A*STAR Research Attachment Programme (ARAP)
The A*STAR Research Attachment Programme (ARAP) lets PhD students who are enrolled at a partner overseas university spend part of their doctorate — typically up to two years — carrying out research at one of A*STAR's institutes in Singapore, co-supervised by an A*STAR scientist. A*STAR is Singapore's lead public research agency, spanning biomedical sciences, biology, chemistry, materials, data science, AI and engineering at its Biopolis and Fusionopolis hubs. During the attachment A*STAR provides a monthly stipend plus return airfare and settling support, while you remain a registered PhD student at your home university, which ultimately awards your degree. For Sri Lankan researchers pursuing (or about to begin) a PhD who want world-class lab facilities and Singapore research experience, ARAP is a strong, funded pathway. Because ARAP runs through institution-level partnerships, eligibility depends on your home university having an arrangement with A*STAR — confirm current partners, stipend and terms on the A*STAR Graduate Academy website.
Applications run through A*STAR's partner-university arrangements, generally with intake windows during the year — confirm current partners and deadlines on a-star.edu.sg
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Government-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
Stipend + Airfare
Duration
Up to 2-year Attachment
Focus
Science, Engineering & AI
info How this award actually works
This is a separate, highly competitive application
Government awards like this one run their own selection round against applicants from across the world, and success rates are usually in the low single digits. Lanka Scholar does not administer it and cannot submit it for you. Treat it as a bonus on top of a funded study plan — never as the plan itself.
Who awards it
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through a separate application round run by the funder, with its own forms, deadlines and shortlisting. You submit it yourself — it is not part of a university admission application.
What it covers
Monthly Stipend + Airfare (Up to 2-year Attachment). Read the terms carefully: even fully-funded awards rarely cover every cost, and any shortfall is yours to fund.
Where we come in
We help you judge whether this award is worth your time, and build a realistic admission plan that works whether or not you win it.
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Enrolled PhD Student
You must be a PhD student (or admitted PhD candidate) registered at a university that has an ARAP partnership with A*STAR. The attachment supplements your home PhD; A*STAR does not award the degree.
Partner-university Arrangement
ARAP operates through institution-level agreements. Your eligibility depends on your home university being an A*STAR partner and on a joint supervision arrangement being set up. Check whether your intended PhD university qualifies.
Research Fit with an A*STAR Group
You need a research topic and supervisor match at an A*STAR institute. A strong research record and a clearly aligned project are important, as placements are co-supervised and lab-specific.
English Proficiency
Research and supervision are in English. Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium degrees typically meet the requirement; confirm any specific evidence needed with the partner university and A*STAR.
account_tree Application Process
Confirm partnership and supervisor
Check that your (intended) PhD university is an A*STAR ARAP partner and identify an A*STAR institute and co-supervisor whose research matches yours.
Prepare a joint application
With your home and A*STAR supervisors, prepare the ARAP application — research plan, CV, transcripts and references — following the partner arrangement's process.
Selection and attachment agreement
A*STAR and your university assess and approve the attachment, setting the stipend, duration and co-supervision terms.
Arrange your Singapore pass
Once approved, complete the immigration formalities (student/research pass) for your attachment period in Singapore, supported by A*STAR and your host institute.
Why A*STAR ARAP?
A*STAR is Singapore's flagship public research agency, offering world-class facilities in biomedical, physical and digital sciences. ARAP lets PhD students gain a substantial funded research stint in Singapore while completing their degree at home — an ideal bridge for Sri Lankan researchers wanting global lab experience.
one-north
Biopolis & Fusionopolis Hubs
2 yrs
Typical Max Attachment
Co-sup
Joint Home + A*STAR Supervision
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
Open the cost calculator arrow_forwardSort courses by lowest fee
The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
Browse lowest-fee courses arrow_forwardWhat SG actually costs
Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for SG, in LKR as well as local currency.
See the cost breakdown arrow_forwardCheck your proof of funds
Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
Check the requirement arrow_forwardSimilar Scholarships
Other curated opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
A*STAR Singapore
Nanyang President's Graduate Scholarship (NPGS)
Nanyang Technological University
NUS Research Scholarship
National University of Singapore