A*STAR International Fellowship 2026 , Singapore (Fully Funded Postdoctoral Scholarship)

The A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) is a prestigious fully funded postdoctoral scholarship offered by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore. This program supports outstanding early-career researchers to undertake up to two years of overseas postdoctoral training at leading universities, research institutes, or deep-tech startups. The fellowship aims to nurture global research talent who will return to Singapore and contribute to the nation’s research, innovation, and enterprise ecosystem.

Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive financial package for up to two years, including:

• Monthly overseas living allowance
• Monthly sustenance allowance (with CPF contribution)
• Annual return airfare
• Settling-in allowance
• Computer allowance
• Conference & research allowance
• Annual personal insurance
• Full support during overseas postdoctoral placement

Service Commitment:

• Upon completion, scholars must return to Singapore and serve three (3) years at A*STAR research institutes or related organizations.

• Postdoctoral Research Training (After PhD)

The fellowship is open to a wide range of research disciplines including:

• Biomedical Research
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Bioinformatics
• Food Science & Processing
• Human Potential & Clinical Sciences
• Infectious Diseases
• MedTech
• Precision & Preventive Health
• Synthetic Biology
• Therapeutics
• Science & Engineering Research
• Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
• Quantum Technologies
• Semiconductors
• Smart & Sustainable Manufacturing
• Sustainable Energy & Chemicals
• Supply Chain Optimization

• Singapore Citizens
• Singapore Permanent Residents
• Exceptional foreign applicants may be considered, but must obtain Singapore citizenship before fellowship commencement.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a PhD obtained within the last 4 years
• No existing bond with any institution
• Strong academic and research track record

Track-Specific Requirements

AIF – Research Track

• Excellent publication record
• Secured or applying for a postdoctoral position at a top overseas institution

AIF – Innovation Track

• Strong interest in innovation & entrepreneurship
• Preferably good publications and industry exposure

Mid-Term Applicants

• Must be Singaporean
• Already enrolled in an overseas postdoctoral position
• Current supervisor must be one of the referees

Follow these steps to apply:

• Secure a postdoctoral placement at an approved overseas university, lab, or deep-tech startup.
• Prepare required documents:

1. Academic transcripts
2. PhD certificate
3. Research proposal
4. CV with publication list
5. Two academic referees

• Submit online application via:

https://sms-applicant-app.a-star.edu.sg/

Application Timeline

Cycle Application Period Interviews Results

Cycle 1 

• 1 Jan – 1 Apr (Application Period)
• Apr – May (Interviews)
• Mid-June (Results)

• 1 Jul – 1 Nov (Application Period)
• Oct – Nov (Interviews)
• December (Results)

Successful candidates will join Vista Development Programme, A*STAR’s leadership and research career mentoring series.

Why Choose A*STAR Fellowship?

• Train in world-class global research environments
• Access to top universities and deep-tech startups
• Strong industry and innovation exposure
• Guaranteed research position in Singapore after return
• Competitive funding with full financial security