FAQS for Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA)
Application
- Can I apply for more than one project? Yes, you may apply for up to 3 projects in one application form.
- I have already applied but would like to change the project that I have selected. How can I do so? Please email SIPGA_Office@hq.a-star.edu.sg to inform us to cancel your application. You should then submit a fresh application for the project you wish to apply for.
- My passport is not ready. Can I submit my application first and send in my passport later? If you do not have a valid passport, you are welcome to apply for SIPGA while applying for/renewing your passport. You may upload any other document to indicate that your passport is not ready.
- My previous SIPGA application was unsuccessful. Can I re-apply? You are welcome to re-apply for SIPGA.
In the meantime, we will still consider your application. However, please note that a valid passport must be submitted before we can award you with SIPGA.
Immigration and Accommodation
- Do I need to apply for a visa to enter Singapore for SIPGA? All SIPGA awardees are required to obtain a valid Training Employment Pass (TEP) to undertake an attachment at A*STAR. The A*STAR Graduate Academy (A*GA) will contact successful awardees 3 to 4 months before the attachment to assist with the application of TEP.
Upon approval of your TEP application, you will be issued with an In-Principle Approval Letter (IPA Letter), which serves as a single journey visa to enter Singapore. You will need to show the IPA Letter to the immigration when you enter Singapore.
- What options do I have for my accommodation during SIPGA? You are advised to make prior arrangements for accommodation before arriving in Singapore. A*STAR’s research institutes are generally located at Biopolis and Fusionopolis in the Buona Vista and One North area. You may wish to seek accommodation near your A*STAR research institute.
| Attachment Duration | Accommodation Type | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| 2 months + | Hostel Affordable option with communal facilities, including shared bathrooms. Typically involves sharing a room with other students. |
From S$1,000 for a shared room |
| Hotel Although hotel rates in Singapore are generally very expensive, some hotels offer monthly deals which include utilities, Wifi, and facilities. |
From S$2,000 for a room | |
| Co-living Apartment Co-living spaces are operated by companies that come fully furnished and equipped with home necessities, with shared living spaces for residents to interact. There may also be communal facilities like swimming pools, gyms, and social lounges. |
From S$1,400 for a room | |
| 3 months + | Condominium Condominiums are private housing that offer a range of facilities like swimming pools, gyms, BBQ pits, and 24-hour security. You can rent a room or an entire unit from the owner with a minimum period of 3 months. |
From S$900 for a room |
| Landed House Only a small percentage of Singaporeans live in landed homes. They are typically further away from amenities and public transport networks. You can rent a room or an entire unit from the owner with a minimum period of 3 months. |
From S$900 for a room | |
| 6 months + | HDB Flat Most Singaporeans live in public housing known as HDB flats. You can rent a room or an entire unit from the owner with a minimum period of 6 months. |
From S$600 for a room |
Note: Airbnb rental is illegal in Singapore. There is a risk of being evicted at any time if you are caught renting in Singapore illegally through Airbnb.
Do familiarise yourself with government rules and regulations involved in renting property in Singapore to avoid any infringement. Recommended websites are as follows:
Attachment
- How do I request for changes to my attachment? To change your start date (same attachment duration): Please inform A*GA via email, after seeking concurrence from your RI supervisor.
- Do I need to inform A*GA if I have changed my supervisor? Yes, please write to A*GA to inform us of the changes.
- How long can I stay in Singapore after the end of my attachment? An email will be sent to you 1 month prior to your attachment end date to notify you of the next steps. Please note that you are required to inform A*GA at least 14 days before your attachment end date. A*GA will assist with the cancellation of your Training Employment Pass (TEP) on the last day of your attachment, and a 30-day Short-Term Visit Pass will be sent to your email that allows you to stay for 30 days before you have to exit the country. You are not allowed to work while on the STVP.
For shortening of attachment: Please email A*GA to provide reasons for shortening (e.g. the objectives of the project have been achieved) and email support from your RI supervisor. Please ensure that you have completed the minimally 2 months of attachment.
For extension of attachment: Please email A*GA to provide reasons for extension and email support from your RI supervisor. Extension requests are subject to approval by A*GA and the total attachment duration is capped at 6 months. If you wish to extend your attachment beyond 6 months, please seek additional funding from your university or RI supervisor.
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