National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD): 2025 Profile
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)18 Feb 2025, 08:40 Z
TL;DR\ The National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD) funds both your overseas bachelor's degree and doctorate, immerses you in A*STAR labs through attachments, and bonds you to Singapore's deep-tech research landscape for the long term.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Application cycle closed (last checked 18 Feb 2025)
- Official Listing: A*STAR National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD)
- Who It Targets: JC, IB, and polytechnic high-achievers who want to pursue science or engineering degrees leading to a PhD and a research career
- Eligibility: Singapore Citizens and PRs (open to outstanding internationals) with strong STEM grades, research exposure, and leadership potential
- Tenable Institutions: Top overseas universities renowned for STEM—think Oxbridge, the Ivies, or leading Asian/European STEM schools
- Bond: Typically six years with A*STAR or other designated public-sector research agencies
Award Components
- Full tuition and compulsory fees for both undergraduate and PhD pathways
- Generous stipends, accommodation allowances, and insurance throughout study
- Return airfare, settling-in allowance, and research grant support for conferences or fieldwork
- Attachments at A*STAR institutes during summer breaks and before postgraduate matriculation
- Access to mentorship circles, leadership programmes, and career planning with A*STAR senior scientists
Eligibility Highlights
- Outstanding track record in science competitions, Olympiads, or research internships
- Strong letters of recommendation showcasing perseverance, curiosity, and collaborative skills
- Evidence of passion for research through extended projects, publications, or innovation challenges
- Ability to thrive in rigorous overseas learning environments and represent Singapore abroad
- Willingness to commit to national R&D priorities in fields such as biomedical science, AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, or sustainability
Application Roadmap
- Build a shortlist of overseas universities and majors aligned to A*STAR's strategic research areas.
- Prepare transcripts, predicted grades, SAT/ACT (if required), and research portfolios well before application windows close.
- Submit the National Science Scholarship application with essays articulating your vision for Singapore science and technology.
- Complete psychometric assessments; shortlisted applicants attend technical interviews and panel discussions with A*STAR leaders.
- Participate in camp-style selection exercises that evaluate teamwork, problem-solving, and research aptitude.
- Upon award, plan your undergraduate timeline with the scholarship team, schedule research attachments, and map the transition to a PhD.
Preparation Playbook
- Seek mentorship from current A*STAR scholars to understand academic expectations and lab culture.
- Intensify research exposure by joining university labs, research institutes, or relevant industry projects during holidays.
- Stay current on Singapore's National R&D Agenda and identify how your intended specialisation can solve national challenges.
- Develop resilience and self-management strategies to cope with extended overseas study and high research demands.
- Build communication skills—PhD scholars must publish, present, and collaborate across global teams.
