A*STAR Graduate Scholarship

AGS Nicholas Tan

The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS) will finance up to four years of your PhD or EngD studies at an autonomous universities in Singapore.

As an AGS scholar, you will be exposed to industry-oriented and user-inspired R&D projects. You will also have the opportunity to take part in an overseas attachment for up to 12 months during your studies.

After completing their PhD or EngD studies, AGS scholars can apply for the A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) to pursue post-doctoral training at top overseas universities or research entities to further deepen their research expertise and expand their global network.

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 an A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS) scholar, you have the opportunity to study locally to receive the highest quality education from the best schools and leading Universities. You can look forward to making significant contributions to Science, Singapore, and Singaporeans.

Embark on your research journey with AGS at an A*STAR Research Institute and register your PhD or EngD candidature at autonomous universities in Singapore.

Research Areas and Supervisors

RESEARCH AREAS UNDER THE PHD PROGRAMME FALL BROADLY INTO FOUR CATEGORIES


Please click the links below for the lists of supervisors and projects:

As research is increasingly interdisciplinary, we encourage applicants to review the projects in all categories regardless of your previous research experience and background.

If the supervisor that you are interested to work with is not found in the lists, you may like to contact the supervisor to discuss possible projects.

A*STAR INFECTIOUS DISEASES LAB

A*STAR HORIZONTAL PROGRAMME OFFICES (HTPO) - URBAN AND GREENTECH (UGT)

CENTRE FOR FRONTIER AI RESEARCH (CFAR)

Formed in 2021, the A*STAR Centre for Frontier AI Research (CFAR) aims to advance use-inspired basic research in AI within the broader scientific community of A*STAR. 

More information on:

A*STAR Directory of Researchers

A*STAR Research Focus

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must:

  • Singaporeans and other nationals are welcome to apply 
  • Non-Singaporeans must have completed or are on track to complete a degree in a Singapore autonomous university
  • Satisfy criteria for and seek admission to PhD or EngD programme in an autonomous university
  • Have obtained, or are on track to obtain, at least a 2nd Upper Class Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
  • Applicants who are in the last semester of their final year of undergraduate studies are welcome to apply; however, successful candidates will only be awarded the scholarship if they obtain at least a 2nd Upper Class Honours or equivalent results that meet A*STAR’s requirements
  • Have strong interest in a research career

For Mid-Term AGS applicants:

  • Singaporeans and other nationals are welcome to apply
  • Non-Singaporeans must have completed a degree in a Singapore autonomous university
  • Enrolled in a Singapore autonomous university and minimally complete at least 1 semester at the point of scholarship application
  • On track to attain excellent academic standing for current degree
  • Good research potential and/or achievements
  • Current university supervisor to be at least 1 out of the 2 academic referees

The above eligibility criteria are 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 the following support* for up to 4 years :

  • Full tuition fees
  • Other allowances including
    • Book allowance
    • Computer allowance
    • Conference allowance
    • Thesis allowance
  • Support for up to 12 months of overseas attachment

Mid-term AGS awardees will be offered the same terms of support as the full-term AGS 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.

*All rates/allowances are subject to adjustments by A*STAR from time to time.

SERVICE COMMITMENT

Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents: No service commitment

Non-Singaporeans: 3-year service in Singapore-based companies^ without commitment to any specific organization. The area of work should preferably be in Biomedical Sciences, Physical Sciences or Engineering. 

^Singapore-based companies refer to local companies and international companies that have a base in Singapore and which is registered with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

application-1
First application cycle:
Opens on 1 November
Closes on 1 February of following year
Second application cycle:
Opens on 1 June
Closes on 1 August
application-2
First application cycle:
Mid-February – March
Second application cycle:
Mid-August – October

Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo 2 rounds of interview. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified of the interview details.
application_3
First application cycle:
From mid-April
Second application cycle:
From mid-November

Successful candidates will be notified via email.
step by step application-4-steps_4
During Your Studies
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.

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