The A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) is a prestigious scholarship designed to support early-career researchers in advancing their careers in research and innovation. Through this fellowship, successful applicants will receive up to 2 years of overseas postdoctoral training in leading overseas universities, research institutions or overseas deep-tech startups which are portfolio companies of top-tier venture capital/builder firms. The AIF aims to nurture global-ready talent who will contribute meaningfully to A*STAR’s mission and the broader R&D ecosystem upon the completion of their training.
The AIF offers two distinct tracks tailored to different career aspirations:
- A*STAR International Fellowship (Research)
- The A*STAR International Fellowship (Research) is a research-focussed postdoctoral track for early-career researchers who wish to deepen their expertise, drive independent projects, and contribute to high-impact research. This track provides a strong foundation for postdocs to advance their scientific knowledge while preparing for impactful careers in A*STAR, academia, industry, or other public sector organisations/research institutes.
- A*STAR International Fellowship (Innovation)
- The A*STAR International Fellowship (Innovation) is an innovation-focussed postdoctoral track that supports entrepreneurial-minded researchers who are keen to enhance their technical expertise, innovation capabilities and enterprise acumen. Fellows will gain hands-on experience in translating cutting-edge research into investable ventures through placements in high quality deep-tech startups, which are portfolio companies of top-tier venture capital/builder firms. Where necessary, such postdoctoral stints may also be undertaken in VC firms, particularly those with entrepreneur-in-residence programmes, or VB firms.
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A*STAR Fellowship
Aim and Benefits of A*STAR Fellowship
Successful applicants will be given the following support* for up to 2 years of overseas postdoctoral research training:
- Monthly overseas living allowance
- Monthly sustenance allowance, inclusive of CPF contribution
- Annual return airfare
- Other allowances including
• Settling-in allowance
• Computer allowance
• Conference allowance
- Annual personal insurance
Mid-term AIF awardees will be offered the same terms of support as the full-term AIF awardees from the point of the award, with retrospective payment for any compulsory fees incurred from the start of postdoctoral training.
*All rates/allowances vary according to country and university/lab, and are subject to A*STAR adjustments from time to time.
Service Commitment
- Upon completion of the postdoctoral research training, scholars will return to Singapore and contribute to A*STAR’s research institutes and/or relevant organisations for three (3) years.
Requirements for A*STAR Fellowship Qualification
Applicants must:
- Be Singaporeans or Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR). Foreigners who are non-SPRs and with outstanding track records may be considered on an exceptional basis. Non-Singaporeans are required to have obtained Singapore citizenship prior to the commencement of the fellowship
- Have completed a PhD within the last 4 years#
- Not have existing bonds to any institution
#Applicants in the final stages of their PhD may apply for the AIF. However, their AIF award is confirmed only upon conferment of their PhD degree
Additional track-specific requirements:
AIF (Research):
- Possess excellent publication records
- Have applied or be applying for a relevant postdoctoral position at a top overseas university/laboratory
AIF (Innovation):
- Demonstrate strong aptitude and aspiration to pursue roles in innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E)
- Preferably with good publication records
Mid-Term AIF applicants must:
- Be Singaporean
- Enrolled in a top overseas university/lab at the point of scholarship application
- Possess good publication records
- Current postdoctoral supervisor to be at least 1 out of the 2 academic referees
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.
Application Deadline
April 1, 2026How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
Agency for Science, Technology and Research on sms-applicant-app.a-star.edu.sg to apply
- Apply for University and A*STAR fellowship concurrently
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited for two rounds of interview
- Successful applicants will be given an offer
- Awarded applicants will be given 2 weeks to accept the scholarship
For more information, kindly visit A*STAR scholarship webpage.
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