Frequently Asked Questions

Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship
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Are my referees required to send in their reference letters together with my scholarship application?

Yes, you need to submit two reference letters with your application. 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.

What should I do if there are updates to my application after I have submitted the application in the portal?

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.

I encountered technical difficulties while trying to submit my application on the portal. How should I proceed?

Please take the following steps:

  1. Use the Internet Explorer browser to log in.
  2. Clear your browser cache and browser history.
  3. Close the browser and try logging in again.
  4. Avoid opening multiple tabs when accessing the application portal.

If you are still unable to access the portal, please follow the instructions below:

Reset Internet Explorer settings

You can reset Internet Explorer to its default settings. This is useful for troubleshooting problems that may be caused by settings that were changed after installation. Please note that this process is irreversible, and previous Internet Explorer settings will be lost after the reset.

  1. Close all windows and programmes.
  2. Open Internet Explorer and select Tools > Internet options.
  3. Select the Advanced tab.
  4. In the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog box, select Reset.
  5. In the box, Are you sure you want to reset all Internet Explorer settings?, select Reset.
  6. When Internet Explorer finishes applying default settings, select Close, and then select OK. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

For other browser types, please refer to links below for guidelines:

http://www.networksolutions.com/support/what-should-i-do-if-a-browser-is-displaying-an-outdated-version-of-the-web-pages/

https://support.microsoft.com/en-sg/help/17441/windows-internet-explorer-change-reset-settings

Do I need to provide any formal documentation for my extra-curricular activities (ECA)/co-curricular activities (CCA) records?

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

Must I have secured a place at a university prior to applying for the scholarship?

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.

What courses of study are allowed under the scholarship?

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.

Is the scholarship open to candidates from all professions?

Yes, candidates from all professions may apply.

I am currently in the final year of my undergraduate studies and intend to pursue my postgraduate studies following graduation. Am I eligible for the Lee Kuan Yew scholarship?

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.

Is there any age restriction for applicants of the scholarship?

No.

Do I need to take pre-admission tests for this scholarship application?

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.

I intend to pursue my postgraduate studies in a subsequent academic year, rather than in the upcoming academic year. When should I apply for the scholarship?

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 AY2024/25, you should apply for the scholarship in the 2024 application exercise, when application begins in December 2023. If you intend to pursue your studies in a subsequent AY, you may wish to consider applying in subsequent application cycles.

I am in the midst of pursuing my Master's/PhD studies. Can I apply for this scholarship?

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

Can Singapore Permanent Residents/ non-Singapore citizens apply for this scholarship?

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

Can I apply if I do not have a Second Class Upper Honours Degree or equivalent?

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.

Is it mandatory to provide an essay on “overcoming adversity”? Will it affect my chances of being selected if I do not have one?

You are encouraged to provide us with an essay on the topic, if applicable. All applications are assessed holistically and include consideration of your leadership track record and achievements.

How has the eligibility criteria changed for the selection of LKY Scholarship recipients?

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. LKY Scholarship candidates should have a demonstrated track record of leadership and excellence.

How many LKY Scholarships are awarded every year?

In the last five years, two to three scholarships are awarded on an annual basis.

How many rounds of selection are there for scholarship?

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for one round of interviews with the Selection Committee in April 2024.

I am currently overseas. Can the interview be conducted via video or tele-conferencing?

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

Can I pursue part-time studies under the scholarship?

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

Are tuition fees covered under 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. This is with the exception of public sector scholarship recipients who are already sponsored by their public agency for their postgraduate studies. These public sector scholarship recipients will receive a one-off sum of S$10,000. They will not receive the sponsorship of tuition fees and the annual allowance from the LKY Scholarship.

What is the estimated value of the enhanced award quantum?

The LKY 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 studies.

I am interested in applying for the Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) Scholarship and I am currently in receipt of another scholarship/award. Can I accept both scholarships if I am found suitable for both of them or must I choose between the two scholarships?

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. 

14 Dec 2023