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Japan Undergraduate Fully Funded

UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027 | Biomedical Research Internship Japan

The UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program offers undergraduate students from across Asia an intensive 8-week summer research experience in biomedical sciences at Japan's leading university. The fully funded program includes hands-on laboratory work, Japanese language classes, cultural activities, and culminates in the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium at Kyoto University.

November 2, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Feb 1, 2027

Quick Overview

Host CountryJapan
University/OrgUniversity of Tokyo
Degree LevelUndergraduate
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyBiology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Immunology, Neuroscience
DeadlineFebruary 1, 2027

Scholarship Overview

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Program Overview

The UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program is an intensive 8-week summer research internship for undergraduate students committed to careers in biology and related sciences. Hosted by the University of Tokyo since 2015, the program places selected scholars in cutting-edge laboratories across multiple Graduate Schools and research institutes.

Beyond laboratory research, participants receive online Japanese language instruction, join excursions and cultural events, and attend the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium at Kyoto University. The program emphasizes developing international research collaborations and preparing students for graduate study.

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2027 Program Dates

  • Online Application Period: November 1, 2026 – February 1, 2027 at 3 p.m. JST
  • Program Period: June 3 – August 5, 2027
  • Check-in at Residence: June 2, 2027
  • UTokyo Research Period: June 3 – July 30, 2027
  • Asia Symposium at Kyoto University: August 3 – 5, 2027

Full participation throughout the entire period is mandatory. Exceptions are only considered for obligations related to events organized by your affiliated Japanese university or faculty.

Financial Support

The program provides comprehensive funding:

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  • Stipend: JPY 280,000 for meals, personal expenses, and local transportation (including travel between home and departure airport, and between Tokyo airports and residence)
  • Accommodation: Off-campus residence near Hongo or Yayoi Campus provided for the program duration
  • Travel Expenses: Round-trip airfare on the most direct and economical route between your home institution city and Tokyo (international students) or round-trip train tickets (domestic students)
  • Symposium Coverage: Costs for participating in the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium at Kyoto University

Important: Participants must arrange their own private health and travel insurance. Neither the Amgen Foundation nor UTokyo provides insurance coverage. If assigned to a campus other than Hongo or Yayoi, you receive an additional transportation allowance. Failure to fully participate may require reimbursement of travel expenses and stipend.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all criteria:

  • Undergraduate student at a college or university across the Asia region that awards a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
  • Completed at least first year of undergraduate study by program start
  • Not graduating before the program begins, and will resume undergraduate studies for at least one semester or quarter after program completion
  • Strong academic record
  • Interest in pursuing a Ph.D.

English Proficiency: Required if English is not your first language and your degree program is not taught in English. Acceptable scores:

  • TOEFL iBT: minimum 72 (TOEFL ITP not accepted)
  • IELTS: overall band 5.5
  • Cambridge English: FCE
  • TOEIC: 1,095 OR Listening & Reading 785 OR Speaking & Writing 310

Not Eligible: Students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree; students graduating before or during the program; students unable to commit to full participation.

Research Projects

Applicants select only one project from available host professors. Multiple applications are not considered. Research areas include:

  • Neuroscience and neurobiology
  • Immunology and virology
  • Molecular, cell and developmental biology
  • Bioengineering and biotechnology
  • Chemical and biomolecular engineering
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biochemistry

Host professors are drawn from the Graduate Schools of Medicine, Engineering, Science, Agricultural and Life Sciences, Arts and Sciences, the Institute of Industrial Science, and the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology. Some laboratories require commuting to campuses such as Komaba Tanashi (approximately one hour by train each way).

Application Process

All applications submit through The Admissions Office (TAO) online system.

Step 1: Create Account and Prepare Documents

Create a TAO account with your legal name as on your passport. Prepare these PDF documents (not encrypted or password-protected):

  • Academic Transcript: Most recent transcript in English; include all pages
  • Certificate of Enrollment: Official document on institutional letterhead showing full name, enrollment status, degree program, and expected study period with start and graduation dates
  • Proof of English Proficiency: Test score or official confirmation of English-taught program
  • CV: One page (approximately 3,000 characters) describing relevant work experience, responsibilities, or projects
  • Two Recommendation Letters: Submitted through TAO by nominated recommenders

Step 2: Nominate Recommenders

Nominate two recommenders, one of whom must be a faculty member at your current institution familiar with your academic background and motivation. The system blocks submission until both letters are received. Notify recommenders personally after nomination.

Step 3: Submit Application

Save and edit as needed, but once submitted, no changes are permitted. Status changes from “Application in progress” to “Application completed.”

Critical deadlines: Program office closed January 30–31, 2027. Inquiries after 10:00 a.m. February 1, 2027 will not be answered. Late submissions are never accepted.

Selection Timeline

  • Application Deadline: February 1, 2027, 3 p.m. JST
  • Screening Results: Middle to late March 2027

Selection is not rolling; review begins after the deadline. Approximately 10 students are admitted. Feedback on screening status is not provided.

Important Policies

  • Do not contact host professors or laboratories directly
  • Reside in provided accommodation
  • No outside courses or employment during the program
  • Give oral and poster presentations on your research
  • Actively participate in laboratory life and meetings

AI Policy: Do not use generative AI to prepare application documents. Write all materials in your own words.

Visa Assistance

UTokyo assists successful applicants with visa processing. Notify the program office immediately if you require a visa, and apply promptly to ensure participation.

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Official scholarship page: https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/prospective-students/amgen_program.html

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You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

JPY 280,000 stipend; accommodation provided; round-trip airfare or train tickets; symposium costs covered

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate students from Asia-region universities who have completed first year, not graduating before program, with strong academics and English proficiency; committed to PhD pursuit

Required Documents

Academic transcript in English; certificate of enrollment; proof of English proficiency; one-page CV; two recommendation letters (one from current faculty)

Application Process

1) Create TAO account with passport-legal name. 2) Upload required PDF documents. 3) Nominate two recommenders including one current faculty member. 4) Submit complete application before deadline. 5) Await results mid-to-late March 2027.
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Frequently Asked Questions

No. Starting with the 2024 program, applications are only accepted from students at colleges and universities across the Asia region. The program explicitly no longer accepts applications from outside this specified region.
Your application cannot be submitted and will not be considered. The TAO system blocks submission until both recommendation letters are received. Late submissions are never accepted, including cases involving technical issues. Nominate recommenders as early as possible and personally notify them.
The JPY 280,000 stipend is intended for meals, personal expenses, and local transportation including airport transfers. Accommodation is provided separately. While individual spending varies, this amount requires careful budgeting for Tokyo's cost of living. Participants cannot hold employment during the program.
No. Applicants may select only one project, and applications cannot be considered for multiple projects. Choose the project that best aligns with your research interests and background.
You must submit both the original transcript and an English translation provided by your issuing university. Upload scans of all pages including back pages and notations.
Approximately 10 students are admitted from across Asia, making this highly competitive. Strong academic performance, clear research motivation, demonstrated English proficiency, compelling recommendation letters from faculty who know you well, and a genuine interest in PhD study all strengthen applications. The program prioritizes students committed to research careers.

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