Summer UROPS and Summer URAPS for Exchange Students
The NUS Faculty of Science offers opportunities for undergraduate students from selected Partner Universities to participate in our Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme in Science (UROPS) and Undergraduate Research Attachment Programme in Science (URAPS) during the Summer from May till August or July till September. This programme provides students with opportunities to work on research projects they are interested in and under the supervision of our faculty members. Through Summer UROPS, students can gain first-hand experience in research and earn credits.
Programme Highlights
- Conduct cutting-edge research in NUS under supervision of a faculty member in a conducive environment with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
- Present research findings before leaving Singapore, and submit a full research report to project supervisor and examiners for grading after returning to Home University.
- Immerse in the culture of Singapore through trips and tours. Students will get to experience the fascinating culture, cuisine and sights of Singapore and gain insights into our multifaceted and multicultural city.
Summer UROPS Programme Timeline
| Dates (Tentative) | Programme |
|---|---|
| Pre-arrival | Discussion with project supervisor on project requirements, expectations etc. Students may begin on the project proposals and online research to prepare themselves for lab work. |
| 19 May 2025 | Orientation |
|
19 May – 25 July 2025 (Special Term I & II) |
Conduct research for 10 weeks in NUS under the supervision of our faculty members |
| 21 – 25 July 2025 |
1. Give an oral presentation to supervisors and examiners before leaving Singapore 2. Complete a feedback form |
|
10 October 2025 (Week 8 of Semester 1, AY2025/2026) |
Submit a full research report to supervisors and examiners for grading This allows students to concentrate fully during their 10 weeks of research and give them ample time to work on literature reviews and reports when they are back in their home university. |
| February 2026 | Receive NUS Official Transcript* |
*After successful completion of the above, students will be awarded 8 units with grades reflected on the NUS Official Transcript. The students’ home university can independently decide if they wish to allow the transfer of credits and/or grades.
Do note that students who are enrolled in Summer UROPS are to adhere to the programme timeline.
Summer URAPS Programme Timeline
| Dates (Tentative) | Programme |
|---|---|
|
19 May 2025 or 23 June 2025 |
Orientation |
|
19 May – 18 July 2025^ (Special Term I & II) or 23 June – 22 August 2025# (Special Term II & Semester 1) |
Conduct research for 9 – 12 weeks in NUS under the supervision of our faculty members |
|
18 July 2025^ or 22 August 2025# |
End of Summer URAPS |
*Do note that students who are enrolled in Summer URAPS will not receive a NUS Official Transcript as he/she will not be assessed by the NUS supervisor/examiners at the end of the research attachment programme. Please check with your Home University if you will be enrolled in Summer UROPS or URAPS.
^Students may choose to extend their research to 8 August 2025 to complete 12 weeks of research. However, on-campus accommodation is not available from 18 July – 8 August 2025 and students will need to seek other accommodation options
#The research may be extended to 12 September 2025 to complete 12 weeks of research.
Application Procedures
Application procedures will be provided to your Home University Study Abroad coordinator. Please approach your Home University for the details.
Accommodation / Housing
Participants of the Summer UROPS or URAPS that begins on 19 May 2025 can choose to stay on campus at UTown. The duration of stay is fixed at either 18 May 2025 – 26 July 2025 (for UROPS) or 18 May 2025 – 19 July 2025 (for URAPS). Arrangements of room will only be confirmed at a later date.
Student’s Pass Application
All international students must hold a valid Student’s Pass (STP) issued by the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for their studies at NUS. For more information about the Student Pass Application, please visit https://www.ica.gov.sg/reside/STP/apply.
Estimated Costs
Tuition fee will be waived for exchange students, but he/she must pay for the NUS Miscellaneous Student Fees (MSF) which includes:
- Student Services Fee
- Health Service Fee
*Do note that if the research period ends within Semester 1 of the following academic year, MSF for Semester 1 shall be payable. The academic calendar can be found here.
Details of the above fees payable can be found at the Office of the University Registrar’s website. Payment deadlines can be found on the Office of Finance’s website.
Students may also incur the following expenses during the stay in NUS:
| Items | Estimated Costs (S$) |
|---|---|
| Student’s Pass Application Fee | S$30 – S$120 |
| Housing (depending on room type) | S$2,000 – S$3,500 |
| Meals | S$1,000 – S$1,800 |
| Transport (travel expenses on Public Buses/Trains) | S$300 – S$450 |
| Personal Expenses | S$250 – S$400 |
The above constitutes only an estimated/approximate cost of the programme; some of the items would be subject to revisions and where appropriate the prevailing goods and service tax. These costs are based on an estimate for a reasonably comfortable lifestyle and do not represent the travelling costs as a tourist. The actual amount could be much higher or lower depending on individual spending patterns.
