A*STAR National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD) 2027 | Fully Funded

There’s an important correction worth making before anything else: despite how some online sources describe it, this scholarship does not broadly accept international students. It’s Singapore’s flagship “through-train” science scholarship, reserved for Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents who commit to becoming citizens, funding a single, continuous academic journey from undergraduate study straight through to a PhD, entirely at top overseas universities, in exchange for a long-term commitment to Singapore’s research ecosystem.

If you’re a Singaporean student with a genuine passion for scientific research, this is arguably the most comprehensive science scholarship that Singapore offers. The programme is expected to open its next application window for 2027 entry around December 2026 and close it on 1 March 2027, so if you’re reading this now, you still have plenty of time to prepare rather than rush to meet an imminent deadline.

This guide covers exactly what “through-train” funding actually means in practice, the mid-term application route worth knowing about if you’re already partway through your degree, the National Service requirement that shapes timing for male applicants, and what the full selection process actually involves.

What the A*STAR National Science Scholarship Involves

ASTAR, Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, designed the National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD) as the only scholarship in Singapore offering truly continuous funding from a Bachelor’s degree all the way through to a PhD, rather than requiring you to reapply for separate funding at each academic stage. Scholars can be funded for up to eight years total, and the underlying goal is explicit.

ASTAR is investing in future scientific leaders specifically for Singapore’s research, innovation, and enterprise ecosystem, not funding education as a general public good. Every scholar completes a compulsory eight-week research attachment at an A*STAR Research Institute after their first year of undergraduate study, followed by a full year-long research attachment upon completing their undergraduate degree, before PhD study begins, meaning the connection to Singapore’s research institutions runs throughout your entire academic journey, not just at the funding stage.

Summary of the A*STAR National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD)

Eligibility Requirements

• You need to be a Singapore citizen or a Singapore Permanent Resident who obtains PR status before your studies begin and commits to converting to Singapore citizenship during your undergraduate studies
• You need excellent academic results in GCE A-Levels, a Polytechnic Diploma, the International Baccalaureate, the NUS High School Diploma, or an equivalent qualification — A*STAR shortlists based specifically on strong results in a relevant H3 subject, requiring at least a “merit” in a maths or science H3 subject
• You need to be applying while in your final year of studies, or already applying to, a top overseas university in a relevant scientific field
• You need to demonstrate genuine, sustained interest in science and research, ideally evidenced through relevant projects or achievements
• If you’re male, you need to complete National Service before your undergraduate studies begin. This is a hard sequencing requirement that shapes your entire application timeline
• Submitting SAT scores, where available, is encouraged, though not strictly mandatory
• The scholarship supports Computer Science, Engineering and Technology, Physical Sciences, and Biomedical Sciences. This scholarship funds neither medical nor veterinary degrees, so if you intend to study either field, you should consider other funding opportunities.

What the Mid-Term Application Route Offers

If you’re already partway through your undergraduate degree at a top overseas university and didn’t apply before starting, A*STAR runs a separate mid-term application pathway rather than closing the door entirely:

• You need to be a Singapore citizen or a Singapore Permanent Resident intending to become one
• You need to be currently enrolled at a top overseas university
• You need to have completed at least one semester with graded results already in hand
• You need to be tracking toward excellent academic performance
• You need to demonstrate genuine research potential or existing research achievements
• You need two academic referees, with at least one being a tenured or tenure-track academic who can speak directly to your research capability

This route exists specifically for students who weren’t certain about a long-term research career before starting their undergraduate degree but have since developed that commitment through real academic experience.

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What The A*STAR National Science Scholarship Actually Pays

• Full tuition fee coverage at your approved overseas university, for the entire duration of your undergraduate and PhD studies
• A monthly overseas living allowance
• Annual return airfare between Singapore and your host country
• A pre-studies allowance, supporting your transition before your programme begins
• Language programme fees, where applicable, if you’re studying in a non-English-speaking country and need language preparation
• Research attachment opportunities at A*STAR Research Institutes, built directly into the programme structure rather than optional add-ons
• Access to A*STAR’s Vista development programme, connecting scholars with leaders across Singapore’s research and development ecosystem throughout their academic journey

Every university and course choice is subject to ASTAR’s approval — you can’t simply accept an overseas offer independently and expect automatic funding; ASTAR needs to sign off on your specific institution and programme before you commit to it.

What Documents You Need to Prepare

• Academic transcripts or certificates
• Proof of admission, or your application status, to an overseas university
• Academic referee reports
• SAT scores, if available
• Any supporting academic or research achievements, including participation in science or mathematics-related projects and competitions

What the Application Process Requires

1. Apply to a top overseas university in an eligible science or technology discipline, keeping in mind A*STAR must ultimately approve your specific choice of institution and course
2. Submit your National Science Scholarship application during A*STAR’s official application window
3. Provide every required academic document and reference in full
4. Shortlisted candidates are invited to two rounds of interviews. First-round interviews typically run from mid-March through April, with final-round interviews following from April through May
5. Interviews are conducted face-to-face for all shortlisted applicants, rather than remotely, unless A*STAR states otherwise for a specific cycle
6. Successful applicants receive a formal scholarship offer
7. Once awarded, you need to accept the scholarship within two weeks. This is a firm window, not a soft suggestion

What the Deadline and Selection Timeline Look Like

• Application window: Historically runs from 1 December through 1 March each year, covering entry to the following academic year
• First-round interviews: Mid-March through April
• Final-round interviews: April through May
• Results: Released from May onwards
• For entry in 2027: Based on this pattern, expect the application window to open around 1 December 2026, closing 1 March 2027

What to Do Before the Application Window Opens

• If you’re male, plan your National Service completion timeline now, since this needs to happen before your undergraduate studies begin, and it directly shapes when you can realistically start your scholarship
• Start building a genuine track record in science or mathematics-related projects and activities well ahead of applying, since A*STAR gives real weight to demonstrated achievement in these areas, not just strong grades alone
• Begin researching and shortlisting overseas universities and courses in your intended field now, since your choice needs A*STAR’s approval and having a well-reasoned shortlist ready strengthens your application significantly
• If you’re already studying overseas and missed the standard application window, look closely at the mid-term application route instead of assuming you’ve missed your only chance
• Identify potential academic referees early if you’re considering the mid-term pathway specifically, since at least one needs to be a tenured or tenure-track academic

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this scholarship open to international students generally?

No. Despite being funded for study at overseas universities, this scholarship is restricted to Singapore citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents who commit to becoming citizens. It is not open to international applicants without this connection to Singapore.

Is the application window currently open?

Not yet, for entry in 2027 specifically. Based on the typical annual pattern, expect the window to open around 1 December 2026, closing on 1 March 2027.

Can I choose not to complete the PhD portion of this scholarship?

No. The NSS (BS-PhD) is explicitly a through-train scholarship requiring scholars to complete PhD training. If you’re undecided about a long-term research career, A*STAR suggests considering the mid-term route or applying separately for the standalone NSS (PhD) scholarship after completing your undergraduate degree instead.

Does this scholarship cover medical or veterinary degrees?

No. The scholarship supports Computer Science, Engineering and Technology, Physical Sciences, and Biomedical Sciences specifically, and explicitly does not extend to medical or veterinary study.

What happens if I don’t complete my National Service before applying?

Male applicants can apply before they complete National Service or even before they receive their final A-Level results. A*STAR may grant an in-principle offer and hold it until they complete National Service, but they must complete their National Service obligations before they begin their undergraduate studies.

Disclaimer: All scholarship details and figures in this post are verified from official ASTAR sources as of July 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official ASTAR Scholarships website (a-star.edu.sg/scholarships). ScholarWaka is not affiliated with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

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