Opportunities in Singapore | Doctoral College

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 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:

Expression of Interest by May 2024: Nominations to A*STAR by November 2024
Expression of Interest 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.

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.

A*STAR researchers must submit their completed nomination by 15th May or 30th November.

Submit your student application

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.

Student expression of interest form

Submit your supervisor 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

Supervisor expression of interest form

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.

Eligibility and requirements

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:

Research focus areas can also include Humanities and Social Sciences.

Visit the A*STAR Research Focus website for more information.

Decision Making Process

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

Students will receive:

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.

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.

Contact Newcastle University in Singapore

Meet Burak: A success story from the A*STAR Programme

Discover how Burak enhanced his research and career prospects through the A*STAR Research Enhancement Programme. After two years at Newcastle, he's now studying at A*STAR in Singapore.

Read the full story

Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore offers the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) to attract top international students from around the world to pursue their postgraduate studies in Singapore's world-class universities. SINGA is a collaboration between A*STAR and 5 top-ranking universities in Singapore: Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and Singapore Management University (SMU).

This prestigious award provides full financial support, including tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and allowances for travel and accommodation. It is a valuable opportunity to achieve your academic goals and contribute to the global research landscape.