NUS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 in Singapore | S$6,000–S$6,500 Monthly Salary

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is offering a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 in Singapore at the Asia Research Institute (ARI). The fellowship is part of a research project on ageing and migration among foreign-born older adults in Singapore.

The position is a full-time research opportunity for candidates with a PhD in Social Sciences and Humanities, particularly in social geography, sociology, anthropology, migration studies, or related fields.

The selected researcher will receive an all-inclusive monthly salary of S$6,000 to S$6,500, with additional support for overseas travel, research fieldwork, and conference participation.

Application Deadline: August 14, 2026

NUS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 – Quick Details

What Is the NUS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026?

The NUS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 is a research position at the Asia Research Institute (ARI), National University of Singapore.

The successful candidate will join the Migration and Mobilities Cluster and contribute to a four-year research project examining the experiences, support systems and resource environments of foreign-born older adults living in Singapore.

The research explores the relationship between ageing and migration, including social networks, healthcare, eldercare, digital connectivity, belonging, social participation and integration.

The fellow will work with an interdisciplinary research team and contribute to qualitative fieldwork, academic publications, conferences, workshops and research dissemination.

Research Project: Ageing and Migration in Singapore

The fellowship is connected to the research project “Ageing Futures and Resource Environments of Foreign-born Singapore Residents.”

The project investigates how foreign-born older adults develop and maintain formal and informal support systems both within Singapore and across national borders.

The research also compares foreign-born and local-born older adults to understand differences in their access to:

• Healthcare
• Eldercare
• Social networks
• Digital resources
• Community support
• Social participation
• Opportunities
• Transnational connections
• Local integration

The project aims to generate research findings that can contribute to academic discussions as well as policy development related to ageing and migration.

NUS Postdoctoral Fellowship Salary and Benefits

One of the major attractions of this postdoctoral fellowship in Singapore is its competitive salary and research support.

Monthly Salary: S$6,000–S$6,500

The selected candidate will receive an all-inclusive fixed monthly salary of S$6,000–S$6,500, depending on qualifications and experience.

The salary includes allowances related to housing and living expenses and is subject to applicable Singapore taxation.

Overseas Travel Assistance

Successful candidates coming from overseas will receive travel assistance.

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to international researchers seeking a postdoctoral position in Singapore.

Research and Conference Support

The fellow will also have opportunities and support for:

• Project-related fieldwork
• Conference participation
• Academic presentations
• Research workshops
• Seminars
• Publication development
• Research networking

The specific use of research funds is subject to project and institutional approval.

Who Can Apply for the NUS Postdoctoral Fellowship?

The position is primarily suitable for researchers who have completed, or are in the final stages of completing, a PhD in Social Sciences and Humanities.

Preferred academic backgrounds include:

• Social Geography
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Migration Studies
• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Related interdisciplinary fields

Candidates whose PhD is awaiting formal conferment may also be considered.

NUS Postdoctoral Fellowship Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate strong research and academic skills relevant to the project.

Key requirements include:

• PhD in a relevant discipline
• Strong interest in ageing and migration research
• Experience conducting qualitative research
• Strong academic writing skills
• Ability to analyse qualitative data
• Ability to work independently
• Strong communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork abilities
• Ability to work with interdisciplinary researchers
• Ability to engage with academic and non-academic stakeholders

Experience with mixed-methods research will be considered an advantage.

Language Requirements

An important requirement of this research position is the ability to communicate with foreign-born older adults living in Singapore.

Candidates should have conversational proficiency in at least one of the following languages:

• Hindi
• Tamil
• Bengali
• Tagalog
• Bahasa Indonesian
• Vietnamese

This language capability is particularly relevant because the researcher will conduct interviews and observations with migrant communities.

What Will the Postdoctoral Research Fellow Do?

The selected researcher will contribute to several areas of the research project.

1. Conduct Qualitative Fieldwork

The fellow will conduct interviews, observations and other qualitative research activities with foreign-born older residents in Singapore.

2. Analyse Research Data

The researcher will work with the interdisciplinary team to analyse qualitative and mixed-methods research findings.

3. Write Academic Publications

The fellow will contribute to research papers and manuscripts targeting high-quality peer-reviewed journals.

4. Present Research

The researcher will have opportunities to present findings at domestic and international conferences.

5. Support Workshops and Seminars

The position involves participation in research meetings, workshops, seminars and other academic activities.

6. Research Dissemination

The fellow will help communicate research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences.

7. Grant Development

The researcher may contribute to future research funding applications and related projects at the Asia Research Institute.

Duration of the NUS Research Fellowship

The position is initially offered for one year, with the possibility of renewal into the second year.

The expected starting date is October 2026, although the successful candidate must start no later than December 2026.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the NUS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 is:

August 14, 2026

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview in person or through Zoom.

Interviews are expected to take place in late August or early September 2026.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Documents Required to Apply

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

1. Academic CV

Your CV should highlight:

• PhD
• Research experience
• Publications
• Fieldwork
• Research methods
• Conference presentations
• Relevant academic projects

2. Cover Letter

The cover letter should be no more than 800 words.

Applicants should explain their previous research experience and demonstrate how their background fits the ageing and migration research project.

3. Academic Transcripts

Applicants should provide their relevant academic transcripts.

4. Writing Sample

A writing sample of no more than 8,000 words is required.

Applicants should ideally submit a research paper, dissertation chapter, journal manuscript or another piece of academic writing that demonstrates their research and analytical ability.

Important Application Instruction

The required documents should be combined into one PDF file and uploaded through the NUS application system under the CV section.

How to Apply for the NUS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

Follow these steps to apply:

Step 1: Review the official NUS job description and eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Prepare your academic CV.

Step 3: Write a focused cover letter of no more than 800 words.

Step 4: Prepare your academic transcripts.

Step 5: Select an appropriate academic writing sample of no more than 8,000 words.

Step 6: Combine the required documents into a single PDF.

Step 7: Submit your application through the official NUS careers portal.

Step 8: Submit the application before August 14, 2026.

Why Should You Apply?

This postdoctoral fellowship in Singapore is particularly suitable for researchers interested in the intersection of migration, ageing, social policy and community studies.

The opportunity offers:

• S$6,000–S$6,500 monthly salary
• International research experience
• Research fieldwork opportunities
• Conference participation
• Academic publication opportunities
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Exposure to Singapore’s research environment
• International networking
• Potential grant-development experience
• Overseas travel assistance for successful international applicants

For researchers planning careers in academia, public policy, migration studies or social research, the position can provide valuable international research experience.

Is the NUS Postdoctoral Fellowship Fully Funded?

The position should not be described as a fully funded scholarship.

It is a paid postdoctoral research position offering a monthly salary of S$6,000–S$6,500. Successful overseas applicants also receive travel assistance, while research-related support is available for fieldwork and conference participation subject to approval.

Applicants should therefore distinguish between a salaried research fellowship/job and a traditional fully funded scholarship.

Is the NUS Postdoctoral Fellowship Open to International Applicants?

Yes. International researchers can apply, and the vacancy specifically provides travel assistance for successful applicants coming from overseas.

Applicants must, however, meet the academic, research, language and other requirements specified in the official vacancy.

Can PhD Candidates Apply?

Candidates who are in the final stages of completing their PhD may be considered if the degree is awaiting formal conferment.

Applicants should carefully review the official vacancy to determine whether their expected PhD completion timeline is compatible with the appointment start date.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate?

The ideal applicant would have:

• A PhD in a relevant social science or humanities discipline
• Experience in qualitative research
• Knowledge of migration or ageing
• Strong academic writing skills
• Experience conducting interviews or fieldwork
• Interest in interdisciplinary research
• Strong communication skills
• Proficiency in one of the required community languages
• A strong publication record or publication potential
• Interest in international research collaboration

Researchers with experience studying migrant communities, ageing populations, social networks, healthcare, eldercare, digital inclusion or transnational migration may be particularly well suited to the project.

NUS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NUS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026?

It is a full-time research position at the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore, focusing on ageing and migration among foreign-born older adults in Singapore.

How much does the NUS postdoctoral fellow earn?

The position offers an all-inclusive monthly salary of S$6,000–S$6,500.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is August 14, 2026.

Where is the fellowship located?

The position is based at the National University of Singapore in Singapore.

What degree is required?

Applicants should have a PhD in Social Sciences and Humanities or a related discipline, or be awaiting formal PhD conferment.

What research areas are preferred?

Preferred backgrounds include social geography, sociology, anthropology and migration studies.

Is the fellowship available to international researchers?

Yes. Overseas applicants can apply, and successful overseas candidates receive travel assistance.

What languages are useful for the research?

Conversational proficiency in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesian or Vietnamese is required for the community research component.

How long is the appointment?

The initial appointment is one year, with the possibility of renewal into the second year.

When does the fellowship begin?

The expected start date is October 2026, and no later than December 2026.

What documents are required?

Applicants need a CV, cover letter, academic transcripts and an academic writing sample. These should be combined into one PDF for submission.

NUS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026: Key Takeaways

If you are looking for a postdoctoral fellowship in Singapore, this NUS opportunity offers a strong combination of salary, research experience and international academic exposure.

University: National University of Singapore
Institute: Asia Research Institute
Position: Postdoctoral/Research Fellow
Location: Singapore
Research Area: Ageing and Migration
Degree: PhD
Salary: S$6,000–S$6,500 per month
Duration: 1 year, renewable
Start Date: October 2026
International Applicants: Yes
Travel Support: Available for successful overseas applicants
Application Deadline: August 14, 2026

Final Recommendation

Researchers should apply if their academic background, qualitative research experience and research interests align closely with the ageing, migration and mobilities focus of the project.

Before applying, carefully review the official NUS vacancy for the latest eligibility requirements, application instructions and employment conditions.

Apply before August 14, 2026.