The Kyoto University Amgen Scholars Program places undergraduate students in full-time science and biotechnology research laboratories for eight weeks. Kyoto University runs the program with support from the Amgen Foundation.
Participants conduct research in Kyoto, join seminars and laboratory visits, present their work, and attend the mandatory Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium in Tokyo. The 2026 program ran from June 5 to August 6 and selected approximately 10 students.
Benefits & funding
- A scholarship of ¥180,000, paid as ¥90,000 at the start and ¥90,000 midway through the program.
- An economy-class round-trip ticket on the schedule and route designated by Kyoto University; arrangements differ for students studying inside and outside Japan.
- Accommodation in Kyoto for participants other than Kyoto University students.
- Program-related research, educational activities, and the mandatory Asia Symposium.
- Participants must arrange and pay for private health insurance and enroll in Kyoto University’s Co-op Liability Insurance after arrival.
Eligibility
- Applicants may be of any nationality, but must be enrolled in a college or university in Eastern, South-Eastern, Central, Southern, or Western Asia that awards a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Applicants must be undergraduates who do not already hold a bachelor’s degree.
- They must have completed at least their first undergraduate year by the program start, must not graduate before the program begins, and must resume undergraduate study for at least one semester or quarter after it ends.
- Medical students who will have completed pre-clinical training before the program starts are not eligible. Students in any academic major may apply, although the available projects are in science and biotechnology-related laboratories.
- Applicants need a strong academic record, an interest in pursuing a PhD, and working English. Unless exempt through at least five consecutive years in an English-taught program, accepted minimum evidence includes TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS 5.5, Cambridge English FCE, TOEIC 1095, TOEIC Listening and Reading 785, or TOEIC Speaking and Writing 310.
- Participants must be available for the full program and may not undertake other work, study, or another summer program during it.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
Bachelor Enrolled
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Review the program guidelines, FAQ, and host-laboratory list, then select preferred laboratories.
- 2Create an account in the online application system and complete the application information and two-part statement of purpose.
- 3Upload an official academic transcript and, when required, English-language test evidence.
- 4Nominate two referees and submit the application early enough for both recommendation letters to arrive by the deadline.
- 5Submit all materials online; a submitted application cannot be changed.
- 6If selected, provide a valid passport copy and obtain any required short-term visa with assistance from the program.
Program timeline
Online application opened for the 2026 program at 15:00 JST.
Nov 1, 2025
All application materials and recommendation letters were due at 15:00 JST.
Feb 1, 2026
Results were scheduled for notification.
Late March 2026
Participants were scheduled to arrive in Kyoto.
Jun 4, 2026
Eight-week research program began.
Jun 5, 2026
Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium in Tokyo.
Aug 4, 2026 to Aug 6, 2026
Program ended.
Aug 6, 2026