Science + Singapore + Stipend? Say Hello to the SIPGA Experience!

If you're a science student who secretly (or not-so-secretly) dreams of doing research that actually matters, working in labs that look like something out of a sci-fi movie, and getting mentored by scientists whose names are probably in your textbooks — then pause everything and read this.

Because the Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA) might just be your golden ticket.

What’s SIPGA, anyway?

SIPGA is basically A*STAR Singapore’s way of saying, “Hey international students, come do research with us and we’ll even pay you for it.”

Official link

Sounds dreamy? That’s because it kind of is.

• You get to work 2 to 6 months in real, cutting-edge labs, under researchers who don’t just write papers — they lead revolutions in tech, biomed, and AI.
• And yes, they’re handing out a monthly stipend of SGD 2,000 or INR 1.3 Lakhs. Not bad for learning, experimenting, and doing science in a country where the food courts are as legendary as the research facilities.

Who’s this for?

If you're in your 3rd or 4th year of undergrad or a master’s student, studying anything in the STEM fam — think:

• Computing & Info Science
• Biomedical Science
• Physical Science
• Engineering & Technology

...then you’re already in the right zone.
 

You should also:

• Be studying at a university outside Singapore
• Be fluent in English (no need to flex your Shakespeare, just be comfortable)
• Be academically solid (Second Upper Honours or equivalent)
• Stay enrolled in your home university while doing the attachment
• Have an honest interest in research — because they’ll be able to tell

What’s the vibe like?

• Imagine waking up in Singapore (yes, the place with spotless streets, high-tech everything, and hawker stalls that deserve Michelin stars), heading to your lab where you’re greeted by researchers from around the globe, and diving into real science, not just pouring stuff from one beaker to another.
• You could be working on biomedical innovations, machine learning, materials science... whatever floats your academic boat.
• Plus, the A*STAR Research Entities, the host institutions, are stacked with tech, funding, and the kind of research culture you’ll remember forever.

Application Timeline

• Apply between: 1 May – 31 July 2025
• Attachment start: Between January and April 2026
• Deadline time: 23:59 GMT+8 (Singapore time)

So yes — the clock is ticking.

How Do You Apply? (Let’s make this easy)

Step 1: Choose your project - Download the SIPGA Project List (psst, if the link breaks, they’ll email it to you).

Step 2: Gather your docs
Here’s your mini checklist:

• Passport copy
• Transcripts (translated if not in English)
• Updated resume or CV

Step 3: Submit the online application - You can apply for up to three different projects. Smart move.

Step 4: Interview time - If you’re shortlisted, an A*STAR researchers will reach out for an online chat.

Step 5: Wait for the result - And try not to check your email every 3 minutes (we’ve all been there).
 

But wait, what if I love the research?

Great question. If this research gig gives you butterflies, A*STAR has another door waiting, the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) for full PhDs. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves (yet).
 

TL;DR?

If you're into science, love to build or discover things, and want to actually do research with a stipend, SIPGA is one of the best ways to start. It’s competitive — sure, but it’s also an incredible launchpad for your global research journey.

You bring curiosity. They’ll bring the lab.

Bonus tip: Practice your chopstick skills. You’ll thank me at the hawker stalls.