Scholar onboarding & development

As an ASTAR scholar, you’ll join Vista, ASTAR Graduate Academy’s flagship development series that supports key academic/career milestones, connects scholars with A*STAR leadership and ecosystem leaders, and fosters peer networking. Past invited speakers included senior national R&D leaders and A*STAR council/executive members.

Courses / fields of study (indicative)

Biomedical Sciences

• Biochemistry; Biomedical Sciences; Bioscience & Biotechnology; Life Sciences; Microbiology

Engineering & Technology (incl. Food Science & Technology)

• Aerospace; Bioengineering; Biomedical; Chemical & Molecular; Electrical; Electronic & Electrical; Environmental; Manufacturing; Materials; Mechanical; Production & Process; Food Science & Technology

Computer & Information Sciences

• Applied Mathematics; Bioinformatics; Computer Science; Computer & Software Engineering; Information Technology

Physical Sciences

• Chemistry; Mathematics; Natural Sciences; Physics

Note: If your intended field isn’t listed, you may still apply; A*STAR can approve other research niches case-by-case. Medical and veterinary degrees are not supported.

• Opens: 1 December
• Closes: 1 March
• Interviews: mid-March → April
• Outcomes: from May

Applicants must:

• Be Singaporean. (Non-Singaporeans must secure Singapore Permanent Residence before studies start and convert to Singapore citizenship during undergraduate studies.)
• Hold excellent pre-university results: GCE ‘A’ Levels (preferably 11 AUs), polytechnic diploma (preferably Merit), or equivalently strong IB / NUS High credentials.
• Be in the final semester when applying; awards are confirmed only if your final results meet A*STAR’s standards.
• Have applied or be applying to a top overseas university in a field listed under Courses/Research Areas.

Other requirements:

• Clear interest in science and research; preference for applicants with notable STEM projects/achievements.
• Males: fulfil National Service before starting undergraduate studies.
• SAT is encouraged (no minimum score required); submit if available to broaden university options.

Mid-Term NSS (BS-PhD) applicants must:

• Be Singaporean or SPR (with intent to take up Singapore citizenship).
• Be enrolled at a top overseas university with ≥1 semester of graded results by application time.
• Be on track for excellent standing, with good research potential/achievements.
• Provide two academic referees, with one being a tenure-track/tenured academic (Professor or equivalent) at your current university.

(Varies by university; generally expected items include):

• Passport copy
• Pre-university diploma/transcripts — e.g., GCE ‘A’ Levels (preferably 11 AUs), polytechnic diploma (preferably Merit), IB, NUS High
• SAT (optional but encouraged)
• Motivation letter
• Academic references
• CV (optional)

Note: Additional documents may be requested by the university you apply to.

Singapore (Non-Singaporeans must secure Singapore Permanent Residence before studies start and convert to Singapore citizenship during undergraduate studies).

Funding period: up to 6 years (covers undergraduate to PhD pathway)

Undergraduate support includes:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly overseas living allowance
• Annual return airfare
• Pre-studies allowance
• Language-programme fees (for non-anglophone destinations, where applicable)
• Research attachments at A*STAR Research Institutes

Mid-term awardees receive the same terms from award point onward, with retrospective payment of tuition/compulsory fees from Year 1.

• Submit your application via A*STAR’s online portal.
• Separately apply for admission to your chosen partner university (see list in the brochure).
• Two interview rounds for shortlisted candidates.
• Offer letters issued to successful candidates.
• Students got Two weeks to accept the award.

• Service commitment:
  • Standard: 6 years, which includes a compulsory 1-year research attachment at A*STAR before your PhD.
  • If Bachelor’s and/or PhD are completed in a non-anglophone country: 5 years.