Applications for the KEK Summer Student Program 2026 in Japan are now open. KEK is one of the world’s leading accelerator science research laboratories based in Japan. Its mission includes providing education and training to both national and international students. During this fully funded research program, participants will have the opportunity to conduct advanced research through hands-on work at KEK Tsukuba or J-PARC.
The SOKENDAI KEK Tsukuba/J-PARC Summer Student Program for undergraduate and graduate students is offered in the fields of Elementary Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, Material and Life Science, Accelerator Science, Advanced Detection Systems (Sensors, Electronics, and Computing), and Theory (computational methods in quantum field theory). Students can select a research project according to their academic background. This program will help them in their future research studies and careers.
During this international summer program, students will stay at either the Tokai campus or the Tsukuba campus of KEK for up to 8 weeks (theory groups up to 4 weeks). Research projects at Tokai explore the origin of the universe and hidden matter in the fields of particle and nuclear physics, material and life science, using advanced accelerator technologies. Research projects at Tsukuba are mainly related to the Belle II experiment and studies of physics beyond the Standard Model. Students at both campuses will work on their research projects in group settings under the supervision of experienced researchers.
KEK Summer Student Program 2026 in Japan:
Host Country:
- Japan
Host organizations:
- SOKENDAI, the Graduate University for Advanced Studies, and KEK IINAS-NX program
Program Location:
-
Tsukuba Campus and Tokai Campus (J-PARC), Japan
Program Duration:
- Up to 8 weeks (Mid-June to Mid-August 2026) For theory groups: up to 4 weeks
Benefits of KEK Summer Student Program 2026 in Japan:
Participants from non-Japanese universities are offered:
- Round-trip airfare (arranged and paid directly by organizers)
- Accommodation in KEK/J-PARC dormitories
- Per diem (fixed amount: 1,500 yen per day)
- Domestic travel costs between Narita/Haneda Airport and KEK/J-PARC (based on KEK rules)
Participants from Japanese universities are offered:
- Accommodation in KEK/J-PARC dormitories
- Per diem (fixed amount: 1,500 yen per day)
- Domestic travel costs (based on KEK financial rules)
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Eligibility Criteria for KEK Summer Student Program 2026 in Japan:
- Students must be in the latter half of their undergraduate program or in the early stage of a Master’s program (as of March 1, 2026).
- PhD students are not eligible to apply.
- Both Japanese and international students are eligible to apply.
- Applicants are encouraged to carefully read all official guidelines before applying.
How to apply for KEK Summer Student Program in Japan 2026:
- First, complete the online registration form to obtain an ID number.
- After registration, an ID number will be assigned to you.
- This ID number must be included in all your application documents.
- Then, submit the required application materials via the web form (not by email).
- After submission, an applicant identification code will be sent to you by email.
- Your recommender must submit the recommendation letter separately through another web form using your identification code.
Documents required for KEK Summer Student Program 2025:
- CV
- Official transcript of academic record (If not in English or Japanese, attach an English translation)
- Completed application form (Word format provided by KEK)
- At least one recommendation letter issued by a university supervisor (or researcher who knows your recent work)
- Include the assigned ID number in the file names of all application documents.
Program Deadline:
- The last date to apply is February 27 (Fri.) 9:00AM (Japan time)
