Agency for Science Technology and Research A*STAR
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) stands as Singapore's leading public sector research and development agency, driving scientific discovery and technological innovation across the nation. Established in 1991, A*STAR has evolved into a powerhouse of research excellence, housing over 4,000 scientists, researchers, and staff dedicated to advancing Singapore's knowledge-based economy. The agency operates through a network of research institutes spanning biomedical sciences, physical sciences, and engineering, creating a unique ecosystem where fundamental research meets industrial application. A*STAR's graduate programs offer exceptional opportunities for aspiring scientists to work alongside world-class researchers on cutting-edge projects that address global challenges in healthcare, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. The agency maintains strategic partnerships with leading universities and corporations worldwide, providing students access to international research networks and collaborative opportunities. A*STAR's commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientific talent is evident through its scholarship programs, which support outstanding students pursuing doctoral research in science and engineering fields. The agency's state-of-the-art facilities and equipment rival those of top international research institutions, enabling researchers to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
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- Type
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- Student:Faculty
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- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
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Student Life & Environment
Life as an A*STAR graduate scholar centers on research activity at institutes located primarily in Singapore's one-north research district, a purpose-built innovation hub in Buona Vista. The one-north development includes Biopolis, focused on biomedical research, and Fusionopolis, housing physical sciences and engineering research. Modern buildings with state-of-the-art laboratories sit alongside cafes, restaurants, and residential developments, creating an environment designed to support intensive research work while meeting daily living needs. Scholars typically spend their days in laboratories alongside postdoctoral researchers, research scientists, and principal investigators. The atmosphere resembles that of academic research groups but often with larger teams and more resources. Collaboration across research groups and institutes is common, with students gaining exposure to multiple perspectives and techniques. The international composition of research teams introduces scholars to colleagues from around the world, building networks that span countries and continue after training ends. For scholars enrolled at partner universities in Singapore, campus life at NUS or NTU provides social and academic community beyond the research institute. Those on overseas scholarships experience graduate student life at institutions like MIT, Cambridge, or Imperial College while maintaining A*STAR connections through summer research and bonding requirements. The agency organizes events, seminars, and networking opportunities that bring scholars together, building cohort connections despite the distributed nature of the training model.
Location & Surroundings
Singapore serves as both city and nation, a compact island country of roughly 6 million people that punches far above its weight in global research, business, and finance. The city-state's transformation from a colonial trading post to a high-income technology hub represents one of the most remarkable development stories of the past half-century. Today Singapore ranks among the world's wealthiest countries by per capita income, with infrastructure, cleanliness, and efficiency that visitors often find remarkable. The research community in Singapore benefits from substantial government investment and a concentration of talent unusual for a country of this size. A*STAR, NUS, NTU, and other institutions together create a research ecosystem that attracts scientists from around the world. The biotech cluster around Biopolis has grown to include major pharmaceutical companies alongside homegrown startups. Technology companies maintain regional headquarters that draw engineering talent. Daily life in Singapore combines first-world convenience with tropical climate and remarkable cultural variety. The population includes ethnic Chinese, Malay, Indian, and expatriate communities, creating culinary and cultural range. Public transportation runs efficiently, and safety allows for activities that might cause concern in other major cities. The cost of living has risen substantially, particularly for housing, creating challenges for students and early-career researchers that scholarships only partially address. The tropical climate brings consistent warmth and humidity, with temperatures rarely dropping below 24 degrees Celsius even at night.
Costs & Career Outcomes
A*STAR scholarship programs include service commitments that shape early career trajectories for graduates. Most scholars are required to work in Singapore for specified periods following graduation, either at A*STAR institutes, in industry, or at local universities. This arrangement ensures Singapore benefits from the investment in training while providing scholars with clear career pathways. Many continue as research scientists at A*STAR, building careers in the agency's research programs. Industry positions represent another common outcome, with Singapore's biotech, pharmaceutical, technology, and manufacturing sectors recruiting A*STAR-trained scientists. The agency maintains close relationships with industry partners, and research projects often have commercial applications that create natural employment pathways. Some graduates join multinational corporations with Singapore operations, while others work for startups emerging from A*STAR research. Academic careers also attract A*STAR graduates, with positions at NUS, NTU, and other Singapore universities providing opportunities to continue research while taking on teaching responsibilities. The faculty appointment market has become increasingly competitive, but A*STAR training provides the publication records and research experience that search committees seek. Some graduates pursue postdoctoral research at institutions abroad before returning to Singapore for faculty positions.
Campus Location
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