The A*STAR Graduate Academy cares for its scholars every step of the way. An A*STAR scholarship is about having a support network to fall back on, enjoying opportunities not open to others and receiving an enriching and meaningful experience.

Pre-Departure Programmes

Caring for our scholars begin even before their studies. Prior to leaving for their education overseas, scholars are put through a comprehensive pre-departure programme that aims to impart crucial skills, such as cooking, methods of battling stress, understanding relationship issues and the practicalities of living abroad.

Scholars that have been through the pre-departure programme remember it fondly, as it has eased their anxieties about living in a foreign country. It is also where they first meet their peers and forge lasting friendships. 

Keeping in Touch

We value being in contact with our scholars, especially those who are away from home. Each scholar is given a unique email account with the A*GA Portal through which we keep them abreast of the latest developments in A*STAR.

Behind every scholar is a dedicated team of Scholarship Officers who look after the scholar’s welfare, mete out advice and lend a helping hand. Our Scholar’s Counsellor, Prof Bernard Tan, provides a listening ear to scholars on academic and personal issues.

Visits from Home

Being away from home, we know that our scholars miss their family and friends. Whenever in town, Chairman and the Executive Directors of the Research Institutes make a point of meeting our scholars for lunches or tea sessions, and bring them news of home.

A*STAR Scholars’ Network (ASN)

To strengthen the scholars community, the A*STAR Scholars’ Network (ASN) was launched in 2006. Headed by scholars themselves, the ASN organizes activities for scholars, and makes use of the A*GA Portal to keep them updated of social events.

Mapping Your Future

A key imperative at the A*STAR is to ensure that our scholars can look forward to an enriching career. The Graduate Affairs Office, with two Directors, Graduate Affairs – A/Prof Ren Ee Chee (BMRC) and Dr Christina Chai (SERC), provides guidance to scholars for their academic studies and research careers.