NATIONAL SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP (BS-PhD)
The prestigious National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD) nurtures young talent for an exciting and rewarding career in scientific and technological research. The NSS (BS-PhD) is the only through-train scholarship in Singapore which provides for your undergraduate studies and PhD training.
The NSS (BS-PhD) gives you the opportunity to engage in rigorous learning across scientific disciplines. Delve into the fields of Computer and Information Science, Engineering, Physical Sciences or Biomedical Sciences at some of the world’s finest universities and learn from the best scientific minds!
At A*STAR Graduate Academy, we strongly believe that diversity in talent fosters innovation, forward-thinking and interdisciplinary research. We welcome you to join our community of curious minds to share fresh perspectives to help overcome ever-evolving challenges in the field of science and research. As a National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD) scholar at A*STAR, you have the opportunity to study overseas to receive the highest quality education from the best schools and leading Universities from across the globe. You can look forward to making significant contributions to Science, Singapore, and Singaporeans.
Apply for the NSS (BS-PhD) today to kickstart your career in science and technology!
Hear from our scholar, Dr Rosa So's journey in research and scholarship.
ELIGIBILITY
- Be Singaporean. Non-Singaporeans are required to have obtained minimally Singapore Permanent Residence prior to the commencement of the studies.
- Have achieved excellent academic standing in the GCE 'A' Levels (preferably with 11 AUs), polytechnic diploma (preferably with Merit) or equivalent qualifications (e.g. International Baccalaureate or NUS High School diploma)
- Applicants who are in the last semester of their final year of studies are welcome to apply; however, successful candidates will only be awarded the scholarship if they obtain GCE “A” Level or equivalent results that meet A*STAR’s requirements
- Have applied or be applying for an undergraduate programme at a top overseas university, to study in one of the areas as listed under the “Research Areas” section.
- Applicants should have a keen interest in Science and research. Preference will be given to candidates with experience and notable achievements in science- or math-related projects and activities
- Male scholars are required to serve National Service prior to commencement of undergraduate studies
- Applicants are encouraged to sit for the SAT tests to broaden their choices of institutions for their undergraduate education. Although A*STAR does not mandate a minimum SAT score as a qualifying condition for the undergraduate scholarships awarded for studies, applicants are encouraged to submit their SAT scores, if available, to be included in the overall assessment of their applications
- Be Singaporean/ Singapore Permanent Resident who intend to take up Singapore citizenship
- Enrolled in a top overseas university and minimally complete at least 1 semester of graded results at the point of scholarship application
- On track to attain excellent academic standing for current degree.
- Good research potential and/or achievements
- Tenured track or tenured academics/ Professors (or equivalent) to be at least 1 out of the 2 academic referees
The above eligibility criteria is not exhaustive.
A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on prevailing scholarship policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice.
COVERAGE
Successful applicants will be given support for their undergraduate studies, comprising*:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly allowance
- Annual return airfare
- Pre-studies allowance
- Language programme fees (for scholars studying in countries where English is not the official language)
- Research attachment opportunities at A*STAR Research Institutes
Mid-term NSS (BS-PhD) awardees will be offered the same terms of support as the full-term NSS (BS-PhD) awardees from the point of the award, with retrospective payment for all tuition fees and/or any compulsory fees from Year 1 of study onwards.
*Rates/allowances vary according to country and university, and are subject to adjustments by A*STAR from time to time
SERVICE COMMITMENT
NSS scholars are required to fulfill a six-year service commitment, inclusive of a compulsory one-year research attachment prior to PhD studies.
NSS scholars who complete their Bachelor’s and/or PhD in a country where English is not the official language would serve a five-year service commitment instead.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Application opens on 1 December
Application closes on 1 March of following year
Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo 2 rounds of interview. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified of the interview details.
Successful candidates will be notified via email.
Scholars will participate in Vista, A*STAR Graduate Academy’s signature developmental programme series specially designed for scholars. Each Vista session focuses on scholars’ key development areas at various academic and career milestones. The programmes provide opportunities to engage with A*STAR leadership and key opinion leaders in the R&D ecosystem, facilitate career and academic advancement and foster networking with peers. Past keynote speakers have included the CEO of National Research Foundation, the Chairman of A*STAR’s Biomedical Advisory Council, and the Executive Director of A*STAR’s Science and Engineering Research Council.
RESEARCH AREAS
Biochemistry
Biomedical sciences
Life sciences
Microbiology
Pharmacy
Physiology
Psychology & neuroscience
Bioscience & Biotechnology
Applied Mathematics
Bioinformatics
Computer Science
Computer & Software Engineering
Information Technology
Statistics
Engineering & Technology
Food Science and Technology
Engineering (in one of the following area):
- Aerospace
- Bioengineering
- Biomedical
- Chemical & Molecular
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering
- Environmental
- Electrical
- Manufacturing
- Materials
- Mechanical
- Production & Process
Chemistry
Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Physics
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Click here for more frequently asked questions.
Please contact us at student_services@hq.a-star.edu.sg if you have further queries
Resources
A*STAR celebrates International Women's Day
From groundbreaking discoveries to cutting-edge research, our researchers are empowering the next generation of female science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) leaders.
Get inspired by our #WomeninSTEM