If you already have a master’s degree and are thinking about pursuing a PhD in Singapore, the A*STAR Computing and Information Science (ACIS) Scholarship 2026 could be a great opportunity.
This fully funded scholarship focuses on doctoral studies in computing and information science. It’s open to both local and international students.
However, international applicants must either have completed their degree or be in the process of completing it at an autonomous university in Singapore.
The goal of this program is to attract talented students who are passionate about research in tech-related fields. It also opens doors to future careers at A*STAR, tech companies, research labs, startups, and universities.
Here is the official website for A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
1. Benefits of the A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
2. Eligibility Criteria for A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
3. Research Opportunities for A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
4. Documents Required for A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
5. How to Apply for A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
6. Deadline for A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
7. FAQs about A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
1. Benefits of the A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive support package designed to cover both academic and living expenses throughout their PhD journey.
The scholarship provides full tuition coverage for up to four years, so you can focus entirely on your studies without worrying about financial burdens. In addition, you will receive various allowances, including support for books, a personal computer, conference participation, and thesis-related expenses.
One of the most exciting highlights of this program is the opportunity for an overseas research attachment of up to 12 months at prestigious international institutions. This allows you to gain global exposure and enrich your research experience.
Mid-term scholars are entitled to the same benefits starting from their first year under the scholarship. Overall, this program offers a unique chance to study in Singapore one of Asia’s leading hubs for education, innovation, and research.
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2. Eligibility Criteria for A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
If you are thinking about pursuing your PhD in Singapore, it is important to understand what this scholarship requires from applicants.
General Requirements:
This scholarship is open to both Singaporean citizens and international applicants. However, international candidates must have already completed their degree, or be in the process of completing it, at a recognized autonomous university in Singapore.
You are expected to have a strong academic record, typically at least a Second Upper Class Honors degree or its equivalent in a relevant field.
Final-year undergraduate students are also welcome to apply, as long as they are on track to meet the required academic standards.
In addition, you must be eligible for admission into a PhD program at a Singapore autonomous university. A clear passion for and commitment to building a research career in computing and information science is essential whether you see yourself in academia, industry, or a research institution.
Mid-Term Applicants (Currently Studying in Singapore):
If you are already enrolled in a Singapore autonomous university, you may apply through the mid-term route. To qualify, you need to have completed at least one semester of study and be maintaining excellent academic performance.
You should also demonstrate strong research potential, either through previous research experience or notable academic achievements.
As part of your application, one of the required referees must be your current academic supervisor.
This ensures that your research abilities and progress can be properly evaluated.
3. Research Opportunities for A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
As a participant in this program, you will dive into advanced research that tackles real-world problems in computing and information science.
Your work could cover exciting and high-impact areas like data science, machine learning, healthcare technologies, modeling, and simulation for next-generation applications.These research opportunities are designed not only to help you grow your technical skills but also to allow you to contribute meaningful solutions to today’s global challenges.
Beyond your research in Singapore, you may also have the chance to spend time at leading international universities and research institutions.
This experience lets you collaborate with well-known experts from around the world, learn how different research environments operate, and sharpen your analytical and problem-solving abilities.
At the same time, you will build a strong international network of academic and professional contacts something that can be incredibly valuable for your future career.
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4. Documents Required for A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
3.1. Academic Documents
3.2. Passport & National ID card
3.3. English Proficiency Proof (IELTS/TOEFL)
3.4. Recommendation letter
3.5. CV/Resume
3.6. GRE Test (Optional)
3.7. Hope certificate (If applicable)
3.8. Statement of Purpose or Motivational Letter
3.9. Proof of Previous Work Experience (Optional)
3.10. Portfolios or workshop
3.1. Academic documents
This includes all your certificates & academic record like
A: Bachelor’s transcript & certificate
B: Metric & FSC transcripts (10-12th Grade) (A level) (DMCs) and certificates (Supporting academic documents)
C: Course summary (to explain your courses & how your previous courses & studies resemble your future studies to which you are applying)
NOTE:
All of the above documents should be attested by respective boards.
Also, attest them from issuing authority of home countries. The respective university must attest university documents.
In the case of Pakistan, The above-mentioned documents must be attested by IBCC, HEC, and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
IBCC authority is only responsible for the attestation of metric and inter documents.
Dear offices are present in Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and also in other cities of Pakistan.
HEC office attests to bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. documents.
3.2. Valid passport, Birth certificate & NIC
The passport of the applicant must contain at least one full blank page on both sides.
The passport must be valid at the time of visa application and on arrival to Singapore.
A birth certificate or national ID card is also important to attach.
3.3. English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Generally speaking, students with IELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL above 100 are considered good.
Nevertheless, these requirements may vary from course to course and degree to degree.
However, IELTS/TOEFL is not mandatory for Singapore International Graduate Award.
If the University has the condition to provide the testing scores, then you have to show these results.
3.4. Recommendation letters / Letters of References
The applicants must provide up to 2 letters of recommendation. from the previous university, (Depending upon courses).
It is advised to provide a letter of recommendation from the HOD (Head of the department or Relevant course head) who should be a PhD.
The referees need to write their contact details (Email, phone number) at the end of the letter.
The letter must include an official letterhead, signature, and official stamp and must be of the current date.
Ask your Referees to write about your academic achievements & discuss their confidence in you that you are fully compatible with the project or course you wish to pursue.
The referees must also mention how long they know the applicant & when was the last time they came in contact with the applicant.
After submitting your application, the referee will be contacted directly through email.
3.5. CV
The Cv must contain all the latest & relevant information about your occupation & interests.
A perfect CV must be hand-signed.
3.6 GRE Score for Singapore International Graduate Award
The GRE score must be 145 under the new scoring system. The score must be much higher in subjects related to your academic field.
For example, Students with engineering backgrounds must have good scores in Physics, Chemistry, etc., while students of the social sciences and humanities must have good scores in Verbal subjects.
3.7. Hope certificate (If applicable)
If the final transcript isn’t ready, then students can apply with a Hope certificate from their university.
However, they must be graduated before their arrival in Singapore.
(Please make sure you contact your university in this regard )
What is Hope’s certificate?
In simple words, It is a certificate based on the previous semester’s performance, that indicates that the candidate will pass the final exams with excellent results.
3.8. Statement of Purpose or Letter of Motivation
Technically SOP (Statement of purpose) and LOM (Letter of Motivation) are the same things.
It’s a Short biography to tell the panelist about yourself:
A letter of motivation or SOP could be a tricky part while applying for the Scholarship in Singapore.
In this letter, you are asked to write about your personal and professional reasons why are you applying for a course & scholarship.
The maximum length of this letter is three pages, But it is advised to make it short & concise to one page.
How to write a perfect letter of Motivation
If you are interested in writing your LOM on one page concisely, then follow this exact method.
LOM consists of three parts.
3.8.1. Introduction (one paragraph)
3.8.2. Body (3 paragraphs)
3.8.3. Conclusion (1 paragraph)
Let’s explain these three things one by one.
3.8.1. Introduction:
An introduction is a gateway to the rest of the letter. Try to capture their interest in the first few sentences. Be original & creative.
Make it personal & full of enthusiasm.
TIP: Try to initiate a story about yourself relevant to the scholarship you are applying for & then expand it to the first paragraph of the body.
3.8.2. Body:
In the first paragraph of the body, try to tell about your relevant academic & experienced background to the course.
And your professional goals attached to Singapore & university. Share your expectations of the scholarship.
In the 2nd paragraph be more precise & focus on the specific achievement related to the scholarship & course.
In the 3rd paragraph expand on what you are currently doing & the interesting things you look forward to.
3.8.3. Conclusion:
Tell them why you are the best candidate for the Singapore Scholarship. Don’t sound needy or use pompous language instead focus on why you deserve it.
Tell them how this scholarship will help you or the future of your community.
3.9. Experience letter
Applicants must provide an Experience letter from their previous jobs & Internships.
Try to customize the work experience letter with future studies.
Mention your job descriptions, work projects & the skills you learned through time.
The letter must be signed & verified by the Head or CEO of the company.
The work experience could be Paid,
Unpaid,
full-time,
part-time, or voluntary.
It could be done before, during, or after graduation.
3.10. Portfolios or workshop
It’s optional. But students can attach portfolios or workshops to support their cases for university admission or scholarship.
5. How to Apply for A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
The application process for this scholarship is conducted entirely online and requires careful attention to detail.
First, visit the official A*STAR portal and create an account. After registering, you can log in to access the application form.
Be sure to complete all sections of the form accurately, providing correct personal and academic information. You will also need to upload all required supporting documents, such as academic transcripts, certificates, and any other materials specified.
Before submitting, take the time to thoroughly review your application to make sure there are no errors or missing details. Once you are satisfied, go ahead and submit your application before the deadline.
6. Deadline for A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
The deadline to apply for the A*STAR ACIS Scholarship 2026 is August 1, 2026.
This fully funded PhD scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and international research opportunities, making it an excellent choice for students aiming to pursue advanced studies in Singapore.
7. FAQs about A*STAR ACIS Scholarship
1. Can international students apply?
Yes, international students are eligible. However, they must have studied or be currently studying at a Singapore autonomous university.
2. Do I need admission before applying?
No, you do not need to secure admission beforehand. You can apply for both the university and the scholarship at the same time.
3. What is the application deadline?
Deadlines may vary depending on the application cycle, but a key date to remember is August 1, 2026.
4. Are final-year undergraduate students eligible?
Yes, final-year students can apply, provided they meet the required academic standards upon graduation.
5. Is there a service commitment?
Yes, non-Singaporean scholars are required to complete a three-year service commitment in Singapore after finishing their studies.
6. Can I apply as a mid-term student?
Yes, mid-term applications are allowed, especially for ACIS, as long as you have completed at least one semester.
7. Can I apply for both ACIS and AGS at the same time?
No, you must choose one scholarship. ACIS is focused on computing and information science, while AGS covers a broader range of disciplines.
8. Is postdoctoral funding available?
Yes, opportunities for postdoctoral research are available through the A*STAR International Fellowship.
9. Which universities can I apply through?
Eligible institutions include Singapore’s autonomous universities, such as:
- National University of Singapore
- Nanyang Technological University
- Singapore University of Technology and Design
- Singapore Management University
