UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027 in Japan: Fully Funded Summer Internship
Program Summary
The UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program offers undergraduate students from eligible institutions across the Asia region a unique opportunity to gain eight weeks of hands-on biomedical research experience. Hosted by leading Graduate Schools and Institutes at The University of Tokyo, the program aims to prepare students for future Ph.D. studies and careers in scientific research. Alongside intensive laboratory work, participants take part in online Japanese language classes, cultural excursions, networking sessions, and the annual Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium held at Kyoto University.
Designation
Amgen Scholar / Summer Research Intern
Program Details at a Glance
| Host University | The University of Tokyo (UTokyo), Japan |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Amgen Foundation |
| Program Duration | June 3, 2027 – August 5, 2027 (8 Weeks) |
| Number of Seats | Approximately 10 scholars |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded (Stipend, Accommodation, Travel Expenses) |
| Application Deadline | February 1, 2027 (3:00 PM JST) |
Research Area
Applicants may select only one research project across various cutting-edge scientific fields offered by host professors at UTokyo:
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology: RNA splicing, plant protein expression/interactions, molecular mechanisms of memory, cellular synthetic biology.
- Bioengineering & Biotechnology: Polymeric nanocarriers for gene editing, optical super-resolution microscopy, innovative bio-measurement tools, neural tissue engineering.
- Bioinformatics & Systems Biology: Sleep, circadian rhythms, tissue clearing, structure-based screening pipelines.
- Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering: Molecular body creation, sustainable hydrogen production using renewable energy, soft matter and polymer physics.
- Immunology, Microbiology & Pathology: Protective vs. pathogenic immunity to mosquito-borne viruses, immune responses to parasite infections.
- Neuroscience & Neurobiology: Cortical information processing, synaptic mechanisms of memory, physiological science, and psychiatric disorder development.
Location
Tokyo, Japan: Research laboratories are situated across UTokyo campuses, including Hongo, Yayoi, Komaba II, and Tanashi campuses.
Kyoto, Japan: Participants will also travel to Kyoto University to attend the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium.
Eligibility / Qualification
To be eligible for the UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Be an undergraduate student enrolled at a college or university across the eligible Asia region awarding a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
- Have completed at least their first year of undergraduate study prior to the start of the program.
- Must not graduate before the program begins, and must return to resume undergraduate studies for at least one semester or quarter after the program ends.
- Demonstrate a strong record of academic performance.
- Possess a strong interest in pursuing a Ph.D. degree.
- Have a strong command of English. Applicants whose first language is not English and whose degree program is not taught primarily in English must provide valid proof of English proficiency (Minimum scores: TOEFL iBT: 72, IELTS overall band: 5.5, TOEIC: 1,095, TOEIC L&R: 785, TOEIC S&W: 310, or Cambridge English FCE).
Scholarship Description & Benefits
The UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program is fully funded and provides comprehensive financial support for selected participants:
- Stipend: A allowance of JPY 280,000 to cover meals, local travel, and personal expenses during the stay in Japan.
- Accommodation: Fully arranged and funded off-campus accommodation near the Hongo/Yayoi campus (or designated locations). Additional local transportation allowance is provided if assigned to other campuses.
- Travel Expenses: Direct round-trip economy airfare for international students or round-trip train tickets for domestic students to Tokyo. Travel costs to Kyoto University for the Asia Symposium are also covered.
- Access & Perks: Full access to UTokyo facilities (libraries, Health Care Center, sports facilities), online Japanese language classes, and cultural excursions.
How to Apply
All applications must be prepared personally and submitted online through The Admissions Office (TAO) portal. Email submissions are strictly not accepted.
- Create Account: Register an account on TAO using your full legal name matching your passport.
- Select Laboratory Project: Choose one host professor/project that aligns with your research goals.
- Upload Required PDF Documents:
- Official Academic Transcript (in English).
- Official Certificate of Enrollment from your university.
- Proof of English Proficiency (test score report or official letter confirming English-taught degree).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) limited to 1 page (max 3,000 characters).
- Statement of Purpose.
- Nominate Recommenders: Request letters of recommendation from two recommenders via the TAO portal. At least one recommendation letter must be written by a faculty member at your current institution.
- Submit Application: Ensure both recommenders submit their letters before finalizing your application on TAO.
Last Date for Apply
February 1, 2027 by 3:00 PM JST (Japan Standard Time).
Note: Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances. Shortlisted applicants will receive screening decisions between mid and late March 2027.
Apply Link
To submit your application and review detailed project profiles, visit the official application portal: