National Quantum Scholarships Scheme (PhD): 2025 Profile
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)18 Feb 2025, 08:30 Z
TL;DR\ The National Quantum Scholarships Scheme (PhD) pays for your doctorate, embeds you in leading Singapore quantum labs, and commits you to national projects that commercialise or operationalise quantum technologies.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Open until 31 Dec 2025 (last checked 18 Feb 2025)
- Official Listing: National Quantum Scholarships Scheme (PhD)
- Who It Targets: High-potential researchers planning a PhD in quantum science, engineering, or computing at Singapore universities
- Eligibility: Stellar academic record, research portfolio in quantum or adjacent fields, and desire to accelerate the nation's Quantum Engineering Programme
- Tenable Institutions: Doctoral programmes at NUS, NTU, and SUTD with affiliated quantum research centres
- Bond: Typically four to six years with sponsoring agencies such as A*STAR, DSO, DSTA, or deep-tech partners within Singapore
Award Components
- Full coverage of tuition and compulsory fees for the entire PhD duration
- Competitive monthly stipend with top-ups for outstanding progress
- Research funding for equipment, consumables, overseas conferences, and collaborative residencies
- Access to national quantum hardware testbeds, cleanrooms, and cryogenic facilities
- Structured professional development in technology translation, entrepreneurship, and science communication
Eligibility Highlights
- First-class honours or equivalent in physics, engineering, computer science, or mathematics
- Prior research output—publications, patents, or significant capstone projects—in quantum information, photonics, materials, or control systems
- Proficiency in numerical modelling, quantum programming frameworks, or experimental techniques relevant to the chosen lab
- Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and ability to work on multi-disciplinary, mission-driven projects
- Commitment to Singapore residency and service obligations after completing the doctorate
Application Roadmap
- Engage potential PhD supervisors at NUS, NTU, or SUTD and align your research proposal with the National Quantum Strategy.
- Assemble an application package including research proposal, CV, transcripts, GRE (if required), and letters of recommendation.
- Submit the scholarship application by 31 December 2025, indicating preferred host lab and sponsoring agency.
- Undertake technical interviews and presentations where you defend your research interests and demonstrate quantum depth.
- Complete matching with a sponsoring agency and finalise funding arrangements before matriculation.
- Sign the service bond, map doctoral milestones with your supervisor, and attend NQO induction workshops.
Preparation Playbook
- Read Singapore's Quantum Engineering Roadmap and identify how your work can produce national impact within five to ten years.
- Build collaborations with local quantum researchers early—co-authoring papers or contributing to open-source toolkits helps.
- Hone presentation skills; be prepared to explain your research vision to panels that include policymakers and industry partners.
- Plan for internships or residencies at partner labs (DSO, QEP testbeds, or industry co-innovation sites) to show applied focus.
- Stay plugged into the quantum community through seminars, hackathons, and national flagship events like Quantum Tech Summit Asia.
