Internship and Research Immersion
in Singapore (IRIS) @NUS
Overview
The Internship and Research Immersion in Singapore (IRIS)@NUS is organised by NUS Graduate School. This fully funded, two-month programme welcomes exceptional undergraduate and master’s students from ALL fields across ASEAN and around the world. It offers an immersive research experience and a unique glimpse into graduate studies at one of the top universities in the world.
Students will be mentored by NUS’ dedicated faculty upon joining their labs or research groups. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects, work in world-class facilities, and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research. A prestigious opening ceremony and poster sessions will also enable students to network with peers and NUS scholars, enhancing their communication skills and fostering a community that supports their potential PhD journey.
Beyond research, the programme features enriching experiences such as city tours, industry visits, and interactive workshops, offering deeper insights into Singapore and NUS’ dynamic culture and innovative ecosystem.
Through IRIS@NUS, students will explore and tackle global challenges, gain tangible experience in graduate-level research, and unlock exciting possibilities for scientific research in their future careers.
Programme Features
Two months of intensive research experience with exposure to state-of-the-art research and facilities at NUS.
Close mentorship and guidance from NUS faculty members throughout the internship. Project presentations, Interactive workshops and hands-on practice. A certificate of completion issued by NUS Graduate School at the end of the programme.
SGD 1,200 stipend per month.* SGD 600 travel allowance. Complimentary on-campus accommodation.
Explore Singapore and the NUS campus, and experience what it’s like to live and study here in the future.
*T&C applies.
Programme Schedule
| The inaugural IRIS@NUS programme will commence in June 2025. Application period is now open* | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Programme Duration | June - July 2025 | ||
| Application Deadline | 28 February 2025 | ||
| First-Round Results Release | Mid-March 2025 Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by their assigned faculty mentors. | ||
| Final List Announcement | End of March 2025 | ||
*There will be three IRIS@NUS intakes in AY2025/2026. If you are interested in participating outside the June – July period, please specify your preferred times in the application portal.
Note that this is subject to the faculty mentors’ and research projects’ availabilities.
Selection Criteria
Academic Excellence
Undergraduates and first-year master’s students with outstanding academic records.
Passion
Candidates with a genuine interest in academic research.
Diversity
Application
Eligibility Criteria
- Have a minimum overall or major GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be enrolled full-time in a degree-granting programme, having completed at least the first two years of the undergraduate degree programme or being in their first year as a master’s student.
- A genuine interest in academic research is essential.
Application Materials
- Academic transcript.
- A detailed CV with no more than two A4 pages.
- A personal statement that outlines your previous academic and research experiences, with a focus on your research interests. It is acceptable if you do not have prior research experience.
- Two letters of recommendation. We highly recommend that they come from faculty members and supervisors who can specifically attest to your academic potential and research preparation for the programme.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Access the Graduate Admission System (GDA3) to apply for the IRIS@NUS programme.
Add New Programme → Select: ‘Non-Degree Programme’; ‘Full-Time’; Enroll in ‘June 2025 Special Term’ → Click on the ‘View Programmes for application’ button → Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button for the ‘Internship and Research Immersion in
Singapore (IRIS) @ NUS Programme‘. - Step 2: Upload the necessary documents and complete the required sections.
- Note: Programme and application are complimentary.
Meet Our Faculty Mentors
At the Internship and Research Immersion in Singapore (IRIS) @NUS programme, students will participate in research across various colleges, faculties, and schools within NUS, contributing to innovative and impactful projects.
For Applicants - Understand Mentor Allocation Process
The allocation of mentors will be finalised following the first round of selection in mid-March. Students will be matched with mentors based on their expressed research interests and the availability of faculty’s ongoing work. Although we cannot guarantee that all students will be paired with their preferred faculty mentors, you can enhance your chances by taking the following steps:
- Specify your research area of interest in the ‘research section’ of the application portal. At a minimum, please specify the school and department at NUS where you wish to be placed for your research internship.
- List your preferred mentors on the same page, if any. For inspiration on selecting a potential faculty mentor or specific research area, please visit the NUS Thesis Advisors page.
These measures will help us better understand your research interests and match you with the most suitable faculty mentors.
For NUS Faculty - Host A Scholar
