A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (PhD) – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes1 Aug, 2026

The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS) is a fully funded doctoral scholarship jointly offered by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) and Singapore’s Autonomous Universities, including the National University of Singapore (NUS). The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for up to four years of doctoral study. As a result, scholars can focus fully on their research and academic development without financial concerns. The award covers doctoral study expenses and includes various academic allowances. Furthermore, scholars may undertake an overseas research attachment of up to 12 months at internationally recognized universities or research institutions. After completing their PhD or EngD, they may also apply for the A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) to pursue postdoctoral training at leading institutions abroad and further strengthen their research expertise.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (PhD) before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

All fields

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.5

Languages

C1 Advanced 180, IELTS 6.5, PTE A 62, TOEFL iBT 92

Tests

Study Levels

Doctoral, PhD

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (2)

Result Date

Program Start

January 2027

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount
Deadline1 Aug, 2026
LevelDoctoral, PhD
InstitutionNational University of Singapore
CountrySingapore
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS) is a fully funded doctoral scholarship jointly offered by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) and Singapore’s Autonomous Universities, including the National University of Singapore (NUS). The scholarship supports outstanding students who wish to pursue a full-time PhD or EngD while conducting research at an A*STAR Research Institute. It aims to develop future scientific leaders by combining academic excellence with industry-oriented and user-inspired research. Moreover, the program enables scholars to undertake advanced doctoral studies while contributing to high-impact scientific research.

Background and Purpose

The scholarship aims to strengthen Singapore’s research and innovation ecosystem by developing highly skilled scientists and engineers. Therefore, scholars conduct cutting-edge research under the supervision of leading researchers at A*STAR Research Institutes while earning their doctoral degree from an autonomous university. They undertake research in biomedical sciences, physical sciences, engineering, computing, and other STEM disciplines. In addition, the program provides access to advanced research facilities, interdisciplinary projects, and strong collaborations with industry partners, fostering innovation and scientific discovery.

**A*STAR Graduate Scholarship Benefits**

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for up to four years of doctoral study. As a result, scholars can focus fully on their research and academic development without financial concerns. The award covers doctoral study expenses and includes various academic allowances. Furthermore, scholars may undertake an overseas research attachment of up to 12 months at internationally recognized universities or research institutions. After completing their PhD or EngD, they may also apply for the A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) to pursue postdoctoral training at leading institutions abroad and further strengthen their research expertise.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the admission requirements for a full-time PhD or EngD program at a participating autonomous university in Singapore and qualify for research at an A*STAR Research Institute. The scholarship is open to Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, and international applicants. In addition, international scholars must complete a three-year service commitment with Singapore-based companies after graduation, while Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents have no service commitment.

**A*STAR Graduate Scholarship Application Process**

Applicants must apply for admission to an eligible PhD or EngD program at a participating autonomous university and complete the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship application according to the published application process. Afterwards, the selection committee evaluates candidates based on their academic excellence, research potential, and overall suitability for the program.

Opportunities for Scholars

The scholarship enables students to conduct advanced research in internationally recognized research institutes while collaborating with leading scientists and industry partners. Moreover, scholars gain valuable international experience through overseas research attachments and may pursue postdoctoral training through the A*STAR International Fellowship. Consequently, graduates develop advanced research expertise and prepare for successful careers in academia, government research institutes, technology companies, and other innovation-driven organizations in Singapore and around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

The scholarship is open to outstanding PhD applicants of all nationalities who have strong academic records and an interest in pursuing research in science, engineering, computing, or related fields at NUS in partnership with A*STAR.

How do I apply?

Applicants should apply for an eligible PhD program at NUS and indicate their interest in the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship during the admissions process.

What research fields are supported by the scholarship?

The scholarship supports research in science, engineering, computing, biomedical sciences, and other disciplines aligned with A*STAR’s research priorities.