AISG PhD Fellowship Programme

Nomination for August 2026 Intake

The AISG PhD Fellowship Programme is part of AISG’s Research programme which supports top AI research talents in pursuing their PhD in Singapore-based Autonomous Universities (AUs)*. We aim to nurture and train local AI talents to be able to perform advanced fundamental AI research and produce state-of-the-art AI algorithms, models and systems. In addition, we hope that these talents will contribute to the other pillars of AI Singapore, the local AI eco-system and society.

* Autonomous Universities (AUs): National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).

Key Highlights

  • No restriction on nominees’ nationality
  • Aims to increase Singapore’s visibility and presence on AI fundamental research by publishing in top-tier AI conferences and journals
  • Allows participation in AISG initiatives
  • A competitive stipend of up to S$6,700 monthly, on top of other allowances and full tuition fees, support up to four years of studies at Singapore-based AUs
  • AISG PhD fellows are to publish novel and significant AI fundamental research publications at top-tier venues defined by AISG from the point of award until their PhD candidature period conclude
  • Attractive AI conference travel allowance of up to S$8,000

Key Research Focus Themes

  • Trustworthy and explainable AI
    • Boost AI adoption
    • Build on Singapore’s “trust” brand
  • Privacy-aware AI
    • Demand from regulators and consumers
    • Learn from sensitive datasets while preserving the privacy of Individuals
  • Resource-efficient AI
    • Small-country – small dataset
    • Learning from small but quality datasets
  • Collaborative AI
    • Strengths in NLP and diversity as a testbed
  • Continuous Learning AI
    • Autonomous incremental learning AI towards Artificial General Intelligence

Eligibility Criteria

  • Interested applicants intending to pursue a Full-time PhD and existing PhD candidates (must be 2 years or less into PhD) in Singapore-based AUs. 
  • Interested applicants or existing PhD candidates with a strong interest in AI fundamental research are highly encouraged to apply for the AISG PhD Fellowship.
  • Applicants/Candidates who are Singaporean, Singapore Permanent Resident or those from ASEAN Countries are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Resource:
Recommendation for a Strong AISG PhD Fellowship Application

For Students
The AI Singapore PhD Fellowship programme is a nomination-based application. The universities will recommend suitable applicants to AISG.

PhD Fellowship Information (for interested applicants) – 5 February 2026

  • For Existing PhD Candidates
    For existing PhD candidates, please contact each AU’s graduate office or faculty office for more details and eligibility to apply.
  • For New PhD Candidates
    For new applicants interested in PhD, please submit your PhD application through the intended AU’s website as per the usual channel for PhD application.

NTU

Aug

01 Oct (of prior year) to 31 Jan (of intake year)

JAN

01 Jun (of prior year) to 31 Jul (of prior year)

Apply Here

NUS

Aug

SoC (all):
15 Dec (of prior year)



Engineering:
International / Local-with-round-1-scholarship
– 1 Jan (intake year)

Local-with-no-scholarship / Local-with-round-2-scholarship
– 1 April (intake year)

JAN

SoC:
International – 15 Jun (of prior year); Local – 15 Sept (of prior year)

Engineering:
International / Local-with-round-1-scholarship
– 1 Jul (of prior year)

Local-with-no-scholarship / Local-with-round-2-scholarship
– 1 Sept (of prior year)

Apply Here(SoC) or Apply Here (Engineering)

SMU

Aug

01 Aug (of prior year) to 31 Jan (of intake year)

JAN

01 Feb (of prior year) to 30 Jun (of prior year)

Apply Here

SUTD

SEPT

31 Mar (of intake year)

JAN

30 Sep (of prior year)

Apply Here

For University Administrators
Application Form (For Reference Only) – 08 August 2025
PhD Fellowship Information – 5 February 2026
PhD Fellowship Application Annex C and Section 4 Template
PhD Fellowship Endorsement Form

Latest update (02 October 2025):

  • [Updated on 18 September 2025] For existing PhD candidates from the August 2024 admission intake, AISG support will commence in their 3rd year of studies (August 2026). Funding will be provided for a total of two years, beginning in August 2026. This correction will be reflected in the updated “PhD Fellowship Information” documents.
  • [Updated on 02 October 2025] The nomination deadline has been extended from 13 October 2025, 5:00 PM (SGT) to 28 October 2025, 5:00 PM (SGT).

Nomination Portal
Closing Date of Nomination: 15 April 2026, 5:00 PM SGT

For any enquiries regarding this Fellowship Programme, 

Contact Us