UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027 in Japan (Fully Funded Summer Research)

Application deadline: 1 February 2027 · Last updated: 13 November 2026

Are you an undergraduate science student in Asia who dreams of doing real research at Japan’s top university? The UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027 could be your chance.

This fully funded summer program brings around 10 talented undergraduates to the University of Tokyo for two months of hands-on lab research. Flights, housing and a living stipend are all covered.

The program runs from 3 June to 5 August 2027 and ends with the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium at Kyoto University. Applications close on 1 February 2027.

UTokyo Amgen Scholars 2027: Key Details

Host University: University of Tokyo
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Program Dates: 3 June – 5 August 2027
Duration: About 2 months
Places: Around 10 students
Funding: Fully funded
Open to: Undergraduates at universities in Asia
Deadline: 1 February 2027 (3:00 p.m. JST)

What Is the UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program?

The Amgen Scholars Program is a global undergraduate research initiative funded by the Amgen Foundation. It gives promising science students the chance to work in leading university labs and explore research careers.

The program runs in three regions: the United States, Europe and Asia. The University of Tokyo is one of the Asian host universities, welcoming students from across the region each summer.

For many participants, it’s their first real experience of graduate-level research, and a strong step towards a PhD.

Benefits of the UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027

Selected scholars receive:

Stipend: JPY 280,000 for meals and personal expenses during the program
Airfare: Economy-class round-trip flights between your university’s city and Tokyo (students in Japan receive round-trip train tickets)
Accommodation: Free housing near the Hongo or Yayoi Campus for the full program
Commuting Allowance: Extra support if your lab is on a different campus
Asia Symposium: A trip to Kyoto University for the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium (3–5 August 2027)
Research Experience: Two months of hands-on work in a UTokyo laboratory

Health and travel insurance are not included, so plan to arrange your own.

UTokyo Amgen Scholars 2027 Timeline

Event	Date
Application deadline	1 February 2027 (3:00 p.m. JST)
Screening results	Mid to late March 2027
Check-in at residence	2 June 2027
Research program begins	3 June 2027
Research ends	30 July 2027
Asia Symposium in Kyoto	3–5 August 2027

Host Labs and Research Areas

Scholars are placed in labs across these UTokyo schools and institutes:

Graduate School of Medicine
Graduate School of Engineering
Graduate School of Science
Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Institute of Industrial Science

You choose your preferred research areas when you apply, so browse the host lab list carefully before you start.

UTokyo Amgen Scholars Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

Be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at a university in Asia
Have completed at least your first year of undergraduate study
Still have at least one semester left at your university after the program ends
Have a strong academic record
Have good English skills
Be interested in going on to a PhD
Be available for the entire program

Students enrolled in a second bachelor’s degree are not eligible.

Not Studying in Asia?

The UTokyo program is only for students at Asian universities. If you study elsewhere, you can apply to the Amgen Scholars program in your own region:

Amgen Scholars – United States
Amgen Scholars – Europe

Check the Amgen Scholars Asia page for the full list of eligible countries.

Required Documents

Upload these documents as PDFs (not password-protected):

Latest academic transcript in English (all pages)
Certificate of enrolment or a letter confirming you are enrolled
Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
One-page CV
Two recommendation letters, with at least one from a faculty member at your current university

You’ll also complete a Statement of Purpose and a short questionnaire in the online application.

How to Apply for UTokyo Amgen Scholars 2027

Check your eligibility and confirm your country is listed on the Amgen Scholars Asia page.
Browse the host labs and choose the research areas that interest you.
Contact your recommenders early, as their letters must arrive by the deadline.
Prepare your documents and write your Statement of Purpose.
Submit your application online before 3:00 p.m. JST on 1 February 2027.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Tips for a Strong Application

Explain clearly why you want to do a PhD and how this research experience fits your goals.
Name specific labs or research topics that excite you, and say why.
Highlight any lab work, research projects or science competitions.
Remind your recommenders about the deadline. A missing letter makes your application incomplete.

The program office is closed on 30 and 31 January, so send any questions well before then.

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Final Thoughts on UTokyo Amgen Scholars 2027

The UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027 is a rare chance for science undergraduates in Asia to spend a summer researching at Japan’s leading university, with almost every cost covered.

If you’re thinking about a PhD, this is one of the best ways to test your interest and build your research profile. Prepare your documents early and apply before 1 February 2027.

APPLY FOR THE UTOKYO AMGEN SCHOLAR PROGRAM

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FAQ's

Yes. Your return flight, your housing in Tokyo and a JPY 280,000 stipend for food and personal costs are all covered.

Undergraduates at universities in the Asia region who have finished their first year, won’t graduate before the programme, and are interested in a PhD.

No. If you study in the US or Europe, you’d apply to the Amgen Scholars programme for your own region instead.

From 3 June to 5 August 2027. That’s about eight weeks of lab research in Tokyo, followed by a symposium at Kyoto University.

Applications close at 3 p.m. Japan time on 1 February 2027, and late applications aren’t accepted.