As one of the world’s leading public policy schools, the two-year full-time Master in International Affairs (MIA) programme brings together a broad but practical training experience to intensify expertise, knowledge, and insight into international affairs.
Graduates of LKYSPP programmes become leaders in their field by developing a fundamental understanding of global affairs, while also gaining a deep understanding of how Asia influences and is influenced by the rest of the world.
The Master in International Affairs programme provides students with a strong foundation in both theoretical frameworks and practical knowledge of multi-disciplinary subfields of international relations, together with an immersive experience in Asia.
Public Policy
Dean's Office
lkypostgrad@nus.edu.sg
lkyspp@nus.edu.sg The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy was established in 2004 as a professional school of Public Policy. It offers a unique learning environment by bridging the gap between prevailing theories in the West and best practices emerging in the East. Our curriculum spans across multiple disciplines and is complemented with case studies and a problem-based learning approach. LKYSPP offers a global classroom of diverse experiences of students originating from 80 countries. Our alumni include ambassadors, senators, editors, social entrepreneurs, and private sector leaders, serving in Asia and beyond.
Our collaboration with world-class institutions ensures the continual enhancement of pedagogy and research. LKYSPP is the first in Asia to join the prestigious Global Public Policy Network (GPPN) and is also a member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA).
Our faculty and staff are influencing the policy arena through a number of research centres sponsored by the LKYSPP including the Asia Competitiveness Institute, the Centre on Asia and Globalisation, the Institute of Policy Studies, and the Institute for Environment and Sustainability. Through these centres, students have the opportunity to collaborate with globally recognised experts in their field of interest.
No scholarships provided for the programme
| Commitment | Average Candidature | Maximum Candidature |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 2 Years | 4 Years |
- Applicants should be passionate about understanding the transformation that is taking place in Asia and across the world, and are highly motivated, outward-looking, and open to new ideas.
- Applicants seeking admission to the programme should possess a good Bachelors (Honours – second class and above) degree or its equivalent.
- Applicants with at least 2 years of work experience are preferred. Proficiency in written and spoken English is critical.
| Criteria | Minimum Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA | A good Bachelors (Honours – second class and above) degree or its equivalent. | ||
| English Proficiency Tests | TOEFL Internet-based | 100 / 120 | |
| IELTS | 7.0 / 9 | ||
- Applicants should be passionate about understanding the transformation that is taking place in Asia and across the world, and are highly motivated, outward-looking, and open to new ideas.
- Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm for using rigorous theory and methodology to solve international problems in careers spanning industry, government, and practical research.
- Applicants seeking admission to the programme should possess a good Bachelors (Honours – second class and above) degree or its equivalent.
- Applicants with at least 2 years of work experience are preferred. Proficiency in written and spoken English is critical.
- Applicants must submit an online application. The following documents (in soft copies) are required when submitting an application.
- Online application form
- Degree scrolls and academic transcripts (including grading description)
- Curriculum vitae or Resume
- TOEFL iBT/ TOEFL iBT Home Edition / IELTS*
- GRE / GMAT (optional)
- Personal statement (no more than 600 words)
- One writing sample, preferably International Affairs related topic (no more than 2,000 words)
- Two letters of reference (can either be professional or academic reference(s) )
*Applicants with qualifications attained in English-medium institutions in Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, the UK or the US are exempted from providing test score. For qualifications attained in countries not mentioned above, if your Bachelor or Master degree was conducted entirely in English, TOEFL or IELTS test scores may be waived if you provide a letter from your institution.
| Category | Application Window | Application Result Released | |
|---|---|---|---|
Semester 1 Intake (August) | All students of any nationalities | Application Opens: August 1 2025 Application Closes: December 15 2025 | |