AGENCY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH (A*STAR)
A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF)
full · phd
- Up to 2 yearsOverseas postdoctoral training funded
- Monthly allowanceOverseas living and sustenance allowances paid
- ~EUR 3,000/mo (est.)Indicative overseas living allowance
- 6 domainsEligible research areas
- 3-year bondService at an A*STAR Research Institute after training
- PhD within 4 yrsEligibility window after the doctorate
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
Open to all nationalities (non-Singaporeans must obtain Singapore citizenship before the fellowship begins)
Country
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Provider
The A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) supports up to 2 years of overseas postdoctoral research training at a top university or laboratory abroad, after which the fellow returns to Singapore to spend 3 years at an A*STAR Research Institute. It is awarded by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore's lead public-sector research agency, which runs about 20 research institutes and consortia. The fellowship is aimed at researchers who have completed a PhD within the last 4 years, hold a strong publication record and have no existing bonds to other institutions; applicants in the final stages of a PhD may apply, with the award confirmed only once the degree is conferred. Funding covers the overseas training period and then the 3 years of work back in Singapore is funded by the host A*STAR Research Institute. Benefits include a monthly overseas living allowance, a monthly sustenance allowance, annual return airfare, and settling-in, computer, book and conference allowances plus annual personal insurance. Eligible research areas span 6 domains, from chemicals, materials and energy to infocomms. Because all rates vary by country and laboratory and are adjusted by A*STAR from time to time, confirm the current allowances and the exact 2026 deadline on the official A*STAR fellowship page before applying.
What's covered
- Overseas living allowance — A monthly overseas living allowance for the postdoctoral training period, indicatively in the region of ~EUR 3,000 (est.) per month depending on the host country.
- Sustenance allowance — A monthly sustenance allowance, inclusive of CPF contribution where applicable, paid alongside the living allowance.
- Air travel — Annual return airfare between Singapore and the overseas host institution.
- Settling-in and equipment — Settling-in allowance, computer allowance and book allowance to support the move and the research work.
- Conference and insurance — A conference allowance for attending academic meetings, plus annual personal insurance cover.
- Funded return phase — The 3 years of work back in Singapore are funded by the host A*STAR Research Institute, with salary set by the institute.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the A*STAR scholarships portal. Create an account, complete the form, and progress through tests and interviews if shortlisted.
- Create an account — Sign up on the A*STAR application portal with your email and password to access the online application form.
- Complete the application — Fill in the required details, upload supporting documents and submit your application.
- Application review — Your application is reviewed and you may be asked to provide more information during the assessment.
- Tests and interviews — Shortlisted applicants attend psychometric tests and at least two interview rounds, including a 15-minute research presentation followed by 15 minutes of Q&A.
- Secure endorsement — Candidates who advance must obtain endorsement from the proposed A*STAR Research Institute Supervisor and Executive Director.
Eligibility
PhD timingCompletion of a PhD within the last 4 years; applicants in the final stages of a PhD may apply, with the award confirmed on conferment of the degree.
Publication recordA strong record of research publications relevant to the proposed field.
No bondsNo existing service bonds or obligations to any other institution.
Overseas placementApplication or intent to apply for a relevant postdoctoral position at a top overseas university or laboratory.
Singaporeans and other nationals may apply, but non-Singaporeans are required to obtain Singapore citizenship before the fellowship starts. A*STAR may add selection criteria from time to time, so check the current rules officially.
Eligible countries
Open to all nationalities (non-Singaporeans must obtain Singapore citizenship before the fellowship begins)
Deadlines
2026 cycle (postdoctoral fellowship)~31 March 2026 (est.)
Selection
Selection looks at the strength of the applicant's PhD and publications, the quality and feasibility of the proposed overseas research, and the fit with an A*STAR Research Institute. Shortlisted candidates take psychometric tests and at least two interview rounds, including a 15-minute research presentation, and must secure endorsement from a proposed A*STAR supervisor and Executive Director before an award is confirmed.
Verified sources
- A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF)a-star.edu.sgofficial
- A*STAR Scholarshipsa-star.edu.sgofficial
About the provider
A*STAR, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, is Singapore's lead public-sector research and development agency. It runs about 20 research institutes and consortia across the biomedical, physical and engineering sciences, and bridges academia and industry to translate research into economic and social value.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who is eligible for the A*STAR International Fellowship?
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Researchers who completed a PhD within the last 4 years (or are in the final stages of one) with a strong publication record and no existing institutional bonds, who plan to train at a top overseas laboratory.
How long is the fellowship?
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It funds up to 2 years of overseas postdoctoral training, followed by 3 years of work at an A*STAR Research Institute in Singapore funded by that institute.
What does the fellowship cover?
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A monthly overseas living allowance (indicatively ~EUR 3,000 (est.)), a sustenance allowance, annual return airfare, settling-in, computer, book and conference allowances, and annual personal insurance.
Do I have to be a Singapore citizen?
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Singaporeans and other nationals may apply, but non-Singaporeans must obtain Singapore citizenship before the fellowship begins.
Can I apply before finishing my PhD?
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Yes. Applicants in the final stages of a PhD may apply, but the award is only confirmed once the PhD degree is conferred.
What happens after the overseas training?
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Fellows return to Singapore and spend 3 years at an A*STAR Research Institute, with that period funded by the host institute.
Which research areas are eligible?
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Six domains: chemicals, materials and energy; electronics and engineering; food, nutrition and consumer care; pharmaceuticals and biologics; medical technology; and infocomms.
What is the selection process?
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Application review, psychometric tests and at least two interview rounds, including a 15-minute research presentation and 15 minutes of Q&A, plus supervisor and Executive Director endorsement.
Is there a service obligation?
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Yes. Recipients commit to 3 years of service at an A*STAR Research Institute in Singapore after completing the overseas training.
When is the deadline?
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The cycle typically closes in the first quarter of the year; the estimated 2026 deadline is ~31 March 2026 (est.). Confirm the exact date officially.
How do I apply?
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Create an account on the A*STAR application portal, complete and submit the online form with supporting documents, then progress through tests and interviews if shortlisted.
Where can I confirm allowance amounts?
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All allowance rates vary by country and laboratory and are adjusted by A*STAR over time, so confirm the current figures on the official A*STAR fellowship page.