The ASTAR International Fellowship is a prestigious post-doctoral opportunity designed for international researchers to pursue advanced research training in Singapore. This fellowship provides scholars with the chance to work in leading labs at top overseas universities and gain cutting-edge research experience. Successful applicants are expected to contribute to the ASTAR Research Institutes in Singapore after completing their post-doctoral training.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have completed a PhD within the last 4 years.

• Possess an excellent publication record.

• Be applying for a relevant post-doctoral position at a recognized university or lab.

• Non-Singaporean applicants must obtain Singapore citizenship prior to the commencement of the fellowship.

• Those in the final stages of their PhD can apply, but the award is confirmed only upon the completion of their PhD.

The fellowship supports a wide range of research fields, including:

• Chemicals, materials, and energy

• Electronics

• Engineering

• Food, nutrition & consumer care

• Pharmaceuticals & biologics

• Medical technology

• Infocomms (infocommunications)

The fellowship is for 2 years of overseas post-doctoral research training. After completing the fellowship, scholars are expected to return to Singapore and serve for a 3-year period at an A*STAR Research Institute.

The fellowship offers several benefits, including:

• A monthly overseas living allowance.

• A monthly sustenance allowance, including CPF contributions (where applicable).

• Annual return airfare.

• Settling-in, computer, book, and conference allowances.

• Annual personal insurance.

• The 3 years at an A*STAR Research Institute post-fellowship are funded by the Institute.

To apply, you must:

• Sign up by creating an account on the official A*STAR website.

• Complete and submit the online application form.

• Provide required documents and research proposals.

• If shortlisted, you may be asked to attend a psychometric test and interviews.

• During interviews, you’ll need to present your proposed research project and answer questions.

There are two main application rounds:

• Round 1: October 1 of the preceding year.

• Round 2: March 1 of the same year (for the 2025 fellowship, the deadline is March 1, 2025).

Yes, applicants must be applying for a post-doctoral position at a top overseas university or laboratory. The position should align with the research fields supported by the A*STAR International Fellowship. Additionally, applicants in the final stages of their PhD can apply, but the fellowship award is only confirmed once the PhD degree is officially conferred.

Upon completing the 2 years of post-doctoral training abroad, scholars are expected to return to Singapore and serve a 3-year period at an A*STAR Research Institute. This service commitment is integral to the fellowship, ensuring that the knowledge and expertise gained are utilized in advancing research in Singapore.

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed. If shortlisted, you may be asked to provide additional information. Candidates progressing to further rounds will be required to attend an interview, where you’ll present your research proposal. If successful in the interviews, you will need endorsement from your proposed A*STAR Research Institute Supervisor and Executive Director to commit to the post-fellowship service.