The National Science Scholarship (PhD) develops top researchers for Singapore by providing access to leading international institutions and labs. Scholars gain hands-on experience through a one-year research attachment at A*STAR before commencing their PhD, equipping them with the skills to thrive in the global research community.
Tristan Choo Wen Jie, National Science Scholarship (PhD) Recipient
Applicants must:
Mid-Term NSS (PhD) applicants must:
Other requirements:
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.
Successful applicants will be given the following support* for up to 5 years:
Mid-term NSS (PhD) awardees will be offered the same terms of support as the full-term NSS (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.
*All rates/allowances vary according to country and university, and are subject to adjustments made by A*STAR.
Upon completion of the PhD programme, NSS (PhD) scholars will return to Singapore and contribute to A*STAR’s research institutes and/or relevant organisations for 4 years.
Scholars who complete their PhD in a non-anglophone country would serve a 3-year service commitment instead.
| 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 October |
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.
*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.
A*STAR supports scholars throughout their PhD journey to help them progress towards their personal and professional goals.
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?
Upon completion of their PhD studies, scholars will serve at one of A*STAR’s research institutions for three years.
NSS (PhD) scholars will serve at one of A*STAR’s research institutions for four years.
2. I am currently holding a scholarship for my undergraduate studies from another government ministry/ agency. Can I still apply for the 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 NSS (PhD) 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 their course of
study/research project. Each case will be assessed on its own merit. However, scholars are encouraged to consider their research area seriously before commencing their PhD studies as a mid-point change of their research focus may badly affect
their PhD progress.
4.Once I have selected the host university abroad, will I be able to visit the university to meet up with potential supervisors and assess the research lab facilities?
NSS (PhD)
awardees will be provided with some level of funding to visit the overseas universities that they intend to enrol in, prior to their PhD studies, subject to the applicable policy.
5. 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.
6. What happens if I take more time to complete my PhD beyond the funding period under the NSS (PhD) 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?
NSS (PhD) scholars who complete their PhDs in less than 5 years may consider using their remaining
funding for post-doctoral training. Scholars will need to seek A*STARs written approval for the use of their remaining funds for post-doc training.
8. 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.
9. 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.
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 |
| France | Necker Institute |
| Germany | Heidelberg University |
| Spain | Spanish National Centre for Cardiovascular Research |
| Sweden | Karolinska Institute |
| Switzerland | ETH Zurich |