Open Call for A*STAR International Fellowship Program (Singapore)

The A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) supports early-career researchers by providing up to two years of fully funded overseas postdoctoral training at leading universities, research institutions, and deep-tech startups. The fellowship helps researchers strengthen expertise in science, technology, and innovation fields while developing future research and industry leaders for Singapore.

Overview of the A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF)

The A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) is a postdoctoral fellowship programme designed to support outstanding early-career researchers through international research and innovation training.

The fellowship provides opportunities to work with:

Leading overseas universities.
International research institutions.
Deep-tech startups.

The programme aims to develop researchers who can contribute to Singapore’s scientific, technological, and innovation ecosystem.

Purpose of the Fellowship

The A*STAR International Fellowship supports researchers by providing:

International postdoctoral training.
Access to advanced research environments.
Opportunities for collaboration with global experts.
Exposure to innovation and technology development.
Career development support.

The fellowship helps researchers build expertise that can contribute to future scientific discoveries and technological solutions.

Fellowship Tracks

The A*STAR International Fellowship is offered through two pathways:

A*STAR International Fellowship (Research)

This track supports researchers focused on:

Academic research.
Scientific discovery.
Advanced research projects.
Development of specialised research expertise.

A*STAR International Fellowship (Innovation)

This track supports researchers interested in:

Technology translation.
Innovation development.
Deep-tech entrepreneurship.
Research applications with commercial potential.

Applicants should select the track that best matches their career goals and research direction.

Research Areas Supported

The fellowship supports multiple science and technology disciplines.

Biomedical and Health Research

Supported fields include:

Biomedical Research.
Health Sciences.
Food Science.
Synthetic Biology.
Therapeutics.

Advanced Technology and Engineering Research

Supported areas include:

Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Compute.
Quantum Technologies.
Semiconductors.
Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing.
Sustainable Energy and Chemicals.
Supply Chain Technologies.
Automated Hub Operations.

Fellowship Duration and Funding Benefits

The A*STAR International Fellowship provides funding for:

Up to two years

Successful fellows receive comprehensive financial support during their overseas training.

Financial Support Provided

The fellowship includes:

Monthly overseas living allowance.
Monthly sustenance allowance.
Annual return airfare.
Settling-in allowance.
Computer allowance.
Conference allowance.
Annual personal insurance.

The funding package supports researchers during their international postdoctoral experience.

Who Is Eligible?

The fellowship is open to:

Singapore citizens.
Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR).

Exceptional consideration may be given to foreign nationals, subject to citizenship requirements.

Citizenship Requirements

Applicants must:

Be Singapore citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents.

Foreign nationals may be considered only if they:

Obtain Singapore citizenship before the fellowship begins.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must:

Have completed a PhD within the last four years, or
Be in the final stages of completing their PhD.

The PhD should be relevant to the selected research or innovation area.

Research Experience Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

Strong research capability.
Potential for innovation.
Relevant academic or professional achievements.

Selection may consider:

Research publications.
Previous projects.
Technical expertise.
Research impact.

Institutional Bond Requirement

Applicants must:

Not have existing institutional bonds.

This allows fellows to participate in overseas training without conflicting commitments.

Track-Specific Requirements

Additional eligibility conditions may apply depending on whether applicants choose:

Research Track.
Innovation Track.

Applicants should review the specific requirements of their selected pathway before applying.

Why It Matters

International postdoctoral training helps researchers gain advanced expertise and global experience.

The A*STAR International Fellowship enables researchers to:

Work with leading global institutions.
Access advanced research facilities.
Build international collaborations.
Develop innovation skills.
Strengthen Singapore’s research capabilities.

The programme supports the development of future scientific leaders and technology innovators.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should check that they:

Meet citizenship requirements.
Completed or are completing a PhD.
Have no institutional bond restrictions.
Match the fellowship research areas.

Step 2: Select Fellowship Track

Applicants should choose between:

Research Track.
Innovation Track.

The selected track should match their career goals and proposed overseas training.

Step 3: Identify Overseas Host Institution

Applicants should identify suitable:

Universities.
Research institutions.
Deep-tech startups.

The host organisation should provide relevant research or innovation opportunities.

Step 4: Prepare Application Materials

Applicants should prepare information related to:

Academic background.
PhD research.
Proposed overseas training.
Research achievements.
Career objectives.

Step 5: Submit Application

Applicants must submit their fellowship application according to A*STAR requirements.

Applications are evaluated based on:

Research excellence.
Innovation potential.
Career impact.
Alignment with Singapore’s research priorities.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without confirming eligibility.
Selecting a track unrelated to career goals.
Providing unclear research objectives.
Failing to explain the impact of overseas training.
Submitting incomplete application information.

Application Tips

Applicants should:

Clearly explain their research vision.
Highlight major achievements.
Select a strong overseas host institution.
Demonstrate how the fellowship supports long-term career development.
Connect their research with A*STAR priority areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the A*STAR International Fellowship?

The A*STAR International Fellowship is a funded postdoctoral programme supporting early-career researchers with overseas research or innovation training opportunities.

2. How long does the fellowship last?

The fellowship provides funding for up to two years.

3. Who can apply?

Singapore citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents can apply. Foreign nationals may be considered in exceptional cases if they obtain Singapore citizenship before the fellowship starts.

4. What expenses are covered?

The fellowship covers living allowances, airfare, settling-in support, computer allowance, conference allowance, and personal insurance.

5. What are the two fellowship tracks?

The two tracks are:

A*STAR International Fellowship (Research).
A*STAR International Fellowship (Innovation).

6. What PhD requirement must applicants meet?

Applicants must have completed a PhD within the last four years or be close to completing their PhD.

7. Can applicants with institutional bonds apply?

No. Applicants must not have existing institutional bonds.

Conclusion

The A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) provides early-career researchers with valuable opportunities to gain international postdoctoral experience while developing advanced research and innovation capabilities. Through overseas training, financial support, and access to leading research environments, the fellowship helps prepare researchers to contribute to Singapore’s future science and technology landscape.