Are you an ambitious undergraduate or master’s student looking for a unique, fully funded research experience? The Internship and Research Immersion in Singapore (IRIS) @ NUS programme is your gateway to hands-on research at one of the world’s top universities. Organized by the NUS Graduate School, this two-month programme welcomes exceptional students from all fields across ASEAN and beyond, offering a deep dive into graduate-level research, academic mentorship, and Singapore’s dynamic culture.

Programme Overview

IRIS@NUS is a fully funded, intensive programme designed to give you an immersive research experience in Singapore. As an IRIS participant, you will join a research lab or group under the guidance of dedicated NUS faculty. Not only will you work on cutting-edge projects in world-class facilities, but you will also have the opportunity to present your work at a prestigious opening ceremony and poster sessions—an experience that will boost your communication skills and pave the way for your potential PhD journey.

Beyond research, the programme offers enriching extracurricular activities. Enjoy city tours, industry visits, and interactive workshops that provide insights into Singapore’s innovative ecosystem and the vibrant campus life at NUS. This combination of academic rigor and cultural immersion prepares you for tackling global challenges and sets the stage for an exciting career in research.

Programme Features

• Intensive Research Experience: Spend two months engaged in hands-on research with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
• Close Mentorship: Receive guidance from NUS faculty members who are experts in their fields.
• Interactive Workshops & Presentations: Enhance your research skills through project presentations and interactive sessions.
• Stipend and Allowances: Earn a monthly stipend of SGD 1,200, along with a travel allowance of SGD 600.
• Complimentary Accommodation: Enjoy on-campus housing that lets you fully immerse yourself in the NUS community.
• Certificate of Completion: Gain a valuable certificate issued by the NUS Graduate School upon successfully finishing the programme.

Programme Schedule

The inaugural IRIS@NUS session is scheduled for June – July 2025. Here’s a brief look at the timeline:

• Application Deadline: March 5, 2025
• First-Round Results: Mid-March 2025 (shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by their assigned faculty mentors)
• Final List Announcement: End of March 2025

Note: There will be three IRIS@NUS intakes in AY2025/2026. If you prefer a session outside the June-July period, please indicate your preferred times on the application portal. Programme participation is subject to faculty mentors’ and research project availabilities.

Selection Criteria & Eligibility

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Academic Excellence: Outstanding academic records are essential.
• Passion for Research: A genuine interest in academic research, even if you don’t have prior experience.
• Diversity: Priority will be given to ASEAN students and applicants from less represented countries.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be enrolled full-time in a degree-granting programme.
• Undergraduates should have completed at least two years of study; master’s students should be in their first year.
• A keen interest in research is mandatory.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the Graduate Admission System (GDA3):

1. Log in to the system and select “Add New Programme”.
2. Choose “Non-Degree Programme”, set to “Full-Time”, and enroll in the “June 2025 Special Term”.
3. Click the “View Programmes for application” button and then select “Apply Now” for the Internship and Research Immersion in Singapore (IRIS) @ NUS Programme.
4. Upload your documents, which include your CV, personal statement, academic transcript (if available), and (optionally) two letters of recommendation.

For a detailed guide on application materials and steps, please refer to our APPLY HERE page.

Meet Our Faculty Mentors

At IRIS@NUS, you will be paired with experienced faculty mentors from various departments within NUS. To learn more about potential mentors and to specify your research interests, visit the Explore NUS Thesis Advisors page. While mentor allocation depends on project availability, you can increase your chances by clearly stating your research area and preferred faculty in your application.

Don’t miss this chance to kickstart your research career, gain unparalleled academic exposure, and experience life at a top global university. Apply for IRIS@NUS and immerse yourself in an environment that fosters innovation, learning, and global connections.

We provide free counseling and processing for top candidates.