National Science Scholarship (PhD)
Tristan Choo Wen Jie, National Science Scholarship (PhD) Recipient
The National Science Scholarship (PhD) develops top researchers for by providing access to leading international institutions and labs. Scholars gain hands-on experience through a one-year research attachment at A*STAR before commencing their PhD, equipping them with the skills to thrive in the global research community.
Scholarship Facts
- Study overseas at a top global institution
- Funding period: Up to 5 years
- Bond period: 4 years. NSS (PhD) scholars who complete their PhD in a country where English is not the official language would serve a 3-year bond instead
- Application period: 1 January to 1 April & 1 July to 1 October
- Mid-term scholars will receive the same level of support as the full-term scholars from the point of the award
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be Singaporean or other nationals intending to take up citizenship. Non-Singaporeans are required to have obtained minimally Permanent Resident (SPR) prior to the commencement of the studies, and convert to citizenship during their undergraduate studies
- Have attained a good class of Honours degree or equivalent in relevant disciplines
- Be in the last semester of their final year of undergraduate studies to apply. However, successful candidates will only be awarded the scholarship if they obtain a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent results that meet A*STAR’s requirements
- Have applied or be applying for a PhD programme at a top overseas institution
Mid-Term NSS (PhD) applicants must:
- Be Singaporean
- Enrolled in a top overseas institution and minimally complete at least 1 semester at the point of scholarship application
- On track to attain excellent academic standing for current degree
- Good research potential and/or achievements
- Current university supervisor to be at least 1 out of the 2 academic referees
Other requirements:
- Successful candidates are required to undergo a 1 year research attachment at an A*STAR research institute prior to their PhD studies (not applicable for mid-term NSS (PhD) candidates)
The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on prevailing scholarship policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice.
Coverage
Successful applicants will be given the following support* for up to 5 years:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly sustenance allowance, inclusive of CPF contribution (where applicable)
- Monthly overseas living allowance
- Annual return airfare
- Other allowances including:
• Conference allowance
• Thesis allowance
• Computer allowance
• Settling-In allowance
• Language programme fees (for scholars studying in non-anglophone countries (where applicable))
Mid-term NSS (PhD) awardees will be offered the same terms of support as the full-term NSS (PhD) awardees from the point of the award, with retrospective payment for all tuition fees and/or any compulsory fees from Year 1 of study onwards.
*All rates/allowances vary according to country and university, and are subject to adjustments made by A*STAR.
Service Commitment
Upon completion of the PhD programme, NSS (PhD) scholars will return to and contribute to A*STAR’s research institutes and/or relevant organisations for 4 years.
Scholars who complete their PhD in a non-anglophone country would serve a 3-year service commitment instead.
How To Apply
Application Timeline
| Application Cycle | Interviews | Application Outcomes |
| First application cycle: Opens on 1 January Closes on 1 April | Mid-April to May
| From mid-June
|
| Second application cycle: Opens on 1 July Closes on 1 October | Mid-October to mid-November | From December |
*A*GA may consider off-cycle applications on a case-by-case basis
*Successful candidates will be notified via email.
Onboarding:
As an A*STAR scholar, you will participate in Vista, A*STAR Graduate Academy’s signature developmental programme series specially designed for scholars. Each Vista session focuses on scholars’ key development areas at various academic and career milestones. The programmes provide opportunities to engage with A*STAR leadership and key opinion leaders in the R&D ecosystem, facilitate career and academic advancement and foster networking with peers. Past keynote speakers have included the CEO of National Research Foundation, the Chairman of A*STAR’s Biomedical Advisory Council, and the Executive Director of A*STAR’s Science and Engineering Research Council.
Research Areas
*The list is not exhaustive. If the field you are interested in is not listed here, please write in and check with us. For more information on the areas of research, please click here.
Your Scholarship Journey
A*STAR supports scholars throughout their PhD journey to help them progress towards their personal and professional goals.
Contact
FAQs /scholarships/home/faqs
Application
NSS (PhD) applicants should have secured a place in an overseas university, or be in the process of applying to one or more overseas universities.
2. I have applied for the NSS (PhD). Can I also be considered for the AGS scholarship?
Applicants can indicate in the NSS (PhD) application form, if they wish to be considered for the AGS in the event that they are found suitable.
3. Is it recommended to do a Masters before my PhD? If so, when do I do my Masters?
It is not necessary for you to have a Masters before you apply to A*STAR's PhD scholarships.
4. What is the application and interview process like?
Please submit an with all supporting documents (e.g. academic credentials) and a description of the proposed research area, by the stipulated deadlines stated on our website.
Do note that 2 academic referee reports are required, and to be submitted within 7 working days of submission of the online application. Referees will receive an auto-generated email with a link to complete an online referee report. You may wish to give them a heads-up before you apply so that they can submit in time. Referees can be academic referees from universities or supervisors/PIs whom you have worked with.
For shortlisted candidates, there will be 2 rounds of interviews to assess their suitability for the scholarship. First round of interview will be with a panel of A*STAR scientists, while the final round of interview will be with the senior management of A*STAR.
5. When should I apply for the scholarship and how long will the application process take?
The scholarship application process typically takes about five months from the submission of a complete application to the notification of results. You are advised to plan ahead and submit their applications early.
6. I do not have any prior experience in research, is there any training provided before I embark on my PhD studies?
Awardees of the NSS (PhD) scholarships are required to complete a compulsory 1-year research attachment at one of our A*STAR Research Institutes (RIs) before embarking on PhD studies.
7. Can the research attachment requirement be waived?
Applicants with prior research experience at A*STAR (beyond their undergraduate Final Year Project) may request a waiver of the compulsory research attachment year, subject to approval. However, scholars are strongly encouraged to complete the attachment as it provides valuable exposure to research work at ASTAR Research Institutes and helps build connections with A*STAR researchers.
8. What is the academic requirement for applying to an A*STAR scholarship?
A*STAR will make a holistic assessment of each application along with a good class of honours degree, and take into consideration other factors such as research experience and achievements.
9. Will a few years of Research Officer experience in an A*STAR RI be considered favourably in my scholarship application compared to an application from a fresh graduate?
As these are national scholarships, all applications will be treated equitably and reviewed holistically such as on academic track record, publications and research exposure/experience. Your experience as a Research Officer will be beneficial as part of your overall portfolio for the scholarship application.
Citizenship
Yes. Permanent residents and non-Singaporeans who are awarded the NSS (PhD) will be required to take up citizenship no later than the third year of your PhD studies. For non-Singaporeans, you are to minimally obtain your Singapore Permanent Residence before the commencement of your studies. If you are holding both citizenship and foreign citizenship/PR, you are required to take such steps as are necessary to divest your foreign citizenship or permanent residency status as soon as possible.
Service Commitment
1. Do I have to serve a bond at A*STAR after completing my PhD and/or Postgraduate studies? How long is the service commitment period?
Upon completion of their PhD studies, scholars will serve at one of A*STAR’s research institutions for three years.
NSS (PhD) scholars will serve at one of A*STAR’s research institutions for four years.
2. I am currently holding a scholarship for my undergraduate studies from another government ministry/ agency. Can I still apply for the NSS (PhD)?
Please clarify the policy and guidelines from your sponsoring organisation before applying to A*STAR.
3. Will I be over-qualified for the general job market as a PhD student and what are my career prospects after PhD studies?
Having a PhD is highly advantageous for careers in Research and Development (R&D). R&D is a key pillar of Singapore’s innovation-driven economy, and PhD talent with strong scientific expertise play a vital role in advancing the nation’s research capabilities.
Singapore’s R&D ecosystem has expanded significantly over the past decade, comprising a growing network of public and private research organisations. Many global corporations have also established major research units in Singapore, creating strong demand for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and PhD-qualified professionals.
Recognising the diversity of interests and strengths among our scholars, A*STAR provides multiple pathways to develop and chart their careers across different domains. NSS (PhD) scholars typically serve their bond in one of A*STAR’s Research Institutes. Selected scholars may also be deployed, after their initial two years at A*STAR, to roles in industry, corporate R&D labs, public administration, technology enterprises, spin-off companies, or academia.
PhD Studies
1. What are the allowances like for the A*STAR PhD scholarships?
During the PhD studies, A*STAR scholars receive competitive monthly allowance besides full sponsorship of the tuition fees. Please refer to the coverage section of the scholarships NSS (PhD) for the detailed list of allowances provided
under the scholarships.
2. In the event that I am awarded the scholarship from A*STAR, am I still subject to the requirements of the respective universities for the conferment of my PhD degree?
Scholars
are required to satisfy the coursework requirements specified by the University conferring the PhD degree. The graduation requirements shall be in accordance with the prevailing rules for the PhD degree applicable at the university. Scholars
are encouraged to discuss the requirements with supervisors.
3. Is it possible to change my course of study/research midway through my PhD programme?
All scholars need to seek A*STAR's written permission before changing their course of
study/research project. Each case will be assessed on its own merit. However, scholars are encouraged to consider their research area seriously before commencing their PhD studies as a mid-point change of their research focus may badly affect
their PhD progress.
4.Once I have selected the host university abroad, will I be able to visit the university to meet up with potential supervisors and assess the research lab facilities?
NSS (PhD)
awardees will be provided with some level of funding to visit the overseas universities that they intend to enrol in, prior to their PhD studies, subject to the applicable policy.
5. Does the A*STAR PhD scholarship provide funding for consumables and research fees?
A*STAR does not pay for consumables or research fees. Fees involved in the lab should be
borne by the university.
6. What happens if I take more time to complete my PhD beyond the funding period under the NSS (PhD) scholarship?
If you need more time to complete your PhD, you will have to
seek approval from A*STAR’s management for your PhD extension.
7. Will there be any post-doctoral training abroad after the conferment of my PhD?
NSS (PhD) scholars who complete their PhDs in less than 5 years may consider using their remaining
funding for post-doctoral training. Scholars will need to seek A*STARs written approval for the use of their remaining funds for post-doc training.
8. Is it possible to finish a PhD in 2.5 to 3 years?
A PhD typically spans over 4 to 5 years, but there have been cases where scholars were able to complete their PhD in 2.5
to 3.5 years.
9. Do PhD students have work-life balance?
While the PhD course load will differ depending on the programme and the specialisation, time management is important in achieving
work-life balance.
10. What are some of the non-traditional (non-UK/US) countries A*STAR scholarship holders have gone to and which universities do they attend?
A*STAR scholarships holders have
attended universities for their undergraduate/postgraduate studies/post-doctoral in countries such as:
| Australia | Australian National University |
| France | Necker Institute |
| Germany | Heidelberg University |
| Spain | Spanish National Centre for Cardiovascular Research |
| Sweden | Karolinska Institute |
| Switzerland | ETH Zurich |
Employment
A PhD education prepares you for a variety of careers. Besides research and academia, many PhD graduates have found careers in industry R&D, technology transfer, commercialization, intellectual property and also start-ups.