Caring for Our Scholars

The A*STAR Graduate Academy cares for its scholars every step of the way. An A*STAR scholarship is about having a support network to fall back on, enjoying opportunities not open to others and receiving an enriching and meaningful experience.

Every scholar is a valued member of the A*STAR family. As scholars pursue their dreams and passion, they are backed by a strong support network every step of the way, enabling them to make the most of an enriching and meaningful experience.

Once you become an A*STAR Scholar, your well-being is our priority!

Induction Programmes

Caring for our scholars begins even before they undertake their studies. Prior to embarking for their undergraduate education, scholars participate in a comprehensive pre-departure programme that aims to impart crucial life skills such as managing stress, understanding relationship issues, adapting to new environments, teamwork as well as the practicalities of living independently with safety, self-defence and cooking skills. It also serves as a good platform for scholars to build a strong network of peers and forge lasting friendships.

Development Programmes

A*STAR organises a series of development programmes for PhD scholars such as the Summer Odyssey programme which helps to develop scholars’ leadership qualities, forge strong ties amongst the scholars through the various workshops and activities, enhance the overall wellness of the young scholars and help scholars to understand and deal with both psychological and practical challenges associated with relocating to another country and living apart from friends and families. Scholars on attachment or pursuing PhD research at research institutes are also supported for courses to develop skills such as presentation and grant-writing to complement their scientific research training.

Keeping in Touch

We value being in contact with our scholars based both locally and overseas. Each scholar is given a unique email account with the A*GA Portal through which we maintain contact with our scholars and keep them abreast of the latest developments in A*STAR. Behind every scholar is a dedicated team of Scholarship Officers, Scholars’ Counsellor, Academic Mentors and Graduate Affairs Directors who look after the scholar’s welfare and provide advice on academic and personal issues to enhance their education experience.

Visits from Home

Being away from home, we know that our scholars miss their family and friends. Whenever in town, Chairman and senior leadership at A*STAR and the research institutes make it a point to meet our scholars for lunches or tea sessions, and bring them news of home. It also serves as an opportunity to meet and interact with eminent scientists. Webinars (web seminars) and face-to-face sessions also provide scholars with key updates and a platform to dialogue.

ASTAR Scholars’ Network (ASN)

To strengthen the scholars community, the A*STAR Scholars’ Network (ASN) was launched in 2006. Headed by scholars themselves, the ASN organizes activities for scholars, and makes use of the A*GA Portal to keep them updated of social events.

Mapping Your Future

A key imperative at A*STAR is to ensure that our scholars can look forward to an enriching career. Recognising the diversity of talent, strengths and interests amongst our scholars, A*STAR has created multiple pathways in scientific research, industry, academia and others for scholars to develop their careers along differentiated paths. The Graduate Affairs Office provides guidance to scholars for their academic studies and research careers.