Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA) 2027 Guide

March 4, 2024
Singapore International Pre Graduate Award

The Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA) supports short-term research attachments for international students in Singapore. This program allows top undergraduate and master’s students to work at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Participants experience a world-class scientific environment by collaborating with distinguished researchers on cutting-edge STEM projects.

The award targets students in their final years of study who have a strong interest in a research career. You secure this funding by applying to specific research projects hosted by A*STAR’s various research entities. Successful applicants spend between 2 and 6 months in Singapore, gaining hands-on laboratory experience and professional networking opportunities.

The 2026 cycle emphasizes 4 key research areas: Biomedical Sciences, Computing and Information Sciences, Engineering and Technology, and Physical Sciences. While some recent reports suggest program updates, ASTAR typically manages 3 application cycles per year to accommodate different academic calendars. You improve your selection chances by contacting potential ASTAR mentors before submitting your formal application.

Also apply for Fully Funded Eni-Oxford Africa Scholarship 2026 (Complete Process)

Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award Summary

  • Level of Study: Undergraduate (3rd or 4th year) and Master’s
  • Location: Singapore
  • Institution(s): A*STAR Research Entities
  • Program Period: 2 to 6 Months
  • Course offered: Research attachments in STEM fields
  • Deadline: March 31, July 31, and October 31 annually

Scholarship Coverage

The SIPGA award provides a monthly stipend of S$2,000 to cover living expenses in Singapore. This funding helps students manage 3 major costs: accommodation, local transportation, and daily meals. The award does not typically cover international airfare or visa processing fees. You must complete an online SIPGA Attachment Report at least 3 weeks before your end date to fulfill the award requirements.

Applicants must satisfy 3 main requirements to qualify for the 2026 research attachment: current enrollment at an overseas university, a strong academic record, and English proficiency.

  • Academic Standing: You must have obtained or be on track to achieve at least a Second-Class (Upper) Honours or its equivalent.
  • Enrollment Status: You must remain a matriculated student at your home university throughout the entire duration of the attachment.
  • Discipline: Your studies must be in a relevant STEM field, such as Bioengineering, Computer Science, or Applied Physics.
  • Language: You must be proficient in both written and spoken English to facilitate effective communication in the laboratory.

Application Process

The Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award application process requires 4 distinct steps to be completed through the A*STAR Graduate Academy portal.

  1. Project Selection: You must download the SIPGA Projects List and identify up to 3 specific research projects that align with your background.
  2. Document Preparation: You must prepare 3 essential digital documents: a copy of your passport, complete academic transcripts (translated to English), and an updated CV.
  3. Online Submission: You must fill out the official application form and upload your supporting files. You must select your preferred A*STAR Research Institute, if the form requires a specific host entity.
  4. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will participate in an online interview conducted by the lead A*STAR researcher for the project.

You will receive an award notification within 2 months of the interview date if your application is successful. You must apply for a Training Employment Pass (TEP) if you receive an official offer letter from the A*STAR Graduate Academy. Start the application process for Scholarships in Asia

Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award Deadline

The Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA) typically operates on three application cycles per year through the A*STAR Graduate Academy. Deadlines traditionally fall around March 31, July 31, and October 31 annually, though applicants must ensure their intended start date is at least 4 months after applying. The Application Cycles and Typical DeadlinesCycle 1 Deadline: March 31 (for attachments starting September–December), Cycle 2 Deadline: July 31 (for attachments starting January–April), Cycle 3 Deadline: October 31 (for attachments starting May–October)

Apply Now

You can find the latest project listings and the application link on the A*STAR SIPGA Official Webpage.

Related Links

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Muhammad Shaban Tabassam

Muhammad Shaban Tabassam is a Master's candidate in Software Engineering at Xi'an University of Technology, China, where he studies on a fully funded university scholarship and the China Belt and Road Scholarship. He completed his B.S. in Information Technology at the University of Education, Lahore, and has published research on prompt engineering and multimodal systems. He founded WsScholar4u to document verified scholarship information for students applying abroad, drawing on his own experience of securing funded admission in China.