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.
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
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
Similar 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