KYOTO University Amgen Scholars Internship 2026: A Fully Funded Opportunity in Japan

Applications are now being accepted for the KYOTO University Amgen Scholars Internship 2026, a fully funded summer research program offering undergraduate students a unique eight-week experience at Kyoto University in Japan. This prestigious internship provides students with the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research under the guidance of renowned faculty members, while immersing themselves in Japanese culture.

Program Overview

The program is scheduled to run from June 5 to August 6, 2026. Selected interns will receive comprehensive financial support, including round-trip airfare, free accommodation, and a stipend to cover living expenses. This makes the program accessible to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, fostering inclusivity within the scientific community.

Host Country: Japan Duration: 8 weeks Dates: June 5 - August 6, 2026 Funding: Fully Funded (Airfare, Accommodation, Stipend) Deadline: February 1, 2026

Financial Support Details

The KYOTO University Amgen Scholars Program is committed to removing financial barriers for talented students. The comprehensive financial package includes:

Round Airfare Ticket: Covers the cost of travel to and from Kyoto. Free Accommodation: Provides housing for the duration of the internship. Stipend: A total of 180,000 yen will be provided in two installments (90,000 yen at the beginning of the program and 90,000 yen in mid-July) to assist with living expenses.

Research Areas

Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to research across a wide range of scientific disciplines, including:

Biochemistry Bioengineering Bioinformatics/Cheminformatics Biopsychology Biotechnology Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Chemistry Immunology Medical Pharmacology Microbiology Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology Molecular Genetics Molecular Medicine Molecular Pharmacology Neurobiology/Neuroscience Pathology Physiological Psychology/Physiological Science Statistics Toxicology

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the KYOTO University Amgen Scholars Internship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be an undergraduate student enrolled in a college or university in Asia. Have completed at least the first year of undergraduate study by the start of the internship. Have at least one semester of undergraduate study remaining after the internship concludes.

Geographic Eligibility:

The program is open to students studying at universities located in the following regions and countries:

Eastern Asia:

China (including Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan) Democratic People's Republic of Korea Japan Mongolia Republic of Korea

South-Eastern Asia:

Brunei Darussalam Cambodia Indonesia Lao People's Democratic Republic Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore Thailand Timor-Leste Vietnam

Central Asia:

Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan

Southern Asia:

Afghanistan Bangladesh Bhutan India Iran (Islamic Republic of) Maldives Nepal Pakistan Sri Lanka

Western Asia:

Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Cyprus Georgia Iraq Israel Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia the State of Palestine the Syrian Arab Republic Turkey United Arab Emirates Yemen

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit an online application and upload all required documents via the official KYOTO University Amgen Scholars Program website. Detailed instructions and a link to the application portal can be found on the website.

The Significance of International Research Internships

Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of International Education at the University of Melbourne, emphasizes the importance of international research experiences for undergraduate students. "These internships provide invaluable opportunities for students to develop critical thinking skills, collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds, and gain a global perspective on scientific challenges," she states. "The KYOTO University Amgen Scholars Program is particularly noteworthy for its commitment to providing comprehensive financial support, ensuring that talented students from all socioeconomic backgrounds have the chance to participate."

Historical Context and the Amgen Scholars Program

The Amgen Scholars Program, initiated in 2006, represents a significant investment in the future of science. Recognizing the need to cultivate the next generation of researchers, the Amgen Foundation has partnered with leading universities worldwide to provide research opportunities for undergraduate students. This initiative builds upon a long history of scholarship programs aimed at fostering scientific advancement and promoting international collaboration. The program's emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility reflects a growing recognition of the importance of diversity in scientific research.

Professor Kenji Tanaka, a former mentor in the program, notes, "The Amgen Scholars Program at Kyoto University has consistently attracted exceptionally talented students from across Asia. Their contributions to our research projects have been significant, and the program provides a vital platform for them to launch their scientific careers."

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the KYOTO University Amgen Scholars Internship 2026 is February 1, 2026. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and application requirements carefully and submit their applications well in advance of the deadline.