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 the other two years in Singapore at an A*STAR Research Institute.
Why undertake the A*STAR PhD programme?
- Receive training and support for your PhD in both Manchester and Singapore, with supervisors in both locations.
- Study at a prestigious institute in Singapore and experience life in another country.
- Choose from a range of projects spanning the biological sciences and engineering.
- Be part of a network of PhD researchers and establish international collaborations.
Edward Pallister / A*STAR PhD programme student
"I have found A*STAR to be a great experience, with supervisors and colleagues who are encouraging and engage with your work, and who genuinely want to see your work published."
Programme
Each year, we recruit outstanding applicants who are keen to undertake a research project in Manchester and Singapore as part of the A*STAR Research Attachment Programme (ARAP).
The programme is a partnership between the University and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore.
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
Funding
The programme is funded by The University of Manchester and A*STAR and includes:
- university tuition fees
- monthly stipend (equivalent to UKRI rate)
- airfare grants
- settling in allowance (Singapore)
- medical insurance
What our students say
Read blog posts from our students to find out what they think about the programme.
Projects
Projects vary each year and span biological sciences, life sciences, medicine/translational research and engineering.
All A*STAR projects are designed to provide multidisciplinary challenges for applicants with backgrounds including science and engineering.
"Many of our current postgraduate researchers have spent time abroad, are interested in other cultures and know what to expect when it comes to living overseas. The facilities at A*STAR are superb and we support everyone on the programme with the transition between Manchester and the Institute abroad."
Christoph Ballestrem / Programme Director
Making an application
Applicants to the programme must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science, engineering or technology.
If you wish to be considered for the A*STAR PhD programme and meet our eligibility criteria, you must complete a single online application.
Full details on eligibility and residence criteria are available on the How to apply page.
Please follow our instructions on how to apply for an A*STAR PhD programme.
Key dates
- Application deadline: 29 January 2021
- Interviews: week commencing 15 March 2021
Contact us
For general queries about the A*STAR programme, email admissions.doctoralacademy@manchester.ac.uk.
If you have a query about a specific research project, you should contact the Manchester supervisor regarding your interest and application. You can find their details in the University’s online directory.