The Amgen Scholars Asia Program at NUS is an 8-week, fully funded summer research experience for undergraduate students from Asian universities, designed to immerse participants in biotechnology / life‐sciences research under faculty supervision.
It not only provides lab experience, but also offers networking opportunities, seminars, and culminates in a symposium where all participating scholars present their research.
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Amgen Scholars Asia Program Summary
| Host Countries | Singapore and Japan |
| Host University | National University of Singapore |
| Program Name | Amgen Scholars Asia Program |
| Eligible Nationalities | Mentioned Below |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s |
| Duration | 8 Weeks |
| Deadline | February 1, 2026 |
Host Labs and Project Topics
At NUS, participants are placed in host research groups, typically within the Faculty of Science (e.g., the Department of Biological Sciences) and partner departments that deal with biomedical / biotech, immunology, microbiology, and related fields.
- Molecular biology, cell biology, and immunology
- Microbiology & immunology research
- Biomedical engineering / translational science
- Biotechnology innovations
You’ll pick a preferred project based on your interest, then be assigned a mentor and lab for the summer.
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Benefits of the Amgen Scholars Asia Program
Here’s what you receive as an International scholar:
- A stipend of SGD 6,000 for the 8‑week programme.
- Accommodation on campus (arranged by NUS).
- A travel grant of up to SGD1500 (for international participants) to cover airfare to Singapore and then from the symposium location back home.
- Visa/administrative support fees covered.
- Access to campus facilities, seminars, guest lectures, and networking with peers and scientists.
- The major plus: lab experience + research presentation (poster/oral) at the concluding symposium.
Benefits for Local Scholars:
- Accommodation: Students are required 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.
Note: All students are responsible for arranging their own private health and travel insurance. Neither the Amgen Foundation nor NUS can provide health insurance.
- Stipend: SGD 6,000 for the 8-week program.
This stipend covers all living costs during the summer program, including local transportation, meals, social gatherings, and other personal expenses.
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Eligibility Requirements for the Amgen Scholars Program
Key eligibility criteria include:
- You must hold (or be about to complete) a job-qualifying first degree (typically in law, or a related discipline with substantial law content), equivalent to at least 240 ECTS (or a four-year bachelor’s) in the country where you studied.
- If you have not yet fully completed your degree at application time, you may still apply if you have achieved at least 80% of the required credits (and proof thereof).
- You must be among the top students in your class (strong academic performance).
- Language proficiency: For English‐language delivery: C1 level (in exceptional cases B2) according to CEFR. For the French track (if you pick studies at Strasbourg): French C1. Spanish track (if at UC3M): Spanish B2.
- Mobility rule: The two countries where you study must both be different from your country of residence at the time of enrolment.
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Eligible Countries in the Amgen Scholars Program
Eastern Asia: China; China, Hong Kong SAR; China, Macao SAR; China, 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
Participants’ Responsibilities in the Amgen Program
As a participant, you are expected to:
- Be immersed full‑time in the summer research project (no other employment or courses).
- Attend the orientation, weekly seminars, guest lectures, and social/networking events.
- Complete the assigned research project under the guidance of your faculty mentor; actively contribute to lab meetings, experiments, and discussions.
- At the end, prepare and deliver a poster and/or oral presentation at the Asia Symposium with scholars from partner institutions.
- Live in the provided accommodation for the whole period and adhere to the rules of the programme (including travel to the symposium).
- Some alumni mention that you should show progress, self‑initiative in the lab, and a willingness to engage with the community of scholars.
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Required Documents for Amgen Scholars Program
- Student status letter: Official letter from your university on letterhead, listing your enrollment, degree program, candidature start, and expected completion.
- Academic transcript: Latest version, English translation if required, downloadable PDF or scan.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): One page listing your education, any research/work experience, and skills.
- Personal statement: Statement of interest, your research interests, and reasons for applying.
- Proof of English proficiency (if required) or a letter from the university confirming the medium of instruction is English.
- Two reference letters: From faculty members who teach you or supervise you; must be on departmental/university letterhead.
- Possibly a copy of passport/ID, other supporting documents (as specified in the application portal).
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How to Apply for the Amgen Scholars Asia Program
- Visit the programme webpage on NUS (Department of Biological Sciences) for the Amgen Scholars Asia Program.
- Complete the online application form within the portal during the application window.
- Submit all required documents (listed above) in PDF format via the portal, ensuring that file names and formats follow the instructions.
- Enter/select your desired research topics/labs according to the options provided.
- Ensure that your referees submit their letters by the specified deadlines. Applicants are responsible to follow up.
- Await notification of selection. If selected, confirm attendance, accept the offer, complete pre‑departure procedures (visa, travel, health insurance arranged by you), and arrive for orientation.
- Participate fully, complete the research, present at the symposium, and fulfill any reporting/post‑programme obligations.
NUS Amgen Scholars 2026 Timeline
- 1 Nov 2025: 2026 Online Application opens
- 1 Feb 2026, 18:00 SGT (GMT+8): Online Application closes
- Mid-Mar 2026 onwards: Notification of admission status
- 30 – 31 May 2026: Scholars to arrive in Singapore
- 1 Jun 2026: Program Orientation
- 1 Jun 2026: Research attachment starts
- 31 Jul 2026: Research attachment ends
- 3 Aug 2026: Depart for Tokyo, Japan
- 4 – 6 Aug 2026: Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium 2026 in Tokyo
- 6 Aug 2026: Scholars dismissed in Japan to return home
Frequently Asked Questions
Undergraduate students from Asian universities with at least one year completed, strong academic performance, and interest in biotechnology or life sciences research in Singapore are eligible.
The summer research program runs 8 weeks, including full-time lab research, orientation, seminars, and ends with the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium in Tokyo.
Local scholars receive on-campus accommodation, SGD 6,000 stipend for living costs, and airfare to the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium. Health and travel insurance must be arranged privately.
Submit the online application between 1 Nov 2025 and 1 Feb 2026 with transcripts, CV, personal statement, English proficiency proof (if required), and two faculty reference letters.
