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Science & Engineering Internship, Agency for Science, Technology & Research

Program Overview

Pursue this summer opportunity to participate in cutting-edge scientific research under the supervision of international scientific teams.  Students engage in fulltime internships at one of 14 biomedical science, physical science and engineering research institutes under the oversight of the  Singapore Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR).

Research areas include bioengineering, biology (molecular, cellular, developmental), chemistry, chemical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, materials, and physics. Pre-med students are welcome to apply but biomedical assignments are very competitive.

A*STAR’s commitment to innovation encourages scientific collaboration across disciplines to identify answers for pressing scientific questions and to design solutions for current global challenges.

Students attend classes with international and/or host country students.

Language of Instruction

English


Language Study

None


Duration

​Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
 
Summer Session 1 :  
late May to late July
Available to students attending UC semester campuses (UCB and UCM)

Summer Session 2 :  
late June to late August
​Available to students attending UC quarter campuses
 

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Housing

​Students will live at housing of their choice within the greater Singapore area.  Students are responsible for finding their own housing and will need to be mature and independent in their lifestyle.


Extracurricular Activities

Enjoy cultural activities and excursions that include hiking, nature walks, bicycling, and beach activities throughout Singapore.


On-site Support

​EAP students are supported by UC’s network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. The A*STAR Program will provide assistance in research assignments. 
 
​See the EAP Program Guide for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; and housing.​
For over twenty years, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has promoted national science and technology planning and development in Singapore.  Over 2,300 A*STAR scientists and researchers work at laboratories located throughout the city.  Each A*STAR research unit has a particular focus geared towards producing meaningful outcomes and promoting collaboration between research and industry.   
 

With headquarters located to the north, outside downtown Singapore in twin research hubs termed Biopolis and Fusionopolis, A*STAR provides a conducive environment in which to learn, live, work, and explore. 

 

Student Reviews

Course Opportunities

​Fields available include bioengineering, biology (molecular, cellular, developmental), chemistry, chemical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, materials, physics. Biomedical placements are very limited and competitive.
 
Students will be assigned to one of the A*STAR Research Institutes to perform assigned duties full-time, five days a week, attend lab meetings, keep a journal and/or lab notebook, and complete a written summary of what was learned at the end of the internship.
 
​A unique opportunity for undergraduates to engage in international research.

Units

​10 UC quarter/6.6 UC semester units of special study internship credit required.


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

​This is a full-time research internship program.
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Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.
 
Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.
 

Estimated EAP Costs *

OptionWeeksUnits (Qtr)Units (Sem)UCEAP Fees 1Additional Costs 2
(Estimated)
 
Summer Session 19106.7$3,350$5,150
Summer Session 29106.7$3,350$4,900
 
* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

1 UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

2 Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

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These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.  Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • Predeparture expenses (visa, etc.)
  • Round-trip transportation from California
  • UC fees
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation
  • Room and board
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
 
While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.​

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

Class Level:

Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

None

GPA:

3.50 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.
GPA Note: Students must have a cumulative UC GPA of at least 3.5.

Other Eligibility Requirements:


Students must be a US citizen, majoring in biology, pre-med, chemistry, physics, computer science, or engineering.

All applicants must also have:

  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
  • Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations.
  • Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

These are minimum requirements. After selection by your UC Campus EAP Office, final admission is determined by A*STAR.