FAQS for A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF)
Application
1. How long does it take to process my application?
The processing time for applications is up to 5 months from the date that you submit the complete application to A*STAR Graduate Academy office to the date that you are informed of the application outcome.
2. Is there any application deadline?
We process applications for 2 intakes. 1st October of the preceding year for February's commencement, and 1st March of current year for August's commencement.
3. What is the application and interview process like?
Your application will be reviewed upon submission of all required documents, and you may be requested to provide more information while we assess your application. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend at least 2 rounds of interviews, and other test(s) where applicable.
Prior to the first round of interview, you will need to seek endorsement from your proposed A*STAR Research Institute supervisor, and Executive Director, for you to serve the 3-year service commitment period at the chosen Research Institute after the post-doctoral training under the AIF. You will be given 15 minutes to present your proposed research project, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A during the first round of interview. .
4. I am currently based overseas. Can I attend the interviews by Skype?
All interviews are conducted online for shortlisted applicants, unless otherwise stated.
5. Do I have to contact a Principal Investigator at an Overseas University/Institution?
Yes, you should contact an overseas university/institution supervisor to establish a project proposal prior to applying for AIF. The AIF award is conditional upon you having a confirmed place at the approved university/institution.
6. Are there any criteria for the proposed overseas university/institution?
The proposed overseas university/institution should be a leading institution in your proposed research area.
7. I am currently holding a post-doctoral position overseas. Can I use the AIF funding to continue my research?
Most applicants who apply for the AIF scholarship have not embarked on post-doctoral training yet. If you have already started your overseas post-doctoral training, you can still apply but we would have to assess the relevance and value of the research area you are working on and the strength of your overseas supervisor/institution.
8. Am I allowed to receive monetary support from the overseas university /institution?
This would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and it is subject to approval.
9. Can I propose any research topic?
You should propose a research topic/area that is aligned to A*STAR's research direction and of relevance and value to the A*STAR Research Institutes. We strongly advise you to discuss with the A*STAR Research Institutes of interest to you before you propose a topic.
10. What are some of the non-traditional (non-UK/US) countries A*STAR scholarship holders have gone to and which universities do they attend?
A*STAR scholarships holders have attended universities for their undergraduate/postgraduate studies/post-doctoral in countries such as:
- Australia – Australian National University
- Canada – University of British Columbia (Toronto)
- France - Necker Institute
- Germany - Heidelberg
- Spain - Spanish National Centre for Cardiovascular Research
- Switzerland - ETH Zurich
Service Commitment
Upon completion of post-doctoral training under the AIF, you will serve at one of A*STAR’s Research Institute for 3 years.
Allowances
During the post-doctoral training, you will receive a competitive monthly allowance. You will also be given annual allowances to attend conferences overseas. At the commencement of the post-doctoral training, we will provide a one-off settling-in allowance. Please refer to the website for the detailed list of allowances provided under the scholarship.
2. Is there any monetary support for my spouse and family?
No, there is no additional monetary support for the spouse and family of AIF awardees.
3. My potential collaborators from the overseas universities have asked: who pays for the consumables and research fees?
A*STAR does not pay for consumables or research fees. Fees involved in the lab should be borne by the overseas university.
Citizenship
Yes, non-Singaporeans intending to take up Singapore citizenship can apply for the AIF. You are to obtain your Singapore citizenship before the commencement of your post-doctoral training. You may undergo a research attachment at an A*STAR Research Institute, based on your own merits, while completing the citizenship conversion process.
During the Post-Doctoral Training
All scholars need to seek A*STAR's written permission before changing your research project. Each case will be assessed on its own merit. Scholars are encouraged to consider your research area seriously before commencing your post-doctoral studies as a mid-point change of your research focus may badly affect your progress.
2. What happens if I take more than time to complete my post-doctoral training?
If you need more than time to complete your post-doctoral training, you will have to seek approval from A*STAR for the extension.
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