Amgen Scholars Asia Program 2026 at the National University of Singapore (NUS) | Fully Funded Research Experience

October 30, 2025 - By Keroben B

❌ This scholarship is now CLOSED.

The Amgen Scholars Asia Program 2026 at the National University of Singapore (NUS) offers an exceptional opportunity for undergraduate students from Asia to gain hands-on research experience under the guidance of world-class faculty. Designed for aspiring scientists and researchers, the program provides a unique eight-week summer attachment that immerses participants in cutting-edge biomedical and biotechnological research.

The program is part of the global Amgen Scholars initiative, which seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators in the life sciences. Hosted by premier universities such as Harvard, Cambridge, and Kyoto University, the Asia Program brings this prestigious experience to the region’s most promising undergraduate students.

For 2026, applications will open on 1 November 2025 and close on 1 February 2026. Selected participants will embark on a transformative summer research journey at NUS, culminating in an international symposium in Tokyo, Japan.

Program Overview

Host Institution: National University of Singapore (NUS)
Program Duration: 8 weeks (Full-time, Summer 2026)
Program Type: Research Internship (Fully Funded)
Eligible Students: Undergraduate students enrolled in Asian universities
Fields of Study: Biological sciences, biochemistry, pharmacology, anatomy, microbiology, physiology, and related areas
Application Opens: 1 November 2025
Application Deadline: 1 February 2026
Notification of Results: Mid-March 2026
Final Symposium: Tokyo, Japan (Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium 2026)

About the Amgen Scholars Asia Program

The Amgen Scholars Program was launched in 2006 in the United States, expanding to Europe in 2008 and Japan in 2015. Since 2018, the National University of Singapore has proudly hosted the Asia Chapter of the program, offering aspiring scientists from the region a chance to immerse themselves in real research environments.

The program’s mission is to nurture young scientific talent and motivate students to pursue advanced degrees in the biological and biomedical sciences. Over eight weeks, scholars engage in full-time research projects in laboratories led by NUS faculty members and research scientists from departments such as Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Anatomy, and Microbiology.

Participants gain experience in basic and translational research, develop essential laboratory skills, and contribute to ongoing projects tackling real-world biomedical challenges. The experience culminates in a poster and oral presentation showcasing each scholar’s findings.

The program also includes:

Weekly colloquia and seminars with visiting scientists and faculty.
Graduate program information sessions for those pursuing master’s or Ph.D. studies.
Access to NUS campus facilities, including the library, sports center, and university health services.
Social excursions and networking events, fostering collaboration among scholars across Asia.

Why Choose the Amgen Scholars Asia Program at NUS?

The Amgen Scholars Asia Program at NUS stands out for its world-class mentorship, interdisciplinary research exposure, and regional impact. Participants become part of a dynamic research community that values curiosity, collaboration, and scientific excellence.

Key Highlights:

Top-tier Research Institution: NUS consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide, offering a research environment equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge projects.
Fully Funded Experience: The program covers travel, accommodation, and a generous stipend, ensuring that financial constraints do not limit participation.
Mentorship by Leading Scientists: Scholars work directly with distinguished professors and researchers who are global leaders in their fields.
Networking and Collaboration: Connect with peers from across Asia, share research insights, and develop lasting academic partnerships.
Pathway to Graduate Studies: Scholars are guided on applying to top-tier graduate programs, both at NUS and internationally.
Cross-cultural Experience: Engage in cultural and scientific exchange while living and working in one of Asia’s most vibrant cities.

Program Expectations and Structure

The Amgen Scholars Asia Program is an intensive, full-time summer research program. Participants are expected to fully engage in their assigned laboratory projects and contribute meaningfully to their research teams.

Participant Expectations:

Live in the accommodation provided by NUS for the duration of the program.
Participate in all research activities, laboratory meetings, and safety training sessions.
Attend all required orientations, seminars, and workshops.
Complete both oral and poster presentations at the end of the program.
Submit a final written report summarizing their research experience.
Attend and present at the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.

Note: The program is full-time. Scholars are not permitted to take other courses or hold employment during the program.

Eligibility Criteria

The Amgen Scholars Asia Program 2026 is open to undergraduate students from colleges and universities across Asia as defined by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (World Population Prospects, 2022 Revision).

Applicants must:

Be enrolled in a university in Asia that awards a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
Have completed at least one year of undergraduate study at the time of the program start.
Not graduate before or during the summer program; must return to undergraduate studies afterward.
Have a strong academic record and clear interest in pursuing graduate studies or a Ph.D. in biological or biomedical sciences.
Demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following (if applicable):
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 72
- IELTS: overall band 5.5
- Cambridge English FCE
- TOEIC: 1095 (or L&R 785, S&W 310)
- OR a letter from the university confirming English as the medium of instruction

Eligible Regions Include:

Eastern Asia: China, Japan, Mongolia, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao
South-Eastern Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
Southern Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Western Asia: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Georgia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, UAE, Yemen

Program Benefits and Financial Support

The Amgen Scholars Asia Program provides full financial support to all selected participants, ensuring that scholars can focus entirely on their research experience without worrying about expenses.

For International Scholars:

Accommodation: Provided by NUS for the entire program duration.
Travel Grant: Up to SGD 1,500 to cover airfare to Singapore and return flight from Japan after the symposium.
Stipend: SGD 6,000 for the 8-week program to cover living expenses, meals, and local transportation.
Visa Application: NUS covers the fees and assists with the process.

For Local Scholars (Singapore-based):

Accommodation: Provided throughout the program.
Travel Grant: Round-trip airfare for the Tokyo symposium.
Stipend: SGD 6,000 for 8 weeks.

Note: All participants must arrange private health and travel insurance. Neither NUS nor the Amgen Foundation provides insurance coverage.

Research Areas and Host Laboratories

Scholars will be placed in research laboratories under the supervision of NUS faculty from the following departments:

Department of Biological Sciences
Department of Biochemistry
Department of Pharmacology
Department of Anatomy
Department of Physiology
Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Research projects cover a wide range of disciplines in biomedical and biotechnological sciences, focusing on both basic research and translational applications.

Shortlisted applicants will be informed about available projects before final selection. Placement is based on a ranking system, ensuring fair distribution of opportunities. Applicants are advised not to contact potential supervisors directly.

How to Apply for the Amgen Scholars Asia Program 2026

The application process for the Amgen Scholars Asia Program 2026 at NUS is entirely online.

Application Timeline:

Opens: 1 November 2025
Closes: 1 February 2026 (11:59 PM)
Shortlisted Applicants Notified: Mid-March 2026

Application Steps:

Complete the online application form when it opens on the official NUS Amgen Scholars portal.
Provide accurate personal, academic, and contact information.
After submission, applicants will receive an email with instructions for uploading required documents.
Upload all necessary documents before the deadline, including:
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency test results (if applicable)
- University enrollment certificate
- Passport copy or identification
- Referee contact details (referees will receive instructions separately)
Ensure referees submit their recommendation letters before the given deadline.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation.

Important: Missing documents or incomplete applications will lead to disqualification. Applicants should refrain from contacting the office to check status updates.

Conclusion

The Amgen Scholars Asia Program 2026 at the National University of Singapore is more than a summer internship it’s a gateway to a global research career. By working alongside leading scientists, engaging in interdisciplinary projects, and presenting at an international symposium, scholars develop the confidence and skills needed to lead in biomedical innovation.

Whether your goal is to pursue a Ph.D., contribute to transformative discoveries, or explore the intersection of biology and technology, this program offers the foundation to get there.

Applications open on 1 November 2025 and close on 1 February 2026. Don’t miss your chance to join this world-renowned research experience and begin your journey toward a future in science.

Official Website: https://www.nus.edu.sg/amgenscholars
Email: amgen_nus@nus.edu.sg

Application Link https://www.dbs.nus.edu.sg/outreach/amgen-scholars-program