Are you an undergraduate student interested in biomedical research, biology, or related sciences? Would you like to spend part of your summer conducting scientific research at one of Japan’s leading universities while meeting students and researchers from different countries?
The UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027 offers undergraduate students from eligible universities across Asia an opportunity to gain hands-on research experience at the University of Tokyo in Japan.
The programme is designed for students who are committed to, or considering, careers in biology and related sciences, particularly those who are interested in continuing to graduate school and pursuing a PhD.
For the 2027 programme, approximately 10 students will be admitted. Successful participants will spend eight weeks working full-time in a research laboratory, take part in academic and cultural activities, and attend the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium at Kyoto University.
The programme also provides accommodation, a stipend, and travel support, making it a valuable opportunity for students who want to gain international research experience without having to cover all the major programme expenses themselves.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027, including its benefits, eligibility requirements, research expectations, application timeline, and how I would approach preparing a strong application.
UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027: Overview
Here are the main details you should know before applying.
| Programme Detail | Information |
| Programme Name | UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program |
| Host Institution | The University of Tokyo |
| Programme Location | Tokyo, Japan |
| Programme Year | 2027 |
| Application Opens | 1 November 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 1 February 2027, 3 p.m. JST |
| Programme Period | 3 June – 5 August 2027 |
| Research Period | 3 June – 30 July 2027 |
| Number of Participants | Approximately 10 |
| Target Applicants | Undergraduate students from eligible universities across Asia |
| Research Area | Biomedical research, basic and translational sciences, biology and related sciences |
| Accommodation | Provided |
| Stipend | JPY 280,000 |
| Travel Support | Round-trip airfare for international students or round-trip train tickets for domestic students, subject to programme conditions |
| Symposium | Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium at Kyoto University |
| Official Website | https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/prospective-students/amgen_program.html |
The application deadline is 1 February 2027 at 3 p.m. Japan Standard Time (JST). This is a strict deadline. The programme explicitly states that late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
What Is the UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program?
The Amgen Scholars Program is an international undergraduate research initiative supported by the Amgen Foundation.
The programme began in the United States in 2006, expanded to Europe in 2008, and launched in Japan in 2015 at the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University.
It has since expanded to additional leading institutions across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
The purpose is to provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to experience scientific research in an academic environment and develop skills that can support their future studies and careers.
At the University of Tokyo, participants work with research groups within various graduate schools and institutions.
The experience is particularly relevant to students who are considering graduate studies in biology or related scientific fields and who want to understand what research work actually involves before committing to a PhD.
What Will Participants Do During the Programme?
The UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program is not simply a summer school where students attend lectures and receive a certificate.
Participants are expected to spend eight weeks working full-time in a research laboratory. That means the central part of the experience is the research project itself.
Students will work alongside members of their assigned research group, take part in the day-to-day activities of the laboratory, and develop knowledge and skills related to conducting scientific research.
By the end of the programme, participants are expected to have gained experience in research and to be able to communicate what they have learned.
The programme also includes academic and cultural activities beyond the laboratory.
Full-Time Research Experience
The main component of the programme is an eight-week research placement in biomedical research, including basic and translational sciences.
Students will be assigned to research opportunities offered by different graduate schools and institutions at the University of Tokyo. Applicants should review the available projects carefully before applying.
The project section of the official programme website is particularly important because it provides information about the research opportunities available to participants.
If I were applying, I would spend time understanding the research topics rather than selecting a project simply because the title sounds interesting. I would ask myself:
Does this project connect to the scientific subjects I have studied?
Am I genuinely interested in the research question?
What would I like to learn from working on this project?
Could this experience help me understand whether I want to pursue graduate research?
These questions can help you make a more thoughtful application.
Research Presentations
Participants are expected to give both an oral presentation and a poster presentation describing their research project.
This is an important part of the programme because scientific research is not only about carrying out experiments or analysing data. Researchers must also communicate their work clearly to others.
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The presentations provide participants with an opportunity to explain what they worked on, what they learned, and how their research fits into a wider scientific context.
Applicants should be prepared for the possibility of presenting their work in an academic setting.
Cultural and Networking Activities
The programme also includes activities designed to help students learn about Japan and connect with other participants. These include:
Online Japanese language classes.
Excursions and cultural events.
Networking sessions.
Programme activities outside the laboratory.
Participants are also expected to extend their international friendships through collaborative experiences.
For undergraduate students considering an international scientific career, these opportunities can be an important part of the experience.
UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027 Dates and Schedule
The programme has a specific schedule, and participants are expected to take part fully throughout the designated period. The schedule provided for 2027 is as follows:
| Activity | Date |
| Check-in at Residence | 2 June 2027 |
| Programme Begins | 3 June 2027 |
| UTokyo Research Programme | 3 June – 30 July 2027 |
| Check-out from Residence and Travel to Kyoto | 2 August 2027 |
| Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium at Kyoto University | 3 – 5 August 2027 |
The official programme period is listed as 3 June to 5 August 2027.
The research placement itself runs from 3 June to 30 July 2027, followed by travel to Kyoto and participation in the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium.
Full Participation Is Mandatory
Applicants should be aware that participation is required throughout the programme. This includes:
The orientation on the first day.
Research activities.
Required conferences.
Programme activities.
Social events.
The Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium.
Participants cannot take courses or hold employment during the programme period. They are also expected to live in the accommodation provided by the University of Tokyo.
If you have academic obligations at your home university that could conflict with the programme, the application instructions indicate that exceptions may be considered in certain circumstances for students based in Japan.
Applicants who need to request such consideration should specify the relevant details in the final paragraph of their Statement of Purpose.
For most applicants, the practical point is straightforward: make sure you are available for the entire programme period before applying.
Financial Support: What Does the Programme Cover?
The UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program provides several forms of financial support. The programme offers accommodation, travel support, and a stipend.
However, applicants should carefully review what each benefit covers so they can prepare for expenses that may not be included.
1. Accommodation
Accommodation at an off-campus residence near the Hongo or Yayoi Campus will be provided for the duration of the programme.
The University of Tokyo has research laboratories located in different places, and not every laboratory is based at Hongo or Yayoi. Some participants may need to commute by train to reach their assigned laboratory.
If I were preparing for the programme, I would check the location of the laboratory before making travel plans and consider how commuting might affect my daily schedule.
2. Travel Expenses
The programme provides round-trip airfare for international students.
The airfare is intended to cover the most direct and economical route between the city of the student’s home institution and Tokyo. For domestic students, the programme provides round-trip train tickets.
The programme also covers the cost of participating in the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium at Kyoto University.
Once the programme office announces the travel allowance amount, participants are responsible for making their own flight arrangements.
Applicants should therefore wait for the relevant programme instructions before purchasing tickets.
3. Stipend of JPY 280,000
Participants will receive a stipend of JPY 280,000. The stipend may be used at the participant’s discretion for meals and personal expenses during their stay in Japan.
However, the programme explains that the stipend is also intended to cover local transportation costs required for participation. This includes transportation between:
Your home and departure airport.
Narita or Haneda Airport and the residence in Tokyo.
Your residence and programme-related locations, as applicable.
Applicants should keep this in mind when estimating their available personal spending money.
4. Additional Transportation Allowance
Participants assigned to a campus other than Hongo or Yayoi will receive an additional transportation allowance.
This is relevant because some laboratories are located away from the main campuses.
5. Health and Travel Insurance
Participants must arrange their own private health and travel insurance.
Neither the Amgen Foundation nor the University of Tokyo provides this insurance under the programme information. This is a cost applicants should plan for separately.
Important Financial Support Condition
The programme states that participants who fail to fully participate may be required to reimburse the travel expenses and stipend provided.
This is another reason to make sure you can commit to the full programme before applying.
Who Can Apply for the UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027?
The programme is intended for undergraduate students from eligible universities across Asia.
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements listed by the University of Tokyo.
1. You Must Be an Undergraduate Student at an Eligible University
Applicants must be attending a college or university in the Asia region that awards a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
The programme’s eligibility section provides the list of eligible countries and regions.
Applicants should consult the official list rather than assume that all countries in Asia are automatically eligible.
2. You Must Have Completed at Least Your First Year of Undergraduate Study
At the time the programme begins, applicants must have completed at least the first year of their undergraduate studies.
This means the programme is not intended for students who have just started university and have not yet completed their first year.
3. You Must Not Be Graduating Before the Programme Begins
Applicants must not graduate before the programme starts. They must also plan to resume their undergraduate studies for at least one semester or one quarter after the programme ends.
This requirement is important because the Amgen Scholars Program is intended for current undergraduate students who will return to their studies after the summer research experience.
4. You Must Have a Strong Academic Record
The programme requires applicants to have a strong record of academic performance. The source information does not provide a specific minimum GPA or grade threshold.
Applicants should therefore review the official eligibility and application instructions for any additional academic requirements.
5. You Must Have a Good Working Knowledge of English
Participants need sufficient English proficiency to communicate and work in an academic research environment.
If English is not your first language and your current degree programme is not taught in English, you must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the accepted qualifications.
The listed qualifications include:
| English Qualification | Minimum Requirement |
| TOEFL iBT | 72 |
| IELTS | Overall band score of 5.5 |
| Cambridge English | FCE |
| TOEIC | 1,095 |
| TOEIC Listening & Reading | 785 |
| TOEIC Speaking & Writing | 310 |
The programme states that TOEFL ITP is not accepted.
Applicants should confirm the accepted qualifications and any relevant instructions on the official programme website before submitting evidence of English proficiency.
6. You Must Have an Interest in Pursuing a PhD
The programme is aimed at students who are committed to, or considering, a career in biology or related sciences and who are interested in continuing to graduate studies.
Applicants should be prepared to explain their interest in scientific research and how the programme could contribute to their future academic plans.
This does not mean that every participant must already have a fixed PhD research topic.
However, the programme is particularly relevant to students who want to explore research as a possible path after completing their undergraduate degree.
How to Apply for the UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027
The online application period runs from: 1 November 2026 to 1 February 2027, 3 p.m. JST.
The application is submitted online through the official programme process. Here is how I would approach preparing an application.
Step 1: Confirm That You Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Before preparing application documents, check that you meet the core eligibility requirements. I would confirm:
My university is located in an eligible country or region.
My university awards a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
I have completed at least my first year of undergraduate study by the programme start date.
I will not graduate before the programme begins.
I will return to undergraduate study for at least one semester or quarter after the programme.
My academic record meets the programme’s expectations.
I meet the English proficiency requirements, if applicable.
I am interested in pursuing a PhD.
This first step helps avoid spending time on an application that does not meet the programme’s basic requirements.
Step 2: Review the Available Research Projects
The University of Tokyo provides research opportunities through various graduate schools and institutions.
The available projects are listed in the programme’s project section. I would review the projects carefully and make notes about the topics that genuinely interest me.
A project should not be selected only because it sounds prestigious or because the research area is popular.
Instead, think about the scientific questions involved and whether you would be motivated to spend eight weeks working on them.
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It is also useful to consider how the project connects to your undergraduate studies and your future academic interests.
Step 3: Understand the Programme Expectations
Before applying, make sure you understand what participation involves. The programme expects participants to:
Work full-time in the laboratory.
Participate in the daily life of the research group.
Respect the work of other laboratory members.
Attend and participate in laboratory meetings and other gatherings.
Take part in required programme activities.
Give oral and poster presentations about their research.
Applicants should be prepared for a structured academic experience rather than a casual summer visit.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application Documents in Your Own Words
The programme specifically advises applicants not to rely on generative artificial intelligence to prepare their application documents.
The University of Tokyo explains that preparing an application is an opportunity for students to think about what they want to study and what the experience may mean for them.
The programme encourages applicants to write about themselves in their own words. This is an important instruction.
If I were applying, I would use my own experiences, interests, and academic goals as the foundation of my application.
I would avoid submitting an essay that sounds like a generic description of scientific research or a university programme.
The application should reflect my actual academic background and what I hope to learn from the experience.
Step 5: Explain Why You Want to Participate
When preparing your Statement of Purpose or other application materials, focus on the reasons you are interested in the programme. You may want to reflect on:
Your current undergraduate studies.
Your interest in biology or a related scientific field.
Your interest in research.
The research project or topic that attracts you.
Your future academic plans.
Your interest in pursuing graduate study or a PhD.
The key is to explain how these elements connect.
For example, if your undergraduate studies have introduced you to a particular scientific topic, you could explain how the programme would allow you to explore that topic through hands-on research.
If you are considering a PhD, you could explain how the summer research experience would help you understand what postgraduate research involves.
Step 6: Submit Your Application Before the Deadline
The deadline is 1 February 2027 at 3 p.m. JST. The programme states that late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Applicants should also be aware that the programme office will be closed on 30 and 31 January 2027.
Inquiries received after 10 a.m. on Monday, 1 February 2027 will not be answered. This makes it especially important to complete the application before the final day.
I would aim to submit the application well ahead of the deadline rather than waiting until the last few hours.
How I Would Prepare a Strong Statement of Purpose
The Statement of Purpose is an opportunity to explain why the programme is relevant to your academic interests and future plans.
The source does not provide a complete scoring rubric, so applicants should not assume that a particular essay structure guarantees selection.
However, a useful way to prepare is to make sure your statement addresses the purpose of the programme.
Start With Your Academic Background
Explain what you are currently studying and what interests you about your field.
If you have taken courses or completed projects related to biology, biomedical sciences, or another relevant subject, explain how those experiences influenced your interest in research.
Avoid listing every course you have taken. Focus on the experiences that help explain why you want to participate in a scientific research programme.
Explain Your Interest in Research
The programme is designed to give undergraduates hands-on research experience. Your application should make it clear why you want that experience.
You might be interested in understanding how scientific questions are investigated, learning how research groups operate, or exploring whether graduate research is the right next step for you.
The strongest explanation will be based on your own interests and academic experience.
Connect Your Interests to the Project
If you are applying for a particular research opportunity, explain why the topic interests you. A useful approach is to identify:
- The research topic that attracts you.
- What you already know about the subject.
- What you would like to learn.
- How the experience connects to your future plans.
This makes your motivation more specific than simply saying that you want to study at a prestigious university.
Explain Your Future Academic Plans
The programme expects applicants to have an interest in pursuing a PhD. If you are considering graduate study, explain what has led you to that possibility.
You do not need to claim that you already know exactly what your PhD topic will be.
It is enough to explain how the Amgen Scholars experience could help you explore research and make informed decisions about your future studies.
Important Things Applicants Should Not Overlook
There are several details in the programme announcement that applicants should read carefully.
Do Not Contact Host Professors or Laboratories Directly
The University of Tokyo explicitly asks applicants not to contact host professors and laboratories directly.
Applicants should follow the official programme application process instead.
Do Not Rely on Third-Party Websites for Application Information
The programme warns that third-party websites may contain outdated or incorrect information.
The university states that misleading information may result in applicants missing opportunities or being disqualified.
For this reason, I would use the official University of Tokyo webpage as the primary source for all application details.
Do Not Use AI to Write Your Application
The programme advises applicants to prepare their application documents in their own words rather than relying on generative AI.
Applicants should take this instruction seriously. Your application should accurately reflect your academic interests, experiences, and motivations.
Make Sure You Can Attend the Entire Programme
Participants are expected to take part fully in the programme, including research activities, required events, and the symposium in Kyoto.
If you have other academic or personal commitments during the programme dates, consider whether you can meet the participation requirements before applying.
What Happens at the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium?
The programme concludes with the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium at Kyoto University.
Participants will travel to Kyoto after the research period at the University of Tokyo.
The symposium is scheduled for 3–5 August 2027. The programme covers the cost of participating in the symposium.
The symposium is part of the wider Amgen Scholars experience, bringing participants together to share their research and connect with other scholars.
For undergraduate students, this provides an opportunity to engage with a wider scientific community beyond their assigned laboratory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027 fully funded?
The programme provides accommodation, a stipend of JPY 280,000, and travel support as specified in the official programme information.
It also covers the cost of participating in the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium at Kyoto University.
However, participants must arrange their own private health and travel insurance.
Applicants should carefully review the official information to understand which costs are covered and which expenses they must pay themselves.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The programme is open to undergraduate students from eligible universities across Asia.
Applicants must consult the official eligibility section for the list of eligible countries and regions.
Can students from any academic discipline apply?
The programme is focused on biomedical research, basic and translational sciences, biology, and related scientific fields.
Applicants should review the available research projects and eligibility requirements to determine whether their academic background is suitable.
Can first-year university students apply?
Applicants must have completed at least their first year of undergraduate study by the time the programme begins.
Can final-year students apply?
Applicants must not graduate before the programme begins and must return to undergraduate studies for at least one semester or quarter after the programme ends.
Students who expect to graduate before the programme begins would not meet this requirement.
Is the programme conducted in English?
Applicants must have a good working knowledge of English.
The programme lists specific English proficiency qualifications for applicants whose first language is not English and whose current degree programme is not taught in English.
How many students will be selected?
The programme expects to admit approximately 10 participants.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 1 February 2027 at 3 p.m. Japan Standard Time.
Do I need to contact a professor before applying?
No. The programme specifically asks applicants not to contact host professors and laboratories directly. Follow the official application instructions.
Summary
The UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027 is a valuable opportunity for undergraduate students who want to experience scientific research in an international academic environment.
It is particularly relevant to students who are interested in biology or related sciences and who are considering graduate studies or a PhD.
The programme offers more than an opportunity to spend a summer in Japan. Participants will work full-time in a research laboratory, develop scientific research skills, present their work, meet other students, and attend the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium at Kyoto University.
If I were preparing an application, I would focus on three things:
First, I would make sure I meet all the eligibility requirements.
Second, I would carefully review the available research projects and identify the topics that genuinely interest me.
Third, I would prepare an application that clearly explains my academic interests, motivation for research, and future study plans in my own words.
The application period opens on 1 November 2026, and the deadline is 1 February 2027 at 3 p.m. JST.
Applicants should rely on the official University of Tokyo webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Official Application Website
UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2027:
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About Scholars Africa Editorial Team
Scholars Africa Editorial Team is dedicated to researching and publishing verified scholarships, jobs, and global opportunities. Our content is built on extensive analysis of application trends, eligibility criteria, and selection patterns to help applicants succeed at every stage. Our team has reviewed hundreds of scholarship programs and application processes across multiple countries.