University of Tokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027 in Japan

The Amgen Scholars Program at the University of Tokyo is a fully funded summer research programme for undergraduate students studying in Asia. For about 8 weeks you will work in a University of Tokyo laboratory in biology, chemistry or a biomedical field. Then you travel to Kyoto for the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium with students from across the region.

About 10 students are selected each year. The programme suits strong students who are thinking about a PhD or a research career.

Programme dates (2027)

• 2 June 2027: check-in in Tokyo
• 3 June – 30 July 2027: research in a UTokyo lab (about 8 weeks)
• 2 August 2027: travel to Kyoto
• 3–5 August 2027: Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium at Kyoto University

What is covered

• Return airfare to Japan
• Housing near the Hongo and Yayoi campuses
• A stipend of JPY 280,000 for meals and personal costs
• The cost of the Kyoto symposium

Not covered: health and travel insurance. You need to arrange your own.

Who can apply

• You are an undergraduate at a university in one of the eligible Asian countries (the full list is on the Amgen Scholars Asia website)
• You have completed at least 1 year of undergraduate study
• You will not graduate before the programme, and you will go back to your studies for at least one semester after it
• You do not already hold a bachelor's degree
• You have a strong academic record and an interest in a PhD
• You study or plan to research in biology or biomedical areas, such as neuroscience, immunology, bioengineering, chemistry or plant science
• English: TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS 5.5, Cambridge FCE or a TOEIC equivalent. This is not needed if your degree is taught in English.

How to apply

1. Create an account on the TAO online system. Use your name exactly as it appears in your passport.
2. Nominate 2 recommenders. One must be a faculty member at your home university.
3. Upload your English transcript, certificate of enrollment, English test result and a CV of about 1 page.
4. Write your statement of purpose and complete the questionnaire.
5. Submit before the deadline. Late applications are not accepted.

Do not contact UTokyo professors directly about placements. For questions, email the programme office at [email protected].

Deadline

1 February 2027, 3 p.m. Japan time. Results are expected in mid-to-late March 2027.

Tips

• Start early. Your recommenders also need time to submit their letters.
• In your statement, name the research areas and labs that interest you, and explain how the programme fits your PhD plans.
• Check the eligible-country list before you begin.