National Science Scholarship (Masters): 2025 Profile
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)18 Feb 2025, 08:50 Z
TL;DR\ A*STAR's National Science Scholarship (Masters) funds a research-focused master's overseas and readies you for leadership roles in Singapore's innovation ecosystem through attachments, mentoring, and a short but intensive service commitment.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Application cycle closed (last checked 18 Feb 2025)
- Official Listing: A*STAR National Science Scholarship (Masters)
- Who It Targets: Final-year undergraduates or recent graduates pursuing deep science or engineering master's programmes
- Eligibility: Singapore Citizens with exemplary academic records, research experience, and a desire to contribute to national R&D outcomes
- Tenable Institutions: Top overseas universities with cutting-edge laboratories aligned to A*STAR research domains
- Bond: About three to four years of service with A*STAR research institutes or designated partners
Award Components
- Full tuition and compulsory fees for an approved research or coursework master's degree
- Monthly stipend, accommodation subsidy, insurance, and return airfare
- One-off settling-in and book allowances, plus access to research consumables funding
- Pre- and post-programme attachments in A*STAR labs to maintain Singapore project continuity
- Career mentorship from senior scientists and exposure to entrepreneurship or tech commercialisation pathways
Eligibility Highlights
- Strong honours degree (or equivalent) in engineering, computing, life sciences, materials science, or related STEM fields
- Tangible research output such as publications, patents, capstone projects, or innovation competitions
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills suited to multidisciplinary, mission-driven lab environments
- Passion for translating science into solutions for healthcare, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, or digital economy priorities
- Willingness to relocate overseas for one to two years and return to Singapore for bonded employment
Application Roadmap
- Identify master's programmes whose research labs dovetail with A*STAR's strategic thrusts (biomedical, AI, robotics, materials).
- Prepare your statement of purpose emphasising scientific curiosity, proposed area of impact, and commitment to Singapore.
- Submit the scholarship application with university offers/pending admissions, CV, academic transcripts, and references.
- Complete psychometric tests and attend panel interviews with A*STAR scientists who will probe technical depth and motivation.
- Discuss lab attachments, mentorship pairings, and post-study deployment before signing the bond agreement.
- Attend scholar induction and pre-departure briefings; schedule internships at A*STAR institutes during study breaks.
Preparation Playbook
- Deepen technical expertise—consider MOOCs or research assistantships that extend your core field before departure.
- Network with current A*STAR scholars to understand expectations for progress reports and lab deliverables.
- Build resilience strategies for overseas study; highlight cultural adaptability and global mindset during interviews.
- Draft a roadmap showing how your master's dissertation will benefit A*STAR projects when you return.
- Keep track of scholarship timelines; align university admissions offers with A*STAR's selection window to avoid delays.
