Breaking News for Aspiring Scientists: Singapore has opened applications for the National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD), its flagship through-train science scholarship that supports scholars from undergraduate to PhD level at top overseas universities.
This article explains what the National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD) is, who it is designed for, what benefits it offers, and how eligible candidates can prepare to apply. It is particularly relevant for students aiming to build a long-term research career across global institutions while remaining connected to Singapore’s national research ecosystem through A*STAR.
What Type of Opportunity Is This?
The National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD) is a fully funded, long-term science scholarship offered by Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). It is the only scholarship in Singapore that provides continuous funding from a Bachelor’s degree through to a PhD, allowing scholars to pursue rigorous scientific training overseas and transition seamlessly into advanced doctoral research.
What the Scholarship Offers?
Successful NSS (BS-PhD) scholars receive comprehensive financial and academic support for up to 8 years of study, including:
- Full tuition fees at top overseas universities
- Monthly overseas living allowance
- Annual return airfare
- Pre-studies allowance
- Language programme fees for non-English-speaking countries (where applicable)
- Structured research attachment opportunities at A*STAR Research Institutes
- Access to elite scientific mentorship and interdisciplinary research exposure
Mid-term awardees receive the same level of support as full-term scholars from the point of award, including retrospective coverage of tuition and compulsory fees.
Eligibility Checks
Applicants must meet strict academic and citizenship-related requirements. In summary, candidates must:
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance in A-Levels, Polytechnic Diploma (with Merit preferred), IB, NUS High School Diploma, or equivalent qualifications
- Be applying to or enrolled in a top overseas undergraduate programme in an approved science or engineering discipline
- Show strong interest, potential, and achievements in science, mathematics, or research-related activities
Mid-term applicants must already be studying at a top overseas university, have completed at least one graded semester, and demonstrate strong research potential. Medical and veterinary degrees are not supported.
Apply: https://www.a-star.edu.sg/scholarships/home/scholarships/national-science-scholarship-(bs-phd).
The application window for the National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD) 2026–2027 intake runs from 1 December 2025 to 1 March 2026. Interviews are typically conducted between mid-March and April, with outcomes released from May onwards. Early preparation is strongly recommended due to the competitive nature of this scholarship.