Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
وكالة العلوم والتكنولوجيا والبحث (A*STAR)
ForsaEduforsaedu.comAbout the scholarship program
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's main public research agency, with research institutes in the biomedical and physical sciences, engineering and infocomm. Through its Graduate Academy it funds scholarships and research attachments for international PhD students.
Information last verified: November 3, 2026Official source
Available programmes
Each programme has its own requirements, documents and benefits. Open it to see them in full with the application steps:
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A*STAR Research Attachment Programme (ARAP) for Overseas PhD Students
PhDLiving Stipend Only35 majorsDecember 1, 2026
Life and living
Singapore
Life and living
Singapore
Studying and living in Singapore
Costs and living
Annual tuition for AY2026/27 (including 9% GST) depends on whether you take the MOE Tuition Grant: • With the Tuition Grant (international students from outside ASEAN): about S$21,400 for most programmes at NUS and NTU, S$22,200 (NUS) or S$21,800 (NTU) for business, and S$26,200 at SMU; ASEAN students pay a little less (S$18,050 at NUS and NTU). • Without the grant: about S$36,350–43,050 at NUS and NTU, S$45,600 for business at NTU and S$47,700 at SMU; medicine costs far more (S$87,800 a year at NUS even with the grant). • Tuition Grant recipients sign an agreement with two sureties and must work for a Singapore entity for 3 years after graduation; students who pay full fees have no bond. Living costs (NUS estimate): S$1,200–2,100 a month living on campus (accommodation S$500–900, food 300–500, transport 100–200, personal 300–500), or S$1,550–3,400 off campus — roughly US$930–1,630 a month on campus.
Working while studying
Full-time students holding a Student’s Pass at institutions listed by the Ministry of Manpower (including NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, SIT, SUSS, the polytechnics and the University of the Arts Singapore) may work without a work pass for up to 16 hours a week during term, and during vacations without that limit; internships that count towards graduation are also allowed. Exchange students may not work, and working without a valid pass is an offence. After graduation: graduates of Singapore’s institutes of higher learning can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) to stay while looking for work (MOE states one year for Tuition Grant holders; fees S$45 + S$60). To work, your employer applies for an Employment Pass: the minimum qualifying salary is S$5,600 a month (S$6,200 in financial services) for new applications, rising to S$6,000 (S$6,600) from 1 January 2027, and higher for older applicants.
Last verified: November 2026· Source
Guide to studying in SingaporeFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Key questions and answers regarding eligibility, documents, and application steps.
Funding type: Fully Funded. Announced benefits: Monthly stipend, Monthly housing allowance, Airfare grant, settling-in allowance and visa costs, Medical insurance and conference allowance.
Eligible levels: PhD.
The latest deadline we have is December 1, 2026. Dates can differ by university or programme, so confirm on the official website.
Required documents: Nomination by the A*STAR supervisor, Endorsement by the home university and supervisor, Transcripts and CV, Referee reports and the joint project proposal.
There are two routes depending on your country and programme: nomination through the host country's embassy or your home ministry, or an application through a participating university where available. Each route has its own deadlines and quotas, so check which route is open for your country on the official website (https://www.a-star.edu.sg). ForsaEdu does not receive applications or charge any fee.
Track your academic readiness
Use the checklist in your profile to prepare your documents and make sure you meet this scholarship’s requirements.
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