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A*STAR / Singapore·Singapore

A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) — Research Track

Fully FundedPostdoctoral12–24 monthsTwo intakes - Jan & Aug

The A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) Research Track supports early-career Singaporean/PR researchers to undertake up to 2 years of postdoctoral training at leading overseas universities or research institutions. Fellows return to serve 3 years at an A*STAR Research Institute, contributing to Singapore's R&D ecosystem.

Popular Participating Universities

National University of Singapore (NUS)National University of Singapore
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)Nanyang Technological University
Singapore Management University (SMU)Singapore Management University
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)Singapore University of Technology and Design

Quick info

Application status

Two intakes - Jan & Aug

DAAD deadlines vary per program. Check the official site for the current intake window.

Singapore
Postdoctoral
12–24 months
Biomedical Research, Science & Engineering Research, Data / AI / Quantum…
Apply on official site

Opens the provider's official website

Info sourced from official providers. Always verify deadlines, requirements, and eligibility directly before applying.

What you get

  • Monthly overseas living allowance (rate varies by country and institution)
  • Monthly sustenance allowance inclusive of CPF contribution
  • Annual return economy airfare
  • One-off settling-in allowance
  • Computer allowance
  • Conference allowance
  • Annual personal insurance

Requirements

First degree: Required
Professional experience: not specified

Detailed requirements

  • - Must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident (SPR); non-SPR foreigners may be considered exceptionally but must obtain Singapore citizenship before commencement
  • - Must have completed a PhD within the last 4 years (applicants finishing PhD may apply; award confirmed upon conferment)
  • - Must not hold existing bonds to any institution
  • - Must contact an approved overseas university/lab and establish a research project proposal before applying
  • - Must have excellent publication record (Research track)
  • - Must be applying for or have a confirmed postdoctoral position at a top overseas university/lab

Who can apply

Early-career Singaporean/PR researchers who have recently completed their PhD and wish to deepen expertise through 1–2 years of overseas postdoctoral training at a world-class institution, before returning to contribute to A*STAR.

Fields of study

Biomedical ResearchScience & Engineering ResearchData / AI / QuantumSemiconductorsSustainable EnergyAdvanced Manufacturing

Application window

Two intakes - Jan & Aug

SINGA/AGS PhD: Rolling - two intakes per year (January and August)

ASEAN UG (NUS/NTU): Apply via undergraduate admissions (October–March)

Dates are based on data sourced from official providers (2025–2026 cycle). Deadlines may shift between intake years. Always verify on the official website before applying.

Important dates

Cycle 1 opens: 1 January - closes: 1 April - interviews: mid-April to May - results: from mid-June
Cycle 2 opens: 1 July - closes: 1 October - interviews: mid-October to mid-November - results: from December
3-year service commitment at A*STAR after fellowship ends

How to apply

  1. 1Identify an approved overseas university/lab and establish a research project with a prospective supervisor
  2. 2Apply online at a-star.edu.sg/scholarships during an open cycle window
  3. 3Seek endorsement from your intended A*STAR Research Institute supervisor and Executive Director before first interview
  4. 4Attend 2 rounds of interviews (first round: 15-min presentation + 15-min Q&A)
  5. 5Candidates overseas may attend virtually
  6. 6AIF award is conditional on confirmed placement at approved overseas institution
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A*STAR / Singapore

Singapore

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