Summary of A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) Program
- Application Deadline: March 01, 2023
- Location: Singapore
- Level of Study: Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Scholarship Coverage: 2 Years
About A*STAR International Fellowship Program
The A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF) is a scholarship that will fund your post-doctoral training at leading research institutions or universities overseas, providing you with opportunities to expand your research experience and deepen your knowledge in your chosen field.
With the AIF, you will build a global network, gain international exposure as well as new perspectives. Upon completing your post-doctorate training, you will embark on an exciting career at one of the A*STAR research institutes of your choice.
Learn from the best minds in the global research community, establish an international network and take your research to the next level!
Eligibility Criteria
1. Be Singaporeans and other nationals may apply but non-Singaporeans are required to have obtained Singapore citizenship prior to the commencement of the fellowship
2. Have completed a PhD within the last 4 years
3. Possess excellent publication records
4. Not have existing bonds to any institution
5. Have applied or be applying for a relevant post-doctoral position at a top overseas university/laboratory
Other requirements:
1. 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
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.
A*STAR International Fellowship Coverage
Successful applicants will be given the following support* for up to 2 years of overseas post-doctoral research training:
- Monthly overseas living allowance
- Monthly sustenance allowance, inclusive of CPF contribution (where applicable)
- Annual return airfare
- Other allowances including
- Settling-in allowance
- Computer allowance
- Conference allowance
- Annual personal insurance
*All rates/allowances vary according to country and university/lab, and are subject to A*STAR adjustments from time to time
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A*STAR International Fellowship Application Procedure
A*STAR accepts and processes applications:
From February onwards: 1 October of the preceding year
From August onwards: 1 March of the same year
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FAQ About A*STAR International Fellowship (AIF)
1. How long does it take to process my application?
The processing time for applications is up to 5 months from the date that you submit the complete application to A*GA office to the date that you are informed of the application outcome.
2. Is there any application deadline?
We process applications for 2 intakes. 1 October of preceding year for February’s commencement. 1 March of current year for August’s commencement.
3. What is the application and interview process like?
After you have submitted all the required documents, your application will be reviewed, and you may be requested to provide more information while we assess your application. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend at least 2 rounds of interviews, and other test(s) where applicable.
Prior to the first round of interview, you will need to seek endorsement from your proposed A*STAR Research Institute Supervisor, and Executive Director, for you to serve the 3-year service commitment period at that Research Institute after the post-doctoral training under the AIF. Please note for the first round interview, you will be given 15 minutes to present your proposed research project, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A.
4. Do I have to contact a Principal Investigator at an Overseas University/Institution?
Yes, you should contact an overseas university/institution supervisor to establish a project proposal prior to applying for AIF. The AIF award is conditional upon you having a confirmed place at the approved university/institution.
5. I am currently holding a post-doctoral position overseas. Can I use the AIF funding to continue my research?
Most applicants who apply for the AIF scholarship have not embarked on post-doctoral training yet. If you have already started your overseas post-doctoral training, you can still apply but we would have to assess the relevance and value of the research area you are working on and the strength of your overseas supervisor/institution.
6. Am I allowed to receive monetary support from the overseas university /institution?
This would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and it is subject to approval.
7. Can I propose any research topic?
You should propose a research topic/area that is aligned to A*STAR’s research direction and of relevance and value to the A*STAR Research Institutes. We strongly advise you to discuss with the A*STAR Research Institutes of interest to you before you propose a topic.
8. Do I have to serve a bond at A*STAR after completing my post-doctoral training?
How long is the service commitment period? Upon completion of post-doctoral training under the AIF, you will serve at one of A*STAR’s Research Institute for 3 years.
9. What are the allowances like for AIF?
During the post-doctoral training, you will receive a competitive monthly allowance. You will also be given annual allowances to attend conferences overseas. At the commencement of the post-doctoral training, we will provide a one-off settling-in allowance. Please refer to the website for the detailed list of allowances provided under the scholarship.
10. Is there any monetary support for my spouse and family?
No, there is no additional monetary support for the spouse and family of AIF awardees.
11. Can a non-Singaporean apply for the AIF?
Yes, non-Singaporeans intending to take up Singapore citizenship can apply for the AIF. You are to obtain your Singapore citizenship before the commencement of your post-doctoral training, and will undergo a research attachment at an A*STAR Research Institute while completing the citizenship conversion process.
