UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program in Japan 2026 | Fully Funded
Japan combines advanced science with rich culture. The UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program is a prestigious summer research internship for undergraduates in biomedical and life sciences. Funded by the Amgen Foundation, it offers hands-on lab experience under leading faculty.
The 8-week program runs June to August 2026, with a regional Asia Symposium. About 10-15 spots focus on students from Asia, though globals apply. Full funding includes stipend, travel, and housing.
From my guidance on summer research, strong fit with faculty projects wins spots. One student from Thailand secured a neuroscience lab by referencing specific papers. Another from Philippines got rejected for no clear research interest. Tools like Numbeo show Tokyo costs ¥150,000-250,000/month. Funding covers essentials well. Also apply for KMU University Scholarships in Taiwan.
What Is the Program?
UTokyo Amgen Scholars provides 8 weeks of intensive research in top labs. Part of global network, Asia includes UTokyo, Kyoto U, NUS, Tsinghua.
Key facts:
- June 4 – August 6, 2026 (fixed; full attendance required).
- Hands-on with faculty supervision.
- Seminars, Japanese classes, cultural events.
- Asia Symposium networking.
- ~10-15 scholars.
Tokyo dynamic, safe, efficient transport. UTokyo Hongo campus central.
Eligibility Criteria
You qualify if:
- Undergraduate (completed 1st year, not graduating before program).
- Enrolled in Asia university preferred (eligible countries list on amgenscholars.com).
- Strong academic record.
- Interest in PhD/biomed research.
- English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS 5.5, or equiv; native exempt).
- Commit full-time (no jobs/courses).
No direct PI contact.
Opinion: Asia focus aids regional talent; strong motivation key.
Program Benefits
Fully funded.
- Stipend ¥280,000 total.
- Round-trip economy airfare.
- Accommodation (shared residence).
- Visa assistance.
- Access facilities, events.
- Symposium travel.
Table: Support Summary
| Item | Covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stipend | ¥280,000 | Meals/personal |
| Travel | Round-trip | Economy |
| Housing | Provided | Near campus |
| Insurance | Self-arrange | Recommended |
| Activities | Yes | Cultural, language |
Covers core costs.
Research Areas
Biomedical/life sciences faculties:
- Medicine
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Engineering
- Science
- Agricultural/Life Sciences
- Industrial Science
Projects in neuroscience, genomics, drug discovery, etc. List updates annually.
Required Documents
- Photo.
- Passport/ID.
- CV.
- Transcript.
- English proof.
- 2 recommendations (online submit).
No fee.
How to Apply for UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program?
- Register TAO portal
- Search UTokyo Amgen.
- Fill form, upload.
- Refs submit letters.
- Submit by deadline.
Deadline: February 1, 2026, 3 p.m. JST.
Results ~April-May.
Tip: Detail why UTokyo/faculty fit. Refs know research ability.
Why Join UTokyo Amgen Scholars?
World-top university. Cutting labs. Global peers.
Tokyo exciting, food, history/tech mix.
Contrarian: Fixed dates strict. But structured experience strong. Reviews: “Transformative research, lifelong friends.”
PhD gateway.
Other Opportunities
Tools I Recommend
- u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/prospective-students/amgen_program.html – Official hub.
- amgenscholars.com/university/the-university-of-tokyo – Global info.
- oia.nycu.edu.tw wait no, UTokyo TAO portal.
- numbeo.com Tokyo – Costs ¥200,000 single.
- studyinjapan.go.jp – General.
- fastweb.com – Lists.
- goingmerry.com – Clean.
Application Checklist
- Check Asia eligibility.
- Strong transcript.
- Tailored motivation.
- English score.
- 2 refs informed.
- Full commitment.
- Insurance plan.
- Early start.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
No refs submit (incomplete). Generic app. Contact PI direct (forbidden). Miss JST deadline. Assume flexible dates.
PAA: Dates? June 4-Aug 6. Stipend ¥280,000. Open global? Asia priority.
Living Costs in Tokyo
Single ¥150,000-250,000/month (Numbeo Jan 2026). Rent covered. Food ¥40,000. Stipend handles extras.
Numbeo honest: High but funding fits.
