Amgen Scholars Asia Program 2026 at National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Omran Aburayya
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
If you are an undergraduate student in the Asia region seeking to deepen your research experience this summer in life sciences or biotechnology, the Amgen Scholars Asia Program 2026 at National University of Singapore (NUS) offers a prestigious, fully‑funded eight‑week intensive research attachment. Applications open 1 November 2025 and close 1 February 2026. Here's everything you need to know.
📚 Summary of the Programme
Location: Singapore
Host institution: National University of Singapore (NUS)
Target group: Undergraduate students enrolled in colleges/universities in Asia who have completed at least their first year, will not graduate before the programme begins, and will resume studies afterwards.
Fields of Focus: Biomedical sciences, biotechnology, basic and translational life‑sciences research (host labs drawn from Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology & Immunology at NUS)
Value and coverage:
Stipend: SGD 6,000 for the 8‑week programme.
Accommodation: Arranged by NUS for the duration.
Travel grant: Up to SGD 1,500 for international scholars (airfare to Singapore and from symposium location back home) or equivalent support for local scholars.
Visa application fees (for international students) covered by NUS.
Duration: Eight (8) full‑time weeks of research at NUS in summer 2026; followed by attendance at the Asia Symposium (in a partner location, e.g., in Japan).
Application deadline: Online application opens 1 Nov 2025, closes 1 Feb 2026.
📚 Programme Overview
The Amgen Scholars Asia Programme at NUS is part of the globally recognised Amgen Scholars initiative, which began in the United States (2006), Europe (2008) and launched in Japan (2015); NUS began hosting in Asia from 2018.
During the eight‑week intensive summer research attachment, participants will:
Work full time in a laboratory under the guidance of faculty and capable laboratory staff in one of the host departments listed above.
Attend weekly colloquiums and seminars where they meet visiting scientists and peers.
Participate in information sessions about graduate research pathways at NUS.
Access campus facilities (Library, University Health Services, Sports Centre) and take part in social / learning excursions (subject to local health regulation) .
Culminate their experience with poster and oral presentations of their summer research project, and participation in the Asia Symposium (for 2026 likely in Japan) where scholars from across Asia host institutions gather.
💲 Benefits for Participants
Fully funded living support: the stipend covers living costs during the eight‑week period; accommodation is provided by NUS and travel assistance is offered.
Intensive hands‑on research experience in a world‑class institution: exposure to biomedical/biotech research, mentoring by faculty experts, practical lab work.
Networking and career‑building: interaction with visiting scientists, seminar series, access to global research community, and the Asia Symposium where you present your work and meet peers from across Asia.
International exposure and enrichment: based in Singapore (a major research hub), combined with cross‑institution Asian scope and symposium in Japan.
Strong preparation for graduate studies: The programme emphasises commitment to research, making it ideal for those considering a PhD.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all of the following:
Enrolled in a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) at a college/university in the Asia region (as defined by UN regional classification) that awards a bachelor’s degree.
Completed at least the first year (or equivalent) of undergraduate study by the time the programme starts, and must not graduate before the programme begins. After the programme ends, the applicant must resume undergraduate study for at least one semester or quarter.
Have a strong record of academic performance.
Good working knowledge of English: If your university is not taught fully in English or you are not a native English speaker, you must submit proof of English proficiency — for example: TOEFL (iBT) ≥ 72, IELTS overall band ≥ 5.5, Cambridge English FCE, TOEIC L&R 785 or S&W 310.
Interest in pursuing a PhD.
Must commit to full‑time participation (no concurrent coursework or job) during the eight‑week period.
🌎 Eligible Countries / Regions
Eligible students are those whose home university is located in one of the following regions and countries:
Eastern Asia: China; Hong Kong SAR; Macao SAR; Taiwan Province of China; Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; Japan; Mongolia; Republic of Korea
South‑Eastern Asia: Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; Indonesia; Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Myanmar; Philippines; Singapore; Thailand; Timor‑Leste; Viet Nam
Central Asia: Kazakhstan; Kyrgyzstan; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Uzbekistan
Southern Asia: Afghanistan; Bangladesh; Bhutan; India; Iran (Islamic Republic of); Maldives; Nepal; Pakistan; Sri Lanka
Western Asia: Armenia; Azerbaijan; Bahrain; Cyprus; Georgia; Iraq; Israel; Jordan; Kuwait; Lebanon; Oman; Qatar; Saudi Arabia; State of Palestine; Syrian Arab Republic; Türkiye; United Arab Emirates; Yemen
Note: Citizenship of an Asian country is not required; eligibility is based on the location of your university.
🔬 Host Labs and Project Topics
At NUS, the host departments offering research projects for the programme include:
Department of Biological Sciences
Department of Biochemistry
Department of Pharmacology
Department of Anatomy
Department of Physiology
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Projects will be assigned from these departments on a ranking system (applicants indicate preferences and labs assign accordingly). Applicants should not contact potential supervisors directly.
Topics span basic and translational research in biomedical/biotechnological sciences — for example, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, systems biology.
📝 Application Procedure
Application Timeline:
Online application opens: 1 November 2025
Online application closes: 1 February 2026 (typically by 18:00 SGT)
Shortlisted applicants notified: around mid‑March 2026
How to apply:
Visit the programme website and complete the online application form.
After submission, you will receive an email with instructions to upload the required documents. Ensure you use your correct institutional email address and follow grading/file naming guidelines. Missing any documents may invalidate your application.
Upload all required documents (PDF format, appropriately named) via the designated portal.
Ensure referees submit their letters by their deadline.
Fully commit to the programme schedule if selected (arrival, orientation, lab work, symposium).
🗂️ Required Documents Checklist:
Student Status Letter: Official university letter with letterhead stating enrolment, degree programme, start & expected completion dates.
Academic Transcript: Most updated transcript (English‑translated if necessary), printed with institute letterhead.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Up to one page; include contact details, education, research experience, skills.
Personal Statement: Explaining your interest in the programme, motivation, intended path (e.g., PhD interest).
Proof of English Proficiency (if required): e.g., TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS band 5.5, TOEIC scores, or letter from university if instruction is in English.
Letters of Recommendation (typically two referees) — ensure referees submit by deadline.
Additional documents as required by NUS (e.g., Passport copy, photo, etc).
👌🏻 Tips for Applicants
Start early: Use the time before application opens to prepare transcripts, request student status letter, secure referees, and verify English proficiency.
Align your research interest: Tailor your personal statement to reflect interest in biomedical/biotech research and how the eight‑week experience fits your academic path (especially if you aim for a PhD).
Highlight your academic and research readiness: Even if you have not done a full lab project yet, emphasise analytical skills, coursework or data experience (e.g., your background in statistical modelling, data analytics) and your motivation to learn.
Demonstrate availability: Since this is a full‑time, eight‑week programme, clarify in your statement that you will be available and commit to no conflicting coursework or employment during that period.
Check eligibility carefully: Ensure your university is in one of the eligible countries and you meet the year‑of‑study and post‑programme return conditions.
Referees matter: Choose referees who understand your academic and research potential, give them plenty of lead time and share the programme timeline with them to ensure timely submission.
Follow instructions strictly: Use correct file naming, PDF format, ensure transcripts are up to date, your status letter is on official letterhead, and upload all required documents in one go. Missing or misnamed files may lead to disqualification.
Be clear about your goals: Use your statement to connect your current interests (life sciences, biotech) with how this programme will help you advance toward graduate study or research career.
Use the host labs section: While you cannot contact supervisors directly, you can mention in your statement how you hope to engage with labs from the listed departments at NUS, and how your analytical/data skills could add value.
Prepare for cultural and research immersion: This is not just a résumé filler — show readiness to immerse yourself in lab culture, attend seminars, present your work, and network.
✨ This is a prime opportunity for ambitious undergraduate students across Asia to gain meaningful research experience, stretch their scientific potential and build a strong foundation for future graduate study. The Amgen Scholars Asia Program at NUS offers not only funding and lab experience, but a vibrant research environment, mentor network and regional symposium exposure.
