The 2026 University of Tokyo Amgen Scholars Program is an intensive eight-week summer program offering talented undergraduate students from the Asia region an opportunity to experience biomedical research in basic and translational sciences. The program’s objective is to prepare students considering a Ph.D. or graduate studies for a research career. Participants are placed in labs led by leading scholars across five graduate schools/institutes. The program is fully funded, offering accommodation, a generous stipend of 270,000 JPY, and economy-class airfare/travel costs. A minimum TOEFL (iBT) score of 72 is required to demonstrate English proficiency. The application deadline is February 1, 2026.
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University of Tokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Tokyo |
| Study Abroad | Study in Asia (Japan) |
| Category | Undergraduate Scholarships | Internship |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (Attending colleges/universities across the Asia region) |
| Reward | Accommodation |
| Key Criteria | Undergraduate Status (Completed 1st year, not graduating before summer), Minimum TOEFL iBT 72, Interest in Ph.D. |
| Application Deadline | February 1, 2026 |
The Amgen Scholars Program at the University of Tokyo provides a prestigious opportunity for highly motivated and talented undergraduate students from across the Asia region to immerse themselves in scientific research at a world-leading institution. This eight-week summer program is specifically designed for students committed to, or seriously considering, a career path toward graduate studies and a Ph.D. in biology or related sciences.
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Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the Scholars Program
The program offers comprehensive financial support, covering the costs of travel, stay, and providing a stipend for personal expenses, making it a fully funded experience.
Tier 1: Core Financial Award (Stipend and Travel Coverage)
This tier details the primary financial support provided to the accepted Scholars, ensuring full participation without financial burden.
- Stipend: Scholars receive a substantial benefit of 270,000 JPY (Japanese Yen). This fund can be used freely for food, personal trips, and living expenses during the stay in Japan.
- Travel Cost: Economy-class airfare to Tokyo (or round-trip train tickets for domestic students) will be provided for program participation. The most economical route will be determined in consultation with the program office.
Tier 2: Research Opportunity and Program Focus (8-Weeks)
The core benefit is the intensive research experience, which is structured to promote deep scientific immersion and professional networking.
- Accommodation/hostel: Scholars are provided with accommodation for the duration of the eight-week program, covering a major living expense.
- Biomedical Research Experience: The program provides an eight-week biomedical research experience focusing on the basic and translational sciences.
- Laboratory Placement: Students are placed in a laboratory led by a leading scholar from one of five participating graduate schools/institutes: Graduate School of Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and the Institute of Industrial Science.
Tier 3: Program Objectives and International Exposure
The program’s overarching goal is to foster skills and global connections essential for a research career.
- Knowledge and Skills: Students are expected to acquire knowledge and skills for conducting research by the end of their summer experience.
- International Friendship: The program encourages the extension of international friendship through collaborative experiences with peers from different countries.
- Ph.D. Interest: The program is specifically targeted at students with a demonstrated interest in pursuing a Ph.D. and continued graduate studies in related fields.
Eligibility Requirements for The Scholarship
Applicants must meet strict criteria related to their current student status, academic history, and language proficiency.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Have a strong record of academic performance.
- Have an interest in pursuing a Ph.D.
- Have a good working knowledge of English, demonstrated by a minimum TOEFL (iBT) score of 72.
- Study Status:
- Must be attending colleges or universities across the Asia region that award a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent).
- Must have completed their first year of undergraduate study at the time the summer program begins.
- Must not be graduating before the summer program begins, and must resume undergraduate studies for at least 1 semester or 1 quarter after the summer program ends.
- Visa Status:
- Open to students from All Countries who are attending universities in the Asia region.
How to Apply for the Amgen Scholars Program 2026 (Step-by-Step)
The application process is entirely online and requires careful review of the eligibility criteria before submission.
- Review Eligibility: Before starting, carefully review the “Eligibility & Requirements” section to ensure you meet all academic and status criteria.
- Access Online System: All applications must be submitted through the designated online application system, The Admissions Office (TAO).
- Complete and Submit: Fill out the online application form and upload all necessary documents as requested by the TAO system.
- Final Submission Note: Please note that once you submit your application, you cannot make any changes. Review all details before finalizing.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the duration of the Scholars Program?
The program is an intensive eight-week summer experience designed for undergraduate research.
2. What financial components are provided to the scholars?
The program is fully funded, covering accommodation, a 270,000 JPY allowance for living expenses, and economy-class airfare/travel costs to Tokyo.
3. What is the minimum educational requirement to be eligible?
Applicants must be undergraduate students who have completed their first year of study at the time the summer program begins.
4. What is the geographic requirement for the applicant’s current university?
Applicants must be attending colleges or universities across the Asia region that award a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent).
5. What is the minimum required TOEFL (iBT) score for English proficiency?
A minimum TOEFL (iBT) score of 72 is required to demonstrate a good working knowledge of English.
6. Can students who are graduating soon apply for the program?
No, applicants must not be graduating before the summer program begins and must resume undergraduate studies for at least 1 semester or 1 quarter after the program ends.
7. What academic fields are the research projects focused on?
The program focuses on biomedical research in the basic and translational sciences, including biology and related sciences.
8. What is the key goal of the program beyond providing research experience?
The program aims to support students who have an interest in pursuing a PhD. and continued graduate studies.
9. What is the final application deadline for the program?
The final application deadline for the Amgen Scholars Program is February 1, 2026.
10. How will applicants be notified of the selection results?
Applicants will be notified of the selection results in the middle to late March of 2026.
