Introduction
The NUS Amgen Scholars Program 2027 in Singapore and Japan offers undergraduate students an eight-week research experience hosted by the National University of Singapore (NUS). The program focuses on biomedical and biotechnological sciences, combining laboratory research with academic and professional development. Scholars work with faculty members and research experts while exploring their interest in advanced study and scientific careers. Financial support is available for both international and local participants.
Scholarship Overview
This fully funded summer research program supports undergraduates interested in biology and related scientific disciplines. Its research activities cover both basic and translational science, with mentorship provided throughout the attachment. Alongside laboratory work, scholars attend seminars, learn about graduate study opportunities at NUS, and interact with visiting scientists. Participants are also expected to present their research projects at the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium in Kyoto, Japan.
- Program: NUS Amgen Scholars Program 2027
- Duration: Eight weeks
- Research attachment begins: 31 May 2027
- Funding: Fully funded
- Application deadline: 1 February 2027, at 6:00 PM Singapore Time (GMT+8)
Host Country
The research attachment takes place in Singapore at NUS, while the symposium component takes place in Kyoto, Japan. Scholars therefore participate in research training and a regional academic gathering across the two countries. The Japan component includes presenting their projects at the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium 2027. Applicants should consider both destinations when preparing their travel documents and arranging the required private insurance.
Host Institution or Organization
The National University of Singapore hosts the program through its Department of Biological Sciences. Faculty members and research specialists from that department and partner departments guide participating scholars. NUS joined the Amgen Scholars initiative in 2018, following the program’s earlier establishment in the United States, Europe, and Japan. The NUS experience includes research mentorship, weekly seminars, and information about graduate study opportunities.
Degree Level
This opportunity is intended for students currently pursuing an undergraduate degree, rather than applicants seeking admission to a full degree program. Candidates must have completed at least one year of undergraduate study before the attachment begins. They must also return to their undergraduate studies for at least one semester or quarter after completing the program. An interest in pursuing a PhD is among the stated eligibility requirements.
Available Fields of Study
Eligible applicants must be studying toward a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent qualification, in one of the disciplines listed below. The research training itself focuses on biomedical and biotechnological sciences. Its combination of basic and translational research is intended to help students explore scientific research pathways.
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Scholarship Benefits
The program provides financial assistance for accommodation, travel, and living expenses, with different arrangements for international and local scholars. Both groups receive a stipend of SGD 6,000 for the eight-week attachment. The stipend is intended to cover expenses such as meals, local transportation, and social activities. All participants must arrange their own private health and travel insurance.
International Scholars
- Accommodation arranged by NUS for the entire program.
- A travel grant of up to SGD 1,500 for airfare from the home country to Singapore and from Japan back home after the symposium, using the most economical route.
- A stipend of SGD 6,000 for eight weeks.
- Visa assistance and visa-fee coverage for selected participants through the Training Employment Pass application process.
Local Scholars
- On-campus accommodation.
- A travel grant covering round-trip airfare to attend the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium in Japan.
- A stipend of SGD 6,000 for eight weeks.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be enrolled at a recognized college or university in Asia that offers a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in an eligible discipline. They must come from eligible countries in Asia and demonstrate strong academic performance. Candidates cannot graduate before the summer program starts and must continue their undergraduate studies afterward for at least one semester or quarter. Participants should also be interested in doctoral study and present their projects at the Kyoto symposium.
English proficiency is required for participation. Non-native English speakers, applicants whose first language is not English, and students at non-English-medium institutions must provide supporting evidence. Students whose university uses English as its medium of instruction may submit a university letter confirming this. The listed English-language evidence options are:
- TOEFL iBT: at least 72.
- IELTS: overall band score of 5.5.
- Cambridge English FCE.
- TOEIC: 1095.
- TOEIC Listening and Reading: 785.
- TOEIC Speaking and Writing: 310.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the documents below before completing the online application. The application process includes a subsequent email explaining how to upload the required materials. Missing documents may result in an unsuccessful application, so checking completeness is important.
- Student status letter.
- Academic transcript.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Personal statement.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Two referee reports from faculty members.
Application Process
Apply online through the organizer’s official website after checking that you meet the eligibility conditions. Complete and submit the online application form, then follow the document-upload instructions sent by email. Prepare the supporting materials beforehand so that the upload stage can be completed carefully. Ensure that both the application and required documentation follow the organizer’s instructions.
Important Dates and Deadline
The application deadline is 1 February 2027 at 6:00 PM Singapore Time (GMT+8). Research attachments begin on 31 May 2027 and provide eight weeks of training. Applicants outside Singapore should convert the closing time into their local time zone when planning submission. Allowing time before the deadline is advisable for checking documents and addressing submission problems.
Tips for Applicants
As general preparation advice, begin by comparing your degree subject, enrollment status, and academic calendar with the eligibility requirements. Confirm that you will have completed one undergraduate year before the attachment and will return to study afterward. Contact your university early if you need a student status letter or confirmation of English-medium instruction. These practical checks can help you identify administrative tasks before preparing the full application.
Keep a document checklist and review each file for readability and consistency. Ask faculty referees sufficiently early to give them time to prepare their reports. Budget planning should also account for private health and travel insurance, which participants must arrange themselves. These are general preparation suggestions rather than additional selection requirements.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
As general guidance, use your personal statement to explain your scientific interests and reasons for seeking research experience. Connect those interests to your actual coursework, laboratory activities, or previous projects where relevant, without overstating your experience. Explain how research training relates to your interest in advanced study. Specific, honest examples are generally more informative than broad claims about enthusiasm.
Organize your CV so that your education and relevant experience are easy to follow. Choose faculty referees who can discuss your academic abilities using direct knowledge of your work. Check that dates, qualifications, and study details agree across your CV, transcript, and application form. Finally, proofread your materials and follow the organizer’s instructions rather than assuming that general application advice overrides them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a full degree scholarship?
No, it is an eight-week undergraduate research program. Participants must already be enrolled in an eligible undergraduate course. They must return to their studies for at least one semester or quarter afterward.
Can students from English-medium universities submit a university letter?
Yes, a university letter confirming English as the medium of instruction is an accepted option. The program also lists several English-language tests. Applicants should prepare the evidence relevant to their circumstances.
Do scholars need to arrange insurance?
Yes, all participants must arrange private health and travel insurance. The program provides other financial support, including accommodation and a stipend. Insurance should therefore be considered separately when planning participation.
Conclusion
The NUS Amgen Scholars Program 2027 combines supervised undergraduate research in Singapore with a symposium presentation in Japan. It supports eligible students through funding, mentorship, and academic development activities. Prospective applicants should check their eligibility, prepare their documents, and apply by 1 February 2027 at 6:00 PM Singapore Time.
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