1) Selection
Applications are assessed holistically. Key considerations include academic qualifications, relevant research experience, and the strength of recommendation letters. Alignment between your research interests and available opportunities is also important. Priority may be given to students from the ASEAN region.
It depends on supervisor; you may be invited for an interview by the project supervisor.
As with any admission process, it is not possible to determine outcomes before the application deadline and full review of all submissions. Selection is highly competitive and based on academic track record, research experience, recommendation letters, and alignment of interests with available projects. Priority may be given to students from the ASEAN region.
2) Eligibility
- Minimum overall or major GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- 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
- Ability to maintain active student status at the home institution throughout the IRIS@NUS programme period.
The programme is open only to students currently enrolled at another university and who can maintain their enrolment status at their home institution for the entire duration of the programme. If you have graduated and are no longer enrolled, you are not eligible.
The programme is open only to students currently enrolled at another university and who can maintain their enrolment status at their home institution for the entire duration of the programme. If you have graduated and are no longer enrolled, you are not eligible.
3) Maintain Student Status
A valid student status is required to apply for the Singapore student pass associated with programme participation.
You must indicate your current status in your CV via the application portal. If selected, you will be asked to submit proof of enrolment from your home university (e.g. a student status letter) for student card and student pass processing. Failure to meet this requirement will result in withdrawal from the programme.
4) Allowance
Please refer to the IRIS@NUS webpage (https://nusgs.nus.edu.sg/irisnus/) for up-to-date details on allowances.
Yes. Airfare can be considered part of the travel allowance.
- Travel allowance will be reimbursed within two weeks* of arrival at NUS.
- Monthly allowance will be disbursed at the end of each month*.
*Subject to receipt of complete and accurate bank details and required documentation. Please refer to the IRIS@NUS webpage (https://nusgs.nus.edu.sg/irisnus/) for the latest information on allowances. No additional financial support is available beyond what is stated there.
5) Accommodation
You will be allocated a single, air-conditioned bedroom. Bathrooms are shared, and there may be shared common living areas.
Due to limited availability, accommodation is assigned based on allocation. Requests for specific housing types or changes to the assigned placement cannot be accommodated.
Please note that we provide on-campus accommodation at NUS to ease commuting and allow students to experience campus life. Therefore, accommodation within the NUS campus is covered without any cost to students. Accommodation outside the NUS campus will be arranged at your own expense.
6) Application Process
a) Personal Statement
Your personal statement should highlight your academic background and research experience. If you have limited prior research experience, you may describe your research interests to help us understand your areas of interest.
No. There is no prescribed template. Please submit a clear, concise statement that outlines your academic background, relevant research experience or interests, and motivation for applying.
There is no word limit.
b) Research Areas
Yes. You may indicate your research interests in priority order in the designated field. Applicants can select up to three research areas.
You may indicate up to three research areas when applying. Faculties/Schools will review applications and make their selections. To enhance your chances, you can browse the “List of Projects” on the IRIS@NUS website (https://nusgs.nus.edu.sg/irisnus/) to explore mentors and available projects.
Yes, you are welcome to apply to projects from other departments.
- To improve your chances, you are recommended to browse the “List of Projects” on the IRIS@NUS website (https://nusgs.nus.edu.sg/irisnus/) to identify available mentors and projects.
- It is highly recommended that you select a mentor listed under the “List of Projects”, since mentors not listed there might not be available for the IRIS@NUS programme.
c) Referee
Referees should be individuals who can credibly comment on your qualifications, character, skills, or experience—typically academic or professional contacts. When you provide a referee’s details (e.g., email, institution), the system will email them a link to upload a written reference letter.
If the correct email address was entered, the system will send the message to that address. Please ask the referee to check their junk/spam folder
d) Passport and Visa
Passport is an optional field at this stage. However, if selected, ensure your latest passport details are available for the student pass application.
If you are successful, you will be guided via another portal to apply for a student pass. Upon approval, the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter will serve as a one-way entry visa and confirm in-principle student pass approval.
e) System Issues
Click your “Application ID” to resume your application. If you are using a mobile device, please switch to a PC or laptop for a better user experience, as mobile views may be limited.
The error might be due to connectivity or VPN issues. Please check your connection or try again without a VPN.
f) Additional Document to Upload
Return to your application portal and upload the recommendation letters under “Other Document” at the bottom of the page.
7) After Submission and Application Outcomes
Application portal closed on 15 January 2026, 23:59 PM (Singapore time). Late applications are not accepted.
Late applications are not accepted once the portal has closed. Please check the IRIS@NUS website for information on future applications.
The selection process follows internal workflows. After the supervisors read all applicants applying to their project and nominate the top candidates, the selection committee will review all the nominations and make the final decision. If you are selected, we will contact the supervisor to arrange the internship. Direct outreach to supervisors does not confer priority or guarantee placement.
Outcomes will be updated in the application portal. Please log in to check your status by end March.