National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD)
Dr Yang Le, National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD) Recipient
The National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD) is Singapore’s only through-train science scholarship that supports scholars from undergraduate to PhD studies overseas. It offers access to top global institutions, labs, and scientific mentors.
The NSS (BS-PhD) also gives you the opportunity to engage in rigorous learning across scientific disciplines.
Scholarship Facts
- Singapore‘s premier science scholarship
- Study overseas at a top global institution
- Funding period: Up to 8 years
- Bond period: 6 years, inclusive of a compulsory 1-year research attachment prior to PhD studies. NSS(BS-PhD) scholars who complete their Bachelor’s and/or PhD in a country where English is not the official language would serve a 5-year bond instead
- Application period: 1 December to 1 March
- Mid-term scholars will receive the same level of support as the full- term scholars from the point of the award
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be Singaporean. Non-Singaporeans are required to have obtained minimally Singapore Permanent Residence prior to the commencement of the studies, and convert to Singapore citizenship during their undergraduate studies
- Have achieved excellent academic standing in the GCE 'A' Levels (preferably with 11 AUs), polytechnic diploma (preferably with Merit) or equivalent qualifications (e.g. International Baccalaureate or NUS High School diploma)
- Be in the last semester of their final year of studies to apply. However, successful candidates will only be awarded the scholarship if they obtain GCE “A” Level or equivalent results that meet A*STAR’s requirements
- Have applied or be applying for an undergraduate programme at a top overseas institution, to study in one of the areas as listed under the “Research Areas” section
Other requirements:
- Applicants should have a keen interest in science and research. Preference will be given to candidates with experience and notable achievements in science- or math-related projects and activities
- Male scholars are required to serve National Service prior to commencement of undergraduate studies
- Applicants are encouraged to sit for the SAT tests to broaden their choices of institutions for their undergraduate education. Although, A*STAR does not mandate a minimum SAT score as a qualifying condition for the undergraduate scholarships awarded for studies, applicants are encouraged to submit their SAT scores, if available, to be included in the overall assessment of their applications
Mid-Term NSS (BS-PhD) applicants must:
- Be Singaporean or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) who intend to take up Singapore citizenship
- Be enrolled in a top overseas university and minimally completed at least 1 semester of graded results at the point of scholarship application
- Be on track to attain excellent academic standing for current degree
- Have good research potential and/or achievements
- Tenured track or tenured academics/ Professors (or equivalent) to be at least 1 out of the 2 academic referees
The above eligibility criteria is 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 support for their undergraduate studies, comprising*:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly overseas living allowance
- Annual return airfare
- Pre-studies allowance
- Language programme fees (for scholars studying in non-anglophone countries (where applicable))
- Research attachment opportunities at A*STAR Research Institutes
Mid-term NSS (BS-PhD) awardees will be offered the same terms of support as the full-term NSS (BS-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.
*Rates/allowances vary according to country and university, and are subject to adjustments by A*STAR from time to time.
Service Commitment
NSS scholars are required to fulfill a 6 year service commitment, inclusive of a compulsory 1 year research attachment at A*STAR prior to their PhD studies
NSS (BS-PhD) scholars who complete their Bachelor’s and/or PhD in a non-anglophone country would serve a 5-year service commitment instead
How To Apply
Application Timeline
| Application Cycle | Interviews | Application Outcomes |
| First application cycle: Opens on 1 December Closes on 1 March of following year | Mid-March to April
| From mid-May
|
*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.
Undergraduate Courses
Applicants are welcome to apply if your field of interest is not listed above, and A*STAR will approve different research niches on a case-by-case basis. Please note that NSS (BS-PhD) does not support medical and veterinary degrees.
Your Scholarship Journey
A*STAR supports scholars throughout their scholarship journey to help them progress towards their personal and professional goals.
Contact
FAQs /scholarships/home/faqs
Application & Selection
Application for the NSS (BS) commences on 1 July every year and closes on 1 March of the following year.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed between March and May.
2. My examination results are not available yet. Can I apply for the scholarship?
Yes, you may apply with your school preliminary results. Please send in your final results as soon as you receive it.
3. Do I need to secure a place at an overseas university before applying for the scholarship?
No, you may apply for the scholarship even if you have not secured admission to any overseas university yet.
Please note that you should only accept the overseas university offer after obtaining A*STAR's approval for your choice of university and course of study.
4. If I am going for or currently serving my national service (NS), do I apply for the scholarship after I have received my A-Level results or after I have completed NS?
You may apply before you complete your NS, or even before you receive your A-Level results (i.e. with your prelim results). If you are successful in your application, an in-principle offer will be made to you, and we will hold the scholarship for you until you complete your NS.
5. The new A-Level syllabus offers both research-based and examination-based H3 subjects, is there a preference for either type of H3 subjects?
Applicants will be shortlisted based on their results for a relevant H3 subject (i.e. at least a 'merit' in one maths or science H3 subject), and not whether it is a research-based or examination-based subject.
6. What is the selection process?
Shortlisted applicants will undergo 2 rounds of interviews.
First round interviews: Mid-March to April
Final round interviews: April to May
7. What qualities does A*STAR look for in a scholar?
In addition to academic excellence and a passion in science, we are looking for people who are committed to a research or research-related career in Singapore. A*STAR is making a significant investment in each scholar and the aim is for every scholar to be part of Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise ecosystem.
8. Am I able to attend interviews via Teleconference/Video Conference?
We conduct face to face interviews for all shortlisted applicants, unless otherwise stated.
9. What is the estimated timeframe for the entire selection process?
It would approximately take 2-3 months from the application deadline. We request you to submit the complete application (i.e., including all required supporting documents such as education certificates and referee reports) to be considered for the award of the scholarship.
Please note that all academic referee reports must be submitted within 7 working days of submission of the online application. Kindly remind your referees about this requirement.
10. Do I need to have prior research experience?
While having prior research experience helps to boost your application, it is not mandatory. A*STAR will make a holistic assessment of each application and take into consideration other factors such your achievements in science/maths related competitions and CCAs.
If you are interested to gain hands-on research experience, you may reach out to the Research Institutes or the Principal Investigator(s) directly for attachment opportunities.
Citizenship
Yes. However, you will be required to apply for Singapore Citizenship if you are awarded the scholarship. Non-Singaporean males are required to serve National Service prior to the commencement of undergraduate studies.
Please note that the mid-term NSS (BS-PhD) is open to Singaporeans only.
Course / University
The NSS (BS-PhD) provides up to 8 years of funding for undergraduate and PhD studies, typically 3 years for undergraduate and up to 5 years for PhD studies.
2. If I am awarded the NSS (BS-PhD), can I study in the same university for both my undergraduate & PhD degree?
You are strongly encouraged to explore a different university (and country) for your undergraduate and PhD studies so that you can benefit from the different education systems, social and work environments, and build up your research and academic networks.
3. What courses am I allowed to undertake?
Areas of study that are supported under the NSS (BS) include Computer Science, Engineering & Technology, Physical Sciences, and Biomedical Sciences. In particular, A*STAR is seeking talents whose research interests are aligned with Singapore’s priorities in areas such as Green Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science, and Food Science and Technology. The NSS (BS) does not support medical and veterinary degrees.
Applicants’ proposed universities and courses are subject to A*STAR’s approval. Successful applicants should accept a university offer only after obtaining A*STAR’s approval for their chosen institution and course.
4. Can I choose not to do a PhD under this scholarship?
The NSS (BS-PhD) is a through-train scholarship that enables scholars to pursue undergraduate and PhD studies, and aimed at developing research talent and the next generation of scientific leaders for Singapore. Scholars funded under this scholarship are required to obtain PhD qualification in order to maximise their contribution to research and innovation in Singapore. If you are undecided about a research career at this point, you may wish to consider applying for the mid-term NSS (BS) scholarship, or an A*STAR PhD scholarship after you have completed your undergraduate degree.
5. Is there a recommended list of overseas universities which we can choose from?
A*STAR values diversity in training, and we want our scholars to explore and study at top overseas universities.
Attachments
1. Do we have to come back for an attachment during our university vacation?
Yes, all NSS (BS-PhD) scholars are required to undergo a compulsory 8-week research attachment at an A*STAR Research Institute (RI) after their first year of studies.
NSS (BS-PhD) scholars are also required to undergo a 1-year research attachment at an A*STAR RI upon completion of undergraduate studies, prior to PhD commencement.
These attachments will enable you to gain first-hand research experience, exposure to projects with industry, and a better understanding of the impact of A*STAR's research to industry and Singapore's economy.
2. Where will I be attached?
You will be attached to an A*STAR Research Institute (RI). You can indicate your preference for which RI you would like to be attached to.
3. Can I come back for more than 1 attachment?
Yes, you can. The request should be put up at least 6 months in advance.
Annual Return Flights
Yes, and we encourage all overseas scholars to come home once a year. Scholars are eligible for 1 return flight per academic year, subject to the applicable policy.
2. What if we can't return to Singapore every year?
We understand that some scholars may not be able to return every year because you may need to attend summer school, participate in a summer lab attachment at your respective universities or work on your research projects. However, you should note that the 8-week research attachment is compulsory and you should plan for it accordingly.
Others
If you are interested in R&D and committed to a career in science and research, we strongly encourage you to apply directly to the NSS (BS-PhD).
2. Can I apply for a PSC scholarship and get a job in A*STAR as part of the service commitment period?
PSC scholarships are catered to scholars suitable for administrative work in the civil service while A*STAR's National Science Scholarships (NSS) aim to train and nurture research scientists. If you are interested in R&D and committed to a career in science, we strongly encourage you to apply directly to our NSS (BS-PhD).
3. I understand that NSS (BS-PhD) scholars are expected to obtain good grades. Is it difficult to achieve that?
We strongly encourage our scholars to gain varied experience in research, innovation and enterprise, and to invest their time and effort in other non-academic areas of development and networking for an all-rounded and multidisciplinary education.
As the NSS scholarship includes funding for PhD studies, scholars should work towards being eligible to apply for admission to good PhD programmes and universities.
4. I am very keen on embarking on my PhD studies after completing my bachelor’s degree, is academic performance the only factor A*STAR considers when deciding PhD support for scholars?
Academic performance is not the only factor that A*STAR considers when deciding whether to support scholars for PhD studies. Beyond academics, A*STAR also values attributes such as passion and aptitude for science, alignment of research interest with A*STAR's research directions, and the ability of the scholar to work well in a lab environment.
We assess these traits during the scholars' 8-week attachment at A*STAR during their undergraduate years, as well as during the 1-year research attachment in an A*STAR lab after completing their undergraduate studies.
5.Is it possible to obtain the NSS (BS-PhD) and pursue undergraduate studies locally and do the PhD component abroad?
The NSS (BS-PhD) is for students who wish to pursue both their undergraduate and PhD studies overseas. If you are keen to do your undergraduate studies locally, you may consider applying for the NSS (PhD) after completion of your undergraduate studies.
6. What are the criteria and factors that determine the type of PhD support for NSS scholars?
A*STAR values attributes such as passion and aptitude for science, as well as alignment of research interest with Singapore's research priorities and strategic needs.
Scholars will have career counselling sessions and advisory meetings during the one-year research attachment to discuss their PhD plans, research interests and career goals.