A*STAR ACIS Scholarships 2026 in Singapore | Fully Funded

Apply for A*STAR ACIS Scholarships 2026 in Singapore. Fully funded PhD scholarship in Computing and Information Science with tuition, stipend, allowances and overseas attachment.

The A*STAR ACIS Scholarships 2026 in Singapore are fully funded PhD scholarship opportunities for outstanding students who want to pursue advanced research in Computing and Information Science. Offered by Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), this scholarship is designed to attract and nurture talented researchers who can contribute to Singapore’s research, innovation and technology ecosystem.

This opportunity is ideal for students interested in fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, machine learning, software systems, computational modelling, bioinformatics, information systems and other computing-related disciplines. Scholars can pursue a PhD at selected autonomous universities in Singapore while benefiting from strong financial support, research exposure and professional development.

The A*STAR Computing and Information Science Scholarship, commonly known as ACIS, supports students who wish to pursue a PhD in computing and information science disciplines. Scholars are exposed to real-world research problems across the computing science spectrum, including deep learning for healthcare, data analytics, machine learning, modelling and simulation for advanced applications.

About the A*STAR ACIS Scholarship

The A*STAR Computing and Information Science Scholarship (ACIS) is a prestigious PhD scholarship offered under the A*STAR scholarship ecosystem. It focuses specifically on computing and information science, areas that are central to Singapore’s future economy and global research competitiveness.

A*STAR is Singapore’s lead public sector agency for science and technology research. Through its scholarships, the agency supports students who want to build research careers and contribute to innovation in Singapore and beyond. A*STAR explains that its scholarships provide research experience, industry exposure, mentorship and developmental programmes to help scholars grow technically and professionally.

The ACIS Scholarship is not only about funding a PhD. It also gives scholars access to a research environment where they can work on practical and high-impact scientific challenges. This makes the scholarship attractive for students who want to combine academic research with real-world applications.

Host Country

The host country is Singapore, one of Asia’s leading hubs for education, technology, finance, innovation and research. Singapore is known for its strong universities, advanced research infrastructure, multicultural environment and global connections.

Studying in Singapore gives international students the opportunity to experience a modern, safe and highly developed academic environment. The country has invested heavily in research and development, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence, biomedical sciences, engineering, digital technologies, sustainability and advanced manufacturing.

For PhD students in computing and information science, Singapore offers access to world-class laboratories, research institutes, industry partnerships and international academic networks.

Scholarship Provider

The scholarship provider is the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). A*STAR supports scientific discovery and technological innovation in Singapore through research institutes, talent development, industry collaboration and national research programmes.

The ACIS Scholarship is part of A*STAR’s effort to develop high-level research talent in computing and information science. Scholars may work with A*STAR research entities and Singapore’s autonomous universities, depending on their research area and PhD admission pathway.

Degree Level

The A*STAR ACIS Scholarship is for PhD studies. It is intended for students who want to pursue doctoral research in computing and information science disciplines.

This scholarship is not designed for bachelor’s or taught master’s programmes. Applicants should be ready to undertake a research-based doctoral degree, which usually requires several years of independent research, academic writing, supervisor guidance and thesis completion.

The funding period is commonly described as up to four years for PhD studies.

Fields of Study

The ACIS Scholarship focuses on Computing and Information Science. This can include a wide range of research areas connected to digital technologies, data, algorithms, systems and intelligent applications.

Possible research areas may include artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, data analytics, cybersecurity, information systems, software engineering, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, modelling and simulation, computational biology, bioinformatics, high-performance computing and digital health technologies.

The scholarship is especially suitable for students who want to work on research problems with real-world applications. Examples mentioned in scholarship descriptions include deep learning for healthcare, data analytics for improved machine learning, and modelling and simulation for advanced applications.

Scholarship Coverage

The A*STAR ACIS Scholarship is considered a fully funded PhD scholarship because it covers major academic and living expenses for selected scholars. Available scholarship descriptions indicate that the award may include full tuition fees, a monthly sustenance allowance, book allowance, computer allowance, conference allowance, thesis allowance and support for up to 12 months of overseas attachment.

The monthly stipend may vary depending on the scholar’s residency status. Some scholarship summaries report monthly support ranging from approximately SGD 4,550 to SGD 5,800, with different amounts for international students, Singapore Permanent Residents and Singapore Citizens. Applicants should always verify the exact stipend amount on the official A*STAR scholarship portal before applying.

The overseas attachment support is particularly valuable because it can allow scholars to gain international research exposure and collaborate with researchers outside Singapore.

Main Benefits of the A*STAR ACIS Scholarship

The first major benefit is full tuition fee support. This allows selected scholars to pursue a PhD without carrying the full financial burden of doctoral tuition.

The second benefit is the monthly living allowance. This stipend helps scholars cover living costs in Singapore, including accommodation, meals, transport and personal expenses.

The third benefit is research-related allowances. Book, computer, conference and thesis allowances can help students access learning materials, research tools, academic events and thesis preparation support.

The fourth benefit is the possibility of an overseas attachment of up to 12 months. This can help scholars gain international research experience, strengthen collaborations and broaden their academic network.

The fifth benefit is the connection to A*STAR’s research ecosystem. Scholars can benefit from mentorship, industry exposure, professional development and opportunities to work on high-impact research problems.

Eligible Nationalities

The ACIS Scholarship is open to Singaporeans and international applicants, but applicants should carefully check the official eligibility rules. Several scholarship summaries state that the scholarship is open to Singapore citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents and international students.

However, non-Singaporean applicants may have additional requirements, including academic background conditions and possible service commitments after completing the scholarship. Some sources mention that international applicants may be subject to a service commitment in Singapore-based companies after the scholarship. Applicants should confirm the latest official conditions directly with A*STAR before applying.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have a strong academic background in a relevant discipline and a clear interest in computing and information science research. Scholarship summaries commonly state that applicants should have obtained, or be on track to obtain, at least a Second Upper-Class Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.

Final-year undergraduate students may also be eligible to apply, but successful candidates will normally need to meet A*STAR’s academic requirements before the scholarship is awarded. Applicants must also satisfy the admission criteria for a PhD programme at a Singapore autonomous university.

A strong applicant should demonstrate research potential, technical ability, motivation for doctoral study and a clear interest in a long-term research career in computing and information science.

English Language and Test Requirements

Some online scholarship summaries describe the A*STAR ACIS Scholarship as requiring no IELTS, no GRE and no application fee. However, applicants should be careful with this claim. Even if IELTS or GRE is not required by the scholarship itself in some cases, the selected university or PhD programme may still have its own admission requirements.

Applicants should therefore check both the A*STAR scholarship requirements and the PhD admission requirements of the university where they intend to study. If a university requires proof of English proficiency, applicants may need to provide IELTS, TOEFL, previous education in English or another accepted document.

Students should not assume that language or admission tests are automatically waived for every applicant.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare their documents carefully before starting the application. Required documents may include academic transcripts, degree certificates, curriculum vitae, research statement or proposed research area, proof of academic achievements, referee details, recommendation letters, identification documents and any university admission documents.

Some application processes may require applicants to submit at least two referee reports. Scholarship summaries also indicate that applicants may need to select a research area and supervisor related to their intended field of study.

Because PhD scholarship selection is competitive, applicants should prepare a strong academic CV, clear research interests and strong recommendation letters from professors or research supervisors who know their work well.

How to Apply for the A*STAR ACIS Scholarship 2026

Applicants should apply through the official A*STAR scholarship application portal when applications are open. The first step is to review the scholarship requirements carefully and confirm eligibility.

Next, applicants should identify a suitable research area in computing and information science. They should also review approved research areas, potential supervisors and PhD programmes at Singapore’s autonomous universities.

Applicants may need to submit a scholarship application to A*STAR and a separate PhD admission application to the chosen university. This is important because receiving scholarship consideration does not automatically replace university admission requirements. Some scholarship guides indicate that applicants should apply online, submit a separate PhD admission application, select a research area and supervisor, upload academic documents and submit referee reports.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews before final selection.

Application Deadline

The application deadline depends on the intake. Several recent scholarship summaries mention 1 August 2026 as the deadline for the January 2027 intake.

Because scholarship dates can change, applicants should verify the exact deadline on the official A*STAR scholarship portal before applying. Students should also apply early because referee reports, supervisor matching and university admission procedures can take time.

Selection Process

The selection process is competitive and may include document screening, academic evaluation, referee assessment and interviews. Applicants are usually assessed based on academic excellence, research potential, technical skills, motivation, communication ability and fit with A*STAR’s research priorities.

A strong research profile can improve an applicant’s chances. This may include research projects, publications, internships, coding experience, thesis work, awards, competitions, technical portfolios or relevant professional experience.

Applicants should be prepared to explain why they want to pursue a PhD in computing and information science and how their research interests align with Singapore’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Why Study in Singapore with A*STAR?

Singapore is one of the best places in Asia for advanced research in computing and technology. The country has strong universities, research institutes, industry partnerships and government support for innovation.

A*STAR scholars can benefit from a research environment that connects academia, public research institutes and industry. This can be especially useful for students who want their PhD research to have practical impact.

For students interested in artificial intelligence, data science, digital health, cybersecurity, robotics and advanced computing, Singapore offers a strong platform for research and career development.

Tips for a Successful Application

Applicants should begin by choosing a clear research direction. A vague interest in computing is not enough for a competitive PhD scholarship. The application should show a specific area of interest and explain why it matters.

The academic CV should highlight research projects, thesis work, publications, coding skills, technical tools, internships, awards and relevant coursework. Applicants should also demonstrate strong mathematical, computational or engineering foundations.

Recommendation letters should come from professors or research supervisors who can comment on the applicant’s research ability, independence, technical strength and motivation.

Applicants should also prepare for interviews. They may be asked about their research interests, academic background, technical skills, problem-solving ability and long-term career plans.

Finally, applicants should apply early. Waiting until the deadline can create problems, especially if referee reports or university admission documents are still pending.

Important Warning for Applicants

Applicants should rely on official A*STAR and university pages for final information. Third-party scholarship websites are useful for discovering opportunities, but official eligibility rules, stipend amounts, service commitments and deadlines must be verified directly.

Students should also be careful with “No IELTS” claims. The scholarship may not require IELTS in some cases, but the university may still require proof of English proficiency.

International applicants should also check whether a service commitment applies after completing the scholarship. This is an important condition that can affect future career planning.

Official Application Link

Applicants should verify all details through the official A*STAR and university pages:

A\*STAR Scholarships Official Page

NUS Graduate School ACIS Scholarship Page

You can also read the source article here:

A\*STAR ACIS Scholarships 2026 Source Article

Related Scholarship Opportunities on KoameJob

You can also explore more scholarship opportunities and study abroad guides on KoameJob:

Bourses d’études on KoameJob

KoameJob Homepage

For stronger internal linking, I recommend adding links to related articles on KoameJob about Singapore scholarships, PhD scholarships in Asia, fully funded scholarships, research scholarships, scholarships without IELTS, SINGA scholarships and scholarships for international students.

Conclusion

The A*STAR ACIS Scholarships 2026 in Singapore offer an excellent fully funded PhD opportunity for students interested in computing and information science. The scholarship can cover tuition fees, provide a monthly stipend, offer research-related allowances and support overseas research attachment.

This opportunity is especially suitable for students who want to build a research career in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, machine learning, computational modelling, digital health or other computing-related fields. With support from A*STAR and Singapore’s strong research ecosystem, selected scholars can gain advanced training and contribute to high-impact research.

Applicants should prepare early, verify official eligibility requirements, choose a suitable research area, submit strong academic documents and apply before the relevant deadline.