UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 24 hours ago
If you’re an undergraduate eager to jump into world‑class research this coming summer, then you’ll be thrilled to know that the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) is once again rolling out the Amgen Scholars Program for 2026 — applications are now open. This is a superb opportunity for students to dive into hands‑on biomedical, biotechnology or related science research, and to immerse themselves in a top Japanese university’s campus and culture.
Below you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the program: what it offers, who it’s for, and how to apply.
📚 Program Summary
Location: Tokyo, Japan (UTokyo, campuses such as Hongo/Yayoi, Komaba)
Study Level: Undergraduate students (summer research internship)
Target Group: Undergraduate students from Asia (and possibly beyond depending on region eligibility) who have completed at least one year, will still enrol in their undergraduate programme and are interested in a research career (particularly those considering graduate studies)
Fields of Study: Biomedical research, biotechnology, molecular & cell biology, bioengineering, immunology, neuroscience, nanotechnology, imaging & spectroscopy, plant/animal biotechnology etc. (Various labs at UTokyo)
Value & Coverage:
Accommodation provided (off‑campus residence near Hongo/Yayoi)
Travel cost (economy‑class airfare for international students, or domestic train fare for domestic)
Stipend: 280,000 JPY for the 8‐week period (according to latest listing)
Additional travel allowance if research lab is far from main campus.
Note: Insurance (health/travel) must be arranged by participant.
Duration: Around eight weeks (summer program) — for 2026: June 4 – August 6, 2026.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026 at 3 p.m. JST (UTC+9)
🎓 Programme Overview
The UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program is part of the global Amgen Scholars umbrella which began in the U.S. in 2006, Europe in 2008, and in Japan (with UTokyo and Kyoto University) in 2015.
At UTokyo, selected undergraduates will spend full time during the summer (approx. 8 weeks) conducting research in one of the laboratories affiliated with UTokyo’s Graduate Schools (Medicine, Engineering, Science, Agricultural & Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Industrial Science) under supervision of host professors and their teams.
In addition to lab research, the program offers:
Special seminars and sessions for discussion and networking.
Cultural events (Japanese language course, excursions, campus visits) and access to UTokyo facilities (library, gymnasium, health care center)
A concluding symposium with other Amgen Scholars Asia participants (research presentations, meeting peers, building international networks)
Full participation in the period is mandatory (orientation, research group meetings, seminars, cultural/social events).
🎁 Programme Benefits
Fees covered / financial support: Accommodation, travel (airfare or domestic train), stipend (280,000 JPY) allow you to focus on research without worrying about major living costs.
Research environment: Work in leading laboratories at UTokyo covering cutting‑edge fields (e.g., nanotechnology for gene editing, advanced imaging, circadian systems biology)
Cultural & international exposure: Japanese language classes, cultural events, excursions, networking with peers from across Asia and the world. These features enrich both your academic and personal growth.
Graduate pathway insights: The program is designed for students who are considering graduate studies (Master’s/PhD), so it also provides exposure to how research is done at a leading institution in Asia, helpful for future applications.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the 2026 program, you must meet the following key eligibility criteria:
Be enrolled in a college/university that awards a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
Have completed at least your first year of undergraduate study by the time the summer programme begins (i.e., you must not be an incoming freshman only).
Not be graduating before the program begins, and you must plan to continue your undergraduate studies for at least one semester or quarter after the program ends.
Academic excellence: strong academic record.
English proficiency (if English is not your first language and the medium of instruction at your university is not English): e.g., TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS overall band 5.5, Cambridge English FCE, TOEIC L&R 785 or S&W 310.
Interest in pursuing a PhD or continuing in research.
Commitment to the full duration of the programme (you cannot hold another job or take courses during the period) and willingness to reside in programme‑provided accommodation.
📝 Application Procedure
Application Flow
Create an account on the UTokyo online application system (TAO) and begin your application.
Upload required documents via TAO (no email submissions accepted; changes are not allowed after submission).
You must nominate two recommenders, one of whom must be a faculty member at your current institution. The recommenders will receive a link to submit their letters via TAO. The applicant’s application cannot be completed until both letters are submitted.
Once you submit your application by the deadline, you must wait for the screening result (mid to late March typically) for selection.
🗂️ Documents to upload
Portrait photo (JPEG) – full face, taken from front, similar to a passport photo.
Personal identification (PDF) – e.g., passport or national ID.
Academic transcript in English – scan of all pages including notations.
Proof of English proficiency (if required) or a letter verifying that medium of instruction is English.
CV (PDF) – in‑depth description of relevant work experience/projects (max 500 words)
Two letters of recommendation (submitted via TAO by recommenders)
ℹ️ Additional tips
Choose one host laboratory project from the list provided and indicate it clearly in your application.
Ensure you allow enough time for recommenders to submit letters — the system won’t allow completion until they do.
Make sure all uploads are correctly formatted and that you keep a copy of all documents in original/un‑encrypted form.
👌🏻 Extra Tips
Given the competitive nature (only about ~10 positions listed for UTokyo in 2026) you may also strengthen your profile by showing genuine interest in graduate study and how this experience fits your long‑term goals (e.g., your aim to do MSc/PhD)
Prepare a thoughtful Statement of Purpose — don’t rely solely on generative AI; personal voice and clear motivation matter. The programme emphasises writing about “yourself in your own words”.
Make sure English proficiency requirements are met or you provide a credible alternative (if your previous institution’s medium was English).
Check the technical requirements of the host labs you’re interested in — some labs expect specific lab skills (molecular biology, cell culture, biochemistry). If you lack wet‑lab experience, choose a lab whose description emphasises computational/data‑science or interdisciplinary engineering in biotech rather than only wet‑lab heavy.
Submit early, monitor the TAO system, and ensure all recommenders have submitted.
🚀 Conclusion
If you’re ready to spend a transformative summer immersed in research at one of Asia’s premier universities, the UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2026 is a stellar opportunity. It could well with your ambition to pursue advanced studies and research, and offers a chance to broaden your horizons in a global, innovative environment. It is encouraged to prepare carefully, select a lab that aligns with your skills and interests, and present your unique background confidently.
