A*STAR PhD Programme

The four-year funded A*STAR PhD programme at Manchester enables postgraduate researchers in science and engineering to spend two years of their PhD at The University of Manchester and two years in Singapore at an A*STAR Research Institute.

Singapore skyscape from above in the sunset

Why undertake the A*STAR PhD programme?

  • Benefit from training and support for your PhD in both countries with supervisors in Manchester and Singapore.
  • Experience life in another country and study at a prestigious institute in Singapore.
  • Explore a diverse range of projects across science and engineering.
  • Become part of a network of PhD researchers, and collaborate with researchers from across the world.

About the programme

The A*STAR PhD programme is a partnership between the University and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore.

Each year in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, we recruit outstanding applicants who are keen to undertake a research project in Manchester and Singapore as part of the programme.

Programme structure

Year 1 - Manchester

  • Induction
  • Literature report
  • Project planning and design
  • Continuation report

Year 2 and 3 - Singapore

  • Continuation of research project

Year 4 - Manchester

  • Final project work
  • Preparation of thesis
  • Final submission and viva
Female student in blue lab coat and blue gloves opens something behind a lab screen

Funding

The programme is funded by The University of Manchester and A*STAR and includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Monthly stipend (equivalent to UKRI rate)
  • Airfare grants
  • Settling in allowance (Singapore)
  • Medical insurance.

Recruitment

Recruitment for 2024/25 is now closed, please expect a call for 2025/26 to be live in the late summer/early autumn 2024.

Contact us

If you have any queries about the programme, please don't hesitate to get in touch: