A*STAR Computing and Information Science (ACIS) Scholarship (2026)
Scholarship Description
The A*STAR Computing and Information Science (ACIS) Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded PhD scholarship designed to attract and nurture top talents who wish to pursue a PhD in computing and information science (CIS) disciplines in Singapore. The scholarship opens the gateway to exciting careers in A*STAR, industry R&D labs, technology enterprises, spin-off companies, and academia.
A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) is Singapore's lead public sector agency that fosters world-class scientific research and talent. As a global leader in science, technology, and open innovation, A*STAR advances science and develops innovative technology to further economic growth and improve lives.
Scholars in the programme are exposed to boundless opportunities to research real-world issues across the whole spectrum of computing science, from deep learning for healthcare and data analytics for improved machine learning to modelling and simulation for advanced applications.
Scholarship Location
The scholarship is tenable in Singapore, primarily at A*STAR research entities in collaboration with partner universities. Scholars will be based in Singapore's world-class research ecosystem.
Scholarship Deadline
The application cycle aligns with university admission intakes in August (Semester 1) or January (Semester 2) each year.
August Intake (Semester 1): Deadline February 8, 2026
January Intake (Semester 2): Deadline August 1, 2026
Recommendation: Apply at least 3–4 months before the deadline to allow time for PhD admission applications, referee reports, and multiple interview rounds.
Host Institution
A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) – Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Scholars typically pursue their PhD in collaboration with A*STAR research entities and partner universities such as the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), or Singapore Management University (SMU).
Level and Fields of Study
Level: PhD (Doctoral) – typical award period is 4 years.
Fields: Computing and Information Science (CIS) disciplines, including but not limited to: deep learning for healthcare, data analytics, machine learning, modelling and simulation for advanced applications, artificial intelligence, computer vision, natural language processing, cybersecurity, distributed systems, software engineering, human-computer interaction, and related computing fields.
Target Group
All nationalities are eligible to apply. Specifically:
- Singapore Citizens
- Singapore Permanent Residents
- All International Students
The scholarship aims to attract top talents from around the world who have a strong interest in pursuing a CIS research career in industry R&D labs, technology enterprises, spin-off companies, or academia.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Duration: 4 years (typical PhD award period).
Monthly Stipend (4 years):
- Singapore Citizens: SGD 5,800 / month + CPF contributions on top
- Singapore Permanent Residents: SGD 4,800 / month
- All International Students: SGD 4,550 / month
Full tuition fees – covered for the entire PhD duration.
Additional allowances:
- Book allowance
- Computer allowance
- Conference allowance
- Miscellaneous allowance
- Thesis allowance
Overseas attachment: Support for up to 12 months of overseas attachment.
A*STAR International Fellowship: ACIS scholars are eligible to apply for this fellowship, which provides up to 2 years of funding support for post-doctoral training in a top overseas laboratory or institution.
📊 Summary of Monthly Stipend:
Singapore Citizens: SGD 5,800 + CPF
🟢 Singapore PRs: SGD 4,800
🌏 International Students: SGD 4,550
Plus: Full tuition fees + book, computer, conference, miscellaneous & thesis allowances + up to 12 months overseas attachment support.
Scholarship Eligibility
Academic requirements: Have obtained at least a 2nd Upper Class Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. A strong GPA (typically 4.0/5.0 or equivalent) is expected.
Nationality: Open to Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, and all international students.
Research interest: Strong interest in pursuing a CIS research career in industry R&D labs, technology enterprises, spin-off companies, or academia.
GRE (optional but recommended): Applicants may submit GRE scores (if available) to be included in the overall assessment of their scholarship application.
Programme pursuit: Scholarship holders can pursue any graduate programme (subject to A*STAR approval of the supervisor, project, and university).
✅ Eligible Candidates
- Singapore Citizens, Singapore PRs, and all international students.
- At least a 2nd Upper Class Honours degree or equivalent.
- Strong interest in computing and information science research.
- Meet the PhD admission requirements of the partner university (NUS, NTU, SUTD, or SMU).
- GRE scores (optional but can strengthen application).
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Applicants who do not meet the 2nd Upper Class Honours (or equivalent) requirement.
- Those with no demonstrated interest in CIS research careers.
- Applicants who cannot commit to the service obligation (for non-Singaporeans).
Application Procedure
- Identify potential supervisor and research area – Review the list of A*STAR approved supervisors on the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS) webpage. If your preferred supervisor is not listed, you may contact them directly to discuss possible projects.
- Apply for PhD admission – Concurrently apply for PhD admission to your intended university (NUS, NTU, SUTD, or SMU) through the university's graduate admissions system.
- Prepare required documents – Gather academic transcripts, degree certificates, at least 2 referee reports, a description of your proposed research area, CV, and GRE scores (if available).
- Submit scholarship application – Complete the ACIS scholarship application through the A*STAR scholarship portal. The application cycle aligns with university admission intakes (August or January).
- Interviews – Shortlisted candidates will undergo at least 2 rounds of interviews involving the top management of the Biomedical Research Council (BMRC) or Science & Engineering Research Council (SERC), and researchers from A*STAR's Research Entities.
- Selection and approval – The choice of PhD supervisor, project, and university is subject to approval by A*STAR. Successful candidates receive the scholarship offer.
- Accept offer and enrol – Accept the scholarship offer and complete PhD enrolment at the partner university.
Important note: While under the scholarship, the scholar must satisfy the requirements given by A*STAR along with the coursework requirements specified by the university.
Official Website & Application Link
A*STAR ACIS Scholarship – Official NUS Page
A*STAR Contact Email: [email protected]
Service Commitment & Bonds
Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents: No service commitment required.
Non-Singaporeans (International Students): 3-year service in Singapore-based companies after graduation. There is no commitment to any specific organization, but the area of work should preferably be in CIS disciplines. Singapore-based companies refer to local companies and international companies that have a base in Singapore registered with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
No specific bond requirements (i.e., no penalty bond to sign; however, the service commitment is expected).
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The A*STAR ACIS Scholarship is one of the most generous PhD scholarships available in Singapore, offering a monthly stipend of up to SGD 5,800 for Singapore Citizens (with CPF on top) and SGD 4,550 for international students, plus full tuition and multiple allowances. The scholarship is highly competitive, with at least two rounds of interviews involving senior A*STAR leadership.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Ensure you have at least a 2nd Upper Class Honours degree or equivalent.
- Identify a potential A*STAR approved supervisor early and discuss your research proposal.
- Prepare a strong research area description (proposed research plan).
- Secure at least two strong referee reports from academic referees.
- Submit GRE scores if available — while optional, they strengthen your application.
- Apply concurrently for PhD admission to your intended university.
- Be prepared for multiple interview rounds — demonstrate genuine passion for CIS research and a clear vision for your career.
Important reminders: The choice of PhD supervisor, project, and university is subject to final approval by A*STAR. Non-Singaporean scholars have a 3-year service commitment in Singapore-based companies after graduation. The scholarship supports up to 12 months of overseas attachment, and scholars may apply for the A*STAR International Fellowship for up to 2 years of post-doctoral training overseas.
A*STAR ACIS Scholarship 2026 – FAQ
What does the A*STAR ACIS Scholarship cover?
Full tuition fees, monthly stipend (SGD 5,800/4,800/4,550 depending on residency), book allowance, computer allowance, conference allowance, miscellaneous allowance, thesis allowance, and support for up to 12 months of overseas attachment.
Who is eligible to apply?
Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, and all international students who have at least a 2nd Upper Class Honours degree or equivalent and a strong interest in computing and information science research.
What are the application deadlines?
For August intake: February 8, 2026. For January intake: August 1, 2026.
Is there a service commitment?
For Singapore Citizens and PRs: no service commitment. For non-Singaporeans: 3-year service in Singapore-based companies, preferably in CIS disciplines.
How long is the scholarship?
The typical award period is 4 years for PhD students.
Do I need to submit GRE scores?
GRE scores are optional but recommended. They will be included in the overall assessment of your scholarship application.
Can I choose my PhD supervisor and university?
You may propose a supervisor and university, but the final choice is subject to approval by A*STAR. Review the list of A*STAR approved supervisors on the AGS webpage.
What is the A*STAR International Fellowship?
ACIS scholars are eligible to apply for this fellowship, which provides up to 2 years of funding support for post-doctoral training in a top overseas laboratory or institution.