MOE-Autonomous University Scholarship: 2026 Profile

Q: What does MOE-Autonomous University Scholarship: 2026 Profile cover?
A: Funding structure, mentorship journey, and commitment roadmap for the MOE-Autonomous University (AU) Scholarship under the START scheme, supporting aspiring academics from undergraduate through PhD.

TL;DR\ The MOE-Autonomous University (AU) Scholarship grooms future faculty: it funds your undergraduate degree, mentors you with senior academics, and leads straight into a START-sponsored PhD—apply if you love research, teaching, and envision a career shaping Singapore's universities.

Use our Scholarship Matcher to see how MOE-AU stacks up against other research or teaching scholarships before you engage faculty mentors.

Scholarship Snapshot

• Status: Open Until 15 Mar 2026 (last checked 2025-10-14)
• Official Portal: MOE-AU Scholarship
• Who It Targets: JC/IP and polytechnic graduates who want to become academics in Singapore's autonomous universities
• Eligibility: Singapore Citizens with stellar pre-university results, demonstrated research aptitude, and a clear commitment to joining university faculty
• Tenable Institutions: NUS, NTU, SMU, SUSS, SIT, SUTD, plus approved overseas universities paired with your host AU
• Bond Guide: Serve 4 years (local), 5 years (non-English overseas), or 6 years (English-speaking overseas) as an academic staff member after the subsequent START PhD

Funding & Development Support

• Full tuition, compulsory fees, and admission deposits for your undergraduate course
• Maintenance allowance plus approved living expenses; overseas scholars receive economy airfare at the start and end of studies
• Sponsored overseas exchange, immersion, or summer programmes aligned with your academic interests
• Structured mentorship with faculty mentors from your paired AU, including research assistant stints and lab attachments
• Guaranteed pipeline to a START PhD scholarship upon completing your undergraduate degree, subject to performance

Development Journey

1. Undergraduate phase: Build disciplinary depth while taking on research apprenticeships, honours projects, and teaching assistantships identified by your AU mentor.
2. Enrichment & overseas exposure: Participate in funded exchanges, conferences, or fieldwork to broaden your academic network.