The ASTAR Research Attachment Programme connects researchers at overseas universities with ASTAR researchers through joint projects. PhD students enrolled at overseas universities spend 1–2 years at an A*STAR research institute in Singapore under joint supervision.
The programme spans biomedical sciences, physical sciences, engineering, infocomm and related areas. Entry is through joint nomination by the home university and A*STAR supervisors, not a direct public student application.
Benefits & funding
- A monthly stipend and monthly housing allowance are provided during the attachment.
- One-time support includes an IT allowance, airfare grant and settling-in allowance.
- Visa costs, medical insurance and a conference allowance are covered.
- A*STAR does not cover tuition fees at the student’s home university.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be postgraduate or PhD students enrolled at an overseas university; students in an integrated MSc–PhD programme join only during the PhD phase.
- A Bachelor’s degree with at least Second-Class Upper Honours or equivalent is required.
- Candidates should have strong referral reports and a good research track record.
- The home university and an A*STAR supervisor must nominate the student jointly.
Can you apply?
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Education required
PhD Enrolled
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Application process
- 1Develop a joint research project involving a home-university supervisor and an A*STAR researcher.
- 2Students at partner universities contact their designated university office about the nomination procedure.
- 3The home university and A*STAR supervisors jointly nominate the student.
- 4The A*STAR researcher submits the nomination by 1 June or 1 December; there is no direct public student application route stated.
Program timeline
Nomination deadlines
1 June and 1 December each year
About six months after the award date
Attachment may commence