duke nus phd scholarship

Duke-NUS Medical School: Generous scholarships for tomorrow’s changemakers

The best scholarships allow students to flourish at university. Just ask Yu-Hsin Yen, an MD-PhD student at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore.

Since young, Taiwan-born Yen has been fascinated about the biological processes that power our bodies and how different diseases can harm them. When she shadowed physicians before entering medical school, she saw there are still many areas in biology and medicine that remain to be elucidated, especially in neuroscience. This spurred her to pursue a PhD to understand more about neurological diseases and contribute to improving their treatments.

She chose Duke-NUS as it was the right launchpad for her goals. It was closer to home culturally and geographically, more well-rounded and combined both Western and Eastern styles of teaching.

In her first year, Yen found out she was awarded a US$20,000 merit-based scholarship in recognition of her strong research background and commitment to the improvement of medicine. All MD-PhD students are automatically considered for this scholarship.

The US$20,000 award has made it easy for Yen to fully immerse herself into her studies. “As an international student, I am glad the scholarship can alleviate the cost of living in Singapore,” she shares.

“It does feel like a weight off my shoulders. The scholarship helps cover rent, bills, and daily expenses. It’s now much easier for me to focus on my coursework.”

Financing a medical education can be challenging which is why Duke-NUS offers generous aid in various forms. About two-thirds of students here are on some form of financial aid.

Duke-NUS Medical School is a landmark collaboration between two world-class institutions: The National University of Singapore and Duke University. Source: Duke-NUS Medical School

Everyone in Yen’s cohort will be offered a full scholarship for the PhD component, plus scholarships to cover tuition fees for their first two years in the MD programme as well as their final year of MD training. Funding amount will depend on bursaries and other scholarships already awarded to assist with MD tuition fees.

With their financial needs met, students like Yen can focus wholly on taking her research findings from “bench to bedside” and back. The Duke-NUS MD-PhD programme combines medical education with research training to develop clinician-scientists who excel in both medicine and science.

“For my PhD, I am studying disease modelling and regenerative medicine using stem cells under the mentorship of Professor Zhang Su-Chun in the Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders Programme,” Yen explains. Their lab aims to use stem cells to replenish the lost neurons in Parkinson’s disease and utilise patient-derived pluripotent stem cells to study the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. “I hope that in the future I can translate what I researched in the lab to something useful and applicable in medicine,” she shares.

A world-changing education open to all

Duke-NUS Medical School is a landmark collaboration between two world-class institutions: Duke University and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Its objective since its inception in 2005 has been to provide an innovative education and impactful research findings that will enhance the practice of medicine in Singapore and beyond.

This is where the brightest minds from a range of backgrounds, as well as diverse academic and life experiences, call home. Gawin Mai is one of them.

With years of experience as a research assistant and nursing assistant in the US, Mai was ready to take his career to new heights. He set his sights on Duke-NUS’s MD programme , vying for a rich cultural experience that was packed with experiential perks. Mai’s application was smooth thanks to frequent updates on his application, scholarship, and financial aid status. Soon after, he got the answer he hoped for.

At Duke-NUS, two-thirds of students, international and domestic, are benefiting from some form of financial aid. Source: Duke-NUS Medical School

“Financing my education is a heavy burden on my family, especially during these times of uncertainty,” he explains. “Thanks to Duke-NUS’s generosity, their burdens have been lifted and I can put all my energy into my studies.”

Today, Mai is doing just that. His studies are helping him gain a deeper understanding of medical science. While his past experiences were enriching, he hopes to use the skills he’s currently gaining in a practical setting, ultimately assisting others in need. He believes the Duke-NUS experience will help him get there.

Mai and Yen both have a lot to look forward to after graduating. The World Health Organisation estimates that there is a global shortage of approximately 4.3 million physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. With a Duke-NUS degree, they’re set to become outstanding clinicians and curious, critical thinkers who may also contribute to medicine as researchers, educators, leaders, entrepreneurs or policy makers.

If you’re looking to follow in their footsteps to innovate a healthier world, learn more about admissions to Duke-NUS Medical School, and apply here today .

Follow Duke-NUS Medical School on Facebook , Twitter and YouTube

Popular stories

Student protests in the us: how to attend and keep your visa safe as an international student.

Boarding schools in America providing an excellent education to inspire the next generation of leaders

How to increase productivity by at least 12%: 8 tips to help you crush deadlines

Get a job in the US, UK, or Australia with these companies that sponsor visas for international students

Duke-NUS Medical School: Become more than a clinician

These global universities offer unparalleled opportunities

• Dean's Message
• Vision, Mission & Values
• The Duke-NUS Story
• Stakeholders
• Governing Board
• Senior Management
• Facts & Figures
• Collaborative Grants
• Research Awards
• National Day Awards 2019
• Staff Awards
• Public Sector Transformation Awards
• Publications
• Safety & Health Policy
• Safety Management
• Awards & Achievements
• Media Releases
• In The News
• Vice-Dean's Message
• Class Profile
• Student Videos
• Student Ambassadors
• Info Sessions
• Content Hub
• Join Mailing List
• NUS Engineering & Medicine Track
• Duke & Duke-NUS Special Pathway
• SUTD-Duke-NUS Special Track
• Yale-NUS & Duke-NUS Liberal Arts and Medicine Pathway
• SMU-Duke-NUS Medicine Pathway
• NTU-Duke-NUS Medicine Pathway
• Pre-Medical Module
• Biomedical Research, An Introduction (BRaIn)
• Prehealth Experiential Programme
• About GAMSAT
• Appeal Process
• Tuition & Scholarships
• Pre-MD Pathways
• Pre-medical Module
• Admissions Requirements
• How to Apply
• PhD in Integrated Biology & Medicine
• PhD in Quantitative Biology & Medicine
• Financial Aid
• About Education
• Learning Philosophy
• Course Description
• Academic Calendars
• Director's Message
• MD-PhD Events
• PhD Student Directory
• Student Publications
• Clinical Sciences PhD
• Career Development Programme (CDeP)
• Student Interest Groups (SIG)
• Community Service
• Student Wellness
• Graduation and Hooding Ceremony
• Registrar Services
• Clinical Performance Center CPC
• EducatorSPACE
• LearnerSPACE
• Medical Education Conferences
• Innovations in Education
• About Research
• Cancer & Stem Cell Biology
• Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders
• Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Health Services & Systems Research
• Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders
• Centre for Ageing Research and Education
• Centre for Computational Biology
• Centre for Quantitative Medicine
• Centre of Regulatory Excellence
• Centre for Technology and Development
• Lien Centre for Palliative Care
• Centre for Clinician Scientist Development
• Centre for Vision Research
• Academic Medicine Education Institute
• Academic Medicine Research Institute
• Health Services Research Institute
• Infectious Diseases Research Institute
• Institute for Patient Safety & Quality
• Institute of Precision Medicine
• Joint Centre for Technology and Development
• National Cancer Research Institute
• National Heart Research Institute
• National Neuroscience Research Institute
• SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute
• Translational Immunology Institute
• Viral Research and Experimental Medicine Centre
• Research Operations Department (ROD)
• Sponsored Research Department (SRD)
• Research Affairs Department (RAD)
• Behavioural Phenotyping Core Facility
• Core Imaging Facility
• Duke-NUS Genome Biology Facility
• Flow Cytometry Core Facility
• Histopathology Facility
• In Vivo Molecular Imaging Facility (LTMI)
• Metabolomics Facility@DUKE-NUS
• Insectary Core Facility
• Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Sciences
• Cardiovascular Sciences
• Emergency Medicine
• Family Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Sciences
• Neuroscience
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
• Oral Health
• Paediatrics
• Radiological Sciences
• Joint Institutes and Centres
• SingHealth Duke-NUS Disease Centres
• About Academic Development Department
• Login as Staff
• Login as Student

Welcome to the Duke-NUS Online Application System

Duke University Students at Duke-NUS

Third year research in singapore.

Two Duke-Singapore Student Scholar Fellowships are available to Duke students. Duke-Singapore Student Scholars are expected to spend 10 months doing mentored clinical or basic science research in Singapore.

Fourth Year Electives in Singapore

Duke-NUS currently offers 83 electives in seven broad specialties of Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OBGYN, Psychiatry, Radiology and Pathology across four hospitals and five National Healthcare Institutes. If you are interested in Third Year research or Fourth Year electives in Singapore, contact Sulochana Naidoo . 

Duke Undergraduate Students

Special Admissions Pathway: The Duke and Duke-NUS Special Pathway enables Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) to pursue their undergraduate studies in any discipline at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, before returning to Singapore to embark on their medical training at Duke-NUS.

Duke-NUS Students at Duke University

Third year research at duke.

The Third Year at the Duke University School of Medicine represents a unique opportunity for Duke-NUS students to broaden their backgrounds in the biomedical and social sciences; the basis of clinical medicine. The primary goal of the third year is to develop tomorrow's physician leaders through a rigorous scholarly experience in biomedical-related research. 

Fourth Year Electives at Duke

The Visiting Medical Students page contains information about applying for electives at Duke. Application information can be found under the heading “Applicant Information for International and Canadian (LCME) medical students.” 

MD-PhD (PhD at Duke)

See a list of dual degree programs available at Duke.

Pre-Med Students at Duke-NUS

Apply to duke-nus medical school.

If you are interested in applying to Duke-NUS, please visit Duke-NUS Admissions .

Duke-NUS Alumni Clinical Observership (DACO)

If medicine is a career that you would like to pursue, the Duke-NUS Alumni Clinical Observership (DACO) is a good springboard to gain insights into the profession. Under DACO, you will be paired with a practicing doctor, who is a Duke-NUS alumnus, for a two-day taster of what their work entails. Observerships are carried out in June and December each year and are meant to be an introduction to shadowing. The intent of DACO is to encourage participants to seek subsequent shadowing opportunities on their own initiative.

Sulochana Naidoo, PhD

Dr. Naidoo is responsible for all areas related to undergraduate medical education between Duke University School of Medicine and Duke-NUS Medical School (Singapore), including curriculum, advising and supporting Duke-NUS students at Duke, admissions, recruitment, and compliance with accreditation requirements.

Ph.D. Programs

Biological and biomedical sciences, physical sciences and engineering, social sciences.

* – Denotes Ph.D. admitting programs. Students may apply and be admitted directly to these departments or programs, but the Ph.D. is offered only through one of the participating departments identified in the program description. After their second year of study at Duke, students must select a participating department in which they plan to earn the Ph.D.

Biochemistry Biology Biostatistics Cell and Molecular Biology Cell Biology Cognitive Neuroscience* Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Developmental and Stem Cell Biology* Ecology Evolutionary Anthropology Genetics and Genomics

Immunology Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health* Medical Physics Medical Scientist Training Molecular Cancer Biology Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Neurobiology Pathology Pharmacology Population Health Sciences

Art, Art History and Visual Studies Classical Studies Computational Media, Arts & Cultures English German Studies (Carolina-Duke German Program)

Literature Music Philosophy Religious Studies Romance Studies

Biomedical Engineering Chemistry Civil and Environmental Engineering Computer Science Earth and Climate Sciences Electrical and Computer Engineering Environment

Marine Science and Conservation Materials Science and Engineering Mathematics Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Physics Statistical Science

Business Administration Cultural Anthropology Economics Environmental Policy History

Nursing Political Science Psychology and Neuroscience Public Policy Sociology

PhD Financial Support

PhD student tuition and 12-month stipends are  fully funded  for up to five years. As a PhD student, you'll receive a competitive package that should provide financial support (tuition, stipend, health insurance) for the majority of the time you are registered and working toward your degree. PhD students are supported in various ways, including funding from the School of Nursing, Graduate School, or other governmental and private sources. 

PhD students also play an integral part in the financial commitment. All students are expected to make a good-faith effort to obtain external fellowships at some point during their funding period and will be encouraged to pursue these opportunities. PhD students will be required to apply for summer funding from the Graduate School for summers during years 3-5. If not awarded, the School of Nursing will work with the student to find other sources of support (e.g., TA or RA ship). 

It is essential to understand that the overall PhD Program awards budget depends on a significant number of students obtaining such external support. External grants and fellowships also benefit students because they bring distinction, and competing for such awards provides students with opportunities to practice grant-writing skills that may serve them well in their future careers.

PhD Student Graduate Assistantships (RA/TA):

Beginning with the second semester of Year 1, PhD students receiving financial support from the School of Nursing are required to engage in a Graduate Assistantship in research or teaching (approximately 8 hours per week). Graduate Assistantships support the mission of the school but also enhance the student’s scholarly portfolio.

Catherine Gilliss Endowed Scholarship Award:

The Duke University School of Nursing created the Catherine Gilliss Endowed Scholarship Award as a tribute to Catherine Gilliss and her legacy of excellence as Dean of the School of Nursing from 2004 to 2014. An incoming PhD student will receive the award annually based on excellent qualifications and academic promise.

The award provides an annual $5,000 stipend supplement for two years.

J ames B. Duke Fellowship : The James B. Duke 100th Anniversary Fund provides fellowships for students who wish to pursue a program leading to the PhD in The Graduate School. Its objective is to help attract and develop outstanding scholars at Duke. Selection of recipients is made by a faculty committee upon nomination by the appropriate department. These fellowships provide a $5,000 stipend supplement for four years in addition to any other award the student receives from the department, The Graduate School, or national fellowships. This award is offered through The Graduate School. Incoming students are nominated by their department; no direct application is necessary.

Dean's Graduate Fellowship:

The Dean's Graduate Fellowships are provided to students who-- because of their background, culture, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, work, and life experiences-- contribute to a fuller representation of perspectives within the University's academic life. The Graduate School's commitment to promoting and benefiting from diversity leads it to encourage nominations of students who are black/African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Hispanic/Latino Americans. All nominees must be U.S. citizens. 

The Dean's Graduate Fellowship will provide a 12-month stipend during the first two years of study and a $6,500 stipend supplement (depending on the student's course of study)  in the third and fourth years of study. The Dean's Graduate Fellowship will also cover partial tuition (i.e., tuition remission) and total fees for the fall, spring, and summer terms during the first two years of study and summer tuition and fees during the third and fourth summers for students receiving a summer stipend from this Fellowship. The Graduate School will provide a scholarship for the balance of the tuition. 

This award is offered through The Graduate School. Incoming students are nominated by their department; no direct application is necessary. More details are included here . 

Duke Margolis Scholars Program in Health Policy and Management:

The Margolis Scholars program is a prestigious program for Duke University students that demonstrate a strong interest in and commitment to a career in health policy and management, as well as leadership potential to improve health policy. Named in honor of Rovert Margolis, M.D., the founder of Duke-Margolis and a pioneer of innovative integrated care delivery models, the Margolis Scholars program provides promising students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to be the next generation of health care leaders. 

Margolis Scholars is a competitive program open to students at undergraduate and graduate levels. Selected Scholars are engaged in the program for 1-2 years, depending on their program of study.

More details are included here.  

Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI), Doctoral Scholars Program:

For current Duke doctoral students with a deep interest in global health, the Global Health Doctoral Scholars program offers the opportunity for dynamic intellectual exchange, faculty mentorship and rigorous dissertation research on a global health challenge. In collaboration with a faculty mentor, you will explore the social, economic, and cultural context of global health while conducting innovative research impacting health equity an expanding your professional skills and opportunities. 

As a Global Health Doctoral Scholar, you will receive 50% of your academic-year stipend for one year and may receive funding for a second year upon successful application for continuation. You will work closely with a DGHI faculty mentor or a mentoring team. Our world-class faculty provide research guidance an professional development opportunities designed to advance your career in global health.

More details are included here . 

Holditch-Davis PhD Student Pilot Study Award Program:

The PhD Student Pilot Study Fund was launched in 2013 to support the conduct of student research. The pilot fund was renamed the Holditch-Davis PhD Student Research Study Award in January 2022 in recognition of the generous endowment made to the Duke University School of Nursing from the Holditch-Davis family.

Calls for proposals will be sent out twice per year: Spring and Fall. Funding amounts may vary based on the cycle but typically range between $800 - $1,000.

Information for Medical Students

The following information is provided as a general resource for medical students in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. This is meant to serve as an introduction–more detailed information and answers to specific questions can be obtained by visiting the  Duke School of Medicine  web site.

Overview Medical education at the Duke University School of Medicine includes programs that train medical students, residents and fellows, research scientists and post-doctoral fellows, physical therapists, physician assistants and pathologist assistants.

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) Program Consistently ranked as one of the top ten programs in the country, Duke’s medical school curriculum is unique, exciting, and research-oriented.  Learn more.

Ph.D. Programs in Biomedical Sciences The Biosciences Graduate Programs offer interdisciplinary graduate programs in basic sciences and involve students in cutting-edge research.  Learn more.

M.D./Ph.D. Program The Medical Scientist Training Program is a dual-degree program — medical students continue their studies with additional research and earn both an M.D. and a Ph.D.  Learn more.

Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School in Singapore Duke has partnered with the National University of Singapore to offer an American-style medical (M.D.) education through the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore.  Learn more.

Residency and Fellowships Duke’s graduate medical education (GME) training programs offer outstanding mentors, facilitators and clinical and research opportunities.  Learn more.

For comprehensive information about medical education opportunities, please visit the  Duke School of Medicine  web site.

Research Scholarships for Third Year Medical Students

Award Recipients

Duke is unique among medical schools in that the third year experience involves a year of focused scholarship involving research, international travel, or public health aspects of medicine. This provides a unique and broad perspective on the role and possible impact of research in medicine, and as such can serve as a formative experience.  Because medicine and research are each very different pursuits, requiring different skills and approaches, graduates of the Duke medical school have an appreciation and understanding of the potential impact of research in the future trajectory of medicine, and as such, can serve as ambassadors between these two disciplines.

Beginning in 2010, there will be two $5,000 scholarships awarded to students conducting third year research in a laboratory affiliated with a primary or secondary faculty member in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. The MGM scholarships are named for past department chairs and for Thomas Mitchell, PhD, in recognition of his dedication to third year students.

These scholarships are restricted to students working in the field indicated by the name of the scholarship with a mentor (who has a primary or secondary appointment in MGM) on the  approved list . Currently, it is expected that MD-PhD candidates and students receiving significant external scholarship funding, such as HHMI fellowships, will not be eligible for these scholarships.

Two of the four scholarships will be awarded in any given year, depending on the interests and availability of appropriate students. Applicants will be evaluated by a departmental committee. The four MGM scholarships are:

• The  Nevins  Scholarship in Molecular Genomics
• The  Petes  Scholarship in Genetics and Cancer Biology
• The  Keene  Scholarship in RNA and Molecular Biology
• The  Mitchell  Scholarship in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Additional information will be provided to the Office of Student Affairs, Advisory Deans, and Third Year Program Directors as these scholarship opportunities are finalized. Students should apply via the standard scholarship application available from the  Office of Student Affairs , and the application deadline will be the same as for all other internal scholarships.

Questions about the Third Year Medical Student scholarships can be directed to Joanna Downer, at 681-8272 or  [email protected] .

For information about additional Third Year Scholarships and financial aid, please visit the  School of Medicine  web site.

2012 Third Year Medical Student Research Scholarship Recipients

I received my B.S. degree in Chemical Biology from University of California – Berkeley in 2010. During my undergraduate years, I participated in clinical research on iron deficiency and optimal iron supplementation in child-bearing women as well as basic science research on protein translation initiation of Hepatitis C virus. I have received the T Dale Stuart scholarship in 2009 and Merck Index award in 2010. In the coming year, I will be working with Dr. Joseph St. Geme III on the pathogenesis, particularly the protein domain responsible for adherence of  Kingella kingae  to the respiratory epithelium, and potentially facilitate future approach to prevention of the disease.

2010 Third Year Medical Student Research Scholarship Recipients

Nicholas Turner, a third year medical student at Duke University Medical Center, has been selected to receive the Petes Scholarship in Genetics and Cancer Biology. Turner will be working in the lab of Matthias Gromeier, MD, a faculty member in the Departments of Surgery and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, who is working on molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and the potential possibilities for new treatment strategies for cancer and infectious disease.

Turner received his B.S. in Microbiology and Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2008 and has received many scholarships and awards including the Hinsdil High Achievement Award in Microbiology in 2008.

Virtual Library The Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology maintains a  virtual library  of resources for loan to graduate students, medical students, post-doctoral fellows, research associates, and primary or secondary faculty affiliated with the Department of Molecular Genetics. The library features categories devoted to bacterial pathogenesis, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, infectious diseases, microbiology, and mycology. Click  here  to view a complete list of available resources.

Duke University Blue Devils

Athletics 5/16/2024 12:05:00 PM

Duke Trio Receives NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships

DURHAM - Duke's Chloe Beittel , Brianna Smith and David Tierney have been recognized as NCAA postgraduate scholarship recipients for the 2023-24 academic year. 

The NCAA awards scholarships to 21 men and 21 women during each of the fall, winter, and spring seasons.  The scholarships, worth $10,000 each, are awarded to student-athletes who intend to pursue advanced degrees in graduate or professional school.  The student-athletes are evaluated on academics, athletics and community service.

Beittel has been an integral part of Duke's women's fencing team the last four years. She has compiled 120 victories for a .609 winning percentage during her career as an epeeist. Most recently in 2024, she led the women's epee team with 42 victories, a career best, and qualified for the 2023 NCAA Championship the season prior. She captured a silver medal during the individual portion of the 2023 ACC Championship for her first All-ACC accolade. 

She has excelled in the classroom with numerous ACC academic awards and traveled to Costa Rica in the summer of 2023 with Duke's ACE Program, which provides student-athletes opportunities for immersive international summer experiences. 

Smith, a multi-events athlete from Elkins Park, Pa., recently earned the silver medal and All-ACC First Team accolades following her runner-up finish in the heptathlon at the ACC Outdoor Championships this past weekend. In four seasons as a member of the Duke track and field program, she has been a part of four ACC Track & Field championship teams for the Blue Devil women – three outdoor (2021, '23, '24) and one indoor (2022). 

A 2022 ACC Indoor Champion in the women's high jump, Smith has garnered All-ACC honors six times and tallied six All-Academic team selections during her Duke tenure. Additionally, Smith earned 2024 USTFCCCA All-America honors in the pentathlon – the first of her career, and owns the Duke record in the women's indoor high jump in addition to two other top-five program marks.

Tierney has helped the Duke men's fencing team see great success the last four years and has compiled 74 wins during his time as a Blue Devil. He has qualified for the NCAA Mid-Atlantic/South Regional three times and owns three top-10 finishes at the ACC Championships. In 2022, he captured a bronze medal during the individual competition and this season, he was second on the men's foil team in wins. Additionally, he has earned multiple academic awards during his four years. 

Duke Centennial In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit  100.duke.edu

Players Mentioned

Chloe Beittel

David Tierney

Brianna Smith

Thanks for visiting !

The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy.

We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here.

Thank you for your support!

was not found