The Internship and Research Immersion in Singapore (IRIS) @ NUS 2026/2027 is a fully funded research internship opportunity at the National University of Singapore (NUS) for outstanding undergraduate and master’s students from around the world.
Organised by the NUS Graduate School, the programme provides selected students with the opportunity to spend two or three months in Singapore, working with NUS faculty mentors and contributing to ongoing research projects.
For the January 2027 intake, the application deadline is 28 August 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Singapore Time. The programme is designed for students who want practical research experience and an opportunity to explore graduate-level research at a leading university.
Official IRIS@NUS Programme Page
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Internship and Research Immersion in Singapore (IRIS) @ NUS |
| Host | National University of Singapore |
| Organiser | NUS Graduate School |
| Location | Singapore |
| Intake | January 2027 |
| Duration | 2 or 3 months |
| Eligible students | Undergraduate and master’s students |
| Fields | All fields |
| Minimum GPA | 3.5/4.0 overall or major GPA |
| Monthly stipend | SGD 1,200 |
| Travel allowance | SGD 600 |
| Accommodation | Complimentary on-campus accommodation |
| Tuition/programme fee | Programme and application are complimentary |
| Application deadline | 28 August 2026, 11:59 p.m. SGT |
| Results | Week of 2 November 2026 |
What Is the IRIS@NUS Research Internship?
IRIS@NUS is an immersive research programme intended to give promising students hands-on exposure to academic research.
Participants join NUS laboratories or research groups and work under the guidance of faculty mentors. Depending on their placement, students can contribute to ongoing research projects and use research facilities at NUS.
The programme is open across academic fields, making it relevant not only to students in engineering and science but also to applicants from other disciplines with a strong interest in research.
The official programme page describes IRIS@NUS as an opportunity to gain experience with graduate-level research while exploring potential future pathways into postgraduate study.
What Does the NUS Scholarship Cover?
The programme provides several forms of financial support to successful participants.
SGD 1,200 Monthly Stipend
Participants receive a SGD 1,200 stipend per month, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions.
This provides financial assistance during the research placement in Singapore.
SGD 600 Travel Allowance
IRIS@NUS also provides a SGD 600 travel allowance to support eligible travel-related costs.
Complimentary Accommodation
Selected participants receive complimentary on-campus accommodation, reducing one of the major expenses associated with spending several months in Singapore.
NUS Certificate
Participants who complete the programme receive a certificate of completion from NUS Graduate School.
Together, these benefits make IRIS@NUS a strong option for students looking for a funded international research experience.
Who Can Apply for IRIS@NUS 2026/2027?
The programme is aimed at academically strong students with a genuine interest in research.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic Requirement
Candidates must have a minimum overall or major GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
This is an important screening requirement, so students should ensure that their academic transcript demonstrates the required performance.
Current Student Status
Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a degree-granting undergraduate or master’s programme.
Students must also maintain their student status at their home university throughout the IRIS@NUS programme.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate applicants must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study by the beginning of the programme.
Research Interest
A genuine interest in academic research is essential.
Applicants do not necessarily need extensive previous research experience. However, their application should clearly demonstrate their academic interests and motivation to participate in research.
NUS Students
Current NUS students are not eligible for this programme.
Selection Criteria
NUS identifies three major considerations in the selection process.
Academic Excellence
The programme is looking for undergraduates and early-stage master’s students with strong academic records.
Passion for Research
Applicants should demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for academic research and show how the internship connects with their academic or future career plans.
Diversity
According to the programme information, priority will be given to applicants from ASEAN countries and less represented countries.
This means students from a wide range of international backgrounds are encouraged to consider applying.
What Documents Are Required?
Applicants should prepare several important documents before submitting their applications.
Academic Transcript
A current academic transcript is required to demonstrate academic performance and eligibility.
CV
Applicants need a detailed CV of no more than two A4 pages.
The CV should clearly present relevant academic achievements, research experience, projects, technical skills, publications where applicable and other experiences that demonstrate research potential.
Personal Statement
The personal statement should explain the applicant’s previous academic and research experiences and, importantly, their research interests.
NUS states that applicants can apply even if they do not have previous research experience. Therefore, students without formal research experience should focus on their academic interests, relevant coursework, projects and motivation to learn.
Two Recommendation Letters
Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation.
NUS recommends that these come from faculty members or supervisors who can specifically comment on the applicant’s academic potential and research preparation.
For the January 2027 intake, recommendation letters must be received by 6 September 2026.
How to Apply for IRIS@NUS 2026/2027
Applications are submitted through the NUS Graduate Admission System.
Step 1: Access the Application System
Applicants should access the Graduate Admission System (GDA3).
Step 2: Select the Correct Programme
Within the application system, applicants should:
- Select Add New Programme.
- Choose Non-Degree Programme.
- Select Full-Time.
- Choose January 2027 as the enrolment period.
- Select View Programmes for application.
- Choose Internship and Research Immersion in Singapore (IRIS) @ NUS Programme.
Step 3: Upload Your Documents
Complete the application and upload the required academic transcript, CV, personal statement and other requested information.
Applicants should also ensure their recommendation letters are submitted by the specified recommendation deadline.
Step 4: Identify Research Interests
Applicants should clearly state their preferred research area, including the NUS school and department where they would like to undertake their research internship.
The programme allows applicants to identify up to three preferred faculty mentors based on the available projects.
However, selecting a preferred mentor does not guarantee that the applicant will be assigned to that mentor.
IRIS@NUS Programme Duration
For the January 2027 intake, the internship will last two or three months between January and May 2027.
The exact duration depends on the selected research project and the availability of the principal investigator or faculty mentor.
Applicants should therefore review the available projects carefully and make sure they can commit to the full duration of the project they select.
Important Application Dates
Students planning to apply should keep the following dates in mind:
- Application deadline: 28 August 2026, 11:59 p.m. Singapore Time
- Recommendation letter deadline: 6 September 2026
- Application results: Week of 2 November 2026
- Programme period: January–May 2027, depending on project duration
- Next application round: End of December 2026
NUS also states that selection results are final and cannot be appealed.
Why Should Students Apply?
IRIS@NUS offers more than a conventional internship.
Students gain direct exposure to academic research while working alongside experienced researchers and faculty members. The experience can also help students determine whether a future master’s or PhD programme is the right pathway for them.
Key benefits include:
- International research experience in Singapore;
- Mentorship from NUS faculty;
- Exposure to advanced research facilities;
- Participation in ongoing research projects;
- Monthly financial support;
- Travel allowance;
- On-campus accommodation;
- NUS Graduate School certificate;
- Opportunity to build international academic connections;
- Greater understanding of postgraduate research.
For students considering research careers, the programme can therefore serve as an important bridge between undergraduate or master’s study and future postgraduate opportunities.
Tips for a Strong IRIS@NUS Application
Applicants should avoid treating the application as simply an academic record submission.
First, identify research projects that genuinely match your academic interests. Read the available project descriptions and investigate the research areas of potential mentors.
Second, make the personal statement specific. Explain what you want to learn, what research questions interest you and how the proposed internship fits into your academic trajectory.
Third, choose recommenders who know your academic abilities well. A detailed recommendation from someone familiar with your research potential can be more useful than a generic letter.
Finally, submit early. With the deadline set for 28 August 2026, applicants should allow enough time to upload documents and resolve any technical or recommendation-letter issues.
Final Thoughts
The Internship and Research Immersion in Singapore (IRIS) @NUS 2026/2027 is a significant opportunity for high-achieving undergraduate and master’s students seeking international research experience.
The programme offers a SGD 1,200 monthly stipend, SGD 600 travel allowance and complimentary on-campus accommodation, together with faculty mentorship and hands-on participation in research projects.
Applicants need a minimum 3.5/4.0 GPA, must remain enrolled at their home university during the programme and should demonstrate a genuine interest in academic research.
For the January 2027 intake, the main application deadline is 28 August 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Singapore Time, while recommendation letters are due by 6 September 2026. Students interested in applying should review the available research projects and prepare their documents as early as possible.
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