The UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2025 at the University of Tokyo offers an exceptional eight-week summer research experience for undergraduate students passionate about biomedical sciences. Open to students from Asia, the program provides hands-on research opportunities, a stipend, accommodation, and travel support, running from June 5 to August 7, 2025.
This article covers the program’s benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and key deadlines.
Amgen Scholars Program Overview for 2025 Batch
Since its inception in 2015 in Japan, the UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program has provided undergraduate students worldwide with invaluable opportunities to engage in cutting-edge scientific research. For 2025, the program is scheduled from June 5 to August 7, 2025; offering 8 weeks of immersive research experiences under the mentorship of distinguished faculty members from various graduate schools and institutes at the University of Tokyo.
Students will not only gain practical research skills but also broaden their international networks through collaborative work and cultural exchange. This opportunity helps participants lay the groundwork for future academic collaborations and prepares them for pursuing Ph.D. studies.
Key Benefits
Participants in the Amgen Scholars Program at University of Tokyo will enjoy significant support and perks, including:
- Stipend: Each student will receive 270,000 JPY, which can be used for personal expenses such as food and travel within Japan.
- Accommodation: Housing near the Hongo Campus is provided, ensuring a comfortable stay during the program.
- Travel Support: Economy-class airfare to Tokyo (or round-trip train tickets for domestic students) is included, arranged in collaboration with the program office.
- Research Facilities: Access to world-class laboratories and facilities at the University of Tokyo.
- Additional Activities: Students will participate in special seminars, cultural events, excursions, and will have access to the campus library, health center, and gymnasium.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the University of Tokyo Amgen Scholars Program, applicants must:
- Be enrolled as undergraduate students at universities in the Asia region that award a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
- Have completed at least their first year of undergraduate studies before the program begins.
- Plan to return to their undergraduate studies for at least one semester or quarter post-program.
- Demonstrate a strong academic performance and interest in pursuing a Ph.D.
- Possess a good working knowledge of English, evidenced by a minimum TOEFL (iBT) score of 72, an IELTS band score of 5.5, or equivalent English proficiency tests for non-native speakers.
Program Structure and Key Dates
- Check-in: June 4, 2025
- Program Duration: June 5 – August 1, 2025
- Asia Symposium at Kyoto University: August 5 – 7, 2025
Participation throughout the entire program period is mandatory, with limited exceptions considered for specific academic obligations.
Application Process and Deadline
The application process is straightforward but competitive. Follow these key steps:
- Create a TAO Account: https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/prospective-students/amgen_program.html
- Submit Required Documents:
- Portrait photo (JPEG)
- Personal identification (PDF)
- Academic transcript (PDF)
- Proof of English proficiency (PDF)
- Latest CV (PDF, max 500 words)
- Two recommendation letters submitted directly by referees.
- Complete and Submit Application: Save and continue your application as needed, but once submitted, it cannot be modified.
The application deadline is February 1, 2025, at 3 PM JST.
Applications will be screened from February to mid-March, 2025; with shortlisted candidates notified through the TAO portal. Successful applicants will join a program that not only advances their research capabilities but also expands their global scientific network.
