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PhD and Post-Doc

At A*STAR, you will be part of a vibrant and innovative team, dedicated to drive A*STAR's mission to advance science and develop innovative technology to further economic growth and improve lives. We firmly believe that people are our greatest asset.

In recognition of the diverse talents, strengths and interests of our PhD scholars, we have created multiple pathways for our scholars, providing them with opportunities to develop and chart their careers in industry, corporate R&D labs, public administration, technology enterprises, spin-off companies and academia after their first two years with us.

Our post-doctoral fellowships provide opportunities for advanced training at renowned institutions and laboratories to help you develop new scientific capabilities and conduct cutting-edge research in your field of specialisation. You'll not only learn from the best minds but also build invaluable networks with the global research community through this international experience.

The A*STAR Graduate Academy provides scholarships and fellowships to enable young aspiring scientific talent to pursue their passion in science at top global universities and prepare them for a rewarding career in R&D.

For Singaporeans/other nationals intending to take up Singapore citizenship:

A*STAR Computing and Information Science (ACIS) Scholarship (2018-2019)
The A*STAR Computing and Information Science (ACIS) Scholarship is newly launched in November 2018 to attract top talents to pursue a PhD in computing and information science (CIS) disciplines.

ACIS Scholars will have invaluable opportunities to research on real-world issues across the whole spectrum of computing science, from deep learning for healthcare, data analytics for improved machine learning, to modelling and simulation for advanced applications. Scholars will be working hand-in-hand with autonomous universities, government agencies and top global companies that are collaborating with A*STAR.

The ACIS Scholarship provides a competitive stipend of up to S$5,000 monthly, on top of other allowances, and full tuition fees support for up to four years of PhD studies at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) or Singapore Management University (SMU).

In addition, ACIS Scholars can look forward to support for an overseas attachment of up to 12 months during your PhD. Scholars can also apply for the A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) to further your research expertise and expand your global network at top overseas universities or research entities.

Pursue your passion in Computing and Information Science with the ACIS Scholarship and experience a suite of exciting career opportunities in A*STAR, industry R&D labs, technology enterprises, spin-off companies and academia upon graduation.

Apply for the ACIS Scholarship today!

Eligibility

Applicants must:
  • Be Singaporeans and other nationals intending to take up Singapore citizenship
  • Satisfy the criteria for and gain admission to a PhD programme* in one of the following schools:
    • NTU School of Computer Science and Engineering
    • NUS School of Computing
    • SMU School of Information Systems
    • SUTD Information Systems Technology and Design Pillar
  • Have obtained at least a 2nd Upper Class Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
  • Have strong interest to pursue a CIS research career in industry R&D labs, technology enterprises, spin-off companies and/or academia
*Applicants for thematic programmes who are applying for or have gained admission to schools/departments other than the 4 specified CIS schools may be considered for the ACIS Scholarship if their PhD project is in CIS, on a case-by-case basis.
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 four years:
Monthly Sustenance Allowance Amount
For Singapore Citizens S$5,000
For Singapore Permanent Citizens^ S$4,000
For Non-Singapore Citizens^ S$3,750
  • Full tuition fees
  • Monthly sustenance allowance and CPF contribution (where applicable) based on the prevailing employer’s contribution rate^
  • Other allowances including
    • Book allowance
    • Computer allowance
    • Conference allowance
    • Miscellaneous allowance
    • Thesis allowance
  • Support for up to 12 months of overseas attachment
Note:
*All rates/allowances are subject to adjustments by A*STAR from time to time.
^Non-Singaporean scholars and Singapore Permanent Residents will receive the following with effect from the date of obtaining Singapore citizenship:
(i) Monthly sustenance allowance at the rate applicable for Singapore citizens;
(ii) Monthly CPF contribution.


Post-doctoral Opportunity:
ACIS scholars are eligible to apply for the A*STAR International Fellowship, which provides up to 2 years of funding support for post-doctoral training in a top overseas laboratory or institution.


Service Commitment:

Singaporeans (at the point of award): No service commitment.

Non-Singaporeans (at the point of award): 2-year service in Singapore-based companies^ without commitment to any specific organization. The area of work should preferably be in CIS disciplines.

^ Singapore-based companies refer to local companies and international companies that have a base in Singapore and which is registered with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).


Application Procedure

To apply for the ACIS, please click here.

The application cycle is aligned to the university admission intakes in August or January each year, as follows.
Admission Intake Last day for submission of online application with complete set of supporting documents
August 31 January 2019
January 31 July of the preceding year

Applicants should concurrently apply PhD admission to their intended university.

Please note that the choice of PhD supervisor(s), project and university of successful candidates is subject to approval by A*STAR.
Applicants may submit GRE scores (if available) to be included in the overall assessment of their scholarship application.


Frequently Asked Questions

For frequently asked questions, please click here.
Deadline: Closed for this cycle