FAQS for A*STAR Research Internship Award (ARIA)
About the Award
1. What is ARIA?
The A*STAR Research Internship Award (ARIA) offers curated research-based internship opportunities at the A*STAR Research Institutes (RIs) to Singaporean Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) undergraduates studying at both local autonomous universities and overseas universities.
2. What do I gain from this research-based internship?
You will gain first-hand research experience and useful exposure to industry-relevant and translational research work. This can translate to valuable insights into the impact of A*STAR’s research in the industry, as well as the economy in Singapore. More importantly, you will also get to hone your research and laboratory skills and build your knowledge and expertise through working alongside experienced research scientists and like-minded peers. All these can serve to prepare you for a rewarding science and research academic progression or career in the near future.
3. Where can I find out more information about ARIA?
Interested students are highly encouraged to visit the ARIA webpage: a-star.edu.sg/aria to find out more.
The A*STAR Research Internship Award (ARIA) offers curated research-based internship opportunities at the A*STAR Research Institutes (RIs) to Singaporean Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) undergraduates studying at both local autonomous universities and overseas universities.
2. What do I gain from this research-based internship?
You will gain first-hand research experience and useful exposure to industry-relevant and translational research work. This can translate to valuable insights into the impact of A*STAR’s research in the industry, as well as the economy in Singapore. More importantly, you will also get to hone your research and laboratory skills and build your knowledge and expertise through working alongside experienced research scientists and like-minded peers. All these can serve to prepare you for a rewarding science and research academic progression or career in the near future.
3. Where can I find out more information about ARIA?
Interested students are highly encouraged to visit the ARIA webpage: a-star.edu.sg/aria to find out more.
ELIGIBILITY
1. Is ARIA applicable to students studying in any faculty and autonomous university?
Singaporean undergraduates (≥ 2nd year) in computing and information science, engineering and technology, physical sciences, or biomedical/life/food sciences may apply for ARIA.
2. Is there a minimum internship duration to fulfil?
The minimum internship duration is 16 weeks to 24 weeks (during semester) or 12 weeks (during vacation), subject to the university’s minimum internship duration requirements stipulated by your faculty/school discipline.
3. Is there a minimum academic grading required?
Honours (Distinction) or better / a cumulative GPA of 4.0/5.0 and above, or equivalent is required.
4. Can a non-Singaporean/Singapore Permanent Residents apply for ARIA?
No, ARIA is exclusively for Singaporean undergraduates.
However, International students may apply for the Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA) instead. Interested students may visit the SIPGA webpage to find out more.
5. Do I need prior research experience?
Prior experience is preferred, but not necessary. However, candidates should possess interest, aspiration, abilities and/or strong inclination towards a STEM career in Research & Development.
6. What is the monthly allowance for ARIA?
ARIA awardees will receive a monthly allowance ranging from $1600 to $2000.
Singaporean undergraduates (≥ 2nd year) in computing and information science, engineering and technology, physical sciences, or biomedical/life/food sciences may apply for ARIA.
2. Is there a minimum internship duration to fulfil?
The minimum internship duration is 16 weeks to 24 weeks (during semester) or 12 weeks (during vacation), subject to the university’s minimum internship duration requirements stipulated by your faculty/school discipline.
3. Is there a minimum academic grading required?
Honours (Distinction) or better / a cumulative GPA of 4.0/5.0 and above, or equivalent is required.
4. Can a non-Singaporean/Singapore Permanent Residents apply for ARIA?
No, ARIA is exclusively for Singaporean undergraduates.
However, International students may apply for the Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA) instead. Interested students may visit the SIPGA webpage to find out more.
5. Do I need prior research experience?
Prior experience is preferred, but not necessary. However, candidates should possess interest, aspiration, abilities and/or strong inclination towards a STEM career in Research & Development.
6. What is the monthly allowance for ARIA?
ARIA awardees will receive a monthly allowance ranging from $1600 to $2000.
Research Areas and Projects
1. Where can I find the list of ARIA projects/opportunities?
You can look for the posting titled “ARIA/ A*STAR Research Internship Award” in your school internship portal (e.g. NTU InPlace, NUS TalentConnect, SIT ReadyTalent, SUTD GEMS Portal) or reach out to your faculty’s contact person or admin for internship matters.
Alternatively, you may visit the ARIA webpage (a-star.edu.sg/aria) and navigate to the section “Research Areas and Projects” to view the list of ARIA Research Projects. From there, follow the application instructions provided in the webpage.
Please Note: You will be required to indicate your choice of specific ARIA Project Title when submitting your application form through the ARIA Online Application. As you are allowed to apply for multiple projects, you are required to submit one form for each project you intend to apply for.
You can look for the posting titled “ARIA/ A*STAR Research Internship Award” in your school internship portal (e.g. NTU InPlace, NUS TalentConnect, SIT ReadyTalent, SUTD GEMS Portal) or reach out to your faculty’s contact person or admin for internship matters.
Alternatively, you may visit the ARIA webpage (a-star.edu.sg/aria) and navigate to the section “Research Areas and Projects” to view the list of ARIA Research Projects. From there, follow the application instructions provided in the webpage.
Please Note: You will be required to indicate your choice of specific ARIA Project Title when submitting your application form through the ARIA Online Application. As you are allowed to apply for multiple projects, you are required to submit one form for each project you intend to apply for.
Application Procedure and Selection
1. How to apply/ submit an ARIA Application?
For Singaporean local undergraduates: Go to the ARIA webpage (a-star.edu.sg/aria). Navigate to the section “Research Areas and Projects” to view the list of ARIA Research Projects and follow the application instructions.
2. I am a Singaporean presently studying overseas. How can I submit my application for ARIA?
For Singaporean undergraduates studying in Overseas universities:
ARIA application is open all year round. You may submit as early as 6 months before your school internship portal application window opens.
Is ARIA applicable only for credit-bearing internship requirement module?
ARIA is applicable for both non-credit bearing as well as credit-bearing faculty-based internships. This can include Industrial Attachment [Research]/Professional Placement, Summer Vacation internships, and Final Year Internship (FYI).
5. What if my school’s internship portal application period has been closed?
You may go to the ARIA webpage. Navigate to the section “Research Areas and Projects” to view the list of ARIA Research Projects and follow the application instructions. Please note that you will be required to indicate your choice of specific ARIA project title when submitting your application form through the ARIA Online Application Form
6. What is the selection/interview process?
If you are shortlisted, you can expect to be e-interviewed by the Research Institute’s project supervisor. The outcome of the interview will be notified by email.
7. What qualities does A*STAR look for in an ARIA awardee?
In addition to academic excellence and a passion in science, we are looking for students who are committed to a research or research-related career in Singapore. A*STAR is making a significant investment in each awardee and the aim is to groom passionate youths who are keen to be part of Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise ecosystem.
8. Who can I contact for further questions pertaining to ARIA?
Please contact us at student_services@hq.a-star.edu.sg if you have further enquiries.
For Singaporean local undergraduates: Go to the ARIA webpage (a-star.edu.sg/aria). Navigate to the section “Research Areas and Projects” to view the list of ARIA Research Projects and follow the application instructions.
2. I am a Singaporean presently studying overseas. How can I submit my application for ARIA?
For Singaporean undergraduates studying in Overseas universities:
- Go to the ARIA webpage (a-star.edu.sg/aria).
- Navigate to the section “Research Areas and Projects” to view the list of ARIA Research Projects posted and follow the application instructions.
ARIA application is open all year round. You may submit as early as 6 months before your school internship portal application window opens.
Is ARIA applicable only for credit-bearing internship requirement module?
ARIA is applicable for both non-credit bearing as well as credit-bearing faculty-based internships. This can include Industrial Attachment [Research]/Professional Placement, Summer Vacation internships, and Final Year Internship (FYI).
5. What if my school’s internship portal application period has been closed?
You may go to the ARIA webpage. Navigate to the section “Research Areas and Projects” to view the list of ARIA Research Projects and follow the application instructions. Please note that you will be required to indicate your choice of specific ARIA project title when submitting your application form through the ARIA Online Application Form
6. What is the selection/interview process?
If you are shortlisted, you can expect to be e-interviewed by the Research Institute’s project supervisor. The outcome of the interview will be notified by email.
7. What qualities does A*STAR look for in an ARIA awardee?
In addition to academic excellence and a passion in science, we are looking for students who are committed to a research or research-related career in Singapore. A*STAR is making a significant investment in each awardee and the aim is to groom passionate youths who are keen to be part of Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise ecosystem.
8. Who can I contact for further questions pertaining to ARIA?
Please contact us at student_services@hq.a-star.edu.sg if you have further enquiries.
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