A*STAR International Fellowship
Dr Han Shui'Er, A*STAR International Fellowship Recipient
The A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) is a prestigious scholarship designed to support early-career researchers in advancing their careers in research and innovation. Through this fellowship, successful applicants will receive up to 2 years of overseas postdoctoral training in leading overseas universities, research institutions or overseas deep-tech startups which are portfolio companies of top-tier venture capital/builder firms. The AIF aims to nurture global-ready talent who will contribute meaningfully to A*STAR’s mission and the broader R&D ecosystem upon the completion of their training.
The AIF offers two distinct tracks tailored to different career aspirations:
A*STAR International Fellowship (Research)
The A*STAR International Fellowship (Research) is a research-focussed postdoctoral track for early-career researchers who wish to deepen their expertise, drive independent projects, and contribute to high-impact research. This track provides a strong foundation for postdocs to advance their scientific knowledge while preparing for impactful careers in A*STAR, academia, industry, or other public sector organisations/research institutes.
A*STAR International Fellowship (Innovation)
The A*STAR International Fellowship (Innovation) is an innovation-focussed postdoctoral track that supports entrepreneurial-minded researchers who are keen to enhance their technical expertise, innovation capabilities and enterprise acumen. Fellows will gain hands-on experience in translating cutting-edge research into investable ventures through placements in high quality deep-tech startups, which are portfolio companies of top-tier venture capital/builder firms. Where necessary, such postdoctoral stints may also be undertaken in VC firms, particularly those with entrepreneur-in-residence programmes, or VB firms.
Scholarship Facts
- Pursue postdoctoral training overseas
- Gain exposure to world-class research environments or entrepreneurial ecosystems, based on your chosen track
- Deepen your expertise, forge global networks, and develop capabilities for impactful careers in research and innovation
- Return to Singapore to continue your journey at A*STAR and contribute to Singapore’s research, innovation and enterprise ecosystem
Eligibility
General requirements
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#
- Not have existing bonds to any institution
#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
Additional track-specific requirements:
AIF (Research):
- Possess excellent publication records
- Have applied or be applying for a relevant postdoctoral position at a top overseas university/laboratory
AIF (Innovation):
- Demonstrate strong aptitude and aspiration to pursue roles in innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E)
- Preferably with good publication records
Mid-Term AIF applicants must:
- Be Singaporean
- Enrolled in a top overseas university/lab at the point of scholarship application
- Possess good publication records
- Current postdoctoral 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 2 years of overseas postdoctoral research training:
- Monthly overseas living allowance
- Monthly sustenance allowance, inclusive of CPF contribution
- 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 postdoctoral 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 postdoctoral research training, scholars will return to Singapore and contribute to A*STAR’s research institutes and/or relevant organisations for three (3) years.
How To Apply
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Application Timeline
| Application Cycle | Interviews | Application Outcomes |
| First application cycle: Opens on 1 January Closes on 1 April | Mid-April to May
| From mid-June
|
| Second application cycle: Opens on 1 July Closes on 1 November | Mid-October to mid-November | From December |
*A*GA may consider off-cycle applications on a case-by-case basis
*Successful candidates will be notified via email.
Onboarding:
As an A*STAR scholar, you 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.
Research Areas
Deepen your research in the emerging growth areas with A*STAR:
*The list is not exhaustive. If the field you are interested in is not listed here, please write in and check with us. For more information on the areas of research, please click here.
Contact
FAQs /scholarships/home/faqs
Application
1. How long does it take to process my application?
The processing time for applications is up to 5 months from the date that you submit the complete application to A*STAR Graduate
Academy office to the date that you are informed of the application outcome.
2. Is there any application deadline?
We process applications for 2 intakes. 1st November of the preceding year for February's commencement, and 1st March of current year for August's commencement.
3. What is the application and interview process like?
Your application will be reviewed upon submission of all required documents, and you may be requested to provide more information while we assess your application. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend at least 2 rounds of interviews,
and other test(s) where applicable.
Prior to the first round of interview, you will need to seek endorsement from your proposed A*STAR Research Institute supervisor, and Executive Director, for you to serve the 3-year service commitment
period at the chosen Research Institute after the post-doctoral training under the AIF. You will be given 15 minutes to present your proposed research project, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A during the first round of interview.
4. I am currently based overseas. Can I attend the interviews virtually?
The interview process comprises both virtual and in-person sessions. Candidates who are unable to attend in person due to valid reasons may submit a written request to attend the interview virtually.
5. Do I have to contact a Principal Investigator at an Overseas University/Institution?
Yes, you should contact an overseas university/institution supervisor to establish a project proposal prior to applying for AIF.
The AIF award is conditional upon you having a confirmed place at the approved university/institution.
6. Are there any criteria for the proposed overseas university/institution?
The proposed overseas university/institution should be a leading institution in your proposed research area.
7. I am currently holding a post-doctoral position overseas. Can I use the AIF funding to continue my research?
Most applicants who apply for the AIF scholarship have not embarked on post-doctoral training yet. If you have already started your overseas post-doctoral training, you can still apply but we would have to assess the relevance and value
of the research area you are working on and the strength of your overseas supervisor/institution.
8. Am I allowed to receive monetary support from the overseas university /institution?
This would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and it is subject to approval.
9. Can I propose any research topic?
You should propose a research topic/area that is aligned
to A*STAR's research direction and of relevance and value to the A*STAR Research Institutes. We strongly advise you to discuss with the A*STAR Research Institutes of interest to you before you propose a topic.
10. What are some of the non-traditional (non-UK/US) countries A*STAR scholarship holders have gone to and which universities do they attend?
A*STAR scholarships holders have attended universities for their undergraduate/postgraduate studies/post-doctoral in countries such as:
- Australia – Australian National University
- Canada – University of British Columbia
- France - Necker Institute
- Germany - Heidelberg
- Spain - Spanish National Centre for Cardiovascular Research
- Switzerland - ETH Zurich
Service Commitment
Upon completion of post-doctoral training under the AIF, you will serve at one of A*STAR’s Research Institute for 3 years.
Allowances
During the post-doctoral training, you will receive a competitive monthly allowance. You will also be given annual allowances to attend conferences overseas. At the commencement of the post-doctoral training, we will provide a one-off settling-in allowance. Please refer to the website for the detailed list of allowances provided under the scholarship.
2. Is there any monetary support for my spouse and family?
No. The award does not include additional financial support for spouses or family members.
3. Who is responsible for consumables and research-related fees during the collaboration?
A*STAR does not cover consumables or research-related fees. These costs are to be supported by the overseas university.
Citizenship
Yes, non-Singaporeans intending to take up Singapore citizenship can apply for the AIF. You are to obtain your Singapore citizenship before the commencement of your post-doctoral training. You may undergo a research attachment at an A*STAR Research Institute, based on your own merits, while completing the citizenship conversion process.
During the post-doctoral training
All scholars need to seek A*STAR's written permission before changing your research project. Each case will be assessed on its own merit. Scholars are encouraged to consider your research area seriously before commencing your post-doctoral studies as a mid-point change of your research focus may badly affect your progress.
2. What happens if I take more than time to complete my post-doctoral training?
If you need more than time to complete your post-doctoral training, you will have to seek approval from A*STAR for the extension.