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.
| Singapore Citizen | Singapore Permanent Resident | |
| NSS PhD | $4,500
|
$4,100
|
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.
Note: Please have your CV ready before creating your account to apply for the scholarship.
Apply now
| 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 14 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. I would like to apply for the NSS (PhD) Scholarship, should I have secured a place in an overseas graduate school?
NSS (PhD) applicants should have secured a place in an overseas university, or be in the process of applying to one or more overseas universities.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. What is the application and interview process like?
Please submit an online application with all supporting documents (e.g. academic credentials) and a description of the proposed research area, by the stipulated deadlines.
Do note that 2 academic referee reports are required, and to be submitted within 7 working days of submission of the online application. Referees will receive an auto-generated email with a link to complete an online referee report. You may wish to give them a heads-up before you apply so that they can submit in time. Referees can be academic referees from universities or supervisors/PIs whom you have worked with.
For shortlisted candidates, there will be 2 rounds of interviews to assess their suitability for the scholarship. First round of interview will be with a panel of A*STAR scientists, while the final round of interview will be with the senior management of A*STAR.
5. When should I apply for the scholarship and how long will the application process take?
The scholarship application process typically takes about five months from the submission of a complete application to the notification of results. You are advised to plan ahead and submit your application early.
6. I do not have any prior experience in research, is there any training provided before I embark on my PhD studies?
Awardees of the NSS (PhD) scholarships are required to complete a compulsory 1-year research attachment at one of our A*STAR Research Institutes (RIs) before embarking on PhD studies.
7. Can the research attachment requirement be waived?
Applicants with prior research experience at A*STAR (beyond their undergraduate Final Year Project) may request a waiver of the compulsory research attachment year, subject to approval. However, scholars are strongly encouraged to complete the attachment as it provides valuable exposure to research work at A*STAR Research Institutes and helps build connections with A*STAR researchers.
8. What is the academic requirement for applying to an A*STAR scholarship?
A*STAR will make a holistic assessment of each application along with a good class of honours degree, 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 my scholarship application compared to an application from a fresh graduate?
As these are national scholarships, all applications will be treated equitably and reviewed holistically such as on academic track record, publications and research exposure/experience. Your experience as a Research Officer will be beneficial as part of your overall portfolio for the scholarship application.
1. Do I have to serve a service commitment period at A*STAR after completing my PhD and/or Postgraduate studies? How long is the service commitment period?
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.
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.
NSS (PhD) scholars typically serve their service commitment in one of A*STAR’s Research Institutes. Selected scholars may also be deployed, after their initial 2 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 for more information.
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. 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 your intend to enrol in, prior to your 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 your PhDs in less than 5 years may consider using your remaining funding for postdoctoral training. Scholars will need to seek A*STARs written approval for the use of your remaining funds for postdoctoral 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 scholarship holders have attended universities for their undergraduate/postgraduate studies/postdoctoral training 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 |