A*STAR Research Internship Award

The A*STAR Research Internship Award (ARIA) provides immersive research experiences tailored to your interests, working alongside top researchers to solve real-world problems. You’ll gain valuable insights into how research drives Singapore’s Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) ecosystem. 

Coverage

Allowance

S$1,600 to S$2,000

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be Singaporean
  • Be undergraduates (≥ 2nd year) pursuing studies in computing, information science, engineering, technology, physical sciences, biomedical, life, or food sciences
  • Be on track for at least a 2nd Upper Class Honours Degree or equivalent (CGPA ≥ 4.0/5.0)
  • Have a strong interest in a research career
  • Have not been awarded the ARIA internship previously

Internship Duration

The minimum internship duration is 16 weeks to 24 weeks (during semester) or 12 weeks (during vacation), subject to the university’s minimum internship duration requirements stipulated by your faculty/school discipline.

Research Areas

Deepen your research in the emerging growth areas with A*STAR:

ARIA Research Areas fall in the following Categories

  • Biomedical Sciences (BMS)
  • Physical Sciences (PS)
  • Computing and Information Sciences (CIS)
  • Engineering and Technology (E&T)

Research Projects

At A*STAR, research is cross-disciplinary and spans across a broad range of research areas from the biomedical sciences to the physical sciences and engineering. To explore research projects in your area of interest, please click below.

How To Apply

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility 

ARIA is designed for Singaporean undergraduates at local or overseas universities. Ensure that you meet your faculty’s criteria for credit-bearing internships if you wish to fulfill a requirement module with ARIA. 

Step 2: Explore Research Projects 

Use the filter function on the Research Projects page to view projects under the ARIA programme and find one that aligns with your interests.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents 

Prepare the following documents for your application: 

  • Photocopy of your NRIC (front and back) 
  • Latest university academic transcript 
  • Official junior college/polytechnic academic transcript 
  • Most updated resume 

Step 4: Submit Your Application 

Fill out the ARIA Application Form and attach all required documents and submit through the portal or follow the specific instructions given by your university's internship office. 

Application Period: ARIA applications open in late June and late November. You may submit as early as 6 months before your school internship portal application window opens.

Thank you for your interest in the A*STAR Research Internship Award (ARIA). Application for ARIA May/Jul 2026 has concluded. The January 2027 intake will commence in Late June 2026.

Contact

For enquiries, please contact us at Youth_Science_Office@a-star.edu.sg.

FAQs

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1. What is ARIA?
The A*STAR Research Internship Award (ARIA) offers curated research-based internship opportunities at A*STAR Research Institutes for Singaporean undergraduates in STEM fields from both local autonomous universities and overseas universities.

2. What opportunities and benefits will I gain from this internship?
You will gain hands-on research experience and exposure to industry-relevant and translational science. Working alongside A*STAR researchers, you will develop practical laboratory skills, deepen your scientific knowledge, and build your professional network. This experience can support your academic progression and prepare you for a future career in research or related fields.

1. Is ARIA applicable to students studying in any faculty and autonomous university?
Singaporean undergraduates (≥ 2nd year) in computing and information science, engineering and technology, physical sciences, or biomedical/life/food sciences may apply for ARIA.

2. Is there a minimum internship duration to fulfil?
The minimum internship duration is 16 weeks to 24 weeks (during semester) or 12 weeks (during vacation), subject to the university’s minimum internship duration requirements stipulated by your faculty/school discipline.

3. Is there a minimum academic requirement?
Yes. Applicants should have at least an Honours (Distinction) or a cumulative GPA of 4.0/5.0 (or equivalent).

4. Can a non-Singaporean/Singapore Permanent Residents apply for ARIA?
No, ARIA is exclusively for Singaporean undergraduates.

5. Do I need prior research experience?
Prior experience is preferred, but not necessary. However, candidates should possess interest, aspiration, abilities and/or strong inclination towards a STEM career in Research & Development.

6. What is the monthly allowance for ARIA?
ARIA awardees will receive a monthly allowance ranging from $1600 to $2000.

1. Where can I find the list of ARIA projects/opportunities?
You can browse the research projects at the Research Projects page

You will be required to indicate your choice of specific ARIA Project Title when submitting your application form. As you are allowed to apply for multiple projects, you are required to submit one form for each project you intend to apply for.

1. How to apply/ submit an ARIA Application?
To apply for ARIA, first explore available research projects using the filter function on the Research Projects page to find one that matches your interests. Next, gather the required documents, including a photocopy of your NRIC, your latest university transcript, your official junior college or polytechnic transcript, and your most updated resume. Complete the ARIA Application Form, attach all documents, and submit it through the portal or as instructed by your university’s internship office.

2. When can I start applying for ARIA?
ARIA application is open all year round. You may submit as early as 6 months before your school internship portal application window opens.

3. Is ARIA applicable only for credit-bearing internship requirement module?
ARIA is applicable for both non-credit bearing as well as credit-bearing faculty-based internships. This can include Industrial Attachment [Research]/Professional Placement, Summer Vacation internships, and Final Year Internship (FYI).

4. What is the selection/interview process?
If you are shortlisted, you can expect to be e-interviewed by the Research Institute’s project supervisor. The outcome of the interview will be notified by email.

5. What qualities does A*STAR look for in an ARIA awardee?
In addition to academic excellence and a passion in science, we are looking for students who are committed to a research or research-related career in Singapore. A*STAR is making a significant investment in each awardee and the aim is to groom passionate youths who are keen to be part of Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise ecosystem.

6. Who can I contact for further questions pertaining to ARIA?
Please contact us at youth_science_office@a-star.edu.sg if you have further enquiries.