Are you an undergraduate student passionate about life sciences, biotechnology, or biomedical research? The NUS Amgen Scholars Program 2026 in Singapore offers a prestigious, fully funded summer research internship at the National University of Singapore (NUS). This program provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory experience, collaborate with leading scientists, and develop your research skills in one of Asia’s top universities. Read on for detailed information on eligibility, benefits, the application process, and why this scholarship should be your top choice for summer 2026.
Basic Information About the NUS Amgen Scholars Program 2026
The NUS Amgen Scholars Program Asia 2026 is an intensive 8-week summer internship (June 1 to July 31, 2026) designed for undergraduate students from Asia with strong academic records in biomedical or biotechnological sciences. The application window opens on November 1, 2025, and the deadline is February 1, 2026 (18:00 SGT). This fully funded program includes travel to an Asia Symposium in Kyoto, Japan (August 3-6, 2026), where scholars present their research findings.
- 8-week full-time summer research program at National University of Singapore
- For undergraduate students in Asia
- Work in NUS labs under faculty mentors
- Includes seminars, colloquiums, info sessions, and campus facility access
- Ends with poster & oral presentation and report
- Attend Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium 2026 in Tokyo, Japan
University/Institution Details
The program is hosted by the National University of Singapore (NUS), Asia’s leading global university renowned for excellence in research and innovation. The internship takes place primarily within the Department of Biological Sciences and partner departments at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, giving scholars access to world-class laboratories, faculty, and resources.
Internship Fields:
The program offers research placements in:
- Faculty members, Department of Biochemistry
- Faculty members, Department of Biological Sciences
- Faculty members, Department of Pharmacology
- Faculty members, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
- Faculty members, Department of Anatomy
- Faculty members, Department of Physiology
Scholars engage in full-time laboratory research, weekly seminars with visiting scientists, and participate in graduate program workshops at NUS, providing an immersive research experience.
Projects
- Only shown to shortlisted applicants
- Assigned based on ranking—not everyone gets first choice
- Do not contact professors directly
- Projects offered across biology-related NUS departments
NUS Amgen Scholars Program Benefits
The NUS Amgen Scholars Program is fully funded and includes:
- International & Local scholars both get:
- Accommodation
- Stipend: SGD 6000 for 8 weeks
- International scholars also get:
- Travel grant up to SGD 1500 (flight to Singapore + flight home from Japan)
- Visa fees covered by NUS
- Local scholars also get:
- Round-trip airfare for the symposium in Japan
- Note: Students must purchase their own health & travel insurance
Benefits Not Included
The scholarship covers most major expenses; however, scholars are responsible for:
- Personal discretionary expenses beyond the stipend
- Travel insurance coverage (usually recommended but not included)
- Additional visa processing fees if any (usually covered but check latest updates)
Eligibility Criteria for NUS Amgen Scholars Program
Applicants for the NUS Amgen Scholars Program 2026 must:
- Be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in an eligible Asian country
- Have completed at least 1 year of university
- Not graduate before the program; must return to studies after summer
- Have strong academics
- Have good English skills (TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC accepted)
- OR a university letter confirming English-medium instruction
- Have interest in pursuing a PhD
Expectations
Participants must:
- Stay in NUS accommodation
- Join daily lab activities & safety training
- Attend orientation, seminars, and events
- Present poster + oral presentation
- Submit a final written report
- Attend symposium in Tokyo
Required Documents for Application
Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents in PDF format as part of their online application:
- Official university student status letter confirming enrollment and study period
- Academic transcript (translated into English, on university letterhead)
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) including contact info, education, skills, and research experience
- Personal Statement detailing research interests, motivation for applying, and expected outcomes (1 page recommended)
- Two or more letters of recommendation from faculty or research mentors
- A recent passport-style portrait photo
- Proof of English proficiency test results (if applicable)
NUS Amgen Scholars Program Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare documents: Collect and scan all required documents adhering to the format and naming checklist provided by NUS.
- Online application: Access the official NUS Amgen Scholars Program application portal starting November 1, 2025.
- Submit application form: Fill in personal, academic, and research interest details accurately.
- Upload documents: Upload the required PDFs including transcripts, CV, personal statement, and recommendation letters.
- Referee submission: Ensure recommenders submit their letters by the deadline (February 1, 2026).
- Wait for notification: Admission results will be communicated starting mid-March 2026.
- If selected: Make travel and accommodation arrangements as guided by NUS, attend orientation, and begin your 8-week research internship on June 1, 2026.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early and gather strong recommendation letters well in advance.
- Write a compelling personal statement emphasizing your passion for biomedical research and career goals.
- Ensure your CV highlights relevant research, academic achievements, and technical skills.
- Double-check all document formats and filenames according to the application checklist.
- Follow up with your referees to meet submission deadlines.
- Demonstrate clear motivation for choosing NUS and the Amgen Scholars Program in your essays.
- Practice good English proficiency preparation if required.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Singapore (USD)
Singapore is a vibrant but moderately expensive city for students. The NUS stipend is designed to cover most living costs including accommodation. Typical average monthly living expenses for international students are:
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (dorm/private) | $400 – $800 |
| Food and groceries | $300 – $400 |
| Transportation (public) | $60 – $100 |
| Personal expenses | $100 – $150 |
| Miscellaneous | $50 – $100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $900 – $1550 |
The program stipend closely matches these costs, relieving financial burden for scholars.
Why Choose the NUS Amgen Scholars Program? 5 Key Reasons
- Fully Funded, Elite Research Experience: No application fees, full coverage of travel, accommodation, and living costs means you can focus fully on your research project.
- World-Class Mentorship: Work alongside leading biomedical scientists and researchers at a top global university.
- Cutting-Edge Facilities: Access state-of-the-art labs, libraries, and campus resources in Singapore’s research hub.
- Networking and Career Opportunities: Attend the Asia Scholars Symposium in Japan and engage with a global network of future scientists.
- Pathway to Graduate Studies: Gain essential research skills and exposure supporting future Ph.D. or advanced degree applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is eligible for the NUS Amgen Scholars Program?
A: Undergraduate students from Asian universities enrolled in life sciences or related programs with strong academic performance.
Q: Is English proficiency required?
A: Yes, non-native speakers must provide TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent scores unless their university teaches fully in English.
Q: What is the application deadline?
A: February 1, 2026 (18:00 SGT).
Q: Are there any application fees?
A: No application fees are required.
Q: What does the scholarship cover?
A: Travel, accommodation, stipend, meals, visa costs, and conference attendance.
Q: Can students outside Asia apply?
A: The NUS Amgen Scholars Program Asia specifically targets undergraduate students enrolled in universities in Asia.
Important Dates
- 1 Nov 2025 – Application opens
- 1 Feb 2026 – Application closes
- Mid-March 2026 – Shortlisted applicants notified
Official Link:
The NUS Amgen Scholars Program 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for motivated undergraduate students in Asia to advance their scientific research skills, build their careers, and experience life at one of Asia’s best universities—completely funded. Mark your calendar and prepare your application to join this prestigious summer research journey in Singapore and Japan!
If you want, assistance with the application process or a checklist can also be provided. Let this summer open doors to your scientific discovery and future academic success.
