A*STAR International Fellowship
The A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) is a scholarship that will fund your post-doctoral training at leading research institutions or universities overseas, providing you with opportunities to expand your research experience and deepen your knowledge in your chosen field.
With the AIF, you will build a global network, gain international exposure as well as new perspectives. Upon completing your post-doctorate training, you will embark on an exciting career at one of the A*STAR research institutes of your choice.
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 International Fellowship (AIF) scholar, 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.
Learn from the best minds in the global research community, establish an international network and take your research to the next level!
Hear from our scholar, Dr Sam Oh's journey in research and scholarship here.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
- Be Singaporeans or Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR). Foreigners who are non-SPRs and with outstanding track records may be considered on an exceptional basis. Non-Singaporeans are required to have obtained Singapore citizenship prior to the commencement of the fellowship.
- Have completed a PhD within the last 4 years
- Possess excellent publication records
- Not have existing bonds to any institution
- Have applied or be applying for a relevant post-doctoral position at a top overseas university/laboratory
For Mid-Term AIF applicants:
- Be Singaporean
- Enrolled in a top overseas university/lab at the point of scholarship application
- Possess excellent publication records
- Current university/lab supervisor to be at least 1 out of the 2 academic referees
Other requirements:
- Applicants in the final stages of their PhD may apply for the AIF. However, their AIF award is confirmed only upon conferment of their PhD degree
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 2 years of overseas post-doctoral research training:
- Monthly overseas living allowance
- Monthly sustenance allowance, inclusive of CPF contribution (where applicable)
- Annual return airfare
- Other allowances including
- Settling-in allowance
- Computer allowance
- Conference allowance
- Annual personal insurance
Mid-term AIF awardees will be offered the same terms of support as the full-term AIF awardees from the point of the award, with retrospective payment for any compulsory fees incurred from the start of training.
*All rates/allowances vary according to country and university/lab, and are subject to A*STAR adjustments from time to time
SERVICE COMMITMENT
Upon completion of the post-doctoral research training , scholars will return to Singapore and contribute A*STAR's Research Institute for three (3) years.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Opens on 1 January
Closes on 1 April
Opens on 1 July
Closes on 1 October
(A*GA may consider off-cycle applications on a case-by-case basis)
Mid-April – May
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.
From mid-June
From December
Successful candidates will be notified via email.
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
A*STAR celebrates International Women's Day
From groundbreaking discoveries to cutting-edge research, our researchers are empowering the next generation of female science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) leaders.
Get inspired by our #WomeninSTEM