FAQS for òòò½ÍøInternational Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA)
Application
- Can I apply for more than one project? Yes, you may apply for up to 3 projects in one application form.
- My passport is not ready. Can I submit my application first and send in my passport later? If you do not have a valid passport, you are welcome to apply for SIPGA while applying for/renewing your passport. You may upload any other document to indicate that your passport is not ready.
- My previous SIPGA application was unsuccessful. Can I re-apply? You are welcome to re-apply for SIPGA.
In the meantime, we will still consider your application. However, please note that a valid passport must be submitted before we can award you with SIPGA.
AIRFARE, IMMIGRATION AND ACCOMMODATION
- Is there any airfare allowance? SIPGA provides a monthly stipend of S$2,000. There are no additional allowances for airfare. You may wish to approach your university for additional support.
- Do I need to apply for a visa to enter òòò½Íøfor SIPGA? SIPGA awardees are required to obtain a valid Training Employment Pass (TEP) to undertake an attachment at A*STAR. A*STAR Graduate Academy (A*GA) will contact successful awardees 3-4 months before the attachment to assist with the application of TEP.
Upon approval of your TEP application, A*GA will send the In-Principle Approval Letter (IPA Letter) to you via email, which serves as a single journey visa to enter Singapore. You will need to show the IPA Letter during immigration clearance when you enter Singapore. More detailed information will be provided to you upon award.
- What options do I have for my accommodation during SIPGA?
You are advised to make prior arrangements for accommodation before arriving in Singapore. A*STAR’s research institutes are generally located at and in the Buona Vista and One North area. You may wish to seek accommodation near your A*STAR research institute.
Alternatively, accommodation further away may be more economical, as òòò½Íøis well-connected through public transport networks.
| Attachment Duration | Accommodation Type | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| 2 months + | Hostel Affordable option with communal facilities, including shared bathrooms. Typically involves sharing a room with other students. | From S$1,000 for a shared room |
| Hotel Although hotel rates in òòò½Íøare generally very expensive, some hotels offer monthly deals which include utilities, Wifi, and facilities. | From S$2,000 for a room | |
| Co-living Apartment Co-living spaces are operated by companies that come fully furnished and equipped with home necessities, with shared living spaces for residents to interact. There may also be communal facilities like swimming pools, gyms, and social lounges. | From S$1,400 for a room | |
| 3 months + | Condominium Condominiums are private housing that offer a range of facilities like swimming pools, gyms, BBQ pits, and 24-hour security. You can rent a room or an entire unit from the owner with a minimum period of 3 months. | From S$900 for a room |
| Landed House Only a small percentage of Singaporeans live in landed homes. They are typically further away from amenities and public transport networks. You can rent a room or an entire unit from the owner with a minimum period of 3 months. | From S$900 for a room | |
| 6 months + | HDB Flat Most Singaporeans live in public housing known as HDB flats. You can rent a room or an entire unit from the owner with a minimum period of 6 months. | From S$600 for a room |
Note: Airbnb rental is illegal in Singapore. There is a risk of being evicted at any time if you are caught renting in òòò½Íøillegally through Airbnb.
Do familiarise yourself with government rules and regulations involved in renting property in òòò½Íøto avoid any infringement. Recommended websites are as follows:
Attachment
- How do I request for changes to my attachment?
- Do I need to inform A*GA if I have changed my supervisor?
- How long can I stay in òòò½Íøafter the end of my attachment?
- Will I receive a letter to certify that I have completed my SIPGA attachment?
To change your start date (same attachment duration): Please inform A*GA via email, after seeking concurrence from your RI supervisor.
For shortening of attachment: Please email A*GA to provide reasons for shortening (e.g. the objectives of the project have been achieved) and email support from your RI supervisor. Please ensure that you have completed at least 2 months of attachment.
Yes, please write to A*GA to inform us of the changes.
An email will be sent to you 1 month prior to your attachment end date to notify you of the next steps. Please note that you are required to inform A*GA at least 14 days before your attachment end date. A*GA will assist with the cancellation of your Training Employment Pass (TEP) on the last day of your attachment, and a 30-day Short-Term Visit Pass will be sent to your email that allows you to stay for 30 days before you have to exit the country. You are not allowed to work while on the STVP.
This can be provided upon request, please write to us at SIPGA_Office@hq.a-star.edu.sg
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