The A*STAR Research Internship Award (ARIA) is a respected, paid research internship in Singapore offered by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Created for high-performing Singaporean undergraduates, ARIA offers practical research experience within A*STAR Research Institutes, where students work closely with experienced scientists on real research problems.
This program plays an important role in developing future researchers and supporting Singapore’s Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) ecosystem.
About A*STAR Research Internship Award (ARIA)
A*STAR is Singapore’s national public research agency, connecting universities and industry through advanced research in science and engineering. Its work supports innovation, economic growth, and real-world impact across multiple sectors.
Internship Level
- Undergraduate research internship
- Open to students from both local and overseas universities
ARIA Internship Support
Monthly Allowance:
- S$1,600 – S$2,000 per month
This allowance supports students throughout the internship while they gain meaningful research experience.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a Singapore citizen
- Be an undergraduate student (second year or above)
- Be studying one of the following fields:
- Computing & Information Sciences
- Engineering & Technology
- Physical Sciences
- Biomedical, Life, or Food Sciences
- Be on track for at least Second Upper Class Honours or equivalent (CGPA of 4.0 / 5.0 or comparable scale)
- Show a clear interest in a research or R&D career
- Not have previously received the ARIA internship
Internship Duration
- 16–24 weeks during the academic semester, or
- 12 weeks during the vacation period
The final duration depends on the internship requirements set by the student’s university or faculty.
Research Areas
ARIA projects cover fast-growing and interdisciplinary fields, including:
- Biomedical Sciences (BMS)
- Physical Sciences (PS)
- Computing & Information Sciences (CIS)
- Engineering & Technology (E&T)
Projects are cross-disciplinary and focus on applied, industry-relevant research.
Research Projects
Available ARIA projects can be viewed through the official A*STAR Research Projects portal. Applicants must include the selected project title in their application and may apply to more than one project by submitting separate applications.
Application Process
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you meet both ARIA and university internship requirements, especially for credit-bearing placements.
Step 2: Review Research Projects
Browse current ARIA projects and choose those that match your academic background and career goals.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
- NRIC (front and back)
- Latest university academic transcript
- Junior college or polytechnic transcript
- Updated resume
Step 4: Submit Application
Complete and submit the ARIA application through the official portal or your university’s internship office, where applicable.
Application Timeline (Year-Round)
- Applications are accepted throughout the year
- Students may apply up to six months before their university internship window
- Internship intakes usually align with:
- Mid-year internships
- End-of-year internships
Selection Process
- Shortlisted applicants are invited to an online interview
- Interviews are conducted by the project supervisor at the relevant A*STAR Research Institute
- Final results are shared via email
Why Apply for the A*STAR Research Internship Award?
- Paid research experience within a globally respected R&D environment
- Direct mentorship from leading scientists
- Exposure to applied and industry-focused research
- Development of strong laboratory and analytical skills
- Solid preparation for future research careers in Singapore
For More Information, Visit The Official Website:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the A*STAR ARIA internship paid?
Yes. The A*STAR ARIA internship is fully paid, offering a monthly allowance of S$1,600 to S$2,000 depending on the internship period and student profile.
Can international students apply for the A*STAR ARIA internship?
No. The ARIA program is only open to Singapore citizens, although applicants may be enrolled at local or overseas universities.
Is the A*STAR ARIA internship competitive?
Yes. ARIA is a competitive research internship that selects high-performing undergraduates with strong academic records and a clear interest in research or R&D careers.
What CGPA is required for the A*STAR ARIA internship?
Applicants are expected to be on track for at least a Second Upper Class Honours or an equivalent CGPA, typically 4.0 out of 5.0 or higher.
What type of research will I do during the ARIA internship?
Interns work on real research projects in areas such as biomedical sciences, engineering, physical sciences, and computing, often linked to industry or applied outcomes.
Can the ARIA internship be used for university credit?
Yes. The internship can count toward academic credit, provided it meets the minimum internship requirements set by the student’s university or faculty.
How long does it take to hear back after applying?
Shortlisted candidates are usually contacted for an online interview. Final decisions are communicated by email after the interview process is completed.
Can I apply to more than one ARIA research project?
Yes. Students may apply to multiple ARIA projects, but each project requires a separate application submission.
Is there an application deadline for the ARIA internship?
There is no fixed deadline. Applications are accepted year-round, but students are advised to apply early, especially if their university has specific internship timelines.
Does completing ARIA improve chances of future A*STAR scholarships?
Yes. Completing the ARIA internship provides strong research exposure and mentorship, which can be valuable for future postgraduate scholarships or research roles in Singapore.