20 Best Research Programs for High School Students in Singapore

Key Takeaways

• These 20 programs cover a wide range of disciplines across Singapore’s top universities and research institutes, including NUS, NTU, A*STAR, and DSTA/DSO, spanning STEM, humanities, and social sciences research.
• Many programs, including the NUS Science Mentorship Programme, HSSRP, and the Young Defence Scientists Programme, are free and run over several months, giving you sustained mentorship rather than a short summer intensive.
• Several programs require school nomination or endorsement rather than direct individual application, such as the ASTAR Science Award and the Nanyang Research Programme, so eligibility often depends on your school’s participation.
• Costs vary considerably for the fee-based options, from around SGD 60 for the Nanyang Research Programme to over SGD 3,500 for NTU’s AI Immersion Programme, so it’s worth comparing program length and depth against price.
• A few programs, including the Science Mentorship Institute and EnergyMag’s Virtual Research Internship, are open to students worldwide rather than only Singapore residents, making them accessible if you’re applying from outside the country.

If you’re a high school student hoping to build real research skills that can make college a lot smoother once you get there, enrolling in a research program is a smart place to enroll in!

A research program takes you through the whole research process, like conducting a literature review, designing a study, collecting and analysing data, and presenting your findings. That process stays fairly consistent no matter what subject you end up pursuing, which means the experience carries directly into college, and eventually into your career as well.

Why should you choose a research program in Singapore?

Singapore is home to some of Asia’s highly ranked universities, including NUS and NTU, both recognized for serious research work across a wide range of fields. If you’re already based in Singapore, choosing a local program gives you access to that same level of research experience, without the added cost of travel or housing.

It also gives you a solid edge in your college application. On top of that, you get to build connections with people in your own city, relationships that tend to make finding an internship or full-time role later a lot easier.

Without further ado, here are 20 research programs for high school students in Singapore! If you’re looking for opportunities beyond Singapore, you can also explore our guide to 35 summer research programs for high school students, which features research opportunities from universities and organizations around the world.

20 Best Research Programs for High School Students in Singapore

1. NUS Science Mentorship Programme (SMP)

The NUS Science Mentorship Programme (SMP) pairs you with university researchers to investigate a scientific problem through a long-term mentorship. You’ll identify research questions, conduct scientific investigations in university laboratories, and develop skills in problem-finding, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific inquiry. Throughout the programme, you’ll meet regularly with your mentor, write a scientific paper for publication in the Youth Science Conference (YSC) Proceedings, and present your findings through a poster and oral presentation. The programme also strengthens your understanding of research methodology, scientific communication, and evidence-based problem-solving in an authentic university research environment.

2. FIRE Schools: Future-ready Innovation and Research Excellence

The FIRE Schools Programme is a long-term research mentorship programme conducted in collaboration with NUS ISAS. You’ll work in small groups with research mentors to learn research methodology, literature review, critical analysis, and scientific writing while investigating topics across economics, finance, business, law, international relations, public policy, and artificial intelligence. Throughout the programme, you’ll receive structured feedback, complete an original research paper, and present your findings at a Research Conference at NUS ISAS. The programme also develops skills in interdisciplinary research, evidence-based problem-solving, academic communication, and collaborative research.

3. Nanyang Research Programme Junior Researcher (NRPjr)

The Nanyang Research Programme Junior Researcher (NRPjr) allows you to conduct long-term research under the supervision of NTU faculty members and researchers in a real university research environment. You can choose from research projects across computing and data science, engineering, natural sciences, humanities, business, education, and interdisciplinary research. Working in pairs alongside a teacher mentor, you’ll learn the process of intellectual inquiry, including research design, investigation, analysis, and academic communication. The programme culminates in the submission of a research paper and an oral presentation, providing first-hand experience with university-level research and scholarly dissemination.

4. Science Research Programme (SRP)

The Science Research Programme (SRP) allows you to undertake an authentic research project under the supervision of NUS faculty members and research scientists in a university laboratory. Working in a real research environment, you’ll gain hands-on experience with experimental design, scientific investigation, data collection, and analytical techniques while exploring advanced topics across the natural sciences. Depending on your chosen track, you can pursue the programme as an examinable H3 research project or as a research enrichment experience. The programme develops practical research skills, scientific reasoning, and academic communication through sustained engagement with university-led research.

5. Nanyang Research Programme (NRP)

The Nanyang Research Programme (NRP) offers you the opportunity to conduct an eight-month research project under the supervision of NTU faculty members and researchers in a real university research environment. You’ll choose from projects spanning engineering and technology, sciences, business, humanities, arts, and the social sciences, working either individually or in pairs. Throughout the programme, you’ll develop skills in research design, scientific inquiry, data analysis, academic writing, and oral communication before culminating your work in a research paper and oral presentation assessment. Students undertaking eligible Science and Engineering projects may also opt to register their research as the A-Level H3 Science Research subject.

6. NUS Science Summer Camp

The NUS Science Summer Camp introduces you to scientific inquiry through faculty lectures, laboratory demonstrations, and hands-on experimental activities. You’ll investigate microscopy techniques to examine sub-atomic and molecular structures, perform chemistry and biology experiments, and explore introductory machine learning concepts. The curriculum emphasizes observation, experimentation, and scientific reasoning while exposing you to university laboratory environments. You’ll also gain familiarity with laboratory workflows and interdisciplinary scientific applications that underpin research across multiple STEM fields.

7. Singapore Thailand Science Immersion Programme (STSIP)

The Singapore Thailand Science Immersion Programme (STSIP) introduces you to scientific research through university-led lectures, laboratory sessions, and hands-on experimental activities. You’ll explore sub-atomic and molecular structures using an electron microscope, perform chemistry and biology experiments, and observe how research-grade laboratory equipment is used in scientific investigations. The programme emphasizes scientific inquiry, laboratory techniques, and the practical applications of chemistry and biology. You’ll also gain first-hand exposure to research facilities and workflows used across STEM disciplines at NUS.

8. Inspiring NTU: Future Exploration Programme

The Inspiring NTU: Future Exploration Programme introduces you to emerging research areas through faculty-led seminars and guided visits to NTU’s research laboratories and innovation centres. You’ll explore topics such as artificial intelligence, FinTech, and sustainable technologies while learning how these fields are translated into real-world research and applications. The programme provides exposure to advanced laboratory facilities, current research infrastructure, and interdisciplinary scientific innovation. You’ll also gain a better understanding of how university researchers investigate complex technological challenges across multiple STEM disciplines.

9. STEM Engagement Programme (SEP)

The STEM Engagement Programme (SEP) is a week-long STEM immersion experience that introduces you to scientific innovation through laboratory visits, interactive workshops, project showcases, and university visits in Singapore. You’ll engage with educators and fellow students while exploring disciplines such as robotics, artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, and sustainable energy. The programme emphasizes hands-on learning, innovation, and real-world problem-solving through exposure to research facilities and emerging technologies. Although it does not include an independent research project, it offers meaningful exposure to research environments and contemporary STEM applications.

10. NTU Science Discovery Camp

The NTU Science Discovery Camp introduces you to university-level scientific research through discipline-specific camps conducted by NTU’s College of Science. You’ll participate in hands-on experiments, explore research laboratories, and gain experience operating state-of-the-art scientific equipment while interacting with faculty members and student researchers. Depending on your chosen track, you’ll investigate topics in biology, chemistry, environmental and earth sciences, mathematics, or physics through laboratory activities and research-focused workshops. The programme also offers insight into ongoing scientific research at NTU, making it a strong option if you want early exposure to university research environments before undertaking a formal research project.

11. NTU Immersion Programme: The Power and Possibilities of AI

The NTU Immersion Programme: The Power and Possibilities of AI introduces you to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and data analytics through lectures delivered by an NTU professor. You’ll develop practical skills in Python, exploratory data analysis, neural networks, and TensorFlow while collaborating in teams to build and present a small AI project. The programme also includes visits to NTU’s Robotics Research Centre, engineering laboratories, and innovation facilities, exposing you to how AI research is translated into real-world applications. An industrial learning journey and campus-based research visits further demonstrate how AI is applied across healthcare, finance, education, robotics, and computer vision, making it a solid introductory programme for students interested in AI and emerging technologies.

12. Behind the Scenes: The Making of Electronic Gadgets

Behind the Scenes: The Making of Electronic Gadgets module introduces you to practical electronics through a series of engineering laboratory activities and prototype-building exercises. You’ll learn to assemble and test electronic circuits, use laboratory equipment, perform electrical measurements, and apply soldering and de-soldering techniques while constructing projects such as electronic display boards, water detectors, night-light activation circuits, and electronic dice. The programme also develops your understanding of how physics and engineering principles underpin everyday electronic devices through hands-on experimentation. 

13. Humanities and Social Sciences Research Programme (HSSRP)

The Humanities and Social Sciences Research Programme (HSSRP) provides an opportunity to conduct original research under the guidance of expert mentors from Singapore’s leading universities and research institutes. You’ll learn qualitative and quantitative research methodologies through dedicated workshops before undertaking an independent research project. The programme also includes project reviews, a research symposium, and the opportunity to submit your paper for publication in the annual HSSRP publication. Along the way, you’ll strengthen skills in research design, academic writing, evidence synthesis, critical analysis, and scholarly communication.

14. PX Challenge

The PX Challenge is an interdisciplinary inquiry programme that encourages you to investigate complex real-world problems using research and evidence-based analysis. Working in teams, you’ll gather and evaluate data, integrate concepts from science and mathematics, and develop solutions supported by systematic research. Throughout the programme, you’ll receive feedback during project reviews before presenting and defending your work at the PX Challenge Finals. The experience develops skills in data analysis, interdisciplinary problem-solving, collaborative research, and scientific communication.

15. Innovation Programme (IvP)

The Innovation Programme (IvP) develops engineering design and innovation skills through a structured, mentor-guided problem-solving process. You’ll identify real-world challenges, generate solutions, build and refine prototypes, and receive iterative feedback from mentors drawn from universities, polytechnics, and industry. The programme culminates in project judging and the Young Innovators’ Fair, where selected teams showcase their prototypes through presentations and poster displays. You’ll gain experience in prototype development, design thinking, engineering problem-solving, and collaborative project development.

16. ASTAR Science Award (Junior College)

The ASTAR Science Award gives you an early look at what scientific research looks like beyond school. If you’re a Singaporean Secondary 3 student with a strong interest in science and mathematics, you can be nominated by your school for the award. Selected students attend a three day Research Exposure Programme, where you get to learn more about scientific research and the work carried out across ASTAR’s research institutes. It is a useful introduction if you’re already thinking about science as something you might want to study or work in later. A*STAR also runs separate awards and research attachments for Junior College and polytechnic students as you progress through your education.

17. Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF)

If you’ve spent months working on a science or engineering project, SSEF gives you a place to put that work in front of people who know the subject. You’ll submit a research or engineering project, explain how you approached the problem, and present your work to judges during the fair. Projects go through preliminary judging before shortlisted teams move to the final round, where judges look at your report, poster, presentation, and interview. You can work individually or as a team, depending on the category and project. SSEF is also affiliated with the International Science and Engineering Fair, giving selected projects a route to international competition.

18. Young Defence Scientists Programme (YDSP)

The Young Defence Scientists Programme (YDSP), established by DSTA and DSO National Laboratories, immerses you in the exciting world of defence technology and national security. Through research attachments, you’ll work on real-world defence challenges, exploring topics like artificial intelligence, aerodynamics, quantum magnetometry, and cybersecurity. Guided by expert engineers and scientists, you’ll learn how abstract scientific concepts are translated into operational capabilities. Mentorship is central to the experience, giving you hands-on exposure to specialized labs and concluding with an opportunity to showcase your findings at the annual YDSP Congress.

19. Science Mentorship Institute (sci-MI)

The Science Mentorship Institute (sci-MI) is a free, mentor-led research program that enables high school students to pursue independent research in disciplines such as biology, neuroscience, chemistry, computer science, and electrical engineering. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in weekly journal clubs, lectures, and mentor check-ins while developing your own research project using open-access scientific literature, open-source software, and publicly available datasets. The experience culminates in a research paper and a formal presentation, helping you strengthen literature review, experimental design, scientific communication, and independent research skills. 

20. EnergyMag Virtual Research Internship

The EnergyMag Virtual Research Internship offers high school students the opportunity to conduct mentor-guided research on renewable energy storage technologies, energy companies, and emerging energy markets. You’ll investigate a focused research topic by reviewing scientific and industry sources, interviewing subject-matter experts, and synthesizing information into a professionally written analysis report that may be published on the EnergyMag website. Throughout the internship, you’ll receive one-on-one mentorship while developing skills in research methodology, critical analysis, technical writing, and professional communication. The flexible virtual format allows you to gain hands-on experience in energy research while building a portfolio of published work and learning how scientific and business research inform real-world decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of research programs are available to high school students in Singapore?

You’ll find a mix of formats, including long-term mentorship programs like the NUS Science Mentorship Programme and the Nanyang Research Programme, shorter immersion camps like the NUS Science Summer Camp and NTU Science Discovery Camp, and specialized tracks like the Young Defence Scientists Programme and the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Programme. A few, like the Science Mentorship Institute and EnergyMag’s Virtual Research Internship, are fully online and open to students outside Singapore.

Do you need to apply through your school, or can you apply directly?

It varies by program. Several, including the NUS Science Mentorship Programme, the Nanyang Research Programme Junior Researcher, and the ASTAR Science Award, require nomination or endorsement through your school rather than a direct individual application. Others, like FIRE Schools, the NUS Science Summer Camp, and the Science Mentorship Institute, accept applications directly from individual students.

Are there free options available?

Yes, many programs on this list don’t charge a fee. The NUS Science Mentorship Programme, the Nanyang Research Programme Junior Researcher, HSSRP, the PX Challenge, the Innovation Programme, the ASTAR Science Award, the Young Defence Scientists Programme, and the Science Mentorship Institute are all free to participate in.

Which programs are open to international students, not just those in Singapore?

The Science Mentorship Institute is open to high school students worldwide, and EnergyMag’s Virtual Research Internship doesn’t specify a residency requirement either, making both accessible if you’re applying from outside Singapore. The Singapore Thailand Science Immersion Programme is a partial exception, specifically designed for Thai students rather than a broader international pool. Most other programs on this list, particularly those requiring school nomination, are limited to students enrolled in Singapore schools.

Which programs run over several months rather than a short camp or workshop?

Several programs are structured as extended mentorships rather than short intensives. The Science Research Programme runs for 1.5 years, the Nanyang Research Programme and NRPjr both run from April through December, and the Young Defence Scientists Programme’s research attachments last 4 to 9 months. These differ from shorter options like the NTU Science Discovery Camp or NUS Science Summer Camp, which run for just a few days.

Which programs focus specifically on artificial intelligence or emerging technology?

If AI or emerging tech is your focus, the NTU Immersion Programme: The Power and Possibilities of AI offers a dedicated introduction to machine learning, neural networks, and TensorFlow, and Inspiring NTU’s Future Exploration Programme touches on AI, FinTech, and sustainable technologies more broadly. The Young Defence Scientists Programme also includes AI as one of its research attachment topics, alongside aerodynamics and cybersecurity.

When should you apply?

Deadlines for these programs are spread throughout the year, so it helps to plan ahead. The NUS Science Mentorship Programme closes in November for the following year’s cohort, while HSSRP also closes in November through participating schools. The Nanyang Research Programme opens in early February, and the Science Mentorship Institute closes May 1. Several school-nominated programs, including NRPjr and the ASTAR Science Award, don’t publish a fixed public deadline, so timing depends on your school’s internal nomination process.

Image source: Singapore University of Social Sciences