One Goal: A*STAR Graduate Scholarship Program (Singapore)

The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS) provides full financial support for outstanding students pursuing a PhD at autonomous universities in Singapore. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living allowances, research-related expenses, and overseas attachment opportunities for up to four years while supporting research in science, technology, engineering, and biomedical fields.

Overview of the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS)

The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS) is a fully funded PhD scholarship programme designed to support talented researchers pursuing doctoral studies at autonomous universities in Singapore.

The scholarship provides:

Full tuition fee support.
Monthly financial allowance.
Research development opportunities.
Overseas research attachment support.
Academic and professional development assistance.

The programme aims to develop future researchers who can contribute to Singapore’s scientific and technological advancement.

Purpose of the Scholarship

The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship supports outstanding students by providing:

Access to advanced PhD training.
Opportunities to conduct high-impact research.
Exposure to international research environments.
Financial support throughout doctoral studies.
Opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers.

The scholarship encourages innovation across science, technology, engineering, and biomedical research fields.

Research Areas Supported

The scholarship supports PhD research in multiple priority areas.

Biomedical and Health Research

Supported research fields include:

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.

Advanced Technology and Engineering Research

Supported areas include:

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 A*STAR Graduate Scholarship provides funding for:

Up to four years

Successful scholars receive comprehensive financial support.

Tuition Fee Coverage

The scholarship covers:

Full tuition fees.
Compulsory academic fees where applicable.

Monthly Financial Support

Scholars receive:

Monthly sustenance allowance.
CPF contribution where applicable.

The allowance supports living expenses throughout the PhD programme.

Additional Allowances

The scholarship also provides:

Book allowance.
Computer allowance.
Conference allowance.
Thesis allowance.

These benefits support academic research and professional development.

Overseas Attachment Support

Scholars may receive support for:

Up to 12 months of overseas research attachment during their PhD.

The overseas attachment allows scholars to:

Gain international research experience.
Collaborate with global research groups.
Develop specialised research skills.

Support for Mid-Term Scholars

Students already enrolled in PhD programmes may apply as mid-term scholars.

Successful mid-term scholars receive:

The same level of scholarship support from the award date.
Retrospective payment of eligible tuition fees and compulsory fees from Year 1 of study onward.

Who Is Eligible?

The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship is open to:

Singapore citizens.
Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR).
Eligible non-Singaporean applicants studying at Singapore autonomous universities.

Applicants must meet academic and research requirements.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must have:

At least a Second-Class (Upper) Honours degree or equivalent qualification.

The degree must be in a:

Relevant discipline.
Research-related field aligned with the scholarship areas.

Undergraduate Applicants

Students who are:

In the final semester of their undergraduate programme.

may apply if they:

Are expected to meet academic requirements.
Satisfy PhD admission requirements at a Singapore autonomous university.

Non-Singaporean Applicant Requirements

Non-Singaporean applicants must:

Have completed or be on track to complete a Second-Class (Upper) Honours degree or equivalent.
Obtain the qualification from a Singapore autonomous university.

PhD Admission Requirement

Applicants must:

Meet admission requirements for a PhD programme.
Be eligible to enrol at an autonomous university in Singapore.

Mid-Term Application Eligibility

Current PhD students may apply if they meet additional requirements.

Mid-term applicants must:

Be enrolled in a Singapore autonomous university.
Have completed at least one semester of PhD study.
Maintain excellent academic standing.
Demonstrate strong research potential or achievements.
Include their current university supervisor as one of two academic referees.

Application Period

The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship accepts applications twice each year.

Application periods:

1 November to 1 February
1 June to 1 August

Applicants must submit applications within the official application window.

How to Apply

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Applicants should confirm that they:

Meet citizenship requirements.
Have the required academic qualifications.
Plan to pursue a PhD at a Singapore autonomous university.
Choose an eligible research field.

Step 2: Identify PhD Research Area

Applicants should select a research area aligned with A*STAR priority fields, including:

Biomedical sciences.
Artificial intelligence.
Advanced manufacturing.
Engineering.
Sustainable technologies.

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

Applicants should prepare:

Academic transcripts.
Degree certificates or expected completion details.
Research information.
PhD admission details.
Referee information.

Step 4: Submit Online Application

Applicants must submit their application during the available application period.

Applications are assessed based on:

Academic excellence.
Research potential.
Research achievements.
Suitability for PhD research.

Bond Requirements After Graduation

The scholarship has different service requirements depending on nationality.

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents

The scholarship is:

Bond-free.

Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents do not have a service obligation after completing their PhD.

Non-Singaporean Scholars

Non-Singaporean scholars must complete:

Three years of service in Singapore-based companies.

They are not required to serve a specific organisation.

Why It Matters

The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship helps develop highly skilled researchers who contribute to Singapore’s innovation ecosystem.

The programme provides:

World-class doctoral education.
Financial security during PhD studies.
International research exposure.
Opportunities to work on impactful scientific challenges.

It supports future leaders in areas such as:

Artificial intelligence.
Biomedical research.
Advanced manufacturing.
Sustainable technologies.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without meeting PhD admission requirements.
Selecting research areas unrelated to A*STAR priorities.
Submitting incomplete academic documents.
Providing weak research descriptions.
Missing application deadlines.

Application Tips

Applicants should:

Clearly explain their research interests.
Highlight previous research experience.
Select strong academic referees.
Demonstrate potential for advanced research.
Connect their goals with A*STAR research priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship?

The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship is a fully funded PhD scholarship supporting students pursuing doctoral studies at autonomous universities in Singapore.

2. How long does the scholarship provide funding?

The scholarship provides support for up to four years.

3. What expenses are covered by the scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly allowance, book allowance, computer allowance, conference allowance, thesis allowance, and overseas attachment support.

4. Who can apply for AGS?

Singapore citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, and eligible non-Singaporean applicants can apply.

5. Can current PhD students apply?

Yes. Mid-term PhD students can apply if they meet eligibility requirements.

6. Is the scholarship bond-free?

Yes, it is bond-free for Singapore citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents. Non-Singaporean scholars must complete a three-year service requirement in Singapore-based companies.

7. What research fields are supported?

The scholarship supports biomedical sciences, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, sustainable energy, and other science and technology fields.

Conclusion

The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS) provides exceptional students with the opportunity to pursue fully funded PhD studies in Singapore while gaining access to advanced research opportunities and international collaborations. Through financial support, overseas exposure, and research training, the scholarship develops future scientific leaders capable of driving innovation and solving global challenges.