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NATIONAL SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP (MASTERS)

NSS Masters Scholars

The National Science Scholarship (Masters) aims to develop and deepen your research skills, providing you the requisite foundation and head start towards a career in research.

If you are an undergraduate with a passion for Computer and Information Sciences, Food Technology, Microelectronics and Quantum Technology, this is an opportunity you do not want to miss— be plugged into exciting scientific and technological arenas in a prestigious overseas university to fast-track your research journey and join the workforce sooner.

You will also gain valuable experience in key research areas and contribute to Singapore's evolving research needs.

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 (Masters) 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 (Masters) today and embark on your journey towards scientific excellence!

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must:

  • Be Singaporeans
  • Have obtained, or are on track to obtain, at least a 2nd Upper Class Honours Degree or equivalent  in relevant disciplines
  • 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 Degree or equivalent
  • Have applied or will be applying for a Master of Research (or equivalent) programme in selected research areas at a top overseas global university
  • Have strong interest in a research career

For Mid-Term NSS (Masters) applicants:

  • Be Singaporean
  • Enrolled in a top overseas 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
  • Tenured track or tenured academics/ Professors (or equivalent) to be at least 1 out of the 2 academic referees

Note: As NSS (Masters) is designed to help meet accelerated demand in emerging areas of research, NSS (Masters) scholars are not eligible to further their studies and undertake a PhD programme upon the completion of their Master’s programme.

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.

Area of Studies:

  • Computer and Information Sciences (e.g. AI, Bioinformatics, Cybersecurity) 
  • Food Technology and Research, Nutrition
  • Microelectronics
  • Quantum Technology

Applications in other research areas are welcome.

COVERAGE

Successful applicants will be given the following support* for up to 2 years :

  • Full tuition fees
  • Monthly overseas living allowance
  • Annual return airfare
  • Other allowances including
    • Conference allowance
    • Thesis allowance
    • Computer allowance
    • Settling-In allowance

Mid-term NSS (Masters) awardees will be offered the same terms of support as the full-term NSS (Masters) 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

Upon completion of the Masters programme, scholars will return to Singapore and serve a service commitment period of two (2) years.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

application-1
First application cycle:
Opens on 1 January
Closes on 1 April
Second application cycle:
Opens on 1 July
Closed on 1 October
application-2

First application cycle:
Mid-April – May

Second application cycle:
Mid-October – Mid-November

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-June

Second application cycle:
From December

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

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