation is already sponsoring your tuition fees, the LKY Scholarship will not pay for your tuition fees.