Exceptional Summer Research Opportunity at the National University of Singapore

The acclaimed Amgen Scholars Program has expanded in Asia, and the National University of Singapore (NUS) — through its Department of Biological Sciences (DBS) — stands as a distinguished host institution. Under this partnership, undergraduate students from across Asia engage in a rigorous eight-week, hands-on research immersion in the life sciences. NUS Biological Sciences+1

About the Programme

The Amgen Scholars Asia programme at NUS links ambitious undergraduates with leading faculty and world-class laboratories, offering full-time summer research experiences in biomedical and biotechnological sciences. Applicants gain access not only to dedicated mentorship and full-time lab work, but also to seminars, graduate-school information sessions, weekly colloquia, and collaborative social and learning experiences. NUS Biological Sciences+1

Eligibility and Requirements

Students eligible to apply must:

• Be enrolled in a bachelor’s (or equivalent) programme at a college or university in Asia at the time of the summer programme’s start. NUS Biological Sciences
• Have completed at least one full year of undergraduate study when the programme begins. NUS Biological Sciences
• Not graduate before the summer ends and must continue undergraduate studies for at least one more semester thereafter. NUS Biological Sciences
• Demonstrate strong academic performance and proficiency in English. If the home institution is not English-medium, applicants must satisfy one of several listed English-proficiency criteria (e.g., TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS band 5.5, TOEIC scores) or provide a letter confirming the institution’s instruction in English. NUS Biological Sciences

Programme Expectations

The programme is full-time and requires full participation for the duration. Specifically:

• Students are expected to reside in the accommodation provided by NUS. NUS Biological Sciences
• Scholars must participate fully in research group activities, lab safety training, orientation, seminars, poster and oral presentations, and in the final Symposium of the Amgen Scholars Asia. NUS Biological Sciences+1
• Coursework or employment during the eight weeks is not permitted. NUS Biological Sciences

Benefits & Financial Support

Selected students receive the following:

• A stipend of SGD 6,000 for the eight-week period. NUS Biological Sciences+1
• For international scholars: accommodation arranged by NUS, and a travel grant of up to SGD 1,500 to cover airfare to Singapore and onward from the Symposium location. NUS Biological Sciences+1
• For local (Singapore-based) scholars: accommodation is provided, travel to/from the Symposium is arranged, plus the same stipend. NUS Biological Sciences
• Note: Private health and travel insurance must be arranged by the student; the programme or sponsoring foundation does not cover insurance. NUS Biological Sciences

Host Labs & Topics

Research projects span multiple departments at NUS, including Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology & Immunology. Projects are pre-selected and scholars rank preferences; direct contact with supervisors prior to selection is discouraged. NUS Biological Sciences

Application Timeline

For the 2026 cohort (as an example of typical timing):

• Online application opens: 1 Nov 2025
• Deadline: 1 Feb 2026, 18:00 SGT
• Admission notifications: Mid-March 2026 onward
• Orientation & arrival: Late May 2026
• Research attachment: 1 June – 31 July 2026
• Final Symposium (Tokyo, Japan): Early August 2026 NUS Biological Sciences

Why This Matters

This programme delivers more than just summer work; it cultivates a pipeline of scientifically-driven undergraduates poised to pursue graduate research careers. Participants gain exposure to an international research culture, networking with peers and mentors from across Asia, and the chance to work in world-leading labs. For aspiring life-scientists, this is a transformative step. One scholar reflects:

“The connections with other scholars and lab members provide great opportunities in the future.” — A NUS Amgen Scholar 2025 NUS Biological Sciences

Another adds:

“Through the Amgen Scholars Program … I learned more about cultural humility and professionalism.” — NUS Amgen Scholar 2025 NUS Biological Sciences

How to Prepare

• Ensure your transcripts are current; if not in English, provide certified translations. NUS Biological Sciences
• Have two faculty referees ready, each submitting a letter of recommendation via the system when prompted. NUS Biological Sciences
• If your home institution is non-English-medium, review the English-proficiency requirements carefully and prepare documentation if needed. NUS Biological Sciences
• Begin preparing your résumé/CV and personal statement early; make sure your motivations for research and graduate-study are clear.
• Familiarise yourself with the research areas of NUS’s involved departments to articulate your interest and how you could contribute.
• Monitor deadlines carefully — applications open early November and close in early February.

Conclusion

For undergraduate science students in Asia keen to accelerate their research trajectory, the Amgen Scholars Asia programme at NUS is a standout option — offering deep immersion, funding support, and a gateway to high-end graduate training. If your interest lies in biomedical or biotechnological research and you meet the criteria, this opportunity deserves a place on your application shortlist.

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