Kyoto University Amgen Scholars Program 2027 | ¥180,000 + Flights
Last checked: 8 November 2026
The Kyoto University Amgen Scholars Program is a nine-week summer research program in Japan for science undergraduates at universities in Asia. Selected students receive a 180,000 yen scholarship, flights and housing in Kyoto, and applications are open until 1 February 2027.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host | Kyoto University, supported by the Amgen Foundation (USA) |
| Level | Undergraduate summer research, 4 June to 5 August 2027 |
| What it covers | 180,000 yen scholarship, economy flights, accommodation in Kyoto |
| Who can apply | Science undergraduates at universities in Asia |
| How to apply | Direct online application (no nomination) |
| Deadline | 1 February 2027, 3:00 PM Japan time (11:00 AM Pakistan, 11:30 AM India) |
| Status | Open |
Kyoto University Amgen Scholars Program Benefits
The official Kyoto University program page lists the following support for selected scholars.
- Scholarship: 180,000 yen, paid as 90,000 yen at the start and 90,000 yen in the middle of the program.
- Flights: an economy-class ticket between the airport nearest your home university and Osaka, on the most direct and economical route.
- Accommodation: housing in Kyoto during the program.
- Event fees: participation fees for official program events, according to the official announcement.
- Commuting subsidy: extra support if your host lab is on the Katsura or Uji campus.
- Research training: eight weeks of full-time lab work, about 40 hours a week, plus seminars, lab visits and a closing poster session.
- Asia network: a joint symposium with Amgen Scholars from the University of Tokyo, NUS, Tsinghua University, IIIT Hyderabad and the University of Melbourne.
- Not covered: health insurance. You must buy private cover, because neither Kyoto University nor the Amgen Foundation provides it.
- Not covered: travel costs, if you cannot arrive on the dates the university sets for personal reasons.
- Not covered: meals and visa support are not mentioned on the official page, so plan a food budget from your scholarship.
Also check: OIST Research Internship 2027 | Land Your Dream Lab
Kyoto University Amgen Scholars Program Eligibility
According to the official program page, you can apply if you meet all of these conditions:
- Student status: you are an undergraduate in a science-related program.
- University: you study at a college or university in Asia that awards a bachelor’s degree. This covers Eastern, South-Eastern, Central, Southern and Western Asia under the UN classification, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Gulf.
- Year of study: you have finished at least your first year by June 2027.
- Return to study: you will continue your bachelor’s for at least one more semester or quarter after August 2027.
- Academic record: you have a strong academic record. The page sets no minimum GPA.
- Career goal: you are interested in pursuing a PhD.
- English: you meet the language rule explained under Required Documents.
- Not eligible: Master’s and PhD students.
- Not eligible: students who graduate before the program ends.
- Not eligible: students at universities outside Asia, including Africa and Europe.
Kyoto University takes only about 10 students, and it does not publish an acceptance rate. Therefore, a strong application shows a focused research interest, a real PhD plan and two recommenders who know your work well.
Required Documents
- Online application form: your personal and academic details.
- Statement of purpose: written directly in the online system.
- Two recommendation letters: uploaded by your recommenders before the deadline.
- English test score: only if the rule below applies to you.
- Short video: only if you pass the first round. It covers why you are applying, your interest in research and your career goals.
The official page does not say whether transcripts are required. Even so, keep a scanned copy ready in case the online form asks for one.
How to Prove English Proficiency
You need a test score if English is not your native language, your first language or your language of study. The accepted minimums are:
- TOEFL iBT 72
- IELTS 5.5 overall
- Cambridge English FCE
- TOEIC 1095, TOEIC L&R 785 or TOEIC S&W 310
If your degree is taught in English, you may not need a test. However, the page does not explain how to prove this, so email the program office before you apply.
Available Fields of Study
Placement depends on your interests and the space available in each lab. Research areas include:
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Chemistry
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
The full list of host laboratories is a separate PDF on the official program page. Read it before you write your statement of purpose.
How to Apply for the Kyoto University Amgen Scholars Program
- Read the guidelines: go through the application guidelines and FAQ on the official program page.
- Shortlist host labs: open the host laboratory PDF and note the labs that match your interests.
- Ask your recommenders: get consent from two professors or supervisors before you enter their details.
- Create an account: sign up on the online application system.
- Complete the form: add your details, your statement of purpose and your recommenders’ contacts.
- Submit before 1 February 2027: your recommenders then receive an automatic email, and they must upload their letters by the same deadline.
- Prepare for the video round: if you pass the first screening in mid-February, record and send your video by the date given.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Late recommendation letters: letters are due at the same time as your application, so one slow recommender can sink a strong file.
- Rushing the submit button: you cannot edit the application after you submit it, so proofread every section first.
- Emailing professors: the official FAQ says applicants must not contact prospective supervisors directly about research.
The official program never charges agent or processing fees, and insurab.com never charges for applications.
Also check: University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 | Master’s and PhD in Japan
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 1 November 2026, 3:00 PM JST |
| Application and recommendation letter deadline | 1 February 2027, 3:00 PM JST |
| First-stage results | By mid-February 2027 |
| Video submission | Deadline given with first-stage results |
| Final results | Late March 2027 |
| Program period | 4 June to 5 August 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Kyoto University selects only about 10 students, and it does not publish an acceptance rate. Applicants with a focused research interest, a clear PhD plan and strong letters stand the best chance.
Science undergraduates at bachelor’s-awarding universities in Asia can apply after finishing their first year. You must also continue your degree after the program and be interested in a PhD.
Applications close at 3:00 PM Japan time on 1 February 2027. Your two recommendation letters must be uploaded by the same time.
It covers a 180,000 yen scholarship, flights and housing in Kyoto. However, the official page does not call it fully funded, and you must pay for your own health insurance.
You need IELTS 5.5 or another accepted test unless English is your native language, your first language or your language of study. If your degree is taught in English, confirm with the program office how to show this.
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Share this post with a science classmate who is planning a PhD, so they do not miss the 1 February 2027 deadline.
Khalid Amin
Founder of Insurab | Global Opportunities Researcher
Khalid Amin is the founder of Insurab, a resource for international students and young professionals searching for scholarships, fellowships, internships, conferences, free online courses and study abroad guidance. He tracks opportunities across Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East, and verifies every program against its official source before it is published. Articles are reviewed regularly and updated when deadlines, eligibility rules or benefits change.
