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

Open call for project proposals

Project eligibility

In order to receive approval, a project must meet the following essential criteria:

  • Have an agreed joint project supervisory team comprising at least a main supervisor and co-supervisor from the Faculty of Science and Engineering at The University of Manchester and a main supervisor from the A*STAR. A full list of institutes can be found on the A*STAR website which spans the biomedical, and science and engineering research areas.
  • The main supervisor at The University of Manchester is a permanent member of academic staff.
  • The joint project supervisory team confirms that they have collective access to the resources, other than the studentship funding, to enable the proposed PhD project to be executed.
  • The UoM supervisors must have conducted the Export Control self-assessment for the project and are undertaking the necessary step to put an Export Control licence (if applicable), and they must have conducted a compliance risk assessment for the project (e.g. ATAS clearance and export control clearance) and put mitigating measures in place.
  • Projects must deliver added value through two-centre research activities which advance joint research interests with regular communication between collaborating laboratories.
  • Demonstrated strength of joint project supervisory team.

Available projects

Project proposals are currently being accepted for consideration.

A full list of available projects will be published here on week commencing 17th of February 2025.

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

Eligibility

The University of Manchester entry requirements are that candidates:

  • Hold (or expect to achieve) a First Class or 2:1 UK honours degree (or international equivalent to be checked with The University of Manchester admission team).
  • Ideally hold a master’s-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent to be checked with The University of Manchester admission team).
  • Demonstrable excellent communication skills, including in English language, a proficiency in which should be demonstrably indicated by meeting the requirements as indicated on the University's English language requirements page and in particular securing an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component OR securing a TOEFL iBT score of 90 with no less than 20 in each component equivalent OR equivalent. Project supervisor teams may recommend a candidate who has excellent English language skills but otherwise has not formal certification of such. Please note that a timely demonstrable minimum English language level is a requirement of the UK Home Office for the issue of student visas to the UK. For some projects an ATAS certificate may also be required by them.
  • Demonstrate willingness to travel to two partner institutions to complete the programme.
  • Demonstrate to reflect the Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Researcher person specification.
    • Educational background matches research project.
    • Potential to form effective working relationships with a diverse range of people, including working inclusively and as part of a team.
    • Potential to take the initiative, lead on projects, and be proactive in prioritising a dynamic, agile and diverse workload.
    • Potential to develop understanding of complex problems, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a given scenario, and apply in-depth knowledge to address them.
    • Potential to develop expertise in new areas of the subject.
    • Evidence of an understanding of the proposed area of research, including knowledge of current challenges and opportunities.
    • An interest in continuous personal and professional development.
    • Potential to communicate ideas and conclusions, verbally and in writing, clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
    • Preliminary knowledge of research techniques/track record of engaging with research.
    • Commitment to principles of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in teaching, research, or experience.

How to apply

There are two fully funded studentships available for suitable candidates to start this four-year programme at The University of Manchester in October 2025 subject to approval from the A*STAR Graduate Academy.

Candidates will need to meet all of the minimum entry requirements.

Applications will open for candidates to apply for approved projects at the leading institution on week commencing 17 February 2025 and will close on 21 March 2025. A*STAR will undertake final review and approval timeline. This is expected to take place around mid-July 2025.

Further details of how to apply and available projects will be available soon.

Contact us

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