Kyoto University Amgen Scholars Internship 2027 | Fully Funded
The Kyoto University Amgen Scholars Internship 2027 offers undergraduate students enrolled at universities and colleges in Asia an opportunity to undertake scientific research in Japan. Delivered by Kyoto University in collaboration with the Amgen Foundation, the fully funded program combines an intensive research project with educational activities and participation in the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium. Applications are open for the program running from June 4 to August 5, 2027.
Key Facts
- Host country: Japan
- Level: Undergraduate research internship
- Funding: Fully funded
- Deadline: February 1, 2027, at 3:00 PM Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
- Who can apply: Undergraduate students attending bachelor’s degree-granting colleges or universities in Asia who meet the academic, enrollment, and language requirements
What the Kyoto Amgen Scholars Program Involves
The nine-week program includes an eight-week intensive research project and participation in the Asia Symposium. Scholars join departments or interdisciplinary research areas at Kyoto University, with placements determined by their interests and available spaces. Each placement is full-time, requiring approximately 40 hours of participation per week.
Alongside their research, participants attend seminars, laboratory visits, and poster sessions. The Asia Symposium provides opportunities to meet fellow scholars and researchers. Together, these activities offer practical research experience and opportunities to develop academic connections.
Study and Research in Japan
The internship takes place in Japan, with scholars based at Kyoto University. Accommodation in Kyoto is provided for participants other than students already attending Kyoto University. Scholars who commute to the Katsura or Uji campuses also receive a commuting subsidy.
Kyoto University and the Amgen Foundation
Kyoto University hosts the research placements through its participation in the 2027 Amgen Scholars Program. The program is organized in collaboration with the Amgen Foundation, identified as the host organization. It supports domestic and international undergraduate students studying at eligible institutions in Asia.
Undergraduate Level and Academic Progression
This opportunity is an undergraduate research internship rather than a graduate degree scholarship. Applicants must have completed at least their first year of undergraduate study by the beginning of the program. They must also remain undergraduate students for at least one semester or quarter after the summer program finishes.
Research Fields and Participating Academic Units
Research placements cover scientific disciplines and interdisciplinary areas associated with science and biotechnology. Available subject areas include the following fields. Placement depends on both the applicant’s interests and the spaces available.
- Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, and Biotechnology
- Chemistry, Cheminformatics, and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Biopsychology, Physiological Psychology, and Physiological Science
- Immunology, Microbiology, and Pathology
- Medical Pharmacology, Molecular Pharmacology, and Toxicology
- Molecular Genetics and Molecular Medicine
- Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology
- Neuroscience and Neurobiology
- Statistics
Participating academic units include the Graduate Schools of Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, Agriculture, Energy Science, and Biostudies. The Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability is also listed. Additional participating units are the Institute for Chemical Research and the Institute for Advanced Study.
Funding and Support for Selected Scholars
The scholarship provides 180,000 yen, distributed in two payments of 90,000 yen. Scholars receive the first installment at the beginning of the program and the second around its midpoint. An economy-class airline ticket is also provided, with Kyoto University arranging travel according to its specified schedule and route.
Accommodation is provided in Kyoto for scholars who are not Kyoto University students, alongside the commuting subsidy for eligible Katsura or Uji campus travel. Participants also access the program’s educational activities and Asia Symposium. Despite the fully funded designation, scholars must arrange their own private health insurance and enroll in Kyoto University’s Co-op Liability Insurance upon arrival.
Who Can Apply for the 2027 Internship?
Applicants must attend a college or university in Asia that awards a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. They need a strong academic background and an interest in pursuing a PhD. They must not graduate before the internship begins and must meet the continuing-enrollment requirement after it ends.
The listed eligible regions span Eastern, South-Eastern, Central, Southern, and Western Asia. They include China, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Taiwan, North Korea, Japan, Mongolia, South Korea, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are also included.
The remaining listed regions are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Georgia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, State of Palestine, Syria, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Applicants must also meet the English proficiency conditions. The language evidence requirement applies to those who are not native English speakers, whose first language is not English, or who are not enrolled in an English-taught university program.
- IELTS: Overall band score of at least 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: At least 72
- Cambridge English: FCE
- TOEIC L&R: At least 785
- TOEIC: At least 1095
- TOEIC S&W: At least 310
Documents Needed for the Application
The application materials include an academic transcript, a statement of purpose, and two recommendation letters. Proof of English proficiency is required where applicable. Applicants should also check the official application guidelines for any other required documents.
How to Apply Through Kyoto University
Apply through the organizer’s official website using the online application system. First, read the application guidelines and frequently asked questions, then create an account. Complete the application with your personal information, statement of purpose, and the contact details of two recommenders before submitting it.
After submission, the nominated recommenders automatically receive emails explaining how to submit their letters. Both letters must reach the program before the deadline. Applications cannot be changed after submission, so applicants should check their entries carefully and notify recommenders in advance.
Program Dates and Application Deadline
The application deadline is February 1, 2027, at 3:00 PM Japan Standard Time (UTC+9). The internship runs from June 4 to August 5, 2027. Applicants should plan for the full program period, including the research placement and Asia Symposium.
Practical Tips Before Submitting
As general preparation advice, convert the deadline into your local time and set an earlier personal submission target. Contact potential recommenders early so they have time to prepare their letters. Check that your undergraduate timetable allows you to participate in a full-time placement throughout the program.
Preparing a Focused Research Application
For a stronger statement of purpose, explain your scientific interests and connect them to relevant coursework or research experience you genuinely have. Describe your interest in doctoral study clearly, without overstating your achievements. As general guidance, keep your statement consistent with your transcript and give recommenders enough background to discuss your academic preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kyoto Amgen Scholars
Can final-year undergraduate students apply?
Eligibility depends on when the applicant will graduate. Students must not graduate before the program starts. They must continue undergraduate study for at least one semester or quarter after it ends.
Does the scholarship include accommodation and travel?
The funding includes an economy-class airline ticket arranged by Kyoto University. Accommodation in Kyoto is provided for scholars other than Kyoto University students. A commuting subsidy is available for participants traveling to the Katsura or Uji campuses.
Can an application be edited after submission?
No changes can be made after an application is submitted. Applicants should therefore review all information before finalizing it. Recommendation letters are submitted separately by the nominated recommenders following automated email instructions.
Discover more from Scholarship Road
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
