A*STAR Research Attachment Programme

Tim Johan Van der Es, A*STAR Research Attachment Programme Awardee

 

Global Collaborations. Shared Impact.

The A*STAR Research Attachment Programme (ARAP) connects overseas and A*STAR researchers to co-create projects tackling global challenges. Overseas-based postgraduate/PhD students work under joint supervision, gain access to world-class facilities, and join a vibrant R&D community that drives innovation, nurtures talent, and advances science together.

 

ARAP At A Glance

  • ARAP enables overseas-based postgraduate/PhD students enrolled at overseas universities to spend 1 to 2 years attached to one of A*STAR’s research institutes in Singapore.
  • ARAP fosters researcher-to-researcher collaborations between overseas universities and A*STAR in Singapore.

Why Partner With Us?

Engage in Impactful Collaboration

Our aim is to foster partnerships based on trust, openness and shared goals.

Our Partner Universities

Work with Global Researchers

A*STAR is home to leading researchers across diverse research domains.

Build your Research Network

Broaden your perspectives through cross-cultural exchange of ideas and build your global network with like-minded researchers.

Strengthen PhD Training

International collaborations enhance the depth and breadth of doctoral research and nurture the next generation of scientific leaders.

Research Areas

A*STAR’s multidisciplinary research spans biomedical sciences, physical sciences, engineering, infocomm, and more. We work closely with academia, industry partners, and public agencies to translate research into impactful solutions.

Learn more: About A*STAR Research

Eligibility

Overseas-based postgraduate/PhD students nominated jointly by both the home university and A*STAR supervisors should meet the following criteria:

  • Bachelor’s degree with at least a Second-Class (Upper) Honours or equivalent
  • Strong referral reports
  • Possess a good track record in research

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.

Duration

  • The research attachment in Singapore typically ranges from 1 to 2 years, depending on the joint research project and agreement between both researchers.

Coverage

Awardees will receive support during their attachment in Singapore, including:

  • Monthly stipend
  • Monthly housing allowance
  • One-time IT allowance
  • One-time airfare grant
  • One-time settling-in allowance
  • Visa Cost
  • Medical insurance
  • Conference allowance

Nomination Process

If you are interested in exploring a collaboration, please follow the nomination process outlined below.

 

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A*STAR researchers should submit nominations by 1 June or 1 December each year. ARAP attachments could commence 6 months from award date.

Diversifying Collaborations​

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Contact

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 Ms Eunice Heng at Eunice_Heng@a-star.edu.sg if you have further queries.

FAQs

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1. What are the eligibility criteria for students to be nominated for ARAP? 
International PhD students with a Bachelor’s Degree with at least a Second-Class (Upper) Honours or equivalent may be nominated to work on the joint project for 1 to 2 year

2. Are students required to undertake English language proficiency tests to be considered for ARAP? 
The programme does not require students to undertake English language proficiency tests. However, students should demonstrate some level of English proficiency as the main medium of communication in Singapore is English.

3. Can students enrolled in an integrated MSc-PhD programme be nominated for ARAP?
Students would be placed on ARAP only during the PhD phase.
1. What funding support does ARAP provide?
ARAP awardees will be provided the following*:
  • Monthly stipend
  • Housing allowance
  • Medical insurance
  • Conference allowance
  • Medical insurance
  • One-time IT allowance
However, A*STAR may recover the one-time settling-in allowance if the student spends less than a year at the A*STAR Research Institute.

* Terms of award are reviewed periodically, and prevailing terms apply to awardees starting their ARAP attachment from January 2024 onwards.

2. Can ARAP awardees extend their attachment beyond two years? 
ARAP provides funding support for a minimum of one year to a maximum of two years. The awardee may check with the A*STAR Research Institute or supervisor for funding opportunities if he/she wishes to extend his/her attachment beyond the two years.

3. Does A*STAR cover the university tuition fees for the duration of ARAP?
A*STAR does not cover the tuition fees at the university but will fund the awardee’s stipends and allowances as per the award terms for the duration of ARAP.