Applications are now open for the KEK Summer Student Program 2026 in Japan for eligible and interested students worldwide.
The program is a fully funded international research opportunity that allows participants to engage in advanced, hands-on scientific research at KEK’s Tsukuba Campus or the J-PARC facility in Tokai, Japan.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: SOKENDAI, the Graduate University for Advanced Studies & KEK (IINAS-NX Program)
- Host Country: Japan
- Program Location: Tsukuba Campus & Tokai Campus (J-PARC), Japan
- Category: Undergraduate Programs | Graduate Programs | Summer Research Programs
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Program Duration: Up to 8 Weeks (Mid-June – Mid-August 2026) | Theory Groups: Up to 4 Weeks
- Reward: Round-trip Airfare | Accommodation | Per Diem (1,500 Yen/Day) | Domestic Travel Support
- Deadline: February 27 (Fri.) 9:00 AM (Japan Time)
Scholarship Details
The KEK Summer Student Program 2026 is an internationally recognized research initiative organized by SOKENDAI and KEK, one of the world’s leading accelerator science laboratories in Japan. The program is designed to provide high-level academic training and research exposure to undergraduate and early-stage master’s students from both Japan and abroad. Participants will conduct supervised research at either the Tsukuba Campus or the Tokai Campus (J-PARC), depending on their selected project.
This summer research program covers several scientific fields, including Elementary Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, Material and Life Science, Accelerator Science, Advanced Detection Systems (such as sensors, electronics, and computing), and theoretical research focusing on computational methods in quantum field theory. Students are allowed to choose research projects that align with their academic background and research interests.
Participants will stay at KEK facilities for up to eight weeks (while theory-based groups may participate for up to four weeks). Research at the Tokai Campus focuses on exploring the origins of the universe and hidden matter using advanced accelerator technologies across particle physics, nuclear physics, and life sciences. At the Tsukuba Campus, projects are closely linked to the Belle II experiment and investigations into physics beyond the Standard Model. Throughout the program, students will work collaboratively in research groups under the mentorship of experienced scientists, gaining practical experience that will support their future academic and professional careers.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the KEK Summer Student Program 2026, applicants must:
- Be in the latter half of their undergraduate studies or in the early stage of a Master’s program (as of March 1, 2026)
- Note that PhD students are not eligible to apply
- Be either Japanese or international students
- Carefully review all official program guidelines before submitting an application
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the KEK Summer Student Program will receive:
For Participants from Non-Japanese Universities:
- Round-trip airfare (arranged and fully paid by the organizers)
- Accommodation in KEK/J-PARC dormitories
- Daily allowance of 1,500 yen
- Domestic transportation costs between Narita/Haneda Airport and KEK/J-PARC (based on KEK regulations)
For Participants from Japanese Universities:
- Accommodation in KEK/J-PARC dormitories
- Daily allowance of 1,500 yen
- Domestic travel expenses (according to KEK financial policies)
Required Documents
To apply for this program, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Official academic transcript (If not in English or Japanese, an English translation must be attached)
- Completed KEK application form (Word format provided by KEK)
- At least one recommendation letter from a university supervisor or researcher familiar with the applicant’s recent work
- Assigned ID number included in the file names of all submitted documents
How to Apply
To apply for the KEK Summer Student Program 2026:
- Complete the online registration form to obtain your ID number
- After registration, include the assigned ID number in all application documents
- Submit all required documents via the official web application form (email submissions are not accepted)
- Upon submission, an applicant identification code will be sent to your email
- Your recommender must submit the recommendation letter separately through a designated web form using your identification code
- Ensure all documents are submitted before the stated deadline
To begin the program application process, click HERE
To receive more scholarship updates, click HERE
To receive more scholarship updates, click HERE
