National Science Scholarship Program (PhD) – Singapore

The National Science Scholarship (PhD) by ASTAR supports outstanding researchers from Singapore by funding PhD studies at leading overseas universities and research institutions. The scholarship provides up to five years of financial support, including tuition fees, living allowances, airfare, research allowances, and requires scholars to complete a research attachment at ASTAR before starting their doctoral studies.

Overview of the National Science Scholarship (PhD)

The National Science Scholarship (PhD) is a fully funded doctoral scholarship programme offered by A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research).

The programme supports talented researchers who wish to pursue a PhD at leading overseas universities and research institutions while developing advanced research capabilities relevant to Singapore’s scientific and technological priorities.

The scholarship combines:

Overseas doctoral training.
Research development.
A*STAR research attachment.
Long-term contribution to Singapore’s research ecosystem.

Purpose of the Scholarship

The National Science Scholarship (PhD) aims to:

Develop future scientific leaders.
Support high-impact research.
Strengthen Singapore’s research and innovation capabilities.
Prepare researchers in strategic science and technology fields.
Build expertise through international doctoral training.

Selected scholars gain access to global research environments while receiving support to develop advanced scientific skills.

Research Areas Supported

The scholarship supports PhD research across a wide range of science and technology disciplines.

Eligible research areas include:

Biomedical and Life Sciences

Biomedical Research.
Antimicrobial Resistance.
Bioinformatics.
Food Science and Food Processing.
Human Potential and Clinical Sciences.
Infectious Diseases.
MedTech.
Metabolic and Brain Health.
Precision and Preventive Health.
Synthetic Biology.
Therapeutics.

Digital and Advanced Technology Research

Automated Hub Operations.
Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Compute.
Quantum Technologies.
Real-time, Resilient and Optimised Supply Chain.
Semiconductors.
Smart and Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing.
Sustainable Energy and Chemicals.

Scholarship Duration and Funding Benefits

The National Science Scholarship (PhD) provides funding for:

Up to five years

Successful scholars receive comprehensive financial support.

Tuition Fee Coverage

The scholarship covers:

Full tuition fees.
Compulsory academic fees where applicable.

Monthly Allowances

Scholars receive:

Monthly sustenance allowance.
Overseas living allowance.

The allowance amount varies depending on:

Country of study.
University location.
A*STAR funding guidelines.

Travel Support

The scholarship provides:

Annual return airfare.

This supports travel between the scholar’s overseas study location and Singapore.

Additional Research and Academic Allowances

Funding support may include:

Conference allowance.
Thesis allowance.
Computer allowance.
Settling-in allowance.
Language programme fees for studies in non-English-speaking countries where applicable.

Funding Value

The total scholarship value depends on:

Overseas university.
Country of study.
Duration of PhD programme.

A*STAR determines the final funding package for each scholar.

Who Is Eligible?

The scholarship is open to:

Singapore citizens.
Individuals intending to become Singapore citizens.

Applicants must meet academic, citizenship, and research requirements.

Citizenship Requirements

Applicants must be:

Singapore citizens, or
Non-Singapore nationals intending to obtain Singapore citizenship.

Non-Singapore applicants must:

Obtain Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) status before starting PhD studies.
Convert to Singapore citizenship during their PhD programme.

Academic Requirements

Applicants should have:

A good class of Honours degree, or
Equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.

Relevant backgrounds may include:

Science.
Engineering.
Technology.
Biomedical fields.
Related research disciplines.

PhD Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

Have applied or be applying for a PhD programme.
Receive admission to a leading overseas university or research institution.

Final-Year Undergraduate Applicants

Students in their final semester may apply if they:

Meet A*STAR’s academic requirements before the scholarship is awarded.

Mid-Term Applicants

The scholarship also accepts applications from researchers already pursuing PhD studies overseas.

Mid-term applicants must:

Be Singaporean.
Be enrolled in a top overseas institution.
Have completed at least one semester of PhD study.
Maintain excellent academic performance.
Demonstrate strong research potential or achievements.
Include their current university supervisor as one of the two academic referees.

Research Attachment Requirement

Full-term scholarship recipients must complete:

One-year research attachment at an A*STAR research institute

The attachment takes place before starting the PhD programme.

The purpose of the attachment is to:

Develop research skills.
Gain experience in A*STAR research environments.
Build connections with Singapore’s research community.

Mid-term scholarship recipients are not required to complete this research attachment.

Application Period

The scholarship accepts applications twice each year.

Application windows:

1 January to 1 April
1 July to 1 October

Applicants should submit applications within the relevant application cycle.

How to Apply

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Applicants should confirm that they:

Meet citizenship requirements.
Have suitable academic qualifications.
Plan to pursue a PhD in an eligible research field.
Meet overseas university requirements.

Step 2: Identify PhD Programme

Applicants should:

Select a suitable overseas university or research institution.
Apply for a relevant PhD programme.

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

Applicants should prepare:

Academic transcripts.
Degree certificates.
Research information.
PhD admission details.
Referee information.
Research achievements and experience.

Step 4: Submit Scholarship Application

Applicants must submit their application during one of the official application periods.

Applications are reviewed based on:

Academic excellence.
Research potential.
Research achievements.
Alignment with priority research areas.

Mid-Term Scholarship Support

Mid-term scholars receive the same level of scholarship support as full-term scholars from the date of award.

This may include:

Tuition support.
Living allowances.
Eligible fee reimbursement.

Eligible tuition and compulsory fees from the first year of study may be paid retrospectively.

Post-PhD Service Commitment

After completing the PhD programme, scholars must return to Singapore and complete a service commitment.

Bond Requirement

Scholars must serve:

Four years at A*STAR research institutes and/or relevant organisations.

For scholars who complete their PhD in countries where English is not the official language:

The service bond period is three years.

The bond allows scholars to contribute their expertise to Singapore’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Why It Matters

The National Science Scholarship (PhD) provides researchers with access to world-class doctoral education while supporting Singapore’s long-term scientific development.

The programme helps scholars:

Gain international research experience.
Work with leading scientists.
Develop advanced technical expertise.
Contribute to national research priorities.
Build careers in science and technology.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without confirming eligibility.
Choosing research areas unrelated to scholarship priorities.
Submitting incomplete academic information.
Providing weak research statements.
Missing application deadlines.

Application Tips

Applicants should:

Clearly explain their research interests.
Highlight previous research achievements.
Choose PhD programmes aligned with A*STAR priorities.
Select referees who understand their research abilities.
Demonstrate long-term commitment to scientific research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the National Science Scholarship (PhD)?

The National Science Scholarship (PhD) is a fully funded A*STAR scholarship supporting PhD studies at leading overseas universities and research institutions.

2. How long does the scholarship provide funding?

The scholarship provides financial support for up to five years.

3. What expenses does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers tuition fees, living allowances, airfare, conference support, thesis allowance, computer allowance, settling-in support, and language programme fees where applicable.

4. Who can apply for the scholarship?

Singapore citizens and eligible individuals intending to become Singapore citizens can apply.

5. Is a research attachment required?

Yes. Full-term scholars must complete a one-year research attachment at an A*STAR research institute before starting their PhD.

6. Can current PhD students apply?

Yes. Mid-term applicants who are already enrolled at leading overseas institutions may apply if they meet the requirements.

7. What happens after completing the PhD?

Scholars must return to Singapore and complete a service bond at A*STAR research institutes or relevant organisations.

Conclusion

The National Science Scholarship (PhD) provides exceptional researchers with the opportunity to pursue fully funded doctoral studies at leading overseas institutions while contributing to Singapore’s scientific advancement. Through financial support, research training, and international exposure, the programme develops future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and innovation.