A*STAR Graduate Scholarship

Whether you’re looking to explore broad scientific fields or dive deep into a specialised area, AGS offers full funding, access to world-class research labs, and the chance to take on a 12-month overseas attachment during your PhD. Begin your research journey at an A*STAR Research Institute, and shape the future of science, technology, and innovation.

/images/65astargraduateacademyagalibraries/aga/scholars/dr-joyce-tay-jia-xin_1200x700.tmb-rs560.webp?Culture=en&sfvrsn=b9d68e44_1

Dr Joyce Tay Jia Xin, A*STAR Graduate Scholarship Recipient

ags-stem

A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (STEM)

Enabling aspiring researchers to pursue PhD studies in biomedical sciences, chemistry, physics, engineering, and related fields. Scholars gain research experience at A*STAR and contribute to impactful work.

 

ags-semiconductor

A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (Semiconductor)

Supporting students in chip design, materials science, and semiconductor technologies. Scholars gain hands-on experience and help Singapore grow as a global hub for semiconductor talent and innovation.

ags-quantum

A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (Quantum)

Advancing talents in quantum computing, communications, and sensing. Scholars drive cutting-edge research and discoveries that strengthen Singapore’s position in quantum technologies.

ags-computing

A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (Computing)

Nurturing leaders in AI, cybersecurity, software engineering, and data science. Scholars tackle real-world digital challenges and build expertise to power Singapore’s growth as a tech-driven nation.

Scholarship Facts

/images/65astargraduateacademyagalibraries/aga/others/man-wearing-graduation-cap-gown-with-gold-tassel-it_1077535-38685.tmb-cr654x_.webp?Culture=en&sfvrsn=272b4d_1
  • Study at an autonomous university in Singapore
  • Funding period: 4 years
  • Bond-free scholarship for Singapore citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents
  • Application period: 1 November to 1 February & 1 June to 10 August
  • Mid-term scholars will receive the same level of support as the full-term scholars from the point of the award
  • 12-month overseas attachment opportunity

Eligibility

  • Open to applicants of all nationalities. International Students applying must have completed or on track to obtain a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a Singapore Autonomous University (AU)
  • Obtained or on track to obtain at least a Second-Class (Upper) Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
  • Be in the last semester of their final studies to apply
  • Satisfy the criteria for and gain admission to a PhD programme in an autonomous university

 

Mid-Term AGS applicants:

  • Open to applicants of all nationalities, International Students applying must have completed or on track to obtain a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a Singapore Autonomous University (AU)
  • Obtained or on track to obtain at least a Second-Class (Upper) Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
  • Enrolled in a Singapore autonomous university and minimally completed 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

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 4 years:

  • Full tuition fees
  • Monthly sustenance allowance, inclusive of CPF contribution (where applicable)
  • Specialised tracks in Semiconductor, Quantum and Computing offer a higher stipend.
  • Other allowances including:
    • Book allowance
    • Computer allowance
    • Conference allowance
    • Thesis allowance
  • Support for up to 12 months of overseas attachment

Mid-term applicants will be offered the same terms of support as the full-term AGS awardees from the point of the award, with retrospective payment for all tuition fees and/or any compulsory fees from Year 1 of study onward

*All rates/allowances are subject to adjustments by A*STAR from time to time.

 
A*STAR Graduate Scholarship’s monthly allowance:
  Singapore Citizen Singapore Permanent Resident International Students
AGS (STEM) $4,500

 

 $4,100

 

 $3,600

 
AGS (Specialised Tracks)

 

 $6,200 $5,600 $5,000

Service Commitment

For Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents: no service commitment

For foreigners who are non-SPRs: 3-year service in Singapore-based companies^ without commitment to any specific organisation.

^Singapore-based companies refer to local companies and international companies that have a base in Singapore and which is registered with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

How To Apply

astar-image-placeholder

Note: Please have your CV ready before creating your account to apply for the scholarship.

 

Application Timeline

Application Cycle Interviews Application Outcomes
First application cycle:
Opens on 1 November
Closes on 1 February of the following year		 Mid-February to March

 

 From mid-April

 
Second application cycle:
Opens on 1 June
Closes on 10 August of the following year		 Mid-August to October From mid-November

*A*GA may consider off-cycle applications on a case-by-case basis
*Successful candidates will be notified via email

Research Projects and Endorsement

AGS is a collaboration between A*STAR and local Autonomous Universities (AUs). Scholars will be jointly supervised by both the A*STAR and University supervisors

1. Identify a research project and supervisors

  • Before applying, you should identify and engage both an A*STAR researcher and a university faculty member who are willing to collaborate on the project and co-supervise your PhD. In consultation with them, develop a research proposal that aligns with your research interests and contributes to Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) ecosystem. You may explore the available projects here:
View All Projects

 

2. Obtain endorsement from the A*STAR supervisor

  • A brief summary of the proposed research project;
  • Confirmation of the supervisor's willingness to co-supervise the project;
  • Reasons for supporting your candidature;
  • The rationale for undertaking the project in collaboration with the university; and
  • Confirmation that the PhD research will be conducted, in whole or in part, at the relevant A*STAR Research Institute.

Please note that the final approval of the PhD supervisor(s), research project, and university for successful applicants is subject to A*STAR's approval.

Research Areas

Our research projects cover diverse fields across biomedical, and science and engineering research.

Biomedical Research

  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Bioinformatics
  • Food Science, Food Processing
  • Human Potential & Clinical Sciences
  • Infectious Diseases
  • MedTech
  • Metabolic & Brain Health
  • Precision and Preventive Health
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Therapeutics

Science & Engineering Research

  • Automated Hub Operations
  • Data, AI and Compute
  • Quantum
  • Real-time, Resilient & Optimised Supply Chain
  • Semiconductors
  • Smart and Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing
  • Sustainable Energy and Chemicals

*The list is not exhaustive. If the field you are interested in is not listed here, please write in and check with us.

Your Scholarship Journey

astar-image-placeholder

/images/65astargraduateacademyagalibraries/aga/others/astar-acis-women-working-chemical-projectcda082a0-65ba-4e27-944e-82c09ee93b30.tmb-cr654x_.webp?Culture=en&sfvrsn=7f0c1a38_1

A*STAR supports scholars throughout their PhD journey to help them progress towards their personal and professional goals.

Contact

FAQs

View All

1. I have applied for the NSS (PhD). Can I also be considered for the AGS scholarship?
Applicants can indicate in the NSS (PhD) application form if you wish to be considered for the AGS in the event that you are found suitable.

2. I have already applied for the AGS/ACIS scholarship. Do I need to make a separate application to the partner universities?
Applicants need to apply separately to obtain admission to the intended partner university. The AGS/ACIS award is conditional upon awardees obtaining confirmation of placement at one of the partner universities.

3. Should I apply for the scholarship after I have gotten a place at the university?
AGS/ ACIS applicants should apply for university admission concurrently with your scholarship application.

4. I am interested to do my PhD studies locally under the AGS, but my supervisor does not have an existing collaboration with A*STAR. Can I still apply for the AGS?
The nominated supervisor(s) has to be approved by A*STAR. You may want to ask your proposed supervisor to check with their respective universities or Research Institute(RI) Human Resources to enquire the process to be approved as an AGS Supervisor. In most cases, the main and co-supervisors should hold at a minimum, the designation of Principal Investigator or Principal Scientist at an A*STAR RI.

5. Is it recommended to do a Masters before my PhD? If so, when do I do my Masters?
It is not necessary for you to have a Masters before you apply to A*STAR's PhD scholarships.

6. What is the application and interview process like?
Applicants have to submit at least 2 referee reports and a description of their proposed research area and all their academic credentials. There will be at least 2 rounds of interviews involving the senior management of the Biomedical Research Council or Science & Engineering Research Council, and researchers from A*STAR’s Research Entities.

7. When should I apply for the scholarship and how long will the application process take?
The scholarship application process typically takes about 5 months from the submission of a complete application to the notification of results. You are advised to plan ahead and submit your application early.

8. Will I be eligible for an A*STAR Scholarship if I have a Second Class (Lower) degree?
While the criteria for applying for an A*STAR Scholarship is a Second Class (Upper) degree, A*STAR will make a holistic assessment of each application, and take into consideration other factors such as research experience and achievements.

9. Will a few years of Research Officer experience in an A*STAR RI be considered favourably in our scholarship application compared to an application from a fresh graduate?
Research Officers with A*STAR gain research experience under the mentorship of senior scientists, as well as knowledge of A*STAR, its mission, and its research directions. Such experience will be beneficial when you apply for an A*STAR scholarship.

1. Can a non-Singaporean apply for the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship?
Yes. International students who are awarded will be required to serve a 3-year service commitment in a Singapore-based company without commitment to any specific organisation. The area of work should preferably be in Biomedical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering or Computing and Information Sciences.

1. Do I have to serve a bond at A*STAR after completing my PhD and/or Postgraduate studies?  How long is the service commitment period?
AGS scholars who are Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents have no service commitment. Non-Singaporean AGS scholars without Singapore Permanent Residency are required to serve a 3-year service commitment period in a Singapore-based company.

2. I am currently holding a scholarship for my undergraduate studies from another government ministry/ agency. Can I still apply for the AGS or NSS (PhD)?
Please clarify the policy and guidelines from your sponsoring organisation before applying to A*STAR.

3. Will I be over-qualified for the general job market as a PhD student and what are my career prospects after PhD studies?
Having a PhD is highly advantageous for careers in Research and Development (R&D). R&D is a key pillar of Singapore’s innovation-driven economy, and PhD talent with strong scientific expertise play a vital role in advancing the nation’s research capabilities.

Singapore’s R&D ecosystem has expanded significantly over the past decade, comprising a growing network of public and private research organisations. Many global corporations have also established major research units in Singapore, creating strong demand for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and PhD-qualified professionals.

Recognising the diversity of interests and strengths among our scholars, A*STAR provides multiple pathways to develop and chart their careers across different domains. NSS (PhD) scholars typically serve their bond in one of A*STAR’s Research Institutes. Selected scholars may also be deployed, after their initial two years at A*STAR, to roles in industry, corporate R&D labs, public administration, technology enterprises, spin-off companies, or academia.

1. What are the allowances like for the A*STAR PhD scholarships?
During the PhD studies, A*STAR scholars receive competitive monthly allowance besides full sponsorship of the tuition fees. Please refer to the coverage section of the scholarships AGS and ACIS for the detailed list of allowances provided under the scholarships.

2. In the event that I am awarded the scholarship from A*STAR, am I still subject to the requirements of the respective universities for the conferment of my PhD degree?
Scholars are required to satisfy the coursework requirements specified by the University conferring the PhD degree. The graduation requirements shall be in accordance with the prevailing rules for the PhD degree applicable at the university. Scholars are encouraged to discuss the requirements with supervisors.

3. Is it possible to change my course of study/research midway through my PhD programme?
All scholars need to seek A*STAR's written permission before changing your course of study/research project. Each case will be assessed on its own merit. However, you are encouraged to consider your research area seriously before commencing your PhD studies as a mid-point change of your research focus may badly affect your PhD progress.

4. Does the A*STAR PhD scholarship provide funding for consumables and research fees?
A*STAR does not pay for consumables or research fees. Fees involved in the lab should be borne by the university. For AGS and ACIS, A*STAR and the partner universities have entered into agreement where both are fully aware of the financial responsibilities under the AGS Partnership Programme.

5. Are there overseas opportunities for scholars under the AGS programme?
AGS scholars may be funded to conduct research at an overseas university/lab for a minimum period of 3 months, and up to one year (max) midway through their PhD programme. Scholars must show evidence that their supervisors have existing collaborations at the overseas institutes and that the research done away from Singapore will contribute to their overall PhD progress. Supervisors need to fully endorse this time abroad. Scholars' PhD progress should not be impeded by the time spent overseas.

In addition, AGS scholars can apply for the A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) which is an overseas postdoctoral attachment of up to 2 years after the completion of their PhD studies. The AIF will be fully funded by A*STAR.

6. What happens if I need more time to complete my PhD beyond the funding period under the AGS scholarship?
If you need more time to complete your PhD, you will have to seek approval from A*STAR’s management for your PhD extension.

7. Will there be any post-doctoral training abroad after the conferment of my PhD?
AGS and ACIS scholars are eligible for the A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF). You can apply for the AIF within 4 years after the completion of your PhD studies.

8. What are the advantages of pursuing a PhD in Singapore compared to overseas?
Pursuing a PhD in Singapore will provide you with good exposure to Singapore's R&D needs, and you will benefit from the excellent curriculum in the local universities and mentorship of top scientists and supervisors. You will also have opportunities to form networks with other researchers and various R&D organisations in Singapore which will both enhance collaboration as well as your future career development.

9. Is it possible to finish a PhD in 2.5 to 3 years?
A PhD typically spans over 4 to 5 years, but there have been cases where scholars were able to complete their PhD in 2.5 to 3.5 years.

10. Do PhD students have work-life balance?
While the PhD course load will differ depending on the programme and the specialisation, time management is important in achieving work-life balance.

1. Outside of academia, what types of jobs are there for PhD holders? (e.g. industry, policy, etc.)
A PhD education prepares you for a variety of careers. Besides research and academia, many PhD graduates have found careers in industry R&D, technology transfer, commercialization, intellectual property and also start-ups.