A*STAR International Postdoctoral Fellowship (AIF) 2026

Omran Aburayya
2 days ago
2 min read

If you're a freshly minted PhD or rising research star from Singapore, the A*STAR International Postdoctoral Fellowship (AIF) 2026 could launch your global research journey! This prestigious award provides fully funded post-doctoral training overseas, connecting you with world-class institutions and preparing you for a research career at one of A*STAR’s institutes. Everything you need to know in this article.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

Location: Leading research universities or institutions worldwide
Host Institution: Varied—your choice of top overseas lab or university
Study Level: Post-doctoral training
Target Group: Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents (non-SPR exceptions may apply), with outstanding record; eligible early-career researchers
Fields of Focus: Open across scientific disciplines, contingent on alignment with A*STAR research directions
Value & Coverage:
- Monthly overseas living and sustenance allowance (including CPF contribution, where applicable)
- Annual return airfare
- Settling-in allowance, computer allowance, conference allowance
- Annual personal insurance coverage
- Full package available for up to 2 years of training
Duration: Up to 2 years overseas
Application Deadline: Cycling deadlines—first cycle ends 1 April, second ends 1 October 2025
Eligible To:
- Singapore Citizens or SPR (non-SPR may be considered if citizenship is obtained before fellowship begins)
- PhD conferred within the last 4 years (final-stage applicants may apply; award confirmed post-conferment)
- Exceptional publication record, no existing bonds, and a confirmed or pending post-doctoral placement overseas
- Mid-term AIF applicants must be Singaporean, active in an overseas lab, with strong publications, and include their current supervisor as a referee

🎯 Fellowship Overview

The AIF provides a transformative postdoctoral platform:

Global Immersion: Study at top-tier institutions worldwide, expanding your research exposure and international network
Professional Launchpad: After completing your overseas training, embark on a vibrant research career within one of A*STAR’s institutes in Singapore, contributing strategic value to national R&D efforts
Tailored Support: Fellows receive a generous allowance package—including subsidies for living, conferences, equipment, travel, and insurance—tailored by location and institution

🎁 Benefits

Comprehensive Financial Backing: Broad support covering all essential living, research, and travel costs
Global Research Exposure: Work alongside leading scientists and gain new perspectives in your field
Career Building: Pathway to a research role at a top A*STAR institute after fellowship
Customised Development: Engage in A*STAR Graduate Academy’s development series such as Vista for growth in academic and career readiness

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the AIF, applicants must:

Be Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents; non-SPR may be considered if citizenship is obtained before starting the fellowship
Have completed a PhD within the last 4 years, or be in the final stage of completion (award confirmed upon conferment)
Possess a strong publication record and no existing bonds to any institution
Be applying to or already placed in a top overseas post-doctoral lab or university; mid-term applicants must include their current supervisor as one referee

📝 Application Procedure

Application Cycles:
- Cycle 1: Opens 1 January; deadline 1 April
- Cycle 2: Opens 1 July; deadline 1 October
Steps:
- Secure a post-doctoral placement and confirm interest with A*STAR
- Submit application, including referees and your supervisor’s endorsement.
- Apply for AIF via this link
- Interviews are conducted online; finalist selections follow
- Fellows begin training overseas after award confirmation
Post-Fellowship Commitment: Serve at an A*STAR Research Institute in Singapore for 3 years upon completion of the overseas training