University of Tokyo - Amgen Scholars Program

Science, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Industrial Science, Agriculture and Life Science

About the program

Program dates: 8 weeks from Tues, June 7 to Mon, Aug 1, followed by the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium from Thurs, Aug 4 to Sun, Aug 6, 2022. 

The Amgen Scholars Program is designed for undergraduate international student in the field of biology and related sciences, looking to pursue graduate studies. It is a highly prestigious program that offers a unique chance for students to gain hands-on international research experience. You will attend the program at the University of Tokyo.

You will get the opportunity to participate in collaborative research with faculty members. You will also take part in events, such as Japanese language classes, cultural events and exchange events with UTokyo studentsto maximize your experience. You will be required to attend a two-day Symposium in Tokyo sponsored by the Amgen Foundation as well.

There will be opportunities for you to gain valuable hands-on experience in research in five graduate schools and one research institute of UTokyo:

  • Graduate School of Medicine
  • Graduate School of Engineering
  • Graduate School of Science
  • Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences
  • Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Institute of Industrial Science  

Future details can be found through the University of Tokyo website.

Research areas

  • Science
  • Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Industrial Science
  • Agriculture and Life Science

Eligibility requirements

Program-specific eligibility

  • Meet Go Global eligibility requirements
  • Be in good academic standing and have completed the second year of studies or higher.
  • Student must be returning to their studies after the program dates to be eligible (if you are graduating in May, you are not eligible for this program).  
  • Given the competitive nature of this program Go Global will only consider students with an average above 75% for this program.
  • Demonstrate an interest in pursuing graduate studies.
  • Meet any additional lab project requirements as outlined on the program website

General Research Abroad eligibility

  • You must have at least a 70% average in your most recent academic term of full-time studies prior to application. We are looking at your Term 1 (Fall term) grades for summer research abroad experiences
  • You should have full-time student status as defined by your faculty in the year prior to your research abroad experience
  • You need to be a UBC student in good standing (e.g., not be under academic or non-academic discipline)
  • You must maintain a 70% average prior to your exchange departure

Application deadline

Fri, January 14, 2022

How to apply

As soon as you submit your application to Go Global, you will be contacted by the advisor with instructions for next steps. You can apply to Go Global well in advance of the deadline to get a headstart on the rest of your application.

1. Apply to Go Global once you’ve identified programs you're interested in
  • Submit your Go Global application online. You can apply for up to 3 programs on one application.
  • Go Global will contact you within 2 weeks of submission with instructions on how to apply to the partner and an electronic copy of your UBC transcript.
2. Apply directly to the partner university
  • Each research program will have detailed instructions on how to apply and strict submission deadlines.
  • All research programs will need supporting documents that typically include:
    • Academic references (1 – 3)
    • Letter of intent
    • Curriculum vitae
    • UBC transcript

Housing

On-campus housing is provided for students participating in this program.

Program costs and fees

Students are responsible for the cost of travel and living associated with participating in this program. Accepted students may be eligible for a stipend from the Amgen Scholars Program to assist with costs.

Students accepted into this program will be charged the Go Global fee once acceptance has been confirmed.

Awards and funding for Research Abroad

Go Global Research Abroad Award: $1,000 per research experience

Eligibility requirements

All students accepted into a research abroad program, through Go Global, will be considered for this award. A separate application is not required. If you meet the eligibility criteria, then you will be notified of your award near the start of the summer term.

To be eligible for the award, you must have an average of at least 70% on your best 24 credits in the Winter Session of the previous year (with no failed or incomplete courses).

If you were on a co-op work term, you must have at least 70% on your best 12 credits in the other term. 

You will be automatically considered for the award, so you will not need to apply separately.

Accepted students may be eligible for financial support. This includes a stipend of up to 500,000 JPY ($6000 CAD) for the 8 week program, to assist with the cost of travel and local expenses. Accommodations near campus are available.

Go Global fee and withdrawal policy

The Go Global Fee ($415.00 CDN) is an administrative fee required for all applicants to Go Global programs. The fee is non-refundable. However, it may be adjusted under the following circumstances.

If you are not matched to a partner university

You are eligible to have your Go Global fee adjusted from $415.00 to $93.25 (reduced by $321.75) if:

  • You have applied to Go Global but do not meet our minimum eligibility requirements

  • Go Global cannot match you to a partner university

  • The partner university does not accept your application and Go Global cannot find another option

If you withdraw from Go Global

To withdraw from your Go Global exchange, research or summer abroad program, you must contact Go Global by email to request withdrawal. You will then be asked to complete a short withdrawal form.

Students who withdraw from Go Global by the relevant deadline below, will have their Go Global fee adjusted from $415.00 to $321.75 (reduced by $93.25).

  • March 30: For summer and research programs

  • June 30: For UBC Winter Term 1 and Full-Year exchange

  • September 30: For UBC Winter Term 2 and Split-Year exchange

If you have questions, please connect with your Go Global advisor or email Go Global at go.global@ubc.ca.

Transfer credit

UBC does not recognize credit for Research Abroad programs and does not grant transfer credit for these experiences. If a partner university offers credit for your Research Abroad program, save the transcript or certificate of completion for your future records.

Pre-Departure policy

Safety abroad

UBC is committed to preparing students for safe and successful international experiences. In order to achieve this, any student participating in a Go Global Program must complete the following:

Failure to successfully complete these and any other requirements may result in withdrawal from the Go Global Program.

Accessibility

If you are considering applying for a Go Global program and identify with having a disability or pre-existing health condition (mental or physical) which could impact your participation, or if you require academic accommodations, you can contact the following offices and meet with an Accessibility Advisor before the start of the program:

Contact Go Global

In-person and Virtual Drop-in advising hours

  • Tuesday: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Go Global offers both in-person and virtual drop-in advising through Zoom during the times listed above.