The NUS Amgen Scholars Program 2027 is a world-renowned, fully funded summer research program for undergraduate students in biotechnology, life sciences, and biomedical fields. The Amgen Scholars Program aims to inspire the next generation of innovators by providing undergraduate students with hands-on summer research opportunities at premier educational and research institutions across the globe. Launched in 2006 in the United States, 2008 in Europe, and 2015 in Japan, the National University of Singapore (NUS) joined the list of world-class institutions offering this prestigious program in Asia in 2018.
The key objective of the program is to nurture current undergraduate students who are committed and looking to further their career in biology or related sciences through graduate studies. Hosted by the National University of Singapore (NUS) in partnership with the Amgen Foundation, this prestigious 8-week summer internship gives ambitious undergraduate researchers hands-on experience in world-class laboratories. The program concludes with the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium in Japan, where scholars gather to present their research and network with industry experts and leading global scientists.
Basic Information about the Scholarship
| Parameter | Details |
| Program Name | NUS Amgen Scholars Program 2027 |
| Host Institution | National University of Singapore (NUS) |
| Funding Agency | Amgen Foundation |
| Program Location | Singapore (Research Attachment) & Japan (Asia Symposium) |
| Program Duration | 8 Weeks (Late May to August 2027) |
| Application Opens | November 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | February 1, 2027 (6:00 PM Singapore Time – SGT) |
| Results Announcement | Mid-March 2027 |
| Research Dates | May 31, 2027 – July 30, 2027 |
| Symposium Dates | Early August 2027 (Kyoto, Japan) |
About the Program
- An international summer research programme hosted by the National University of Singapore (NUS).
- Designed for undergraduate students interested in pursuing research careers in biology and related sciences.
- Offers approximately 8 weeks of intensive, full-time research experience.
- Research focuses on biomedical and biotechnological fields, including basic and translational sciences.
- Participants work under the guidance of experienced university faculty members and laboratory researchers.
University & Partner Institution Details
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Ranked consistently among the top universities in Asia and worldwide, NUS is a premier research university situated in the heart of Singapore. The university’s Department of Biological Sciences and affiliated biomedical institutes offer state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and expert mentorship from internationally recognized scientists.
Amgen Foundation & Asian Host Institutions
The Amgen Foundation seeks to advance science education and inspire the next generation of innovators. Beyond NUS in Singapore, the Amgen Scholars Asia Program operates across elite Asian universities, including:
- The University of Tokyo (Japan)
- Kyoto University (Japan)
- Tsinghua University (China)
- IIIT Hyderabad (India)
Scholars selected for the NUS track perform their primary research at NUS in Singapore and travel to Kyoto, Japan, for the fully funded Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium.
Programme Activities
During the eight-week programme, participants will:
- Work full-time in a research laboratory.
- Receive guidance from experienced faculty research mentors.
- Attend weekly seminars and scientific presentations.
- Participate in research meetings and academic discussions.
- Attend information sessions about postgraduate opportunities at NUS.
- Access university facilities, including the library and sports centre.
- Participate in social activities and educational excursions.
- Prepare and present a research poster.
- Give an oral presentation about their research.
- Submit a written research report.
- Present their research at the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium.
Study Areas & Available Research Fields
Host Laboratories and Research Projects
- Research projects will be available only to shortlisted applicants.
- Shortlisted candidates will be able to review the available research projects.
- Projects will be assigned based on a ranking system.
- Applicants are not guaranteed their first-choice research project.
- Research projects may come from different departments of the National University of Singapore (NUS).
- Applicants are advised not to contact potential supervisors directly about research projects.
Participating Departments and Host Laboratories
Research projects may be offered by the following NUS departments:
- Department of Biological Sciences
- Department of Biochemistry
- Department of Pharmacology
- Department of Anatomy
- Department of Physiology
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology
NUS Amgen Scholars Program Benefits
The NUS Amgen Scholars Program covers almost all costs associated with summer research:
International Scholars:
- Accommodation: Arranged by the National University of Singapore.
- Travel grant*: up to SGD1500
To cover airfare to Singapore from home country and from Japan back to home country after the symposium via the most direct economical route. - Stipend**: SGD6000 for the full program
- Visa application: Training Employment Pass (TEP) applications will be initiated by the National University of Singapore and fees will be covered.
Local Scholars:
- Accommodation: Students are to stay in the accommodation provided for the duration of the program.
- Travel grant*: Round trip airfare for the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium will be arranged and covered by the program.
- Stipend**: SGD6000 for the full program
- Research mentorship: Guidance from experienced university professors and researchers.
- Academic exposure: Opportunities to attend research seminars, conferences and scientific discussions.
Important: The SGD 6,000 stipend is intended to cover living expenses, including meals, local transportation and social activities.
Benefits Not Included
While the program covers the vast majority of expenses, applicants should budget for the following excluded items:
- Health and Medical Insurance: Neither NUS nor the Amgen Foundation provides medical insurance. Scholars must purchase their own comprehensive international health and travel insurance.
- Personal Expenses Beyond Stipend: Personal shopping, extra leisure trips, or luxury spending exceeding the SGD 6,000 stipend must be covered out of pocket.
- Passport Application/Renewal Fees: Costs incurred to secure or renew a valid passport prior to departure.
- Excess Baggage Fees: Any extra baggage fees charged by airlines beyond standard ticket allowances.
Eligibility Criteria for NUS Amgen Scholars Program
To qualify for the NUS Amgen Scholars Asia Program 2027, you must fulfill all of the following requirements:
- Be currently enrolled as undergraduate students at a university or college in Asia.
- Study a relevant subject, such as:
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Have completed at least the first year of undergraduate study before the programme begins.
- Not graduate before the summer programme starts.
- Have at least one semester or quarter of undergraduate study remaining after the programme ends.
- Have a strong academic record.
- Have good English-language proficiency.
- Show an interest in pursuing a PhD degree.
English-language requirements:
If English is not your first language or your university does not teach entirely in English, you must provide one of the following:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 72
- IELTS: Overall 5.5
- Cambridge English FCE
- TOEIC: 1095
- TOEIC Listening and Reading: 785
- TOEIC Speaking and Writing: 310
Alternatively, if your university teaches entirely in English, an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter may be accepted.
Expectations and Responsibilities
Selected students must:
- Participate in the entire eight-week programme, including the symposium.
- Stay in the accommodation arranged by NUS.
- Work full-time in the assigned laboratory.
- Attend all required academic and social activities.
- Complete laboratory safety training.
- Avoid taking other courses or doing paid work during the programme.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be from a country where their home university is located.
Bangladesh is included in the eligible countries.
The eligible countries are divided into five regions:
- Eastern Asia: China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea and South Korea.
- South-Eastern Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
- Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
- Southern Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
- Western Asia: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Georgia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Syria, Türkiye, UAE and Yemen.
Required Application Documents
All documents must be clear, accurately translated into English, and uploaded within 3 days of submitting your initial online application:
- Official Academic Transcripts: Issued by your home university, showing all completed terms and course grades.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-crafted personal essay detailing your research interests, career goals, and reasons for applying to the NUS Amgen Program.
- Two Recommendation Letters: Submitted online directly by university faculty or academic mentors who can attest to your research capabilities and character.
- Proof of English Proficiency: Valid TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC score report, or an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your university registrar.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume: Highlighting academic achievements, relevant laboratory techniques, awards, and extracurricular activities.
- Valid Passport Copy: Color copy of the passport identification page.
NUS Amgen Scholars Program Step-by-Step Application Process
- Read the official eligibility requirements and FAQ.
- Download and review the Amgen Application Checklist 2027.
- Prepare all required documents before applying.
- Complete the Official Online Application Form.
- After submitting the application, check your email for instructions on uploading supporting documents.
- Ensure that all documents are uploaded before the relevant deadlines.
- Contact your referees and remind them to submit their recommendation letters on time.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Draft a Focused Statement of Purpose: Avoid generic praise for science. Detail your past research experience, lab techniques you have mastered, and specific questions in biomedical science you want to explore at NUS.
- Select the Right Referees: Choose professors or lab principal investigators (PIs) who have directly supervised your research work or advanced coursework. Personal, detailed letters carry far more weight than standard template recommendations.
- Demonstrate Clear Ph.D. Intent: The Amgen Scholars Program prioritizes candidates who plan to enter Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D. tracks. Frame your essay around your long-term scientific aspirations.
- Submit Well Before the Deadline: Server traffic surges close to February 1, 2027. Completing your application early gives your referees ample time to submit their letters.
- Proofread Exhaustively: Ensure your CV, SOP, and transcript translations are free of typographical errors and formatted cleanly.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Singapore
Singapore is a major global hub with a modern standard of living. Thanks to the SGD 6,000 stipend (~$4,500 USD) provided for the 8-week duration, scholars can easily manage all daily costs.
Below is an estimated breakdown of monthly living costs for an international student staying in university housing:
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) | Notes |
| Housing / Accommodation | $0 (Covered by Program) | Fully provided on campus at NUS |
| Food & Meals | $300 – $450 | Dining at NUS canteens, hawker centers, and food courts |
| Local Transportation | $60 – $90 | Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and public bus fares |
| Mobile Data & Wi-Fi | $15 – $25 | Local SIM card with generous high-speed data |
| Personal & Miscellaneous | $100 – $200 | Toiletries, laundry, sightseeing, and leisure |
| Total Estimated Monthly Expense | $475 – $765 USD | Fully offset by the ~$2,250 USD monthly stipend! |
Why Choose the NUS Amgen Scholars Program?
- World-Class Laboratory Mentorship: Work directly alongside top faculty, postdocs, and research scientists in NUS’s cutting-edge life science laboratories.
- 100% Fully Funded Opportunity: Free accommodation, a generous living stipend, airfare coverage, and full visa sponsorship remove financial barriers.
- Cross-Border Research Experience in Singapore and Japan: Gain international scientific exposure by conducting research in Singapore and presenting at the Asia Symposium in Kyoto, Japan.
- Unrivaled Networking & PhD Pathway: Join a global network of Amgen Scholars alumni. The program serves as a direct stepping stone into top-ranked Ph.D. programs worldwide.
- Hands-On Professional Development: Participate in specialized scientific seminars, poster presentations, workshops, and career panels with industry leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there an application fee for the NUS Amgen Scholars Program?
No, applying to the NUS Amgen Scholars Program is completely free of charge.
2. Do I need to speak Japanese or Chinese to participate in the Asia Program?
No. The language of research and instruction at NUS and the Asia Symposium is 100% English.
3. Can I take online classes or work a part-time job during the program?
No. The Amgen Scholars Program requires a full-time commitment. Scholars cannot hold jobs or take concurrent academic courses during the 8-week internship.
4. What if my university is not in Asia?
The Amgen Scholars Asia Program is specifically for students enrolled at colleges and universities in eligible Asian countries. If you study in North America or Europe, you should apply through the Amgen Scholars North America or Europe regional portals.
5. How and when is the living stipend paid?
The SGD 6,000 stipend is disbursed in two installments: the first around the 2nd or 3rd week of the program, and the final installment around the 6th week.
Important Dates
- Application opens: November 1, 2026
- Application deadline: February 1, 2027
- Shortlist announcement: Around mid-March (the notice says 2026, but this appears to be a typo; it should likely be March 2027).
