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Are you an undergraduate or Master’s student looking for a fully funded research internship in Singapore?

The NUS Internship and Research Immersion in Singapore (IRIS) 2027 offers international students the opportunity to spend two or three months conducting research at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

The programme is organised by NUS Graduate School and welcomes eligible undergraduate and Master’s students from ASEAN and around the world. Participants work with NUS faculty members and research groups while gaining practical experience in research and graduate-level study.

For the current January–May 2027 intake, the application deadline is 28 August 2026 at 11:59 PM Singapore Time.

Important: The original version of this article stated that all Bachelor’s and Master’s students were eligible. The current official NUS requirements are more specific: applicants need a minimum 3.5/4.0 overall or major GPA, must remain enrolled at their home university throughout the programme, and undergraduate applicants must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study by the start of the internship.

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NUS IRIS Internship 2027 — Quick Overview

The official NUS page confirms the funding package, programme duration and application deadline.

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🇸🇬 What Is the NUS IRIS Internship?

IRIS stands for Internship and Research Immersion in Singapore.

It is a research-focused programme organised by NUS Graduate School. Selected students join NUS laboratories or research groups and work under the guidance of NUS faculty mentors.

Rather than simply observing researchers, participants can contribute to ongoing research projects, gain experience with advanced research facilities and develop skills that can be useful for future Master’s or PhD studies.

The programme also provides participants with opportunities to explore Singapore, visit industries and experience life on the NUS campus.

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💰 What Does the NUS IRIS Internship Cover?

One of the biggest attractions of IRIS@NUS is its funding package.

According to the current official NUS information, selected participants receive:

💵 SGD 1,200 Monthly Stipend

Participants receive a SGD 1,200 stipend per month during the programme.

✈️ SGD 600 Travel Allowance

The programme provides a SGD 600 travel allowance.

Importantly, NUS’s FAQ clarifies that airfare can be considered part of this travel allowance.

So applicants should not interpret the SGD 600 as a separate airfare payment on top of another airfare package.

🏠 Free On-Campus Accommodation

Selected interns receive complimentary on-campus accommodation.

NUS states that the assigned accommodation is generally a single, air-conditioned bedroom with shared bathrooms, with accommodation allocation depending on availability.

🎓 Certificate

Participants who complete the programme receive a certificate of completion issued by NUS Graduate School.

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🔬 What Will You Do During the Internship?

The IRIS programme is designed around research immersion.

Participants can expect to:

The programme can therefore be particularly valuable for students considering a future career in research, academia, science, technology or graduate-level study.

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👨‍🔬 Who Can Apply for the NUS IRIS Internship?

The current eligibility requirements are important.

Applicants must:

⚠️ Graduates Are Not Eligible

This is an important point for applicants.

If you have already graduated and are no longer enrolled at a university, you are not eligible for IRIS@NUS.

NUS requires participants to maintain active student status throughout the programme.

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🌍 Can African Students Apply?

Yes.

The programme is open to students from ASEAN and around the world, so eligible students from African countries can apply.

For African applicants, the most important thing is to satisfy the academic, enrolment and research-interest requirements.

Being from Africa does not by itself guarantee selection. NUS states that selection is competitive and that priority may be given to students from the ASEAN region.

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📚 What Fields Are Available?

IRIS@NUS welcomes students from different academic backgrounds.

The programme allows applicants to indicate their research interests and choose up to three research areas. Students can also apply for projects outside their current major if they have a suitable academic or research interest.

This makes it important to look through the available IRIS project and mentor list before applying.

Applicants can identify potential projects and faculty mentors and indicate up to three preferred mentors/research areas in the application. NUS notes, however, that preferred mentor placement is not guaranteed.

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📄 Required Documents

For the 2027 intake, NUS lists the following application materials:

1. Academic Transcript

Your academic transcript is required to demonstrate your academic record.

2. CV

Submit a detailed CV of no more than two A4 pages.

Use your CV to highlight:

3. Personal Statement

Your personal statement should explain your:

NUS specifically states that previous research experience is not mandatory, which is useful for students who are interested in research but have not yet participated in a formal research project.

4. Two Recommendation Letters

Two recommendation letters are required.

NUS recommends that these come from faculty members or supervisors who can specifically comment on your academic potential and research preparation.

The recommendation letters for this intake must be received by 6 September 2026.

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🗓️ NUS IRIS 2027 Application Deadline

The official application deadline is:

28 August 2026 at 11:59 PM Singapore Time

NUS states that late applications are not accepted once the portal closes.

The published schedule is:

The exact internship length depends on the selected research project and the availability of the principal investigator.

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📝 How to Apply for NUS IRIS Internship 2027

The application is completed online through the NUS Graduate Admission System (GDA3).

Step 1: Access the NUS Application Portal

Open the NUS Graduate Admission System.

Step 2: Add a New Programme

Select:

Non-Degree Programme → Full-Time → Enroll in January 2027

Then click:

View Program for application

Step 3: Select IRIS

Choose:

Internship and Research Immersion in Singapore (IRIS) @ NUS Programme

Then click Apply Now.

Step 4: Complete the Application

Provide your personal and academic information and indicate your research interests.

Step 5: Select Research Interests and Mentors

Review the available projects and identify up to three preferred mentors/research areas.

NUS recommends specifying the school and department where you would like to conduct your research.

Step 6: Upload Your Documents

Upload:

Step 7: Arrange Recommendation Letters

Make sure your two recommendation letters are submitted by 6 September 2026.

Step 8: Submit Before the Deadline

The programme application itself is complimentary, meaning there is no application fee.

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🔗 Official Application Link

Apply through the official NUS Graduate Admission System:
NUS IRIS 2027 Application Portal

Official NUS IRIS Programme Page:
NUS IRIS Internship 2027 – Official Page

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🎯 How to Increase Your Chances of Selection

IRIS@NUS is competitive, so simply meeting the minimum GPA requirement does not guarantee selection.

NUS says selection considers factors including academic qualifications, research experience, recommendation letters and alignment between your research interests and available projects.

Here are some practical ways to strengthen your application.

1. Don’t Ignore the Research Projects

Before writing your personal statement, explore the available IRIS projects.

Identify projects that genuinely match your interests.

2. Make Your Personal Statement Specific

Don’t write a generic statement saying:

“I want to study at NUS because it is a prestigious university.”

Instead, explain:

3. Choose the Right Recommenders

Your recommendation letters should ideally come from professors or supervisors who actually know your academic work.

A detailed recommendation is much more useful than a generic letter.

4. Keep Your CV Focused

Remember that NUS specifies a maximum of two A4 pages.

Prioritise relevant achievements instead of trying to include everything.

5. Be Strategic With Your Mentor Choices

NUS allows applicants to indicate up to three preferred mentors/research areas.

Research the available projects carefully before making your choices.

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❓Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NUS IRIS Internship fully funded?

NUS describes IRIS@NUS as a fully funded programme. The current package includes a SGD 1,200 monthly stipend, SGD 600 travel allowance and complimentary on-campus accommodation.

Does the SGD 600 travel allowance cover airfare?

NUS’s FAQ states that airfare can be considered part of the travel allowance. Therefore, applicants should not assume that a separate full airfare reimbursement is provided.

Is there an application fee?

No. NUS states that the programme and application are complimentary.

Do I need IELTS?

The current IRIS@NUS application information does not list IELTS as a general application requirement. Applicants should follow the current official application instructions rather than assuming that IELTS is required.

Can Master’s students apply?

Yes. The programme is open to eligible undergraduate and Master’s students.

Can final-year students apply?

Only if they can maintain active student status at their home university throughout the entire IRIS programme. If they graduate before or during the programme and lose their student status, they are not eligible.

Can someone who has already graduated apply?

No. NUS states that IRIS is for students currently enrolled at another university who can maintain their student status throughout the programme.

Do I need previous research experience?

No. NUS says previous research experience is acceptable but not required. However, a genuine interest in academic research is essential.

Can I apply for a research area outside my major?

Yes. NUS’s FAQ says applicants can apply for projects in a department different from their current major. You should nevertheless demonstrate a credible connection to the research area.

Do I need to contact an NUS professor before applying?

No. NUS says the selection process follows an internal workflow and that directly contacting supervisors does not give applicants priority or guarantee placement.

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🚨 Important: Don’t Miss the Deadline

If you are planning to apply for the NUS IRIS Internship 2027, start preparing immediately.

The application closes on:

28 August 2026 at 11:59 PM Singapore Time

And remember that your recommendation letters have a later deadline of 6 September 2026.

Because NUS states that late applications are not accepted, don’t wait until the final minutes to submit your application.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

The NUS IRIS Internship 2027 is more than a conventional summer internship. It gives students an opportunity to experience real research at the National University of Singapore, work with faculty mentors, explore advanced facilities and gain experience that can strengthen future graduate-school applications.

The financial package makes the opportunity even more attractive:

SGD 1,200/month + SGD 600 travel allowance + complimentary campus accommodation + NUS certificate.

If you are an undergraduate or Master’s student with a strong academic record and a genuine interest in research, this is an opportunity worth applying for.

👉 Apply here:

Official NUS IRIS Internship 2027 Page

NUS Graduate Application Portal

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