UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2026 in Japan

Job Description

Opportunity Description

The University of Tokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2026 is a prestigious and fully funded summer research opportunity designed for outstanding undergraduate students from across Asia. Supported by the Amgen Foundation, the program provides an 8-week research experience in biomedical and life sciences at one of the world’s leading universities.

Launched in Japan in 2015, the program offers undergraduate students the chance to join advanced research laboratories at UTokyo, attend academic seminars, participate in cultural activities, and build connections with international peers. Students also join the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium, where they network with scholars and leading scientists from the region.

This program is ideal for students planning to pursue graduate studies, especially a PhD, in scientific fields such as biology, biotechnology, molecular medicine, neuroscience, immunology, engineering, and related disciplines.

Short Details:

Program Benefits

The UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program provides full funding and an immersive academic experience, including:

Accommodation

• The program provides an off-campus residence near Hongo/Yayoi Campus.
• Some labs may require commuting by train.

Travel Support

• Round-trip economy airfare to Tokyo for international students.
• Round-trip train tickets for domestic students.
• Routes and schedules are arranged in coordination with the program office.
• Students must reimburse costs if they change schedules for personal reasons.

Stipend

• 280,000 JPY for food, leisure, and short-distance travel required for the program.
• Covers transport between home and departure airport, and between Narita/Haneda and residence.
• Additional commuting allowance for labs outside Hongo/Yayoi campuses.

 Academic & Cultural Support

• Full-time research placement for 8 weeks in a UTokyo laboratory.
• Access to campus facilities: libraries, healthcare center, gymnasium, etc.
• Japanese language classes and cultural events.
• Special seminars, group discussions, excursions, and networking events.
• Participation in the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2026, applicants must:

1. Academic Requirements

• Be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at a university in Asia.
• Have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies by June 2026.
• Not graduate before the program begins.
• Continue undergraduate studies for at least one semester or quarter after the program ends.
• Have a strong academic record.

2. English Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet one of the following:

• TOEFL iBT: 72+
• IELTS: 5.5+
• Cambridge English FCE
• TOEIC: 1095 / TOEIC L&R 785 / TOEIC S&W 310

English proficiency is required unless the applicant is a native English speaker or their university’s medium of instruction is English.

3. Personal Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have strong motivation for scientific research.
• Show interest in pursuing a PhD.
• Commit to full participation during the entire program period.
• Live in UTokyo-provided housing.
• Engage fully in research group activities.
• Deliver oral and poster presentations at the end of the program.

Project Fields & Research Areas

Applicants must select ONE project for their application. Research opportunities span many scientific disciplines:

Fields Include:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology
• Bioengineering
• Immunology & Microbiology
• Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Bioinformatics
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Medicine
• Plant Biology
• Soft Matter Physics
• Systems Biology

Sample Research Topics

• Long-term memory mechanisms (Graduate School of Medicine)

• Vaccine development for neglected tropical diseases

• Sleep and circadian rhythm systems biology

• Polymeric nanocarriers for gene editing

• Bio-inspired robotics

• Super-resolution optical microscopy

• Immune responses to parasite infection

• RNA splicing and related diseases

• Synthetic cell engineering

• Neural tissue engineering

Full details are available on the official project list on the program website.

Required Documents

All documents must be uploaded to the TAO application system without password protection.

How to Apply?

All applications must be submitted online through TAO. Email submissions are not accepted.

Apply Here