Opportunities in Singapore
Apply now to enhance your PhD research through opportunities in Singapore
Programme Overview
If you’re a first or second-year PhD student at Newcastle University, here’s your chance to expand your research horizons. The A*STAR Research Attachment Programme offers you the opportunity to collaborate on a research project in both Newcastle and Singapore.
If you’re successful, you’ll:
- work on a collaborative project between Newcastle and Singapore
- spend up to two years in a government-funded A*STAR research institute in Singapore
- benefit from the expertise of supervisors from both universities
Before applying, visit the A*STAR Research Attachment Programme website to understand the programme and eligibility criteria.
For more details, download the ARAP Brochure (2 MB)
Expression of Interest
Submit your expression of interest by 1st of April 2024 to be considered for nomination by Newcastle University. Ensure you have your academic supervisor’s endorsement before applying.
Expressions of interest will not be accepted from an applicant who does not have the active engagement and endorsement of their academic supervisor.
Key dates
Calls for expression of interest are published twice a year:
- May 2024: Nominations to A*STAR by November 2024
- November 2024: Nominations to A*STAR by May 2025
Application process
Both the student and their academic supervisor must submit an online expression of interest form.
Your expression of interest forms must be submitted by the internal deadline of 1st April 2024.
This expression of interest is part of the Newcastle University decision-making process.
Because this is a collaborative nomination, both parties in Newcastle and Singapore must agree to support and develop the nomination for a PhD supervisee to work in Singapore.
Before completing your application, you must:
- check the compatibility of your research area
- secure support from your supervisor and, if applicable, your sponsor
You’ll also need:
- a copy of your CV
- a summary of the proposed research area, including potential research impact, outcomes, and outputs
You’ll need to upload these documents with your application.
Before completing your application, you must:
- check the compatibility of the research area
- agree with your students to nominate them for the scheme
You’ll also need a cover statement which includes:
- the suitability of the student
- their academic calibre
- what added value this research attachment would generate for the individual, your research field and the University
Getting supervisor support
With your expression of interest application, you’ll need to get support from your supervisor.
Talk to your academic supervisor and discuss your potential under the thematic areas identified as a priority focus.
Your supervisor must confirm that:
- your research is of a high-quality to undertake the rigours of a period of study in Singapore
- they would support a period of outside study while in Singapore
- there would be no adverse impact on the completion of your award
Once your academic supervisor has been contacted, if they need more information, they can email doctoralcollege@ncl.ac.uk. We’ll then arrange for a face-to-face meeting as required.
If you’re sponsored, talk to your sponsor to check that they would approve in principle your collaborative project with an A*STAR laboratory.
You must be a current first or second-year PhD student at Newcastle University in one of the following fields:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Computing and Information Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Physical Sciences
You should also discuss your interest with your academic supervisor and have their endorsement.
Download a list of supervisors and projects for each research area:
- Biomedical Sciences (BMS)
- Computing and Information Sciences (CIS)
- Engineering and Technology (E&T)
- Physical Sciences (PS)
Research focus areas can also include Humanities and Social Sciences.
Visit the A*STAR Research Focus website for more information.
- Expressions of Interest will be considered at a Cross-University Decision Panel which will meet twice each year.
- Applications will only be considered if the Expression of Interest:
- Meets the required high-quality academic performance threshold expected from this award. This will be evidenced through the students CV and application.
- Demonstrates strong academic supervisor engagement on a collaborative research proposal. This will be evidenced by the academic supervisor’s supporting statement.
- Aligns with NU-A*STAR research areas
- Demonstrates how the applicant will be supported financially during their period of Study at Newcastle University. EOI form will ask if you want to be considered for the Doctoral College Award.
- The Decision Panel will make recommendations, and the Doctoral College will communicate their decision to the applicant and their academic supervisor, advising of next steps, and arranging a meeting to discuss next steps.
- It is expected that the academic supervisor would be in liaison with their A*STAR counterpart to work on the collaborative research proposal.
- If successful, awardees would need to apply for outside study and their student record amended accordingly.
The next deadline for full submission to A*STAR ARAP will be confirmed soon.
Funding and Support
- Stipend and allowances: Receive financial support while you’re in Singapore. Detailed figures can be found in the A*STAR FAQs.
- Supervisors and training: Benefit from PhD training and supervision in both Newcastle and Singapore.
- Global experience: Study at a prestigious institute in Singapore and experience life in another country.
- Networking: Join a community of PhD researchers and establish international collaborations
Doctoral College A*STAR Award
We have funding available for one PhD student per academic year. They’ll receive fees and a stipend (equivalent to UKRI level) for their period of study at Newcastle. Indicate your interest on the Expression of Interest Form.
Sponsored students
We welcome applications from sponsored students. But you must cover your own costs during your studies at Newcastle University.
Your sponsor must also provide written approval that they'll cover your fees and stipend during your studies at Newcastle University.
Singapore campus team
Contact our Singapore campus team for support. They're happy to answer any questions you may have about life in Singapore, accommodation and more.
Our Singapore campus team is led by Dr Duncan Rayner.
Opportunities in Singapore with SGInnovate
Contact us
If you have any queries about this process please contact doctoralcollege@newcastle.ac.uk.