The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, is the administrator of the esteemed and fully financed ASTAR International Fellowship (AIF), a postdoctoral grant. It is intended to draw in and nurture exceptional early-career researchers by giving them the chance to pursue advanced postdoctoral studies abroad for up to two years. Fellows can obtain cutting-edge knowledge and exposure to international research by being placed at world-class universities, internationally renowned research organizations, or creative deep-tech firms.
The program’s goal is to create a robust pool of internationally skilled researchers who will return to Singapore following their training abroad to make significant contributions to the country’s innovation-driven economy, technological advancement, and high caliber of research.
Participants in this fellowship gain access to cutting-edge facilities and mentorship, close cooperation with industry and innovation ecosystems, immersion in elite research environments, and a guaranteed research job in Singapore upon their return. Furthermore, the AIF provides competitive and all-inclusive funding, guaranteeing complete financial stability during the fellowship time and allowing scholars to concentrate solely on high-impact research.
Host Country: Singapore
University: Agency for Science, Technology & Research (ASTAR)
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Subject: All Subjects
Eligibility Country: International Students, Domestic Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- Hold a PhD degree awarded within the last four years
- Have no existing bond with any institution
- Demonstrate a strong academic background and research track record
Track-Specific Requirements:
AIF – Research Track
- Excellent publication record
- Have secured, or be in the process of securing, a postdoctoral position at a top overseas institution
AIF – Innovation Track
- Strong interest in innovation and entrepreneurship
- Preferably possess solid publications and relevant industry exposure
Mid-Term Applicants:
- Must be a Singaporean citizen
- Already enrolled in an overseas postdoctoral position
- The current supervisor must serve as one of the referees
Benefits:
- A monthly payment for living abroad that covers daily costs and housing
- Monthly allowance for subsistence, including any relevant contributions to the Central Provident Fund (CPF)
- Singapore’s yearly return airfare to the destination nation
- A one-time settlement stipend to cover the early expenditures of moving
- Computer allowance to help pay for necessary research supplies
- Allowance for conferences and research to cover project-related costs, publications, and scholarly travel
- Annual coverage for personal insurance during the fellowship
- Complete administrative and financial assistance during the duration of the postdoctoral placement abroad
Deadline: April 1, 2026
