Singapore’s leading research agency, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), has officially opened applications for the highly competitive A*STAR Computing and Information Science (ACIS) Scholarship 2026. The programme is designed for international and local students seeking fully funded PhD opportunities in advanced technology and computing-related fields.
The ACIS Scholarship is one of Singapore’s flagship research funding programmes and aims to develop future researchers, innovators, and technology leaders through doctoral training at top universities and research institutions in Singapore. It provides full financial support while offering access to cutting-edge research projects in artificial intelligence, machine learning, healthcare computing, cybersecurity, data science, modelling, simulation, and advanced computing systems.
For students seeking fully funded PhD scholarships in Asia, the ACIS programme offers a strong combination of financial support, industry exposure, and research opportunities within one of the world’s fastest-growing innovation ecosystems.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend support
- Book allowance
- Computer allowance
- Conference allowance
- Miscellaneous allowance
- Thesis allowance
- Overseas research attachment support for up to 12 months
- Opportunity to apply later for the A*STAR International Fellowship for postdoctoral training overseas
The scholarship funding period typically covers up to four years of PhD study.
Monthly Stipend Rates
The monthly stipend varies according to residency status:
- Singapore Citizens: SGD 5,800 per month
- Singapore Permanent Residents: SGD 4,800 per month
- International Students: SGD 4,550 per month
International scholars are also required to complete a three-year service commitment in Singapore-based companies after graduation.
Research Areas
Applicants may conduct research in areas including:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Deep Learning
- Healthcare Computing
- Data Science and Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Computational Engineering
- Modelling and Simulation
- Intelligent Automation Technologies
- Advanced Computing Systems
The programme encourages research that addresses real-world scientific and industrial challenges through advanced computing and information science solutions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, or international students
- Hold at least a Second Upper Class Honours degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline
- Demonstrate strong interest in research careers in academia, industry, or technology enterprises
- Apply for PhD admission at a participating Singapore university alongside the scholarship application
- Submit at least two referee reports and a proposed research area
GRE scores are optional but may strengthen an application during assessment.
Selection Process
The ACIS Scholarship selection process is highly competitive and typically includes:
- Academic evaluation
- Research proposal assessment
- Referee reviews
- Multiple interview rounds with A*STAR researchers and leadership teams
- Approval of supervisors, research projects, and university placement
Applicants with strong research experience, publications, AI projects, coding portfolios, or conference participation may have a competitive advantage.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the A*STAR Computing and Information Science (ACIS) Scholarship 2026 for the January intake is 1 August 2026.
Application Link
- A*STAR Graduate Academy Scholarships Portal
- A*STAR ACIS Scholarship Application Portal
- NUS Graduate School ACIS Scholarship Information Page
For students targeting fully funded PhD opportunities in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, and advanced computing, the A*STAR ACIS Scholarship 2026 remains one of the strongest research funding pathways currently available in Asia, combining substantial financial support with access to Singapore’s globally competitive research ecosystem.
