A*STAR Research Attachment Programme (ARAP)

RESEARCH AREAS UNDER THE PHD PROGRAMME FALL BROADLY INTO FOUR CATEGORIES

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

• Biomedical Sciences (BMS)
• Computing and Information Sciences (CIS)
• Engineering and Technology (E&T)
• Physical Sciences (PS)

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

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. 

• Fundamental research in next generation AI technologies 
  

More information on:

A*STAR Directory of Researchers

A*STAR Research Focus

• International PhD students with a Bachelor's degree with at least a 2nd Upper Class Honours or equivalent may participate in this programme if their home university supervisor has a collaboration with an A*STAR researcher

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.

Awardees are provided with the following during their attachment in Singapore:

• Monthly stipend of S$2,700
• One-time airfare grant of S$1,500
• One-time settling-in allowance of S$1,000
• Housing allowance
• Medical insurance
• Conference allowance
• IT allowance 

Student progress report(s) is/are required to be submitted to A*GA for monitoring purposes.

Estimated Cost of Living in Singapore

ITEM	Cost per month (S$)
Food	400 – 1,200
Accommodation - based on single bedroom rental in a HDB flat	600 – 1,500
Transport	100 - 150
Other Expenses (laundry, toiletries, recreation, etc.)	400 - 500
Total Estimated Cost of Living	1,500 – 3,350

Last updated: September 2022

Faculty and students interested in ARAP should contact the A*STAR researchers listed under the tab "Research Areas" for collaboration opportunities and placement respectively.

For ARAP attachments, interested students should undertake a 1-2 year attachment at A*STAR. 

A typical application process is as follows: 

Due to keen competition for limited awards, all applications will be competitively assessed.

A*STAR researchers should submit the nominations by;

• 15th May; or
• 30th November

ARAP-Partner University Scheme
Students from partner universities should contact the respective student office for enquiries on the programme and the application procedure. The list of partner universities and contact points can be accessed here ARAP Partner Universities Contact List.

The table below provides an indicative guide on the events prior to your arrival to Singapore.

Date before start of ARAP attachment	Event & remarks
3 to 4 months	You would receive an invite to apply for TEP (Training Employment Pass). ARAP awardee would be requested to submit the TEP application form with the following documents. Personal particulars page of passport Detailed training programme Educational documents Processing time for TEP would take 3 to 8 weeks. Awardee is strongly encouraged to only arrange for flights and accommodation upon receiving the In-Principle TEP approval.
1 – 2 months	TEP Approval received Awardee would be provided with a medical declaration form and an IPA (In-Principle Approval) of your TEP application. Awardee is encouraged to undergo health check in home country to avoid delays in the issuance of the TEP.
1 month	Prepare for your attachment at A*STAR Clarify with your A*STAR supervisor(s) on IT requirements (laptop & software). Discuss with your A*STAR supervisor(s) on the lab materials required. Register for any mandatory training such as safety and animal training. Source for long-term rental options (Do note that you can only confirm your tenancy after your TEP is issued).
1 week	Arrival into Singapore Undergo further medical check-up if required. Get TEP pass issued. Confirm housing tenancy. Confirm with supervisor(s) on any outstanding matters. Apply for bank account (Most bank accounts would require you to provide a residential address)

ARAP-Partner Universities
Faculty and students from partner universities should contact the respective office for enquiries on the programme and the application procedure. The list of partner universities and contact points can be accessed here: ARAP Partner Universities Contact List

Please contact us at singa_enquiries@hq.a-star.edu.sg if you have further queries.

Click here for more frequently asked questions.

Please contact us at singa_enquiries@hq.a-star.edu.sg if you have further queries

Click here to download brochure.