NATIONAL SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP (PHD)
The National Science Scholarship (PhD) is awarded to outstanding individuals who wish to pursue a rewarding career in research. Successful applicants will be funded for up to five years of your academic pursuit, which will commence after you have completed a one year of paid research attachment at an A*STAR Research Institute.
If you are an undergraduate with a passion for Computer and Information Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Physical Sciences or Engineering, the National Science Scholarship (PhD) is for you!
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 (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 (PhD) today to advance your career in science!
ELIGIBILITY
- Be Singaporeans and other nationals intending to take up Singapore citizenship. Non-Singaporeans are required to have obtained minimally Singapore Permanent Residence prior to the commencement of the studies.
- Have strong interest in a research career
- Have attained a good class of 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 a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent results that meet A*STAR’s requirements
- Have applied or be applying for a PhD programme at a top global university
- 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.
- Current university supervisor to be at least 1 out of the 2 academic referees.
- Successful candidates are required to undergo a one-year research attachment at an A*STAR research institute prior to their PhD studies (not applicable for mid-term NSS (PhD) candidates)
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 five years:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly sustenance allowance, inclusive of CPF contribution (where applicable)
- Monthly overseas living allowance
- Annual return airfare
- Other allowances including
- Conference
- Thesis
- Computer
- Warm clothing and settling-in
- Language programme fees (for scholars studying in countries where English is not the official language)
Mid-term NSS (PhD) awardees will be offered the same terms of support as the full-term NSS (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.
*All rates/allowances vary according to country and university, and are subject to adjustments made by A*STAR.
SERVICE COMMITMENT
Upon completion of the PhD programme, scholars will return to Singapore and contribute to A*STAR’s research institutes and/or relevant organisations for four (4) years.
Scholars who complete their PhD in a country where English is not the official language would serve a three-year service commitment instead.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Opens on 1 January
Closes on 1 April
Opens on 1 July
Closes on 1 October
Apply NSS (PhD) via this link now!
Successful candidates are required to complete a 1-year Research Attachment (RA) at an A*STAR research institute prior to their PhD studies. Applicants will need to factor in this RA requirement when planning for university admission.
First application cycle:
Mid-April – May
Second application cycle:
Mid-October – Mid-November
First application cycle:
From mid-June
Second application cycle:
From December
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
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